From Teacher to Creator: My Path to Adulting 101
Hi, I’m Jessica – and I’m here to help you prepare students for life beyond high school with practical, ready-to-use resources on postsecondary education, employment, and independent living.
You’re here because you want to give your students real, relevant skills to thrive in the world ahead. My resources are created to save you time, engage your students, and make a lasting impact on their futures.
You’re in the Right Place If:
You’re a general educator looking to integrate life skills into your teaching. My resources can fit nicely into your content area, either building on your lessons or providing a nice change of pace, making it easier for you to embed valuable skills without sacrificing your core curriculum.
You’re a special educator focused on helping students craft and achieve their Individualized Transition Plans (ITPs). My lessons are built to support you with adaptable, high-interest activities that help students explore their strengths and build confidence in their future.
You’re an adult educator working with students who are actively navigating the complexities of adulthood. I provide relevant, practical tools to help your students manage the steps of their unique journeys—whether that’s pursuing education, landing a job, or living independently.
You’re a homeschooling parent looking to cover those vital adulting skills along with the core content. My resources give you ready-to-go activities and lessons so you can introduce these life skills without needing to build everything from scratch.
My goal is to support you with resources that simplify your students' path to independence. Whether they’re managing finances, exploring career paths, or planning for postsecondary education, my ready-made lessons and activities are designed to make teaching “adulting” easier and more engaging for your students.
About Me
With over 20 years in education, I’ve worn many hats—special education teacher, adult education instructor, general educator, and teacher trainer. I got my start teaching high school special education in a bustling urban district, where I quickly learned to adapt lessons for a variety of learners. Later, I transitioned into adult education, helping students earn diplomas and reach their career goals. Through these experiences, I discovered how essential it is to bring life skills directly into the classroom, helping students at all stages of life navigate the transition to independence.
I’ve spent years crafting high-interest, practical content that resonates with teens and adults alike. My passion for meaningful learning fuels every lesson I create, ensuring each resource is relevant, realistic, and ready to make a difference in your classroom.
My work is personal—my own passions shine through in every lesson I design. I’m an outdoors enthusiast and feel most at home near the water. Whether I’m swimming, sailing, paddleboarding, or just walking along the beach, the ocean inspires me. That’s why my logo features a compass rose, a nod to both maritime roots and the idea of “navigating” adulthood. When I’m not working or outdoors, I’m reading, watching Schitt’s Creek, or hiking.
Let’s Connect
I’d love to support you in preparing students for life beyond high school. Here are a few ways to dive in:
Start with a Free Resource: Postsecondary Pathways Bingo – A fun, engaging way to explore postsecondary options with your students.
Check Out My Bestselling Resource: Postsecondary Education & Training Options – A comprehensive guide to help students understand and compare their educational paths.
Connect with Me: Have questions or need additional support? Feel free to reach out via email.
I’m excited to partner with you in helping students confidently step into adulthood!
Origin Story: A Little More About Why I Do What I Do
When I was a new teacher, still figuring things out, I met a student who changed my entire approach to education. Let’s call her Maya. She was incredibly bright but struggled with a significant reading disability that had caused her issues since elementary school. By her junior year, Maya was barely hanging on and close to not graduating.
Even though I barely knew what I was doing myself, I couldn’t just stand by. So, I got involved—really involved. I visited her home, worked with her family and other teachers, and advocated with the school administration. We did everything we could: summer school, Saturday sessions, tutoring, credit recovery—you name it.
Against the odds, Maya walked across the stage on graduation day, holding her diploma tight. The pride on her face is something I’ll never forget. It felt like a huge victory (for both of us!).
But just three weeks later, Maya came back to my classroom, lost and unsure about what to do next. In all my efforts to get her to graduation, I had missed a crucial step—I hadn’t prepared her for what came after. She didn’t know where she would live, work, or how to take care of herself. All the basics of adulting—like finding an apartment, getting a car, or what to do if she got sick—were completely new to her. She was adrift.
That was a wake-up call for me. I realized that my job didn’t end at graduation; I needed to help my students prepare for life beyond it. Inspired by Maya’s story, I’ve dedicated my career to doing just that. Through "Life Beyond High School," my goal is to make sure that no student feels lost or unprepared for the next chapter of their lives.