Connect Tell us why you became a teacher

I never set out to be a teacher—the profession found me. In graduate school, I worked as a Teaching Assistant in Pharmacology to help with tuition. My packed review sessions revealed my knack for teaching, but I still didn’t see it as my path, despite my father being a lifelong biology teacher. After college, I took a temporary substitute teaching job, which quickly turned into a full-time position—and the rest is history.

Tell us about your most memorable teaching experience

I have two favorite traditions. Before each exam, my students and I power pose—a technique shown to boost confidence and reduce stress. Before their AP Exam each May we stand tall together and power pose for the last time. The energy is electric, and I cherish that moment. My second favorite is our annual magic show for local elementary students. Watching my students share their creativity and passion for science and learning to inspire young minds is incredibly rewarding.

What would you do with the $25,000?

Our school’s location offers beautiful ocean views from the science building’s rooftop, which includes a patio meant as a teacher’s lounge, but lacks proper furniture. I’d love to add comfortable seating to this space so my colleagues and I can enjoy our rooftop retreat together as it was originally intended. I’d also fulfill a bucket-list dream by visiting the Galápagos Islands with my family. Now that my children are old enough to appreciate it, it’s the perfect time for this adventure.