OUR DISTRICT IS THE RISING TIDE...

Throughout my entire career, I have been dedicated to the holistic development of young people. 


I am an educator with 25 years of experience teaching at the middle school, high school, and college levels.  I serve as the executive director of a nonprofit organization dedicated to exposing young people to college and careers in the creative fields.


This work is student-focused.  It always will be.  Our young people are facing a rapidly changing world, negative influences on their mental health, and forces that they are not aware of that plan to significantly reduce the resources necessary for them to thrive.   The work required to ensure that our children thrive needs to be Collaborative, Productive, and Student-centered




Autism is a condition that exists on a spectrum. In some children can be a diminished interest in other people's company. In others, it could be a complete lack of interaction with or awareness of other people.

Debunking myths about autism

  • Myth - Autism is a disease that needs to be cured

    Autism is a disorder, and it comes in many forms and levels of severity. It could be mild in one child, and severe in another. In any case, it isn't a disease for which we should find a cure. Rather, it's a condition families and their children need to learn to live with on a dialy basis. With the right coping mechanisms and care, we see significant change for the better.

  • Myth - Autism is caused by vaccines

    Nothing could be farther from the truth. Rotinely administered vaccines - those approved by the FDA - help the body build immunity against known diseases and visruses. They DO NOT cause autism. The true causes of autism are still unknown. Research points to several factors that may increase the probability of having a child with ASD, including biological, environmental, genetic, and others.

  • Myth - People with autism should live in institutions

    Simply put - no. Children and adults with ASD can live their lives within society, just like us. With the right care and rehabilitative treatment, ASD can be a disorder that one can have and still live a life with functional routines.

  • Myth - People with autism are dangerous and aggressive

    Even though children with severe ASD can show signs of aggression, the right program and daily care can help to minimize this behavior. This is why it's important for children with ASD who show signs of agression, to be in a caring envieonment that understands and meets their needs.