When I was a little girl, my mom encouraged me to become a teacher, but I had other plans. Instead I became an actor, a writer and a journalist.

Teaching is a passion I discovered only a few years ago, when I began working as a teaching artist for several theatres in Seattle. I taught drama, wrote scripts and directed plays with kids aged 8 through 15. This new passion led me to graduate school, where I am now earning a master's degree so that I can teach at the college level. My university also awarded me a graduate assistantship to teach general education classes while I am earning my graduate degree. I have had over 500 students in those classes to date.

I teach English, literature, reading and writing for Varsity Tutors. How do I work? I believe in learning by doing. I see every student as an individual, and I love figuring out how best to reach that student. What gets them excited? What inspires them? How can I make their eyes light up when they finally grasp a new concept? That is what inspires me.

I've always been a voracious reader. Historical fiction is my favorite genre, and right now I'm reading the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon. When I'm home I love to cook for a crowd. I adore ice skating, bowling and going out dancing.