Being an educator means not only wearing many hats—it means becoming a master multitasker, especially in non-traditional learning environments. My time at the San Diego Zoo taught me the value of engaging learners of all ages, often in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, what you think is fascinating gets overshadowed by the simplest things—like squirrels stealing the spotlight from the endangered species you’re trying to teach about. And when your classroom is a moving double-decker bus, the teachable moments can happen anywhere. Later, at La Jolla Playhouse, I learned that the show must always go on. Working with youth in a fast-paced theatrical setting taught me to improvise, adapt, and stay flexible—valuable skills I now carry into every program, classroom, and curriculum I design.
I also have a personal connection to USS Midway Museum’s mission. Both of my grandfathers served abroad during World War II, and my father also served in the U.S. Army. While I’m still learning the finer points of naval history, I vividly remember how the Gulf War shaped my early understanding of the world. That moment left a lasting imprint, one that has echoed throughout my own academic work, on public memory, memorials and historical trauma. These experiences have shaped my commitment to making military and wartime history more accessible to young people—not just as facts to memorize, but as lived stories that resonate across generations.
I earned my Ph.D. in drama and theatre from University of California San Diego, where I studied memory, performance, and the ways we carry history in public spaces. Today, I also teach in the School of Teacher Education at San Diego State University, where I lead a course on arts-integrated teaching methods. My work, whether in museums, classrooms, or theater spaces, has always centered on the belief that education is most powerful when it’s immersive, inclusive and grounded in human connection.
These foundational experiences, rooted in informal education, have shaped my path for over two decades. I’ve led programs across museums, schools, arts organizations and community nonprofits, all with a focus on storytelling, curiosity, and making learning feel relevant and alive. Now, as director of education at Midway, I’m reconnecting with a familiar and motivating environment: one that encourages meaningful engagement with history, community and one another.
Beyond its impressive size and its history as a historic humanitarian naval vessel, what drew me to Midway was its dedication to honoring lived experiences through immersive education experiences. From STEM programs and youth leadership opportunities to the Midway Institute for Teachers and interactive onboard exhibits, this ship doesn’t just preserve history—it brings it to life in meaningful and personal ways. At Midway, I’m eager to support and grow our outstanding programming. Whether it’s strengthening partnerships with schools and nonprofits for our onboard classes, expanding professional development opportunities for educators, or reaching underserved communities with our leadership programs, I see education as key to our shared mission to inspire and educate future generations.
In my short time aboard, I’ve already witnessed what makes this place so special is the passion of our staff, the knowledge and heart of our docents, and the energy of visitors who come from all over the world to experience the ship. It’s an honor to be part of an organization that values service, storytelling and hands-on learning. Joining Midway means joining a legacy—a legacy of innovation, impact and shared purpose. I’m deeply honored to be part of it, and I look forward to sharing stories and updates from Midway education with you in each edition of “Currents.”
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