I am a public elementary school teacher and historian.

I’ve taught at Children’s Workshop School, in Manhattan’s East Village, since 2000. I am also the author of Brooklyn’s Barren Island: A Forgotten History (History Press: 2019).

I have pursued many original projects, both independently and with my elementary students. I’m especially interested in place-based history, as explored in the different sections of this website. I’ve found that teaching this way grabs students’ attention and connects them with their community. Plus, it allows me to indulge my own sometimes idiosyncratic interests in the classroom!

I have a B.A. in history from Oberlin College, an M.S.Ed. in elementary education from Bank Street College of Education, and an M.A. in history from Brooklyn College.

I am also an avid crossword solver (and American Crossword Puzzle Tournament rookie award winner in 2016!) and owner of two turtles and a cat. I live with my family in Brooklyn.