Originally from New Jersey, Julie started her career as an elementary teacher to carry on her father’s legacy (a high school teacher of 50+ years). She has taught in New York City, Delhi, India, and, most recently, Michigan. A graduate of University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, Julie holds a B.A. in Elementary Education, an M.A. in Literacy Studies, and is a certified reading specialist and literacy coach.

Julie has led national professional development workshops on empowering, student-centered literacy and social studies curriculum and teaches preservice teachers at the University of Michigan. In 2022, her external curriculum was listed on the Pulitzer Center’s Top Ten Lesson Plans of the Year. She integrates her previous experience with her work at Stand as a Curriculum Designer for Great First Eight K-2 as part of the Center for Early Literacy and Learning Success team. Outside of work, Julie loves spending time with her kids, doing yoga with her family, and swimming in Lake Michigan.