Friday Knight Alumni Spotlight Q&A
Tell us about yourself. Where you live now, career, and/or family news. What have you been up to since you left Geneseo?
I graduated in ‘96 with my Bachelors in Education and then ‘98 from Geneseo with my Masters in Reading. I spent 10 years as a teacher in Rochester and then got my second Masters in Ed Leadership. I was then an Assistant Principal and Principal in Rochester before relocating to Florida in 2011. When I moved to Florida I started my career with Charter Schools USA as a Principal. I later moved to our corporate office as a Director and then later Vice President of Education. Three years ago I became a Deputy Director with Charter Schools USA where I have 17 schools in my portfolio. My responsibilities include supervising principals and schools, as well as state team operations.
On a personal side I met my husband in 2000 and we have been married since 2004. We had our son in 2008 and daughter in 2014. Our son was diagnosed as being in the spectrum of autism when he was 2. Life as his mom has been an amazing journey with challenges and blessings along the way!
I was in RLK when I was at Geneseo and still have many lifelong friends from there! I recently ran into one of them at Disney (she currently lives in Alaska). She recognized my family (even with masks) because of my sons pictures on Facebook!
Geneseo holds a very special place in my heart and has impacted so many elements in my life!
What is the best thing about your current job?
The impact that our schools have on students, families and the communities that we serve in. I love being able to coach and support the leaders and educators that I work with!
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
Right here in Florida where I already live!
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Beware - she is obsessed with murder mysteries and real-life murder books, movies and podcasts!
Do you collect anything?
Disney ears and other Disney items
What is your favorite family tradition?
We are Disney passholders and we love going to Disney, especially during the winter holidays!
What fashion or trend do you hope makes a comeback?
80’s movies and music - but not the fashion!
What is your favorite fast-food chain?
Taco Bell
What is your favorite movie and why?
Too many to choose from. Typically it’s the classic mob movies but right now I love watching Crazy Rich Asians, Pitch Perfect and Happy Gilmore! Good clean fun and romance.
What is your favorite Geneseo memory?
Anything and everything with RLK!