Encouragement is to humans like water is to plants.  It nourishes our souls. 

- Rudolf Dreikurs

 Ocean Grove Parent 2008
Ocean Grove ES 2010
Ocean Grove Vendor 2017
 

• I have taught in schools

• I have homeschooled

• My adult children have learning issues due to autism

Whatever it is you need help with, I can probably help, and I can definitely relate!​​  If I don't have space, I know other teachers in the homeschool world.  Please check out the resources page, too.  I'll be adding to my favorite curriculum frequently.

Cinquain poem and art by 3rd-grade student.  Completed on her own after the lesson.

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​About Me

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VISION OF ENCOURAGE:

My vision for Encourage Elementary Education Services is to bring high-quality academic support and handwriting training to families at an affordable price.  The educational standards in California are placing more pressure on children today, but there is often nowhere for parents to turn for additional help.  Moreover, schools can purchase a great curriculum like Handwriting Without Tears, but it will not be effective without appropriate support and training for the teachers and the home.  This may include an extra adult to work with struggling students.  

My encouraging, positive approach is very effective with children from diverse backgrounds with differing needs.  I believe in tailoring instruction to the individual as much as possible to produce the best results. If we find that our philosophies fit, then we can work together to find methods and curriculum that your child responds to - and even looks forward to - every time I visit! I will get to know you, your child, and what your goals are.

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PROFILE: 

• California Credentialed Teacher in Multiple Subjects since 1994

• Classroom experience with local, diverse students in both public and private settings

• Have worked closely with students and their parents to achieve individual academic goals

• Background in varied learning methodologies, progressive education, positive discipline, parent coaching, and special education



TEACHING EXPERIENCE:

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Before starting Encourage in 2017, I taught in several settings around San Jose. 

Here is a list of my local employment.

San Jose Unified School District

Substitute Teacher, elementary

2016-2017

Ocean Grove Charter School, San Jose

Education Specialist, all grades

2010-2015

LEAD Center/Liber Community School, Los Gatos

Math & Music Teacher/Classroom Teacher, all grades

2008-2009

Foothill Intermediate School, Mt. Pleasant School District, San Jose

Classroom Teacher: Fifth Grade

1994 - 1999

EDUCATION:

 San Jose State University  1994

Clear Multiple Subject Teaching Credential

Supplementary Authorization: Music

California Institute of the Arts  1990

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Composition

CERTIFICATIONS, TRAINING, & AWARDS:

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The Stanford Neurodiversity Project: Special Interest Group for Neurodiversity (2018-2021)

The Stanford Neurodiversity Summit: 2020
 

Emotional Healing From Trauma: Trauma-Informed Care (for developmental disabilities, 2018)

Global Leadership Summit (2004, 2009, 2017, 2021)

Handwriting Without Tears (2017)

• Certified Handwriting Specialist

• Handwriting Assessment Workshop

• K-5 Handwriting Workshop

• Pre-K Readiness and Writing Workshop

• Pre-K Math and Literacy Workshop (2018)

Autism and Asperger’s Conference (2013)

ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Certification (2010)

UC Extension EdTherapy Courses (2009):

• Understanding Learning Differences

• Autism Intervention and Treatment​

Oak Grove School District: Maximum Use of Resources Vision Award (2007)

UC Extension TechEd (1996):

• Web Page Development for Teachers

• Integrating Technology in the Curriculum

• Hypermedia Authoring

Mt. Pleasant School District:

• Program Quality Review Training (1997)

• Teacher Technology Specialist Training (1995)

• Conflict Management Training (1994)

CLAD: Crosscultural Language and Academic Development Certificate (1995)