About Me | Applied Digital Lear

Where It All Started

If Hermione Granger and Leslie Knope co-taught beginner band, I think they’d understand where I’m coming from: a deep love for learning, an unreasonable number of color-coded binders, and a calling to fight fiercely for every kid who walks through the door.

My journey started in Mansfield, Texas, where my high school band director, Todd Dixon, changed my life by showing me what true belief in a student looks like. He taught me that hard work and heart matter more than talent alone—and that good teaching can change the trajectory of a life. I carry that legacy with me every day.

Becoming a Music Educator

I earned my music education degree from the University of North Texas in 2010. It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever done. I worked full-time—sometimes more—while going through school. At one point, a professor told me I should quit because I was “too poor” to make it work. I used that experience to motivate myself to work hard and instead I graduated and was one of the first students in my class to get a full time teaching job. That moment lit a fire in me to become the teacher who never makes a student feel that way. I made it through, and that struggle continues to shape my empathy and advocacy in the classroom.

One of the highlights of my early teaching career was being selected as a winner of Scott Lang’s Be Our Guest at Midwest contest in 2016, which gave me the opportunity to attend the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago—a life-changing experience that deepened my love for professional growth and music education.

Preparing for a North Texas Game Day!

My Teaching Journey So Far

Since 2010, I’ve taught band in Madisonville CISD, Castleberry ISD, and currently Northwest ISD, where I co-direct middle school band with the very same mentor who guided my student teaching. It’s a full-circle story I’ll never stop appreciating.

My classroom runs on three things: laughter, structure, and compassion. I’m not just teaching scales and concert music; I’m teaching teamwork, perseverance, and humanity.

Why Grad School? Why Now?

Graduate school has always been on my bucket list—not to prove anything to others, but to show myself that I could do it. When my teaching role shifted a few years ago, I realized I needed to expand my options and take a leap.

I chose Lamar University’s Applied Digital Learning program because I love using technology to make learning more meaningful and accessible. I’m especially passionate about curriculum design, student-centered learning, and helping both teachers and students thrive in tech-enhanced classrooms. This degree isn’t the end goal—it’s just the next step.

What Comes Next

After finishing my master’s, I plan to pursue a doctorate in Educational Technology. My dream is to continue designing innovative learning experiences, advocating for educational equity, and helping other teachers integrate tech with purpose.

This path hasn’t always been easy—but it’s always been worth it. I’m not done learning. And I wouldn’t want to be.