Author/Presenter
My current work is a four-book series about the four seasons and life in the Great Smoky Mountains. Spring in the Smokies is a hybrid book. The narrative features a young character who experiences a slower paced world from the vantage point of rural North Carolina. The hybrid feature includes flora and fauna from that region including the infamous ramps.
I also write flash fiction, poetry, and where ever my pen takes me. Some of my favorite author's tools can be found soon on a Writer's page. |
Consultant/Coach
If you are looking for a practical approach with a work smarter feel for your staff development, you have found it! I am experienced in District wide, school-wide, and small group presentations and personalization for your needs. Finding what works for your group is my key focus. with over 24 years of teaching and staff development experience, I have an excellent tool box to support you. Contact me to get started. |
We offer:
*First person historical portrayals *Website development *Curriculum *Professional development *Educational event planning *Online and print publication services *Skype counseling and coaching 
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Current Professional Connections and Accolades
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I am a Tall Poppy!
It's funny how life is one eternal round. When I was a little girl my grandmother used to take me along with her to the VFW where I would help her collect donations for veterans by offering these amazing little paper poppies. I can remember even offering my only penny to have my own. My grandma's love and name are still with me. My life's work and ambitions have led me across the planet quite a few times. As a 25 year educator and literacy coach, my love of learning has opened many doors with a few more at least ajar. I have had the profound opportunity to work with a wide array of professionals both inside and outside of education. On this journey, I have come to some significant conclusions about how we learn and how we can become happier and more productive beings. Whether it's in a classroom or in the workplace, we all need similar avenues for ways of work. In that light, I have found important truths about productivity and development. My specialty is in psychometics - the study of data and all available key elements to derive best practices for growth. I am a technology enthusiast always seeking for the ideal tools to enhance productivity and learning. From my vantage point, I have had the pleasure to serve and grow in a variety of capacities.
But what about that Tall Poppy thing Michelle, you ask? Well, I happen to be over 6 feet tall. Loving poppies as I do plus being tall led me on a random online "tall poppy" search. In return, I discovered this is an Australian term for high achievers. Each year the Aussies recognize their "Tall Poppies" with a lavish award ceremony. It's a great thing to be a Tall Poppy! Contrary to the Tall Poppies is the Tall Poppy Syndrome - those who envy and strive to cut down the Tall Poppies of the world. Don't let them!
I hope you enjoy your literacy journey with me and hope you will check back often. If I may serve you through my workshops or student support, please let me know. This is my life's work and my goal is to lift literacy throughout our world.
But what about that Tall Poppy thing Michelle, you ask? Well, I happen to be over 6 feet tall. Loving poppies as I do plus being tall led me on a random online "tall poppy" search. In return, I discovered this is an Australian term for high achievers. Each year the Aussies recognize their "Tall Poppies" with a lavish award ceremony. It's a great thing to be a Tall Poppy! Contrary to the Tall Poppies is the Tall Poppy Syndrome - those who envy and strive to cut down the Tall Poppies of the world. Don't let them!
I hope you enjoy your literacy journey with me and hope you will check back often. If I may serve you through my workshops or student support, please let me know. This is my life's work and my goal is to lift literacy throughout our world.
The Poppies
Poppies have a special historical significance. After World War I, the battlefield of Flanders Field in France was covered with Buddy Poppies. Where there had been so much death and destruction, poppies thrived. This is a powerful analogy of perseverance and endurance. Life's challenges can be overwhelming. Yet we must find our poppy moment, our poppy strength to endure. To obtain a nice lesson plan about Flanders Field, click here. To support our veterans, please donate when you can. Look for the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW on Memorial Day. Click here to learn more.
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Personals
My Mantra
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13 *Mother of four and worker bee *Proud grandmother of three beautiful boys *Clemson University Lady Tiger -basketball * All State North Carolina basketball - 1978 *Aspiring green thumb and fairy gardener *Crochet finger twiddler - DAR state winner 2012 *Proud member of: Daughters of the American Revolution United Daughters of the Confederacy American Legion Auxiliary *Senior State Curator, Children of the American Revolution (2011-2012) * War Between the States Reenacter * Webmaster / spinner and graphic designer *President, Leon County Reading Council (2011-2013) |
