Hi All! 
My name is Ms. Hilton. I am a Wellness, Health, and Dance Fitness educator at Lincoln Park High School. This will be my second year teaching at LPHS.  Prior to teaching I received a Bachelor's of Science in Marketing from Eastern Illinois University (EIU). While instructing group fitness classes at EIU, I realized my passion for teaching and decided to return to school to pursue a degree in this field. I completed my Bachelor’s of Education (K-12) in Physical Education with a Health Endorsement at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU).  

My teaching experiences at LPHS have given me opportunities to engage with a variety of students from diverse backgrounds while incorporating Wall to Wall IB concepts such as inter-mindedness, multilingualism, intercultural understanding, and global engagement. My teaching philosophy focuses on student success in learning through an innovative, safe, and inclusive environment. My goal is to support students by meeting them where they are, promoting positive physical, social, emotional, and mental health.  Overall I want to provide students with the knowledge and skills to be physically active and engage in lifelong learning. 

Highlights of my professional career include the following: 
• Developed, designed, and created the LPHS Dance Fitness Elective-2020
• Scheduled to present a virtual dance session for practitioners at Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (IAHPERD) State Convention-2020
• Accepted to present on Self-Determination Theory at Society of Health and Physical Education (SHAPE) America National Convention in Salt Lake City, UT-2020
• Created the LPHS Varsity Poms Team, placed 2nd at CPS Citywide Cheer and Dance Championship, competed at Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Sectionals, and performed at the Chicago Elite Classic, among other events - 2019
• Participated in the CPS New Hire Cohort-2019
• Presented dance sessions for practitioners at IAHPERD State Convention-2017, 2018, 2019 
• Selected as the Physical Education Student Speaker at the Student Teacher and Mentor Reception at NEIU-2019 
• Nominated for the SHAPE America Major of the Year-2019 
• Presented a research poster presentation at SHAPE America National Convention in Tampa, FL-2019 
• Accepted for a student works-in-progress research poster presentation at SHAPE America National Convention in Nashville, TN-2018 
• Organized the first NEIU Fitness Fest-2017, 2018

Due to my background in dance, athletics, and interest in fitness, I became certified, and currently teach group fitness classes at Midtown Athletic Club. When I am not teaching at LPHS, I can most likely be found working out in the gym teaching group fitness, taking spin, yoga, Zumba classes, or outdoors running or biking. I enjoy traveling, hiking, and pretty much anything that deals with staying active and being outdoors with friends and my dog. When the seasons change and we get our Chicago winter weather, I tend to tap into my more creative side, and enjoy crocheting and making new designs with my Cricut. Music and dance have always played a big part in my life. This past year, I created the LPHS Varsity Poms Team, and that has become a big part of my life. I am very proud of everything the team accomplished in such an unprecedented year. This year I am excited to announce that LPHS has added a Dance Fitness Elective to our list of wellness courses!