I received my master's degree in English, with an emphasis in Teaching Writing and a minor in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language), from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. Since completing my degree in 1997, I have taught English Composition, Developmental Writing, and Reading Comprehension for both native and non-native English speakers at various community colleges in California, Illinois and Washington. Through the JET Program, I taught high school students for two years. I also worked as an Assistant Language Teacher from 2010 to 2011, teaching English to elementary and junior high school students (5th through 9th grades). Additionally, I operated my own English conversation school, in which I taught small group and private lessons for children and adults. For the last 6 years, I've been teaching at Shoreline Community College where I've taught English for academic purposes for international students, as well as ESL courses (all skills: reading, writing, grammar, listening/speaking) for students of all levels, from beginner to advanced. I have almost 15 years of experience teaching in college classrooms, as well as in smaller, private conversation schools and one on one tutoring. My specialty is in teaching writing, especially coherence, organization and development of ideas in an essay. My classes, whether face to face or online, have always been places where students can improve their skills in writing, reading and critical thinking through learner centered as well as collaborative methods. Often, I feel that my strength lies in establishing meaningful relationships with students that has helped many become more confident communicators and helped them on their college and career pathways. This year, I completed two certificates online: TESOL and Teaching ESL online. I have also been tutoring elementary and junior high school students in Language Arts, Social Studies and Science. I really enjoy tutoring, because it gives me the chance to work with students of all ages and backgrounds individually, to help them to reach their language goals and to become more confident in their studies. It's my goal to help students overcome their fears, and to become excellent communicators in English as well as confident writers.

In my free time, I like exercising, walking by the beach, reading mystery novels, and watching movies and fantasy TV series. Also, I love to write fiction. I have written poems and short stories, and I'm currently starting to write a mystery novel set in the Pacific Northwest. I also am a cat lover!