For as long as I can remember, I have been drawn to education, both as a teacher and a learner. I have powerful memories of being inspired by teachers when I was a child, of going to school with enthusiasm, and of wanting to inspire others that same way when I grew up. I was born and raised in the Netherlands and received my BA from the University of Amsterdam. I moved to California in 1999 and earned a Masters in English Literature at Stanford University. Over the years, I worked with children of all ages in a variety of roles, from lecturing college freshmen to preschool assistant to special education aide. After a period at home raising my three sons, I earned my Multiple Subject Teaching Credential at California State University and joined the Los Altos School District in 2016. I love teaching in Los Altos, because LASD’s collaborative spirit and its commitment to meeting the needs of each individual child allows me to support my students in developing their full potential. When I’m not working, I love to hike, read, travel, and spend time with my family and friends.