Faculty Profile

English Instructor

Education/Degrees:

M.A. – English, Western Illinois University
B.A. – English, University of Illinois at Springfield
A.A. – Spoon River College

Classes Taught:

Campus and Community Involvement:

Faculty Advisor for Phi Theta Kappa.

About Me:

I’ve lived in Fulton County most of my life, aside from a few years during and after college. I enjoyed my experiences at Spoon River College so much that I wanted to return here, where my roots run deep. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy hiking, traveling, photography, fishing, and working on home renovations. I also volunteer for VFW Post #5001, the Lewistown Historical Society, and PEO (Chapter BZ). I was a 2025 Outstanding Full-Time Faculty Nominee for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA).

Why Spoon River College?

I began my teaching journey in January 2005 as an adjunct English instructor. In June 2006, I was hired as a Student Success Coach, where I worked with students who were struggling with life obstacles that prevented them from succeeding at SRC. In August 2008, I began teaching full-time in the English department. Spoon River College is HOME to me, and my colleagues and students have become part of my family. I love having the opportunity to really get to know my students, so I can support them both inside and outside the classroom.

My Educational Philosophy:

At the heart of my teaching is compassion. I believe that students learn best when they feel seen, valued, and capable, so I strive to create an inclusive environment where all students—regardless of background or ability—know they belong. Community colleges serve a diverse population, and I meet students where they are, helping them build the confidence and critical thinking skills they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.

Self-efficacy is a powerful force. When students believe they can learn, they do. My goal is to foster that belief by designing engaging, accessible learning experiences that encourage curiosity and independent thought. Technology plays an essential role in my teaching, allowing me to adapt to different learning styles, provide timely feedback, and create dynamic classroom discussions. Rather than a substitute for human connection, I use technology as a tool to strengthen it, making learning more interactive, flexible, and relevant to students’ lives.

Ultimately, my success as an educator is not measured by how much content I deliver but by how empowered my students feel when they leave my classroom. If they walk away more confident in their ability to think critically, ask questions, and persist through challenges, then I have done my job.

Advice for Students:

Don’t rush through your life. It’s OK to take your time figuring out what you want to do–life is about the journey, not the end result. Enjoy the ride!