Hello from beautiful northern New Jersey!   I'm excited at the opportunity to continue to bring a love for learning to children after homeschooling my own children for the past 20 years.  Since 2017, I have taught over 5700 classes to Chinese students ages 3 to 15.    I have a BA degree in Elementary Education and English Writing (dual major) and an American Literature minor from William Paterson University in New Jersey. I have a New Jersey teaching license for grades K-8, and TESOL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certification. 

As my children grew, I did a lot of volunteer teaching which includes several years of teaching preschool/kindergarten VBS (Vacation Bible School) and Sunday school classes, as well as teaching Pioneer Girls. In each of these, I heavily incorporated arts, crafts and hands on participation into our curriculum. I also taught a Sunday school class for special needs children for five years. This experience has given me an understanding of children with learning and behavioral challenges. Preschool aged children have always held a special place in my heart in my teaching experience with VIPKID, and I have incorporated puppets, art, and a lot of humor into my online classroom with them with great results.  When I can get a belly laugh out of a student online, my whole day is made!  My teaching style is low pressure with lots of positive encouragement, as I strive to help every child feel that they have something valuable to contribute.  

When I was 12 years old, I discovered what would turn into my lifelong passion; antiques and history. In my early teens, I devoured every book in the library that I could find about antique dolls and toys.  When I grew into adulthood, I channeled my obsession into a business and since 1997, I have owned Suburban Treasure, an online antique and collectibles business.  I am also a professional antique doll restorationist.   

In addition, I am also a self taught artist and since 2004, have created art dolls in my studio "Spring Valley Studios Sasha Dolls".   My dolls have found their ways into collectors' homes all over the world!  

My childhood interests shaped my future career.  I realized in my own children that I very much wanted to foster in them that same love and desire for learning. I try to carry that passion into my classroom!    My heart is in preschool and kindergarten aged learners and I have discovered truly how much I love this age group as I have been teaching it almost exclusively here on Outschool!
I hope to see your child soon in the classroom!