• Framingham State College (Framingham, Massachusetts, USA)
  • M.Ed. TESL
• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Seoul, South Korea)
  • KET/PET oral examiner certification
• University of Oregon (Eugene, Oregon, USA)
  • B.A.; Major: Spanish, Minor: Scandinavian Studies
  • Certificate of Completion, International College
• International House World Organisation
  • International House Observation and Giving Feedback certificate
• Wisconsin Teaching License – Elementary Education (1-8) (USA)

Who am I?

Born in Washington State, lived in Miami as a young child, grew up in a small town in Southern Oregon. I first left the United States when I was 17 to study abroad in Denmark, jump-starting my travels and leading me to live in 7 countries (and counting). I’ve been in Asia since 2001, South Korea and Japan before coming to Vietnam, and my time here has been great. Every day brings something new, and I can’t wait for tomorrow.

My Teaching Philosophy:

I began learning Spanish as a small child in Miami, not from a classroom, but rather from my environment. Since then, I have gone on to study Danish, Spanish, German, Korean, and Japanese. I have been lucky enough to have taught English, Danish, and Spanish. These experiences as both a student and a teacher shape the way I view education.

Keeping students interested and motivated is a key element in the classroom. I use my energy, knowledge of local culture, as well as my experiences studying foreign languages to motivate my students. When my students smile and laugh, they are happy, relaxed, and more receptive to learning new things. A contagious smile and enthusiasm are excellent teaching and learning tools.

My goal as a teacher is to have my students become comfortable with, interested in, and excited about learning. The greatest reward is to see them become independent, to see them develop the desire and ability to learn, think, and evaluate on their own. When students are involved with things they are interested in, learning becomes something experienced instead of simply being an exercise in a book.

My priorities at The American School (TAS):

• Deliver the best possible education to students.
• Ensure students’ unique learning styles and needs are recognized and accommodated for.
• Help students prepare to become global citizens.

Fun Fact:

I have been scuba diving, skydiving, on a Ferris wheel, the Ferris wheel scares me the most.