Books Read

Plant and Grow

I Can Grow a Flower

Planting a Rainbow

Little Sunflower

Art and Science

Comparing Fruit Seeds

Jelly Bean Colors

Planting Green Beans

Sunflower Hand Prints

Painting with Flowers

Cooking:

This Frozen Yogurt Bark was a big hit! Try out the recipe below.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt

2 Tablespoons maple syrup or honey

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/3-1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced

1/3-1/2 cup fresh blueberries

2-3 Tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes

Instructions:

• Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

• In a medium bowl, stir together yogurt, maple syrup and vanilla until well combined.

• Spread yogurt mixture evenly, about a 1/4 of an inch thick, onto the prepared baking sheet in rectangular shape. Scatter the strawberries and blueberries on top. Sprinkle with coconut flakes.

• Place in the freezer for about 3 hours or until the yogurt is firm. Cut or break into 16-20 pieces and serve.

• Store leftover yogurt bark in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. I like taking it out and letting it sit for about 3-5 minutes before eating.

Q: Did you always want to work in education?

A: I knew I wanted to work in education when I was about 10 years old. Both of my parents were teachers. I guess it’s in my blood!

Q: Did you like school as a kid? Why or why not?

A: I didn’t really like school as a kid until 5th grade. That was the year I had a teacher who changed everything. She was so incredible and was actually the reason I went into education!

Q: What were you doing before you joined Willowcrest?

A: I have a cupcake business that was keeping me busy before Willowcrest!

Q: How do you define your role at Willowcrest?

A: I write the curriculum on a week by week basis with long term goals in mind.

Q: How do you go about writing the curriculum each week?

A: I assess where the students are academically and see if concepts need to be reviewed or if they are ready to move on to more advanced concepts. Because Willowcrest is small, we have the advantage of tailoring the curriculum to meet individual students where they are.

Q: What do you think benefits neurodivergent children the most in a classroom setting?

A: Patience and understanding go a long way with neurodivergent children. Understanding and acknowledging the diverse way neurodivergent kids learn benefits them beyond measure.

Q: What does a successful curriculum look like to you?

A: A successful curriculum reaches all students where they are and stretches them to where they can go!

Q: What sorts of activities do you find Willowcrest's kids respond most to?

A: Willowcrest kids love a hands-on sensory experience!

Q: When you aren’t working in education, what other activities do you enjoy?

A: I enjoy spending time with my husband and two kids. We love to travel. My kids and I love to eat sushi!

Q: What is something you do to get yourself out of a funk?

A: I watch trashy reality tv to get me out of a funk!! Bachelor, Love Island, Married at First Sight!

Q: What is one thing you might have on your bucket list?

A: My dream is to one day see the Northern Lights! I would love to go to Iceland and experience this one day!