I am currently a library media specialist at Sharon Middle School, with over 20 years of experience as an educator in a wide range of public, private, and international schools. My educational journey has been one of growth, both personally and professionally, as I’ve had the privilege of impacting the lives of many students. I am passionate about STEM/STEAM, News and Media Literacy, and Global Education. As a featured contributor to numerous professional journals, networks, and conferences, I share ideas on how to integrate these concepts in both classroom and library learning spaces.

I engage my students with innovative projects that spark their interest in the STEAM-related world and help them develop their digital literacy skills. One of my greatest passions is ensuring my students have the skills needed to navigate the complex world of digital information. In today’s Age of AI, I believe news literacy is at the forefront of this effort. It’s important to me that my students understand the significance of fact-checking and the credibility of information, as I see this as a crucial part of their education.

I have contributed my expertise to the News Literacy Project, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sound discernment in the consumption of information and participation in a democratic society. This aligns with my focus on the relevance of current events and their connections to student learning in this digital age. As a presenter in numerous edWebinars, podcasts, and conferences, such as “Empowering Students with News Literacy,” I share my expertise and emphasize the need to integrate news and media literacy with project-based learning and culturally relevant pedagogy.

I contributed to the book Teaching Literacy in the Digital Age: Inspiration for All Levels and Literacies, which includes activities for integrating digital literacy into any classroom, and to the recently published We Can Teach That: Information Literacy for School Librarians. My journey in education began as a reporter covering business, arts, and education issues. While interviewing the headmaster of a private school, I had an epiphany—I wanted to blend my passion for research, creativity, writing, and technology into a meaningful career in education. This realization prompted me to return to school for a Master’s in Library Science, followed by further graduate studies in educational leadership.

Throughout my career, I’ve enjoyed regularly publishing my writing in various journals, from Library Media Connection and NEA Today to education-related blogs and websites, such as AASL’s Knowledge Quest and ALA’s Intellectual Freedom blog. I was selected as a Reynolds High School Journalism Institute Fellow as well as a Fulbright/Teachers for Global Classrooms Fellow. I also served as a project consultant for Eric Newton’s multimedia e-book, Searchlights and Sunglasses: Journalism in the Digital Age. My interest in global education has carried me from China to Nepal, India, Morocco, Peru and Tanzania, Africa where I’ve served as a World Challenge Teacher Leader and student exchange program manager.

I earned National Board Certification as a Library/Media Teacher back in 2009 and have continued to embrace lifelong learning through multiple pathways. I earned a Doctorate from Northeastern in 2018 and became an ISTE certified educator in 2023. In my spare time, I enjoy nature walks, reading, traveling, spending time with my family, and practicing yoga, which keeps me balanced and inspired in both my professional and personal life.

Awards & Recognition: Tech & Learning Innovative Leader Award: Innovative Library Media Specialist; MSLA Virtual Influencer, 23-25; MSLA Service Award 23; MSLA Super Librarian;; AASL Intellectual Freedom Award; Fulbright/TGC Fellow; MSLA Web Seal of Excellence, 2014-2020; Reynolds Institute for High School Journalism Fellow; Ellen Berne Pathfinder Award for Innovative School Library Programming; Teacher of the Year Award for Excellence in Teaching About China, Primary Source

Professional Activities: Doctorate, Education, Northeastern University;  ISTE and ASCD Board of Directors 2020-2026; News Literacy Project Ambassador, 2021-2024; ALA Committee on Literacy; Past PD Chair & Board Member, MassCUE 2014-2019; Mass Library System Executive Board Member 2012-2015; Past Executive Board and Advocacy Chair, MSLA; ALA Intellectual Freedom Roundtable and blogger; AASL Publications Committee

MA Credentials/Licenses: Supervisor/Director; Library Media Specialist; Instructional Technology Specialist; Digital Literacy & Computer Science