Hometown: Scandia, MN
College: College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN (undergrad), St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis (graduate)
Degrees: B.A. in Secondary Social Sciences Education, M.A. in Literacy Education, Graduate Certificate for Teachers of Adult ESL
How long have you been working at Dunwoody?
7 years in October!
What is your favorite part about working at Dunwoody?
That I am able to give students the literacy tools they need to succeed in their classes and in their future jobs, as well as collaborating with a lot of very caring, passionate instructors.
I think I get the most satisfaction from watching the excitement of the students who are finally given a chance to shine in a way that reflects who they are and from seeing the pride our instructors have in our students and the satisfaction they feel from being able to facilitate that chance.
What do you like about Dunwoody’s hands-on educational philosophy?
Dunwoody’s philosophy aligns with a lot of the research on learning, especially adult learners, so it’s exciting to put it in action and see it work. What makes us stand out is the relationships students build with their instructors and with each other. We are able to establish the trust and credibility students need to participate in that kind of deep learning, even if they aren’t confident in themselves yet.
What are a few of your hobbies?
Gardening, reading, camping, walking or running with my German shepherd, spending time with my boys, and being a motorcycle mama.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I like almost everything. Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, and The Beatles dominate my playlist, though. I’m a sucker for a bluesy, soulful guitar solo.
What’s your favorite kind of pizza?
Pepperoni and green olive.
Fun facts:
- I’ve been with my husband since we were 14!
- I have a slight obsession with biographies (right now I’m reading The Wright Brothers by David McCullough, Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, and Edgar Hoover: The Man and the Secrets by Curt Gentry).
- I can make a mean lasagna.