Teaching has always been a part of who I am. Even back in high school, I was the one friends came to when they needed help before a test. I loved sitting with them after class, breaking things down in simple ways, and seeing that spark of understanding when it finally clicked. That feeling — watching someone go from confused to confident — is what made me fall in love with teaching.

I graduated high school in the top three of my class, then went on to earn my Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Mathematics Education, graduating Summa Cum Laude and on the Dean’s List every semester. Throughout college, I tutored students from Kindergarten through 12th grade, which gave me a deep understanding of how differently every child learns — and how important it is to meet students where they are.

After college, I accepted an opportunity to teach abroad in India, where I worked with students from a wide range of learning backgrounds. That experience taught me how universal good teaching really is — no matter where you are, students thrive when they feel understood and supported.

When I returned home to Georgia, I began teaching math full-time in public schools, where I’ve now spent over five years in the classroom. I currently teach middle school math, serve as Math Department Chair, and have coached students who’ve gone on to win regional math competitions. I’ve also helped mentor new teachers and developed classroom strategies that are now used across my district.

But the moments that mean the most to me aren’t the awards or titles — they’re the breakthroughs. When a student who once said, “I’m just not good at math,” suddenly realizes they can do it after all.

Those moments are what inspired me to create Knowledge Works Academy — a place built on patience, connection, and real teaching. A place where students learn from qualified, experienced educators who know how to teach, not just assign work — because that’s what makes knowledge truly work.