About

Who am I?

  • Parent of three successful young men
  • Passionate non-formal educator
  • Long time volunteer – 25 years!
  • Founder/Teacher, Enrichment Group, Evergreen Garden Club (2004-2017)
  • Founder/Teacher, Enrichment Group, Third Grade Writer’s Circle (six years)
  • Certified Master Gardener Volunteer (2004-2019)
  • Author: Garden Club Curriculum, Math Meets Nature Enrichment Series, Summer Camp Monarch Habitat & Conservation Curriculum for Elementary Students
  • Public Speaker @ educational conferences, as well as for classroom presentations, & community groups since 2008.
  • Environmental Educator – MS in Natural Resources 2018 from UW Steven’s Point.
  • Former nationally certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with an MS in Child Health
  • Blogger 2017-2021 @ The Apples in My Orchard.
  • Life long learner
  • Avid Reader
  • Active Monarch Conservationist (2006-present)
  • Citizen Scientist
  • Author on Medium.com
  • Published Indie Author of the 2022 Chapbook, Life’s Inspiration and Reflection in a Few Words, available on Amazon, here.

What is The Apples in My Orchard Blog about?

Through my experience with students over the last 22 years, this blog will offer you:

  • poetry and reflective essays on nature, travel, life’s challenges, and inspirations
  • funny and relatable stories regarding student learning, family, & community life
  • relatable frustrations many, if not all, parents experience with regard to education
  • PTO? Yes, No, and Maybe! Do you belong?
    • Other options for parent involvement and volunteerism
  • advice and insight on how to be a student advocate
  • Tips on challenges encountered in advocating for your students (children) –
    • especially talented and gifted students (TAG)
  • insights on living with intensities TAG students often exhibit
  • descriptions of overexcitability and asynchronous learning that you might encounter with your gifted student
  • a chance to learn about student groups and how they enrich our youth, without burdening their teachers
    • Using your passion for good
  • insights on how to form student groups, including resulting satisfaction and pitfalls
  • a place to network and share experiences of parenting and/or teaching
  • a platform to increase awareness of student needs and solutions to meet those needs
  • tips on navigating college readiness, including AP course selection, preparation, and benefits, as well as the benefits and challenges of above-grade-level standardized testing (taking the ACT or PSAT as a younger student in late elementary or middle school).
  • tips from a parent who has navigated the challenges of TAG education from pre-k through college.
  • identifying as a gifted adult
  • referral to other sources on student enrichment opportunities and information
    • helpful book & website referrals