Education

As an intensely curious person and life-long learner (aka forever student), I began my undergraduate career at Indiana University. I received my B.A. in English Literature and shortly after realized I might want to teach, thus a B.S. in Secondary Education. I’ve taught nearly every stage of life from Pre-K to College level, spending most of my time in the high school English and Creative Writing classroom. I received my M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Antioch College in Los Angeles. Currently, I’m in my final coursework at Ball State University to obtain my Masters in Education for Educational Leadership. Forever student. 

Experience

I’ve been teaching writing to teenagers for over twelve years now and I say with all enthusiasm that it is my absolute favorite aspect of the curriculum. Writing college admission essays brings a great deal of uncertainty to both students and their parents; however, I’ve found that with a little guidance every one has important stories to tell. I’ve won several national and local community awards for my teaching and I’ve helped students write letters for their eventual admission to competitive schools such as Yale, Emory, Penn State, Fordham, Indiana University, Purdue University, Dartmouth, MIT, Duke, The University of Chicago, University of Notre Dame, Syracuse, Boston College, Butler University, Vanderbilt, Ohio State University, UNC, UCLA, and many more. Every year I help families navigate the overwhelming landscape of college admissions writing. Whether a student has a good idea that needs to be refined, focused and edited, or has no idea what or how to write about themselves, I have no doubt I can walk along side them to help them find their brilliance in their story and the way in which they tell it. I’ve never met a “bad” writer. I’ve only ever met students that haven’t found their voice yet. 

Interesting Stats

• 96% of my students score a 3 or higher on the AP English exams. The global average is 55.7%.

• The mean score for my students on the AP English exam is a 4, while the global average is a 2.79.

• I have been awarded two National Scholastic Teacher awards.

• Recently nominated for Best High School Teacher for Ft. Wayne, IN.

• Numerous students have been published in national literary journals.

• My students have won nearly 1,000 Scholastic Writing award medals over the past 3 years, including 8 national awards.