Alumni Spotlight:

What I Do Now: As the district director of world languages and social studies in the Niskayuna Central School District, I work closely with teachers, administrators and staff to support students across every stage of their educational journey. From kindergarten classrooms to students earning college credit before graduation, my role centers on ensuring that instruction remains meaningful, rigorous and responsive to student needs. Today’s students face challenges that extend far beyond academics – mental health concerns, family stressors and a rapidly shifting world all shape how learning happens. My job is to help our educators navigate that reality by providing support, guidance and advocacy. At its center, my work is about being a voice for others when they need one and helping create systems where both students and teachers can thrive.

How the Hartwick Experience Impacted My Professional Life: My time at Hartwick didn’t just broaden my worldview – it essentially shaped how I lead today. Growing up in a small town, I had exposure to travel and new experiences, but Hartwick was where cultural exchange became personal. I was surrounded by people from different countries, backgrounds and belief systems, many of whom shared common interests but approached the world in entirely different ways. That environment challenged my assumptions and taught me the value of curiosity, empathy and listening before leading. Those experiences directly influence my work as a district director of world language and social studies. In this role, I’ve been able to leverage my own cultural exposure – through travel, J Term opportunities, athletics and relationships built at Hartwick – to help reimagine what cultural learning looks like in public schools. Whether it’s expanding global course offerings, strengthening world language pathways, creating opportunities for students to engage with authentic cultural experiences or encouraging interdisciplinary connections between history, language and lived experience, my goal is to move culture from the margins of curriculum to its center. Hartwick instilled in me the belief that education is at its best when it pushes students beyond what is familiar and comfortable. That belief now drives my work every day – helping students not just learn about the world, but understand their place within it and experience it. That same foundation also led me to complete my first historical novel, “The Bones of Saint-Sauveur,” which is rooted in French history and culture. Writing the novel became another extension of what Hartwick instilled in me: the belief that stories – academic, cultural, and human – are essential tools for understanding the world and our place within it.

Challenges in the Field: One of the greatest challenges in public education today is how quickly the landscape of learning is changing. Students do not learn the same way they did even five years ago, let alone when many veteran educators began their careers. Instructional strategies, engagement tools and student needs are evolving at an unprecedented pace. Teachers want to do right by their students, but they’re often asked to adapt without being given the time or tools necessary to do so. Add to that the rapid growth of AI and educational technology, and the field becomes both exciting and yet easily overwhelming. A major focus of my work is helping teachers stay ahead of these shifts so our students are not left behind – finding ways to blend innovation with sound practice in a thoughtful, human-centered way.

My Favorite Aspect of My Career: What I love most is the range. I get to work with students just beginning their educational journey and with others who are preparing to leave high school, having already completed college-level coursework. I work with students who need significant support and with those who are constantly asking, “What else can I do?” No two days feel the same and no two students are the same – and that’s the point. That variety keeps the work grounded, challenging and incredibly rewarding.

My Advice for Current Students: Say yes – often. Looking back on my time at Hartwick, there were plenty of days when I felt overwhelmed by everything I had committed to: classes, sports, clubs, volunteering, traveling, or even helping art students by sitting in a chair for a project. At the time, it felt like a lot. Now, those moments are the memories that matter most. The people you meet, the conversations you have and the experiences you share become the foundation for who you are long after graduation. Shake hands. Say hello. Smile. Be present. Soak it in. Real life is hard – but your time on the Hill is something special. Take advantage of it. You won’t regret it.