Dean, Class of 2023 / Health Teacher
Know Your Pelicans
How long have you worked at Packer?
This is my 4th year! I've also been the MS Diversity & Equity Coordinator.
What's a Packer tip or trick that you want to share with the community?
Packer's hot coffee, mixed with ice and a splash of water makes for a passable cold-brew alternative (and you don't have to leave the building!) See me for ratios.
Tell us something you love about your work or about a time you found your job especially rewarding.
When I was a health teacher, I felt as though I was at the apogee of my career. But now that I'm a Dean as well, I realize this is the role I've been unconsciously preparing for my whole life. The opportunity to connect with, support, laugh with, be funky with, hold accountable, struggle with, chill with, and Mariah-Carey-indoctrinate the Class of 2023 has been the greatest gift. So every day is a reward to me.
What's a challenge that you're working on this year?
I think because I stepped into the Dean role mid-year, I'm still wrapping my head around what it is to be a Dean, and how to do it well. Luckily, I work with a team of fantastic Deans so between them and Ms. Nunes, I've felt super supported — and I hope that I offer the same support.
Has Packer taught you anything interesting about yourself? About your students?
I'm consistently impressed with my Health students' ability to grapple with sensitive topics — from mental health to substance use to sexuality — with equal parts curiosity, intelligence, and humor. I never had a Health teacher in my educational experience, so I've also come to learn that much of my Health education ethos is rooted in reparative work — being the teacher I wish I had had growing up.
Outside of your job at Packer, what do you love to do?
I do Pilates four times a week which helps me stay grounded and centered. I love all things music — playing piano, singing, songwriting, Broadway, concerts. Also, my husband and I both love RuPaul's Drag Race — we watch it faithfully, even though there are far too many franchise versions of it right now (currently watching: Drag Race Philippines, Drag Race UK, Canada vs. the World, Drag Race Italy).
If you didn't work in your role at Packer, what would you be doing instead?
I think I would be a full-time camp person. Though, I've often been told that I would have been successful as an A&R representative for record labels. But, anything where I have consistent interactions with good-natured people would be a go for me.