Allison grew up in Forest Grove and developed an early love of biology and the natural world. She earned a bachelor's degree in Biology from the University of San Francisco and a master’s degree in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Kansas before earning her Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon. Her research has taken her from studying frogs in the Philippines to investigating the genetics and evolution of fish, and later to developmental biology research at Oregon Health & Science University.

Throughout her academic career, Allison discovered that she especially enjoyed teaching and sharing science with students. After joining Swallowtail as the interim Agricultural Arts teacher, she became increasingly drawn to Waldorf education and its emphasis on hands-on learning, meaningful work, and a deep relationship with the natural world. In Agricultural Arts, Allison enjoys bringing together practical farm work and scientific curiosity. She hopes to give students opportunities to plant, harvest, cook, build, care for the land, and closely observe the living world around them while developing a sense of responsibility and stewardship.

Allison is especially excited to continue developing Swallowtail’s Agricultural Arts curriculum from first through eighth grade, creating experiences that grow with the students and connect farming, ecology, and science with the seasonal rhythms of the farm.

Outside of school, Allison enjoys gardening and spending time renovating her old house in Forest Grove. She is delighted to be part of the Swallowtail community and to help students develop curiosity, practical skills, and a lasting connection to the natural world.