My background in formal education is extensive and spans the last 20 years. I was a part time student for 16 years until I decided to go back to school full time and get my bachelor's degree. I went to the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 2002-2003 and completed a BA in Communications with a minor in Technical Writing. I graduated Magna Cum Laude in May of 2003.

In late 2003, I decided to go to graduate school and applied to Portland State University. I was accepted and began in the spring term of 2004. I completed a Masters of Science in Teaching (General Arts and Letters), with a focus on Peace Education, in August of 2006 with a GPA of 4.0. In March of 2008, I decided to enter the Baraka Institute's Life Coach training program. I completed that program in August of 2008.

Before I completed my bachelor's degree, I had worked in various industries and, throughout that time, received training in a wide variety of software packages and programming languages. While I have not pursued programming, my overall ability to understand and teach technology has continued to grow and develop. My technical and educational backgrounds combine to make me a strong and effective educator and a skilled facilitator.

Both during and since completing my BA, MST, and Life Coaching program, I have worked extensively with young people in educational environments. During my time at UNCC, as an older, returning student, I often had students approach me for advice and guidance regarding not only academics but their overall goals and plans. 

While at PSU, I had a more formal role as a mentor in the University Studies program.  Again, I supported students academically and personally, with decision-making, planning, motivation, and goal-setting.  Once my degree was completed, I went to work for Portland YouthBuilders, where I worked as both vocational technology trainer and career development instructor.  In both cases, I was was both teacher and coach for a wide variety of students with a diversity of needs.

My work at Portland YouthBuilders helped me clarify what I loved most about teaching - coaching young adults in decision making and life planning.  It is both an enormous privilege and responsibility to facilitate a process that can be so impactful, especially at such a pivotal point in life.  I take my responsibilities in this regard seriously and look forward to working with you and the young person in your life!