About Us

In my position at PETA, I lead our efforts toward animal-free science classrooms by creating models like the Kind Frog, presenting teacher workshops, authoring research papers published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, and providing media interviews to spread the word that animals are someone. 

Throughout my teaching career, I’ve incorporated animal issues into classroom lessons. I’ve witnessed reluctant readers become motivated after learning about the plight of animals. I’ve also seen apathetic students with difficult behavior issues become the fiercest protectors of animals. Kids love animals, and we can use this inclination to help them not only learn academic content but also develop compassion.

As a former classroom teacher, I’m well aware of the demands placed on educators as well as their daily stresses. I also know that there are many teachers who understand that bringing animal issues into their classroom has great benefits to animals and children alike. Teachers have so little time these days, and in many cases, so little freedom to include “extra” lessons on anything that isn’t in the mandated curriculum. So I’m here to help you! Our lessons and other resources help you teach academic skills and foster empathy for animals simultaneously (we like to call that “feeding two birds with one scone”).

Here at TeachKind, I create lessons, conduct teacher workshops and classroom presentations, collaborate with schools and other organizations, and correspond with educators who want to make a difference for animals. Don’t hesitate to contact me for help with incorporating animal issues into your curriculum, and please share with us the great lessons that you create on your own.

I look forward to working with you.

My experience growing up on a small farm with cows, pigs, and chickens in rural northern Florida played a significant role in developing my view of animals as fellow sentient beings. I have been vegan since 2009 and have advocated for animal rights all my life. I am certified as a vegan lifestyle coach and educator and received my certification in plant-based nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies. I also serve on the board of the Tallahassee Vegan/Vegetarian Community.

My role at PETA combines my advocacy for animal rights with my background in science education and policy. I provide teachers, school districts, state education agencies, and legislative bodies with support and guidance in developing humane education policies to end animal exploitation in schools, especially in science classes, which often use animals in the curriculum. Children and teenagers have a natural empathy for animals, and it’s very rewarding to help schools promote compassion for all sentient beings by implementing policies that foster and guide that natural empathy to make the world a better place for all of us.

During school, I found myself gravitating towards science, but I knew that I never wanted to harm animals in the process. Luckily, I was surrounded by people who helped me find my voice in the classroom, so that I did not have to go against my beliefs. I was able to graduate with my bachelor’s in biology without ever dissecting an animal! I knew that to continue my career with something fulfilling, I wanted to find a way to help animals and be that voice for students to succeed. As a student, I know how important it is to keep empathy and compassion alive in the classroom, because they translate into how we treat all living beings. Being a part of TeachKind allows me to continue helping animals in any way I can.

I’ve always had a passion for children and education, and I’m thrilled to be able to combine that with PETA’s mission for animal rights in my role at TeachKind. I believe that creating a kinder world begins with children, and teaching them how to relate to the animals we share the world with is key to instilling compassion and empathy at an early age. I’m fortunate to work alongside some of the kindest people out there, and we’re all striving to support educators, schools, and parents in teaching young people to be kind to all animals, regardless of species. Contact TeachKind today if we can help in any way with your education needs!

In my role with PETA, I work with youth educators to coordinate and schedule presentations with TeachKind’s animatronic animals at elementary schools and youth programs throughout the country. I oversee the TeachKind tour team, which travels extensively in order to bring the message of empathy to young students everywhere.

I was born into a vegetarian family, went vegan in 2012, and have always had a deep desire to raise awareness of how our actions affect other animals while sharing how simple it can be to make a huge, positive difference. I’m overjoyed to be spending my days connecting with humane educators and working with them to help foster students’ natural compassion and empathy for all sentient beings.

I grew up in a family with many animal companions, and my parents were always ready to take in an animal in need. From an early age, this nurtured in me a deep love for all sentient beings and a strong desire to support and protect those who are exploited or cannot meet their own needs. After briefly pursuing what I thought would be an idyllic career caring for goats and making cheese from their milk, I quickly realized through studying the processes involved that there’s nothing compassionate about taking another animal’s milk. I went vegan and never looked back.

The opportunity to blend my love for all animals with the joy I find in connecting with children is what led me to TeachKind. I’m here to support teachers, kids, and families as they work to end speciesism. I consider it an honor to assist you and your students in creating a kinder world together, and I look forward to collaborating with you.

During my time as a health educator, I discovered my love for social media content creation and digital marketing. I realized that I could use my skills in these areas to help animals in my free time. I went on to create a blog and a TikTok account dedicated to informing people about how to care for their guinea pig and hamster companions. This project inspired me to follow my dream and pursue a full-time career helping animals. That’s when I found TeachKind and PETA Kids. 

My position allows me to stay involved in everything I care about most. Not only do I get to use what I’ve learned from my experience in education, I also get the opportunity to highlight my strengths in content creation, all while advocating for animals and a kinder future. I’m so grateful to be a part of a team that spreads compassion and encourages young people to stand up for what they believe in.

Recognizing that children have a special affinity for animals, I incorporated animal liberation lessons into my middle school critical thinking curricula. One of the most impactful moments for me as a teacher was when a student asked me, “Why aren’t we learning more about these important topics in school?” while we were writing an argumentative essay against vivisection. Educating children about speciesism is among the most important undertakings we can pursue.

Here at TeachKind, I am merging my two passions, animal liberation and education. I collaborate with teachers to bring humane education into the classroom, create secondary-level learning materials, coordinate projects, and facilitate TeachKind conferences.

My animal liberation awakening began when I became lucky enough to care for eight beautiful chickens. Having been touched by their sweet, chatty, empathetic nature, I realized that I could no longer be a part of any animal exploitation. All animals are precious sentient beings who deserve our respect.

Outside of daily routines, I can be found outreaching on behalf of animals, reading, hiking, preparing and sharing vegan, whole-foods based meals, and playing board games. My husband and I share our home with rescued animals who bring delight to us each and every day.

I look forward to collaborating with you.

Before stepping into this role, I had the joy of collaborating with PETA Kids to create fun, educational content alongside my kids, Dani and Lana. One of my favorite projects was 10 Questions Every Vegan Kid Gets Asked—a lighthearted video that answered common questions with kid-friendly humor. Working with my kids and PETA Kids to make these videos has been such a blast! I love seeing how content can spark curiosity and start conversations, helping kids and families connect, learn, and grow together. Through PETA Kids, we’re showing why compassion matters and encouraging families to embrace a lifestyle rooted in empathy.

I’m a proud grad of UMass Amherst and Northeastern University, but it’s the chapters I’ve written since then, as a mom and animal advocate, that means the most to me.

In my role with PETA, I respond to messages from children, parents, and educators across social media and email. Through PETA Kids and TeachKind, we provide thoughtful, engaging, and supportive communication that empowers others to help animals in their own lives.