What made you decide to join the Crew at Alma?
I went to school for education, but I've spent my entire career in the broadcast and digital industry, more recently in the non-profit space. My most recent experience, combined with the volunteer work I do outside of my job, made me realize that it was very important to me that I spend my time having a direct, positive impact in the community. It speaks directly to my values and leaves me feeling fulfilled. After seeing the this opportunity open at Alma del Mar, I saw the chance to use the skills I had spent so much time building to help an organization that was truly doing meaningful work education in New Bedford and creating scholars who are service-minded and community focused. I couldn't think of a better cause to put my efforts towards and was excited to apply.
What do you hope to contribute to Alma?
It is my hope that I can bring more visibility to the amazing work being done at Alma del Mar. I want to keep our staff, scholars, families, and the community as a whole connected in support of our mission. I also would love to use my experience outside of education to help bring in workflows that might help us to work more efficiently together and expand what we could do in service of our scholars.
What teacher made a difference in your life, and how?
My high school music teacher, Barbara Hughes, was easily the teacher that had the largest impact on my life. I discovered my love for music through her approach to teaching, something I still carry with me to this day. Her guidance was the gateway to a world I would spend decades exploring after leaving her classroom.
Why did you become involved in education?
When I was younger, I wanted to become a music teacher and share the feeling that music gave to me with the next generation of students. I felt that teachers had one of the most important jobs in our society, teaching younger minds to think critically and prepare them for the world ahead of them. I still believe this, and although my career has taken me through the television and communications industry, being able to come back and contribute those skills in service of educating young minds is an idea that's meaningful to me.
Where did you go to college or post-secondary school and what did you like about it?
I attended Rhode Island College. I had music professors who empowered me to apply what I had learned into the musical endeavors I had outside of my academic life. They understood the love I had for music and the need to perform what spoke to me and my experiences.
What is your favorite food?
Buffalo Wings
What is your favorite book?
The Expanse Series