While she has no Native American ancestry, Sara deBeer has a deep respect for the traditions of the first inhabitants of North America.  By attending numerous pow-wows, lectures, workshops, and storytelling programs offered by area Native Americans, and reading the books they suggested for further study, Sara has worked to increase her ability to understand both Algonquin and Iroquois traditions.  When offering Native American programs in schools, Sara shares what she has learned with students, shaping her presentation to match the ages and learning styles of that group

Sara developed her lively teaching style and skill at facilitating discussions during her eight years of classroom teaching and her more than twenty-one years as a storyteller and artist-in-residence.  She has worked with students of all ages and her goal is always to ensure that conversations occur in an environment of respect and trust and that each student’s voice is heard.