Professional Preparation
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Experience
This is my 10th year of teaching, and I love inspiring students to do their best! I teach at both OE and OHS. Go Wolves and Panthers! In December 2020, I achieved National Board Certification, an advanced teaching credential beyond state licensure. Prior to entering teaching, I worked in broadcast media and public relations. My teaching experiences also involve camp counseling, traditional Irish dance, and college level journalism. Within the communications field I have worn many hats including anchor, reporter, producer, and production director, and I spent several years as a publicity specialist. |
I am the recipient of the Society of Professional Journalists Mark of Excellence Award for Region 5; First Place In-Depth Radio Reporting, “School Discipline: Behind Classroom Doors.” The project explores one school’s fight to overcome a host of escalating discipline problems.
I also obtained the Illinois Broadcaster’s Association-University Silver Dome Award for Best TV Public Affairs/News Magazine for “The International Experience: A Documentary.” The film chronicles the journey and experience of being an international student at U of I.
Family Life
I come from an Irish family with two brothers, a sister, and four nephews including triplets born in 2014. You may have seen them in the news - click here or here. I absolutely love dogs and believe they are therapeutic. My sweet cocker spaniel, Winnie, died at 15 in 2018. She lived a long, amazing life! I adopted Chloe, a beagle mix, who loves to eat bones, cause mischief, and run in the backyard. She is currently 2 years old. Activities In my spare time I work out, karaoke, knit, read, and cook. My parents, sister, and I frequently run 5ks and half marathons together. I have Irish danced since age 4 and reached championship rank with Foy School of Irish dance. I even danced hard shoe at my wedding! Children can take lessons from me at the Oswegoland Park District. My favorite books are A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and The Art of Racing in the Rain. My advice before you enter the "real world": Take some time to travel and learn about other cultures! I spent 4 months living and working in Scotland through BUNAC, British Universities North American Club. I worked at a conference center in Edinburgh and visited other parts of Scotland, Isle of Skye, Ireland, England, France, and Italy. |
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