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Murdock Middle School
Lehman Alternative Community School
Fell in love with alternative education while teaching Molecular Biology and Ecology at a renowned democratic school in Ithaca, NY. I had the opportunity to design and teach a new course at the school entitled "The Consumption Project" where students created a traveling art exhibit that will enter all 12 schools in the district with the goal of empowering other students to decrease their consumption and waste. I gained leadership and team building skills by guiding 20 students rock climbing for one week. Grew organic microgreens and sprouts for the salad bar in my localvore project. Worked with and learned from two of the most skilled teachers I have ever met in my career, Dan Flerlage and Chris Sperry. Please contact my references (the principal and student teaching supervisor) for more information about my time at LACS and my effectiveness as a teacher.
The Compass School
Assisted Eric Rhomberg in teaching Chemistry at The Compass School in Bellows Falls, Vermont. Crafted lessons that encouraged critical thinking, reflective discourse and play in the classroom. Promoted discovery-based and hands-on learning that is constructivist, authentic, coherent, and inquiry-based in nature. Engaged in self-directed learning and enhanced teaching skills by reflecting on videotapes of all of my lessons.
The Westmoreland Garden Project
Wrote a grant and worked in collaboration with Cheshire County and Community Garden Connections to established a 1-acre community garden to build the capacity to grow local food and address issues of food security, communal health and resiliency in NH. Using non-certified organic and permaculture techniques I helped organize community volunteers to plant, manage and harvest fresh produce for donation. Together we grew over 1,000 lbs of produce for community organizations. This new initiative fostered many community partnerships through the growing and donating of produce to local service agencies.
Community Garden Connections
Increased access to healthy food through the building of individual and community capacity to grow local food. Collaborated with and empowered agencies in Keene, NH to grow their own food. Organized the construction of and built 18 raised garden beds. Designed and implemented educational curriculum to support garden site participants. Engaged in service-learning projects related to agriculture and education. Presented and represented the projects success at the North American Association for Environmental Education conference in Baltimore, MD.
Varsity Soccer Coach
From 2009-2012 I had the enjoyable and fulfilling role as a coach for Thetford Academy's boys soccer program in Thetford, VT. Taught team-building and life skills through the game of soccer. Lead by example and created a healthy learning environment for all involved. It was a wonderful way to integrate into the schools community.
Ecological Agriculture
Furthered my knowledge of agriculture by helping to manage Crossroad Farm, a well-known and well-run vegetable farm owned and operated by Tim and Janet Taylor. After taking Tim's Sustainable Vegetable Production course at UVM I wanted to learn more. The farm's emphasis on soils and sustainability, especially in their renowned tomato greenhouses is particularly inspiring. Gained valuable experience in all aspects of sustainable vegetable farming, from seed to market.
UVM student-run vegetable farm
The student-run vegetable farm was experiential learning at its best. Managing the farm provided hands-on learning for my classes, which include: Soil and Fertility Management, Sustainable Vegetable Production, Organic Fruit Production, Weed and Crop Ecology, Entrepreneurship and Business Management, Plant Propagation, Plant Pathology, Botany, Plant Physiology, Permaculture and much more! Hiring and working with four other students taught me valuable team-building and teaching skills. Some experiential highlights include feeling the stress of 18 weekly CSA deadlines, understanding directly how important communication is between students, faculty and staff, and furthering my education by making tons of mistakes!
Travel to SE Asia and New Zealand
Gained valuable life skills on a semester-long travel expedition to Thailand, Vietnam and New Zealand during my sophomore year of college. Receiving my deep water PADI scuba certification off the island of Koh Tao and exploring Vietnamese culture were definitely highlights of the trip, however, I'd have to say that backpacking for two months in New Zealand was my favorite part.
Strong Sense of Place
Growing up in Vermont has instilled a deep love for the outdoors. Four graduate level courses I have recently taken to further my understanding about New England's landscape include: Community Ecology, Principals of Sustainability, Ecology of the White Mountains and Earth Systems and Climate Change.
