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It’s making me crazy to listen to people getting all wrapped up in debating the methods BLM protestors are using—watching videos from the streets, analyzing who did what, and why, and was it justified, and how do we restore law & orde
Please read “Sitting Pretty” by Rebekah Taussig. Just read it. Save me the trouble of having to write my own memoir, and just read hers instead. Obviously the details of our stories aren’t the same—even though we’re both
From last summer, when a couple of deer came RIGHT up to the window. This isn't a zoomed in photo! He really was that close! . Thy next day, I tried to tell my niece (5) and nephew (4) that "The deer came right here to this window to say hello
Kindness is about giving something extra and unnecessary. Sure, kindness is great. We all appreciate a pick-me-up sometimes. . But we’re missing something more fundamental. We’re missing justice. Disabled people, just like all other margi
I think I'd look pretty good in this office, don't you? I'd need to do some redecorating... I think this is actually Clinton era decor, but I don't love it or the current version... Still, I think I could make this space work for me. 😊 . Am I a terr
Getting ready for the new school year, and thinking about my 8th graders who never got real closure to their middle school experience… Remembering this day with these three goofy boys, makes me smile! 😊 They were being chatty while finishing
"Inspirational" is a real trigger-word for a lot of disabled people. We're always "inspiring" people by grocery shopping or hanging out at the park. Honestly, just by existing, we're an "inspiration," and bonus points if
Us three kids, with three of Kasey's four kids, the last time we got together. We're all paired with our birth-order-alike! Kenzie and I are bossy oldest siblings (she staged this whole photo 🥰); Tofer and Carson are middle children; Kasey and Camde
Visit @akidsbookabout and check out their IGTV section to watch this video! I read my book live yesterday, and the video will stay available for re-watch. 😊 They're doing Storytime every Tuesday morning, so it's a great chance to check out their oth
@woley’s daughter had another great question: “How old were you when you got your wheelchair?” I’ve actually had several wheelchairs in my life! So I thought I’d put together this little timeline. :) . SWIPE! . I started

About Me:

In 2007, I accepted my first official job in education. I would be teaching English Language Development (ELD) at a middle school in Beaverton, Oregon. I feel so fortunate to still be in the same role, serving a community that has become my extended family.

I have a B.S. from Brigham Young University in Special Education with a second major in Spanish, and an M.Ed. from the American College of Education in Teaching English Language Learners. While I've enjoyed teaching newcomer through advanced ELD, I feel like I do some of my most meaningful work at the intersection of English Language Learners who have disabilities. I love the puzzle and creativity behind unlocking a student’s potential, and watching them gain skills and confidence.

I learned many of the skills that serve me best as a teacher, from growing up with a disability myself. I was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and have used a wheelchair all my life. My current chair is a lovely shade of purple, and her name is Lydia. I think medical talk about disability makes boring conversation, but the actual, lived experience of disability is an endless source of interesting discussions.

Having grown up in the Seattle area and landed in the Portland area, I have a very Northwest soul. This is unfortunate, since I also never get tired of the sun. Although I often feel like teaching is my entire life, some of my other favorite things include: reading, writing, group singing, playing with my niece and nephews, tacos, chocolate, bright colors, good conversations, and introverted me-time!

Fun Facts:

  • I love learning the equivalent of “eeny meeny miny moe” rhymes in other languages.

  • I once played a role in Portlandia, and now IMDB thinks I’m an actress.

  • I’m not really an actress… But I’d be willing to become one.

  • I had pet ducklings for a semester in college. (Don’t tell my landlord.)

  • I’m an encyclopedia of Gilmore Girls trivia.

  • No matter how many times you try to explain (American) football to me, I’ll never pay attention long enough to understand.

 

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