Hello there!
Hi, I'm Andrea!
Early Childhood Educator · Curriculum Designer
I've always believed that the biggest impact an educator can have is in the earliest years of a child's school life. That's where the building blocks of learning are set and where a great teacher can spark a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Read more about my journey in early childhood education below.
Come Along With Me On My Journey
My journey started as I helped out in my mom’s in-home daycare when I was just 11 years old. From that moment, I knew teaching little ones was my calling. I went on to earn my undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University in Minnesota — one of the first teacher colleges in the state — and later completed my Master of Arts in Education with a focus in Curriculum & Literacy at the University of South Florida.
For 20 years, I taught in Pinellas County schools, spending the bulk of my career in kindergarten. I worked in a quiet neighborhood school as well as a more challenging school, where you truly had to have your “teaching chops.” Those years helped me grow as an educator and shaped my knowledge about the importance of connecting with each student in a safe and joyful classroom while working on academics.
In 2021, I founded “You Can Learn Now” in an effort to help more young learners and teachers. I am passionate about creating resources that assist other teachers in doing their best work and help students enjoy learning. I sell my resources on Teachers Pay Teachers, so my years of expertise and experience can live on in classrooms everywhere.
When I’m not creating lesson materials, you’ll find me spending time with my husband and our cats Cookie and Puddles.
A bit about my background:
- B.S. in Education — St. Cloud State University, Minnesota
- M.A. in Education (Curriculum & Literacy) — University of South Florida
- Teaching endorsements in Reading & ESOL
- 20+ years teaching (kindergarten focus)
- 28+ resources available on Teachers Pay Teachers
Meet You Can Learn Now "Co-Authors"
Say "hi" to Cookie
Meet Cookie, a dapper Tuxedo cat who takes his black and white look very seriously. Cookie brings the energy and curiosity to the household and is always investigating whatever Andrea is working on and occasionally "helping" by walking across the keyboard. Tuxedo cats are famous for their big personalities, and Cookie has plenty of that! He's a reminder that a little playfulness and a lot of curiosity are the two best ingredients for learning something new.
Say "hi" to Puddles
How about a cuddle from Puddles, a gorgeous Persian girl and the fluffiest member of the You Can Learn Now team? With her silky coat and sweet, calm personality, Puddles is the perfect study buddy and always happy to curl up nearby while Andrea creates new resources for your classroom. Persians are known for being gentle and loving, and Puddles is no exception. She's basically living proof that learning is best done in a cozy, comfortable space!
Our Design Partner
Brand + visual design by Traumen Glasberg
