About Me
What's My Story?
I’ve always been a storymaker. From making movies with my sister on my dad’s camcorder, to acting in every school play I could audition for, to telling farfetched stories with my friends, I have spent my whole life dedicated to the craft of storytelling and, more importantly, storymaking.
My Background
Determined to mesh my passion for storymaking with my interests in education (my first job at 16 was assistant teaching at my local synagogue), I attended New York University’s Program in Educational Theatre, completing my student teaching work at both P.S. 11 and Fiorello H Laguardia High School of the Performing Arts.
When I tell people about my work in District 2 Pre-K Centers, they’re often surprised to hear that I work with such a young age. To those of us who understand young people, however, it makes perfect sense. Our youngest learners make the best storymakers in the world, from their “yes, and—” attitudes, to their emotional intuitions, to their massive imaginations.
When I graduated from NYU and began working at The Educational Alliance at Manny Cantor Center as their Artist-in-Residence, I learned this quickly! After two years there, I took a brief hiatus to earn my MFA in Dramatic Writing from Carnegie Mellon University, further sharpening my understandings of storymaking. I came back to MCC for two more years before transferring to District 2 Pre-K Centers, where I am completing my 4th year at 355 E76th Street.
My Philosophy
Everyone is a storymaker. Everyone has a story of value and importance. As an educator, it is my job to create a safe space where stories can blossom, grow, and thrive. I structure my work around three central tenants: expression, communication, and making.
As a teacher, it is my job to make space for students to feel free to express themselves, both in creating safe space and ensuring that students feel they have the tools to succeed. It is my job to make sure students feel heard when they share, emphasizing and valuing effective communication in each and every interaction. Finally, it is my duty to supply students with the tools they need to make their expressions and communications come to life.
