I love teaching. I have been doing it in some capactiy since I was fifteen. I began as a jailhouse preacher, working in local jails, military brigs, and prisons, counseling inmates and leading worship sessions. I worked as a graduate research and instructional assistant at Chapman University where I received Bachelor's degrees in both English and Philosophy. I went onto earn a Master's in English Literature as well as a Master's in Education. I joined the Rancho Santiago Community College District in 1994 as an instructor at Santa Ana College. At the same time, I was teaching courses at Vanguard University, Chapman, Saddleback College, Orange Coast College, Irvine Valley College, and Riverside Community College, Norco. In 2000, I became a permanent member of SCC's English Department where I am now coordinating the campus Writing Center and the Basic Skills program. I also direct a high school outreach program, called CROSSroads, to help seniors transition into college math and English courses. In my off-campus life, I am raising five fabulous children, ages 14 to 21. My two oldest boys were students at SCC and then moved onto Cal State Fullerton, majoring in history and English with the hopes of becoming high school teachers some day. My 21-year-old begins his student teaching in a few weeks. My 18-year-old daughter received an Air Force Scholarship to study biochemistry at CSUF and to do her military training at Loyola Marymount. My husband is a high school and Pony League baseball umpire and a former owner and chief instructor of a karate studio. He and I both hold Black Belt degrees in the style of kempo. Life is full and blessed--with family, fun, and fellowship. I am excited for each new semester and each new batch of students. It is an honor and pleasure to instruct others in a field I love.