ABOUT

Hello!

I'm fascinated to learn about how people started their CI journey and where they are now. 

By sharing my own journey, I aim to gain insights into what's working well and what needs improvement in my own experience. Additionally, I hope my story can provide support and guidance to others who are currently navigating a similar path.

How I started:

I attended my first professional development conference in 2011 - the Northeast Conference on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (NECTFL). There I took a workshop with the lovely Michelle Kindt who opened my eyes to the magical world of TPRS®. I went on to take workshops by Sharon Birch, John Demado, Martina Bex, Maria Melendez and Kathy Ozment, Von and Blaine Ray, and Mike Peto and Brett Chonko.

How I continued to develop:

I've read game-changing books and blogs by Ben Slavic, Tina Hargaden, Mike Peto, Blaine Ray, Brett Chonko, Anne Marie Chase, Terry Waltz, Kara Jacobs, Martina Bex, Elicia Cardenas, Bryce Hedstrom, Cynthia Hitz, and more.

How I implemented TPRS®/CI methods in the classroom:

I've used materials and curriculums by Martina Bex, Jalen Waltman, Amy Catania, Anne Matava, Fluency Matters - Cuéntame series, Blaine Ray's Look I can Talk Series, Elena Lopez, Mira Canion, my own, and more.

But next school year (2023-2024) will be different! Stay tuned...

How eternally grateful I am:

I am incredibly thankful and indebted to all the individuals mentioned above who have generously shared their wisdom and fearlessly questioned conventional practices in Second Language Acquisition. Their efforts have contributed to a greater understanding, acceptance, and utilization of CI methods in the classroom.

How it's going:

I'm still learning and growing. In fact, I'll never stop because I'm passionate about what I do. At this time (May 2023), I'm a member of Mike Peto's CI Master Class, and I'm looking forward to seeing him present his Summer Workshop this July in Ohio!

After taking a two-year break for medical reasons, I am going back into the classroom to teach high school Spanish levels 1 and 2. 

And, if what follows is your vibe, we should be friends:

I love telenovelas, crocheting, reading a good mystery or romance novel, and drinking chocolate milkshakes.