Who am I

Hi, I’m Ms. J, a math educator, curriculum designer, and someone who has spent a very long time trying to answer the question students love to ask: “Why do we even have to learn this?”

I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics and Computer Science, a Master’s degree in Curriculum Development, and I’m currently completing a PhD in Strengths-Based Development. I’ve also published research in SEL–STEM integration, exploring how confidence, emotional intelligence, and well-being shape the way students learn math and science.

But the truth is, my work didn’t start with degrees or research. It started in classrooms full of students who would look at a math problem and say things like, “I’m just bad at this,” or “I hate math,” or my personal favorite, “When am I ever going to use this in real life?”

And honestly? They weren’t wrong to ask.

So I decided to build lessons and resources that help students see how math connect ideas, and why a method works. My goal is to turn “this makes no sense” into “oh… wait… I get it now,” which is one of the best sounds a classroom can make.

My work blends strong mathematical thinking with thoughtful curriculum design and research from strengths-based and SEL-informed education. Everything I create is shaped by real classrooms, real students, and real moments of confusion that slowly turn into understanding. I design with both teachers and learners in mind, because I know what it’s like to be standing at the board thinking, “There has to be a better way to explain this.”

Alongside creating classroom resources, I also design and offer courses for educators who want to grow in how they teach and how they support their students. These focus on pedagogical development, integrating SEL with academic subjects like STEM, and building well-being and strengths-based practices into everyday teaching. If you’re interested in that side of my work, have a look around the main site, it’s all part of the same mission.

At the heart of it all, I care deeply about helping students and teachers feel capable and this space is where I share the tools I wish I had when I first started teaching.

And if along the way we can replace “I hate math” with “oh… that actually makes sense,” then we’re doing something right.