Born and raised in Oklahoma, I earned a bachelor's degree from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master's degree from Oklahoma State University. I began teaching college at the age of 22, and I have taught both developmental writing and ESL throughout Oklahoma, Alabama, and Texas. In addition, I have presented grammar and writing workshops at several state and regional conferences. My professional career has also included working for the Dallas Mavericks basketball team.

When on vacation from teaching, I like to travel and frequently go to New York City, where I enjoy shopping, seeing Broadway shows, and attending tapings of Live with Regis and Kelly.

Tropical destinations are another favorite of mine. I have gone to the top of a volcano in Hawaii at sunrise and then biked all the way down to its base; I have sailed through the treetops by zip line in a rainforest in Costa Rica; and my greatest adventure of all was getting married on a breathtaking beach in Grand Cayman.

Another passion of mine is acting, and I have had roles in several independent films in the Dallas area.

My advice to all my students is to follow your dreams. I know I am!