About Ms. Loch
I grew up in a wild area of the Hollywood hills that was filled with deer, coyotes, possums, raccoons, and the occasional mountain lion. I built tree houses, caught snakes, and played with tarantulas! My mom planted a vegetable garden each year, and my after-school snacks were things like sugar snap peas from the garden, or plums from our tree.
It's no wonder I grew up to be interested in the natural world! However, I also loved to sing and write music, so when I went to college, I studied music. Learning about how the world works kept pulling me in another direction and by the time I was done with school I had a degree in psychology, with an emphasis in primatology. After that, I earned an M.A. in human factors experimental psychology, which is a combination of science, technology, and human performance research.
During and after college, I participated in a variety of research projects on subjects as diverse as primate behavior, collision prevention systems for cars, medical error, and living conditions on the International Space Station. I also created e-learning for large research companies.
It's no wonder I grew up to be interested in the natural world! However, I also loved to sing and write music, so when I went to college, I studied music. Learning about how the world works kept pulling me in another direction and by the time I was done with school I had a degree in psychology, with an emphasis in primatology. After that, I earned an M.A. in human factors experimental psychology, which is a combination of science, technology, and human performance research.
During and after college, I participated in a variety of research projects on subjects as diverse as primate behavior, collision prevention systems for cars, medical error, and living conditions on the International Space Station. I also created e-learning for large research companies.
As much as I enjoyed research and training, I truly wanted to be teaching in the classroom. Back to school I went! This time earning my teaching credentials to teach elementary as well as high school biology and earth science.
Now starting my tenth year teaching, I'm happier than ever with my decision to enter the field! Helping students to develop critical skills and connect with their innate love of learning is one of my highest priorities. While I believe curriculum should be rigorous and challenging, when it's engaging, it will rarely feel overwhelming. I have lived in Santa Clarita more years than I'll admit. I still have a vegetable garden and lots of fruit trees! I have varied interests, but generally love music and traveling, particularly to wild places where I can observe the natural world. |