My experiences as an educator, a parent, and as a student have shaped who I am and who I am becoming as a leader. As I reflect over the last twenty-three years in this profession I can identify several core characteristics that describe my leadership style, philosophy, and identity. Compassion and understanding are at the core of my identity, collaboration and advocacy are my leadership style, and my philosophy for learning is creativity and innovation. Connection and purpose are the driving force and binding matter that makes all of these characteristics work together for the greater good of students and families. I want to lead a culture of practice in the field of education where human connection and purpose are at the forefront of everything I do. Where the idea of public education is not the most important, but the people who work, learn and grow are the most important.