Years as Principal at Palmer: currently year four
Year at DPS: 23
What does it mean to you to be a principal at Denver Public Schools?
“Making a difference in the lives of our students, creating joyful learning experiences in an environment where everyone learns from each other’s different backgrounds.”
How do you define success as a principal?
“When my vision of equity comes to fruition. When I can see every student experience success at something throughout the day and they feel proud about their accomplishments. When I hear happy stories from the community about how they appreciate what we are doing at our school. I also value every success but am never satisfied until equity is real for everyone.”
What inspires you most about your school community?
“Their commitment to the school. Our community is a close-knit, small neighborhood community that defines who we are. The school is central to the community, and everyone is involved in making Palmer what it is. You can feel the neighborhood's love for the school that lives within our community and that inspires me to continue to provide a good school experience. The community gives support to the school and I try to give back.”
How do you foster a positive school culture among students and staff?
“By expressing my gratitude for everything being done, whether it’s the work from the teachers or the effort from the students. I believe in mutual respect. It takes everyone to maintain a positive school culture.”
What inspired you to become an educator and eventually a principal?
“I personally love learning and believe in the power of education that creates opportunity. I hope to inspire the love of learning and allow students to find their voices and passions to achieve their goals.”
Who has been your biggest inspiration in your career and why?
“The principals I worked for are the biggest inspiration in my career. They were role models for the work that I knew I would do in the future and I took little bits of their advice, knowledge and encouragement, and made it my own when it was my time.”
Do you have any memorable interactions or favorite moments as principal?
“One of my favorite memorable moments was the listening tour I did with the community, staff and students before my first year at Palmer. I heard great things about the school and families and I had the opportunity to share a bit about myself and my path to leadership. These conversations increased my excitement for the journey ahead.”
What advice would you give to your younger self when you were starting in education?
“Trust yourself. Your experiences will lead you to the right place at the right time.”
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
“At the beginning of my career, I spent a lot of time working long hours because of my passion for the work as a teacher. I knew the work would only become more intense as a leader and I could already feel myself taking time away from my family. As I’ve gained experience, and my children got older, I learned as a leader I had to intentionally make time to rest and rejuvenate and spend more time with loved ones who bring me the balance I need to continue.”