I began sewing patchwork diaper bags, purses, ragdolls, puppets, and dresses for local gift shops to support working from home with my tiny humans. Along the way, I found a friend who could spin fiber she collected from her English angora rabbits on a spinning wheel and offered to teach me to do the same. Soon after, we adopted a pair of angora rabbits of our own to begin harvesting (through consistent brushing) and spinning on our own.

For additional work, I found a job at the front desk of a local library. When I offered to lead story time with my guitar, I was invited by the director to put together a program incorporating my skills with music, movement, storytelling, and crafting to engage with the kids over the summer. This led to playing at over a dozen other libraries each summer for the following four years. After returning to teaching at a “traditional” preschool, I discovered and fell in love with the Montessori Method. The respect for the children, deeper understanding and incorporation of pedagogy in the curriculum, and intentional development of the global citizen mindset, both in social justice and environmental consciousness, were a perfect fit. 

On my journey, I continued to expand my new learning through ongoing opportunities, such as certification as an AMI Primary (ages 2.5-6) Montessori guide through Seton Institute, Green Educator certification through Green School in Bali, Mentoring Through the Seasons with Wild Harvest, Yoga for the child with ADHD and autism, and “SomaYoga Therapy and Immersion” through Yoga North of Duluth. I was featured at Happy Bambino as an Artsy Mama, worked with a local merchant harvesting and preparing foraged foods, and lead ongoing yoga- and Pilates-based classes at multiple fitness facilities locally.

I focus on intentional ways to create a life experience filled with deep connections and understanding of ourselves, other humans, and the living world around us. This spills over into my work with children and adults through the arts, movement, and exploration. I incorporate the Montessori Method in my arts and outdoor exploration curriculum and love to share experiences with movement and mindfulness activities, instrument and music play, the world of fiber animals and arts, farm-to-table food creation, and nature-based exploration and crafts. Finding ways to play and stay connected to my ever-growing family and friend community is my favorite way to spend my extra time.