So … Who am I?

I am an educator …

who from the very beginning of her career has been passionate about educating young children. From my roots as a classroom aide at the University of Houston daycare center, to my 21 year stint as a Kindergarten teacher, and currently as a Senior Research Associate at CLI Houston, it is my goal to promote the use of developmentally appropriate practices as a viable tool for learning. Over the years, my experience as a kindergarten teacher exposed me to the curricular changes that transformed my classroom from one that I managed and designed according to my educational philosophy, to one that was micro-managed and over-run with data walls, testing, and accountability standards. Unhappy, I decided to further my education and obtained my masters in curriculum and instruction from the University of St. Thomas in 2014 and then my doctorate, also in curriculum and instruction from the University of Houston in 2022. While I understand the purpose and value of the instructional changes that took place, I firmly believe that academic success can be achieved alongside the use of playful practices, and a re-focus on the importance of socio-emotional development.

How do I know this? Because I did it … for many years! Even within the current structure of kindergarten, laser-focused on the core subjects! And my students thrived …to be honest, so did I. As teachers, we are not given our due credit for the amount of work we put into our craft. If people outside our profession choose not to see the value in our efforts, fine. But inside … our efforts should be rewarded through autonomy and trust in our abilities to teach students using appropriate measures that meet their academic and socio-emotional needs at the same time.

It can be done, and I’m living testimony to its success. That’s why, through future research projects and advocacy, I hope to support early childhood teachers and their students by building their efficacy in producing quality content while supporting their students' developmental needs through play.