EDUCATION
2012 Doctor of Philosophy in Education – Walden University, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Dissertation: Vipassana Meditation and Teacher Decision-making.
2007 Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership – Aurora University, Aurora, Illinois
Masters thesis: The Power of Intention and Education.
1997 Bachelors of Music Education – Illinois State University, Normal, Illinois
PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS
02/2015 Co-presented a full-day workshop: “Using Mindfulness & Awareness to Build Intrinsic Motivation” – Kane County ROE PD Institute Day.
01/2014 Clinic and Presentation: “Noticing the Space Between the Notes While Moving to Life’s Tempo” at the Illinois Music Education Association Conference.
06/2013 Research Presentation and Workshop: “Taking Pause in the Classroom” at the 2nd International Conference of Spirituality and Music Education – Spirituality, Music and Education in a Cultural Context, Vilnius, Lithuania.
09/2012 Presented Dissertation Research “Vipassana Meditation and Teacher Decision-making” at the Walden University Research Symposium.
AWARDS
2006 Received the “Golden Apple Award” for outstanding teaching in the West Aurora School District 129.
2004 Received the Dispatch/Rock Island Argues “Master Teacher Award.”
2003 Received the WHBF Channel 4 News “Quad Cities Best Teacher Award.”
2003 Received the “Tenacious Tiger Award” for outstanding service and dedication from the staff at Sherrard.
2002 Received the “Celebration of Excellence,” award from the Superintendent of Sherrard Schools.