Like so many educators, teaching runs in the family. I have been fortunate to work in a district where those in leadership positions have nurtured and encouraged me to grow myself into a leader. Those above me saw a passion inside about making meaningful growth for all students in a mathematics class. Spending many years as a mathematics department chair and now as a 6-12 Mathematics and Science supervisor from the Ridgefield Public Schools in Connecticut, I have found that my true passion is supporting teachers in their growth to be the best educators they can be for their students. I strive to be a partner and lead alongside those who I am leading. I have found that trust, empathy, and honesty are paramount if we are going to truly provide every student in a classroom to grow to their full potential.

Similar to growing as a leader in my day-to-day job, I have found the same level of support as I have gotten involved in state, regional, and national mathematics organizations. Coming from a family of educators, it was instilled in me as a young teacher that involvement in professional organizations will not only help you grow, but ultimately will help your students grow. As the current President of Associated Teachers of Mathematics in Connecticut (ATOMIC) and a former president of Association of Teachers of Mathematics in New England (ATMNE), I continue to see the power of getting closely involved in your state and regional professional organizations. These types of organizations play an incredibly powerful role in providing professional learning to educators and leaders at the local level.

I became an NCSM member once I began my first leadership role as a high school department chair. I got more involved in that organization as a State Lead and then Regional Team Lead for Connecticut. NCSM provided me with a community of fellow leaders who embraced the concept of Bold Leadership even before it became one of the organization’s tag lines. I had the privilege of representing Eastern 1 on NCTM’s Membership and Affiliate Relations Committee and am thrilled to be able to now represent this region again as an NCSM Regional Director. Having grown up in Syracuse, New York and now living in New England for over 20 years, I truly feel committed to the affiliates, leaders, and educators in Eastern 1. I look forward to connecting with leaders from across the region over the next few years.