Hello! My name is Vanessa Rivera but you can call me Ms. Vanessa. I am so excited to begin this journey of learning with all of you. I am passionate about teaching and learning. I believe they go hand in hand. My goal is to share my love of art, music, dance, reading, and writing with my students. It is my philosophy that the arts are as vital to a child's development as math and science are. I believe that critical thinking skills are created at an early age by allowing children to be creative and learn problem-solving skills in an organic classroom setting. 
I have a Bachelors Degree in Educational Studies majoring in Early Childhood Education. I have had the privilege of teaching and tutoring children for the last 7 years. I have discovered during this time that young children are capable of learning so much more than we ever thought possible. They are capable of teaching us adults more than a thing or two about life.