Walkways

I grew up a true and genuine tomboy. My inspiration comes from a love for life, classic cars, the sea, music, and everything academic. A gift of music, discovered while I was in the first grade, led to vocal and instrumental tours, a seat in an urban youth symphony orchestra, and the opportunity to meet amazing people. I treasure the memory of walking on stage and waiting for the conductor’s down beat. I cherish the way every instrument harmonizes to tell grand stories. Music changed my life and continues to fill the fibers of my soul. I ran track, played and coached multiple sports. I enjoy the sea and great movies simultaneously with leading youth choirs, serving on itinerant missionary teams, serving in educational circles, and understanding the grace and love of a living God. Since childhood I have been fascinated with words. In my travels and work I am known to spontaneously write a poem or whip up a yarn to inspire and celebrate life. My childhood habit to read with a flashlight under the covers came in handy when I was awarded the opportunity to teach third grade reading my senior year of high school. I love watching students capture skills. The way their eyes light up remains a part of my dedication to learning. My habit to get up early and practice using a fence post as a music stand began a life-time work ethic. It helped me complete college while serving on teams that worked in orphanages, mentored foster kids, and ran youth programs and camps. It wasn’t unusual to see me with a duffel bag of teaching prompts hanging off one shoulder and a box, foot-pump organ and my clarinet in my other hand. During undergrad, I spent time serving in Native American reservations and urban schools. I left my dorm at 4 AM on Sundays and served on an itinerant missionary team in the Arizona desert until late Sunday night. I attended class, worked a full-time job and wrote papers in the wee hours of the morning. I was determined to earn a degree that prepared me to serve as a teacher. My belief that education changes the world and opens opportunities for every learner burns within my soul. It is worth the hard work. I treasure every opportunity to work with students, teach, and train colleagues and value my work in California, Arizona, Wyoming, and North Carolina. I value every opportunity to create inclusive academic programs, lead educational teams in the development of student support, and design professional development for educators that facilitate access and educational achievement for all students. My profound love for instructional technology intertwines with my leadership and leads to optimum learning and instructional practices. I thrive in the classroom and teach students and instructors to communicate ideas with skill and unique expertise. I hope I inspire everyone to dream big and imagine great things. My life journey confirms a deep knowledge that every life has gifts they can use to transform the world. I love strengthening individual awareness and skills. I continue to walk the hallways and byways of life exploring new people, places and possibilities. I love the opportunity to share ideas, stories, and insights. I cherish exploring the sea and life with my daughter. She is my best friend and colleague. I am passionate about fashioning common words to inspire extraordinary living. I hope my unique writing style and candor touches your soul.

No one travels alone or accomplishes goals without others. I am grateful for many who have changed my life by their words. These are a few of my published favorites. (Links are underlined)