Sonia's Page

Personal

I was born in the Calabria region of Italy. I arrived in the United States when I was about 10 years old and became a citizen when I turned 17. I went to school at Fordham, majoring in biology.

Travel

I really like to travel. I especially enjoy observing wildlife. I've spent time in Italy (obviously), Gambia, Senegal, Mali, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt, Greece, France, South Africa, and the Virgin Islands, as well as a good number of the United States.

One of my favorite places is Hawaii. I love visiting the 'Big' island (Hawaii) in part, because of my interest in geology. When I was there is 1994, I witnessed the spectacular sight of red lava flowing into the ocean -- an unforgetable experience. When I was there in 1997, I walked on fresh lava that was less than five weeks old. Each of the islands has its own special charm. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be.... (nah, too hard to pick just one!)

I've been to Hawaii three times already, but I'm ready to go again!

Family

I have three wonderful (well, most of the time) children and I'm married to a computer nerd (although he prefers the term WebMaster). Most of the family is into technology, as the family web page attests to.

Teaching

My first regular teaching job was with the Peace Corps in The Gambia, West Africa. During my two years in The Gambia, I taught general science, biology and gardening. By living in a completely different culture, I learned a great deal about people, customs, the reasons why people do things, and how much we really all have in common.

Before moving to Mount Laurel in 1988, my family and I lived just outside Washington, D.C. where I taught in the Prince George's County school system.

Here in New Jersey, I've taught at Lenape High School, among others.

In the spring of 1999, I developed several web-based lessons on eelgrass, hydrothermal vent communities, and the Antarctic marine ecosystem.