With over 20 years in education—10 in the classroom and 10 in administration—I have dedicated my career to shaping student-centered, innovative learning environments that drive real results. I’ve worked in high-pressure urban schools, launched successful small learning communities, turned around struggling institutions, and implemented groundbreaking CTE and IB Career Programs. Now, it’s time to take these strategies beyond my own schools and share them with educators everywhere.
My career began in New York City’s Teaching Fellows pilot program, stepping into the classroom even before earning my degree. I taught English at Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx, a massive school of nearly 5,000 students—one of NYC’s infamous “Dirty Dozen” most violent schools. Despite the challenges, I helped lead a small learning community that defied expectations, consistently achieving over 80 percent pass rates on the NY State ELA Regents Exam. Our success led to an opportunity to open new small schools, using our program as a model. By age 28, with a graduate degree in hand, I transitioned into administration, eager to help teachers innovate and drive student success at scale.
As an Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction, I went from creatively delivering lessons to mentoring teachers and implementing progressive instructional models. I became an expert in lesson planning, student-centered instruction, conflict resolution, de-escalation strategies, teacher coaching, and union negotiations. I learned that student engagement is the key to transformation, and the best way to get results was by ensuring every decision was rooted in what’s best for students.
My next move took me to Food and Finance High School in Manhattan, a culinary arts-focused Career and Technical Education (CTE) school. As the leader of instruction, discipline, staff HR, and evaluations, I had a front-row seat to the power of hands-on, career-driven education. Watching even the most disengaged students transform in a project-based learning environment reaffirmed my belief that education must be relevant, practical, and engaging.
After 13 years in NYC, I moved to California to take on a new challenge: saving a struggling CTE high school from closure. As Principal of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering Charter High School, I led a complete transformation, securing two WASC accreditations, renewing the charter twice, developing a groundbreaking three-year teacher contract, launching the first IB Career Program in California and the second in the U.S., and leading professional development on 1:1 technology rollouts and contemporary education strategies. Our school became a hub for innovation, training other educators in modern teaching methodologies.
I’ve spent my career proving what works—from urban public schools to innovative CTE programs. Now, I’m bringing these insights to schools nationwide, helping educators rethink instruction, build better systems, and create student-centered learning environments that thrive. If you are ready to bring real, lasting change to your school, let’s talk. Contact me to explore consulting, training, and professional development opportunities.
My Approach to Education: A Commitment to Student-Centered Learning and Real-World Success
Education should be meaningful, engaging, and built for the real world. I believe in Project-Based Learning (PBL), student-centered classrooms, and Career and Technical Education (CTE) that prepare students for life beyond school. I advocate for International Baccalaureate (IB) over Advanced Placement (AP) because it fosters critical thinking, inquiry-based learning, and global awareness. My passion lies in training new teachers, implementing real evaluation systems, and crafting policies that put students first.
True education requires collaboration, empowerment, and inclusivity. Schools thrive when all stakeholders—teachers, administrators, parents, and students—have a voice. I support charter schools that are run effectively and comprehensive education models that acknowledge that every student learns differently. Differentiated instruction, when done in a team-teaching setting with structured collaboration, is one of the most powerful tools for student success.
I recognize the critical role of special education and the impact of well-crafted IEPs. A strong Individualized Education Program (IEP) should be developed collaboratively, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to a plan that truly supports each student’s needs. When special education teachers are given proper resources and support, student outcomes improve significantly.
Not every student needs to attend college to be successful. I believe high schools should prepare students for real choices—whether that means college, trade schools, apprenticeships, or immediate entry into a career. Schools should engage students in career exploration and decision-making, helping them take meaningful steps toward a future that leads to happiness and financial stability—without crushing student loan debt.
Education should be global, experiential, and relevant. I value travel, cultural immersion, and global perspectives in education. First-hand experiences, critical thinking, and real-world applications should replace outdated multiple-choice memorization tactics that dominate many classrooms today.
I entered teaching to make a difference in the lives of students. I moved into administration to empower teachers and transform schools. Now, through my work with educators and schools worldwide, I can do both—helping leaders, teachers, and entire school communities create learning environments that truly prepare students for the future.
If you are looking to revitalize your school, implement innovative teaching strategies, or build a stronger foundation for student success, let’s connect. Together, we can rethink education and create classrooms where learning is meaningful, engaging, and built for the future.
