November 2025
Welcome to My STEM Blog
💭 Reflection
Welcome to my STEM blog! I’m so glad you’re here. As a STEAM Specialist, DoDEA Project Director, and graduate student in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on computer science education, I created this space to share real-world insights, classroom-tested ideas, and ongoing reflections from my work in STEM education.
Why “Anchored in STEM”?
The name Anchored in STEM reflects both my vision for learning and the community I proudly serve. I believe STEM should not be treated as an add-on or something extra teachers “fit in” when time allows. Instead, STEM represents a way of thinking, creating, and problem-solving — a way of work. When students are anchored in curiosity, creativity, and real-world exploration, their learning becomes purposeful and lasting.
The name is also deeply connected to Jacksonville and our strong military community. With multiple Navy bases throughout the city, many of our students are part of military families whose resilience, adaptability, and strength inspire me daily. Choosing the word “Anchored” pays tribute to them — a symbol of stability, courage, and legacy.
Additionally, it honors my work with DoDEA grants and the incredible opportunities they bring to our schools. These initiatives have shaped not only the work I do, but the experiences of thousands of students across our district. “Anchored in STEM” represents where we come from, who we serve, and the belief that high-quality STEM education can anchor students to a future full of possibilities.
Why I Started This Blog
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible students, teachers, and schools—each with their own unique challenges and strengths. Whether I’m in the STEAM Room testing 3D printers, coaching teachers through robotics programming, or researching computational thinking and AI integration, I’m always learning something new. This blog is my way of capturing those experiences and offering them to others who are on similar journeys.
What You Can Expect
Posts on this blog will be organized around a few recurring themes so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for:
- 🧩 Projects: step-by-step, classroom-ready STEM and STEAM projects you can adapt.
- 🧪 Classroom Ideas: practical strategies, lesson tweaks, and integration tips for everyday instruction.
- 💭 Reflections: honest reflections on teaching, leadership, equity, and what I’m learning along the way.
- 💻 Tech & Tools: spotlights on block-based coding, robots, 3D printing, microcontrollers, AI tools, and more.
- 🎖️ Grants & Leadership: insights from DoDEA projects, STEAM initiatives, and leading district-wide programs.
My goal is to make each post useful, encouraging, and authentic—from robotics and block-based coding to stop-motion animation, micro:bit projects, 3D printing, and beyond. I aim to share content that feels approachable for beginners but still meaningful for experienced educators.
Who This Blog Is For
This space is for teachers, instructional coaches, administrators, STEM/STEAM educators, and anyone passionate about bringing STEM and 21st-Century skills into the classroom. Whether you’re just getting started with STE(A)M or have been doing this work for years, I hope you’ll find ideas and encouragement that support your practice.
A Final Note
Education is constantly evolving—and so are we. My belief is that when we stay curious, stay creative, and stay committed to equitable opportunities for all students, we create classrooms that truly change lives.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. I’m excited to share more with you!