For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
~ Psalm 139:13-14 (NIV)
Greetings! I am a retired physician and the founder, Provost, and Head Gamemaster of Epic Edventures STEEM Academy. I'm also a Classcraft Certified Educator Levels 1 & 2 and teach three of the dual-credit biology classes in our curriculum.
I earned my bachelors degree from Texas Tech University with a major in Zoology and a dual minor in Spanish and Biochemistry. I subsequently earned my doctorate of medicine from U.T. Southwestern Medical School before completing my post graduate residency training in Internal Medicine at Cabrini Medical Center in New York City.
With over 13 years of experience teaching medical, physician assistant and nurse practitioner students, as well as medical and surgical residents in a clinical academic setting, I have extensive knowledge of the medical field, particularly in the areas of Acute Care, Emergency Medicine and Trauma. I also have a strong understanding of the principles of Anatomy and Physiology and am comfortable teaching medical terminology, Clinical Microbiology, and Pathophysiology.
The alarming shortage of science teachers in the wake of the pandemic prompted me come out of retirement to teach high school Anatomy and Physiology. Ever the consummate entrepreneur with a love of technology, I was inspired to start my own virtual academy. It provides homeschoolers with an unique opportunity to not only earn college credit, but conduct interactive experiments in the same state-of-the-art virtual laboratories used by thousands of students at major colleges, universities and medical schools around the world, giving them the same competitive edge of many private and affluent public school students. Thus was born both the "teacherpreneur" and our academy!
During the 2022-2023 academic year, I taught high school Anatomy and Physiology in the public school system. My experience has helped me to develop strong communication and organizational skills, enabling me to effectively manage a classroom. This experience was invaluable in helping me become proficient in designing lesson plans, incorporating technology into the classroom, and creating engaging learning experiences. I also discovered the power of game-based learning.
I have a passion for teaching and love to share my knowledge. My approach to teaching is to give students a solid foundation of knowledge, while also helping them to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. I believe my experience and enthusiasm for teaching can help students to reach their full potential and inspire them to become life-long learners.
I have continued to maintain a professional relationship with my alumni UT Southwestern Medical School, and recently participated in their annual Science Teachers Access to Resources at Southwestern (STARS) Summer Camp programs for both Anatomy and Physiology (June 2023) as well as Biotechnology (July 2023). These teacher externships offer a professional development experience that is often transformative for educators and their students. With this unique first-hand experience, teachers can design and implement classroom activities and projects that are engaging and collaborative.
I believe one of the things that most distinguishes our STEEM academy is my ability to leverage my professional contacts with the medical and science community by offering frequent live webinars featuring guest speakers from their respective area of expertise. The ensuing Q&As afford student unique opportunities to network for future shadowing opportunities and mentorship!
A few of my colleagues of the Science Department at South Oak Cliff High School, 2022-2023 School year. My first and last year teaching in the public school system. Grateful for the opportunity and experience. It set me on my current tragetory.
Group photo of our 2 week long UT Southwestern Medical Center STARS Anatomy & Physiology 2023 Summer Camp. This experience was incredibly uplifting & career changing—thanks to the leadership of the 2 Master Teachers & the camaraderie & support of the 7 other participating A&P teachers from around North Texas & the DFW metroplex; not to mention these 30+ talented & gifted students who so generously & eagerly gave of themselves to allow us an opportunity to perfect & hone our skills.
A few of my colleagues of the Science Department at South Oak Cliff High School, 2022-2023 School year. My first and last year teaching in the public school system. Grateful for the opportunity and experience. It set me on my current tragetory.
On a more personal note, my hobbies and interests include skiing, scuba diving, hobie cat sailing, micro-homesteading, photography, history, and watching Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Adventure movies and TV series. I have the wanderlust gene and have visited more than 23 countries.
According to multiple versions of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) test, I have the INTJ Personality Type, sometimes referred to as “the Architect” or “the Scientist,” “the Strategist,” or “the Mastermind.” INTJs are introspective, analytical, and strategic, often characterized by their high standards, innovative ideas, independence, and strong desire for competence and knowledge. They are typically drawn to the STEM fields, and make great scientists, engineers, mathematicians, teachers, judges, and lawyers.
According to multiple assessments, I lean toward a democratic or participative style of leadership. I tend to set the parameters for the work and have the final say on decisions, but I actively involve my team members in the process. Nonetheless, I believe in a healthy dose of autonomy and don't like to micromanage.
Marley and me.