I came to Berea after working for an adventure-education non-profit and consulting with K-12 schools; this opportunity provided me a wonderful education in the diversity of K-12 schools in the United States and in best teaching practices around the country. I have been fortunate to be able to combine my love of travel and living in various parts of the U.S. and elsewhere with my educational career.  Arizona, California, the Navajo Nation and the United Arab Emirates are all places I have called home, and now I can add Kentucky and Appalachia! Formerly a high school English teacher, I still hold a current credential as a secondary English education teacher (AZ) and a lifetime credential as a community college instructor.  As a college faculty member preparing future educators, it is exciting, humbling, and gratifying to know I play a part in contributing to the education of the next generation of teachers. When I am not working, I have a host of activities I really enjoy: reading, gardening, yoga, catching up with friends and family, being at home with my cat, Ozzie, and volunteering!  When I have lots of free time, I love horseback riding, traveling, hiking and swimming, which often includes SCUBA diving.