I discovered a passion for language learning as a high school student and participated in my high school's exchange program. It was this experience especially that led me to continue my study of German at Northwestern University, where I spent a year as a DAAD (German American Academic Exchange) student in Tübingen. After graduation, I moved to Cologne to work in tourism and translation. Back in Houston, I leveraged my language skills into positions with the German American Chamber of Commerce, then with the United States Department of Veteran Affairs, and for a Houston-based language services company. I returned to the classroom to earn my MA in German from the University of Houston and spent a semester at the University of Leipzig as a DAAD graduate exchange student. 

I discovered my passion for teaching through private lessons and evening courses for adults. I pursued my alternative certification in 2016, and the switch to education has been the most exciting and rewarding decision I've made! In 2019, I received the AATG German Embassy Teacher of Excellence Award in Washington, DC, one of my biggest accomplishments. 

At Clements High School, I sponsor the German Club, German National Honors Society, and German American Partnership Program in cooperation with the Lessing-Gymnasium in Cologne.