I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication at California State University, Chico, and my Master of Arts in American and New England Studies from The University of Southern Maine. I also hold a Secondary Education Credential from Chapman University. For the last four years, I've been a substitute teacher of most subjects in grades K-12 and a private tutor. Prior to that, I was a high school Social Studies teacher for fifteen years. I specialize in all Social Studies subjects for all grades, as well as English Language Arts, Reading, Writing, Literature, Humanities, Editing and Revision, Organization and Study Skills, Communication and Public Presentation. I can also assist with Math in grades 1-3 and Science in grades 1-5. At the same time, I'm a historian who has traveled over 40,000 miles around the United States as a Cultural Studies scholar and worked as a volunteer and board member of a local historical society. My short stories and flash fiction have been published in literary outlets, and I am a member of a writer's critique group in which fiction is peer-reviewed and edited. I'm passionate about being an educator because I value the cultivation of a love for lifelong skill-building and believe that knowledge is power. I strive to create a student-centered environment where learning is an enjoyable and meaningful place on the student's path to reaching their fullest potential. Integrity, strong critical thinking, and original creative thought are encouraged. In my spare time I read, write, study history, spend time with my family, play with my dog, and enjoy individual and team sports, usually outdoors.