I have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Eastern Washington University and a Master of Arts in English and Bachelor of Arts in English from California State University, Chico. My primary fields of expertise are literature, composition, and creative writing, but I have experience in publishing and journalism as well. I believe strongly in student driven classes where the emphasis is placed on student growth and achievement. My hope is that through the various classroom activities and assignments, students will begin to see writing as a multifaceted process with many steps all of equal importance. While revision is required in all of my classes, my main goal is to instill excitement and a sense of accomplishment in the improvement of student reading and writing. Before teaching at Santa Rosa Junior College, I taught for three and a half years at Butte College and Yuba College. I was also the Nonfiction Editor for the literary journal Willow Springs and was the Author Liaison for the small press Willow Springs Editions. When I'm not teaching, reading, or writing, I love spending time cooking, hanging out with family and friends, and watching and playing sports. I am a die-hard 49ers, Giants, and Warriors fan, and I'm glad to be living in the Bay Area again where I can watch these teams regularly without being mocked or ridiculed.