Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I have been inspired to create a regulating and restorative small group learning environment so that children's individual needs, strengths, and interests can be supported. I am passionate about joining children on their path towards developing compassionate community, creative curiosity, and confident connections. I believe that academic, executive functioning, and social emotional differences are strengths that we are able to offer our society, not deficits!

How do you stay motivated?

I stay motivated for this impactful work in education reform because I am passionate about teaching children and advocating for change in education. As a teacher, I could no longer sustain the stressful environment of public schools or the ongoing use of outdated systems of power and conformity. I wanted to continue to do what I love, but on my terms. I now get to live a much more sustainable life, while also offering the same to children and families.

What would you do with the $25,000?

If I were to be awarded $25,000, I would use it to invest in our unique programming, curriculum, and student centered projects at North Bridge Microschool. I would also use this money to invest in additional avenues of education reform, such as my program 'Bound In Shadows' which offers 1:1 mentorship for teachers who are also hoping to leave the public education system and create their own microschool!