I grew up in the Canadian province of Ontario and later in the state of Minnesota in the USA. To give you an idea of the climate, it’s very similar to Moscow. Learning has always been important to me throughout my life. I have traveled a good deal and always keep an open mind about the world. I just recently spent 3 weeks in Moscow and had a wonderful time! I began my career in education six years ago and have worked with students from the age of 4 years up to 18. Much of these six years were spent working in special education where I provided a wide spectrum of services to children, whether that be enrichment for gifted and talented students, focused academic help for students with specific learning delays, or behavioral support for students who’s struggles were not primarily academic . I also have my teaching license in secondary social studies and recently completed a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Besides working in schools, I have done private tutoring in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Additionally, I am very familiar with the Montessori philosophy. I have read and studied a number of Maria Montessori’s books, I was a long term sub at a Montessori school in St. Paul, and my partner is a Montessori director and has passed on much knowledge to me about the Montessori method. As an individual I would describe myself as a curious and thoughtful person. Education and curiosity about the world drives me. I am always looking to learn new things and skills through either formal education, or through other less formal means. I am never at a loss for exciting and interesting things to explore and do, and I always take advantage of what’s around me. My many diverse hobbies speak to this. I am happy to say this quality also seems to inspire people around me. I strive to be a thoughtful person. I build strong connections with my students and others in my life. This makes my life and work more meaningful and successful. It makes me a happier person and has allowed me to develop many close acquaintances and lifelong friends. Hobbies and Interests: I have an intense love for music. I have an extensive vinyl and digital collection and during undergrad college I was a DJ and the assistant music director at the college radio station, KVSC. I always look forward to shows and checking out local bands. I also have played guitar for many years and am hoping to pick up the viola again after a long hiatus. Another hobby of mine is woodworking and furniture building and restoration. I have been trained in cabinetry and I use those skills to build and restore mid-century and modern furniture. I am also a member of a local woodshop cooperative where I get great inspiration from other creators in my community. A developing hobby of mine is vintage motorcycles. I currently own three small bikes from the 1960s. I love riding them around Minneapolis and I am learning a little bit about classic motorcycle maintenance. Lastly, I am an avid reader with a passion to learn. Although I enjoy a good fiction book, I mostly focus my time on history and political science. I actually have a great curiosity about contemporary Russian affairs and took a number of courses in college on politics and modern history of Russia and the former Soviet states. When I get a job in Moscow, I will be excited to learn the Russian language! Additional Information: Although I am not currently living in Moscow I believe the transition would come much easier for me than most people. My significant other already lives in Moscow, working as a director at a Montessori school. I would be fortunate to have him help in the acclimation process. This would make housing, getting around, and learning the language much easier. Also, I have visited and spent a fair amount of time in Moscow. As a result I have a good concept of what the city is like. Additionally, I come from a state with very similar weather. Long winters are nothing new to me. Just last week Minneapolis had a day that was -29 degrees Celsius. Yikes! I am motivated to relocate to Moscow for the right position and could make a quick move over.