About Me
The past 33 years of public teaching have garnered innumerable lessons of the mind, body, and spirit. Workshops, conventions, classes, books and articles have all led to a new understanding of our bodies and our minds. Assisting others in viewing their lives and choices differently and introducing new paradigms, skills, and techniques are among the greatest experiences of my profession.
Employment
Hononegah Community High School, Rockton, IL | Teacher
1993-2018
Rockton Grade School, Rockton, IL | Teacher
1989-1993
Hononegah Community High School, Rockton, IL | Teacher
1988-1989
Harlem School District, Machesney Park, IL | Teacher
1985-1988
Education and Certifications
Walden University - 2011
Doctor of Education Teacher Leadership
Northern Illinois University -1987
Master of Science, Physical Education
Rockford College (University) - 1982
Bachelor of Science, Physical Education
Professional Organizations
Illinois Association for Health Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
1995 to 2018
Illinois School Health Association
2003 to 2018
National Education Association
1993 to 2018
Illinois Education Association
1993 to 2018
Awards & Recognition
2015 – Published in Energy Psychology
2011 – Golden Apple Recipient
2009 – Golden Apple Finalist
2007 – Award of Merit Illinois State Board of Education
2007 – Hononegah Excel Teacher of the Year
2005 – AAHPERD Midwest Teacher of the Year
2004 – IAHPERD Health Teacher of the Year
My Philosophy
I fell in love with school and teaching in when I was a student in middle school. Having completed a career of 33 years, I still love to teach. But it was not always so. After seven years of teaching, I hit a wall and nearly left. It felt as if I was at the back end of my career looking over a deep, dark chasm and the ground beneath my feet was giving way. A friend had told me,”People don’t quit jobs. They plan their escape.” And so I did.
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After earning another certification, I switched grade levels and districts and eventually moved into teaching high school Health for the remainder of my career. Simultaneously, I was faced with some serious health problems and was not satisfied with traditional treatments. This led me on an incredible journey of healing. I began learning about Eastern medicine and what it could offer. I have received training in Jin Shin Do pressure points, Energetic Medicine, the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and earned a doctorate degree in education measuring the effectiveness of EFT on teacher burnout. Utilizing much of this information I began exposing my high school students to similar activities. Things that would include relaxation techniques, pressure points to alleviate their everyday aches and pains and projects they could do on medicines from around the world; cupping, Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture, therapeutic massage, muscle testing, NAET, and others. One of my greatest joys is seeing the wonder in someone’s eyes when they learn something new. It is even better when I see that light in an adult’s eyes. I hope to have some of those moments with you.
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Read my published article on the Emotional Freedom Technique