My name is Jill and I am a caring, simple and unique human who loves to learn about new things. It’s always a good day when I spend time with my husband, friends and family, especially when I make my niece and nephews laugh. I collect pins from places I visit, stamps and postcards, and I enjoy participating in a postcard exchange at www.postcrossing.com. I also love walking along the beach and looking for sea glass and seashells. I love to travel and wish I had more of an opportunity to see the world.
I have been a high school English teacher since September 2001. I teach English 11 (British Literature), Journalism, and Advanced Journalism. I am also the advisor for the school’s newspaper and yearbook. I was named Teacher of the Year for my school in 2015 and 2004. I am Vice President of the Garden State Scholastic Press Association, I received my Bachelor’s degree in English in May 2001 from Rutgers University, and my Masters in Curriculum, Instruction and Technology from Nova Southeastern University in 2005. In 2013, I was accepted as a fellow at the Reynolds High School Journalism Institute at Kent State University, and those 12 days changed my life.
My writing has been published in Jersey Shore Magazine (2015 Spring, 2014 Fall, 2014 Spring), The Hamilton Times, Everywhere Magazine Issue 4, School Leader Magazine and American Cheerleader Magazine.
My photographs and video have been published in/seen on: WABC-7 New York, WCBS-2 New York, News 12 NJ, Philly.com, Philadelphia Inquirer, NJ.com, The Fisherman, Newsworks, Brick Shorebeat, Jersey Shore Hurricane News, Jersey Shore Magazine (2015 Spring, 2014 Fall, 2014 Spring), Point Pleasant Beach Chamber of Commerce Tourism Guide (2015, 2014, 2007), Jersey Shore Vacation-LBI, Jersey Shore Vacation-Monmouth/Ocean County, “Her Beautiful Monster” (novel” by Mandi Bean), The Manchester Times, Manchester Patch, Homes and Land Magazine, Asbury Park Press, The Coast Star, The Ocean Star, Ocean County Observer, Ocean First Bank Calendar (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), Friends of Melbourne Beach Library Calendar (2010, 2011), Birds and Bloom Daily Planner (2010)
My favorites…
Music: Anything by The Cure, Sting, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Coldplay, Jack Johnson, New Order
Soda: Pibb Xtra
Color: Aqua Blue
Restaurant: Frankie’s in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Places: Osborne Avenue Beach in Bay Head, NJ and Sebastian Inlet State Park, Florida
Things: Anything beachy with starfish, shells or waves, Alex & Ani bracelets, and postcards. I am a huge fan of surf and coastal culture.
Books: “This I Know” by Susannah Conway, “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding, “And You Know You Should Be Glad” and “Be True to Your School” by Bob Greene, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “Stern Men” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “Dubliners” by James Joyce
TV Shows: Seinfeld, The Big Bang Theory, Cheers, Barney Miller, Spongebob Squarepants
Movies: Star Wars (original Trilogy), Ghostbusters 1 and 2, Coming to America, Animal House, Tommy Boy, The Replacements, Tombstone, Talladega Nights, Anchorman, Major League, Dave, The Breakfast Club, Rocky IV, Point Break, Finding Nemo, Aladdin, Popeye, Some Kind of Wonderful, Airplane!
Living 44 