As a SSS alum, class of 2005, I am ecstatic about the opportunity to serve as the school’s IB Middle Years Program Coordinator!  Smithfield is home to me and my family, so the opportunity to serve my community in this role is important. I received my undergraduate degree from NC State, completed NC Teach through ECU, and earned my masters degree in education policy and leadership from American University.  I enjoy traveling, I’m a sports fan (go pack!), and I love finding excuses to get outside to ride my bike, run, play golf or tennis, hike, you name it, I’m happiest in the sunshine!

The Middle Years Program, or MYP, is part of Johnston County Schools’ investment in Smithfield.  Currently, IB programs are being implemented at South Smithfield Elementary School, Smithfield Middle School, and here at SSS.  These programs are intended to provide all students at these schools with access to rigorous instruction that will prepare them to be globally engaged life-long learners, whether they choose to pursue a college education or enter the workforce, and I believe in this program!  Prior to coming home to SSS, I worked as a science teacher at an MYP school in Washington D.C. where our students traveled the globe after studying Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese; served their communities on a regular basis through food banks, clean-ups, and advocating for the homeless on Capital Hill; and, when tragedy struck they organized peaceful protests that advocated for the rights of under-represented individuals throughout the US.  I’m excited to see what Smithfield’s children will do as part of these programs!