Dear Pete Mirich Community,

I am excited to be joining the Pete Mirich Community as the interim principal. For the last 15 years, I have served in public education as an elementary teacher, dean of students, STEAM facilitator, innovation coach, and mentor coordinator. I strongly believe that the key to a successful school is inspiring every child to achieve their highest potential and that inspired and confident children will be better prepared for success in school and beyond. I am excited to continue to serve in education as Interim Principal of Pete Mirich Elementary, where students will have access to quality educational opportunities.

I believe in the power of relationships. Strong, meaningful connections are the cornerstone of effective learning. It's essential that every student who enters our school feels welcomed, safe, and valued. Classrooms and peer connections flourish when guided by caring adults who are intentional in teaching students the importance of community. You’ll see me regularly—before and after school, in hallways, classrooms, and the dining hall—greeting students and families. For me, connecting with students is the most rewarding part of my day.

I believe in creating impactful learning experiences. As educators, our role is to design and facilitate engaging and relevant learning opportunities that connect students to the world beyond the classroom. While learning can sometimes be challenging, every student should experience growth, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. Our goal is to see each student achieve at least one year’s growth, ensuring that they are continually progressing.

I believe in the importance of reflection and continuous improvement. Life is a journey of learning and growth. By reflecting on past experiences, I gain insight into current challenges and better prepare for future opportunities. This reflective mindset drives me to listen, understand, and make thoughtful decisions that lead to daily improvements.

I believe in shared leadership. Our school thrives when staff, families, and the broader community work together toward a common vision of learning, leading, and growing. I value the voices of all stakeholders—teachers, parents, support staff, and community members—and recognize their vital role in our school’s success. I am committed to modeling collaboration, encouraging open dialogue, making collective decisions, and fostering an environment where respectful disagreement can lead to positive outcomes.I am fortunate to be a part of the Pete Mirich Community as the interim principal. As a team and community, we make the difference.