EDUCATION
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
Current MFA Poetry candidate. Degree expected 2024. Earned Masters in Linguistics and Teaching English as a Second Language, June 1995, and Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language, July 1993. GPA: 4.0. Certificate for Outstanding Academic Achievement. Published article on cooperative learning in TESOL Quarterly with Dr. Evelyn Jacob, Summer 1996.
Hamilton College, Clinton, NY
Graduated with Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, May 1987. Creative Writing major, Spanish minor. Rank: 28/418. Phi Beta Kappa, Phi Sigma Iota, John V.A. Weaver Prize in Poetry. Studies included semester in Madrid.
ACADEMIC HONORS
- George Mason University Certificate of Academic Excellence
- Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society
- Phi Beta Kappa, National Honor Society
- Phi Sigma Iota, International Foreign Language Honor Society
- John V.A. Weaver Prize in Poetry, 1987
- Hamilton College Dean’s List
OTHER AWARDS
- INTO Mason John Pope Award for Excellence in Service, 2021
- INTO Mason Linda Schwartzstein Award for Teaching Excellence, 2021 and 2019
- Creative Arts Achievement Award, Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, 2016
- Virginia Tech Bull’s Eye Award, 2013
- Leadership Fellow Award, River Road Unitarian Church, 2002
EAP/ESL TEACHING EXPERIENCE
George Mason University English Language Institute and INTO Mason, Fairfax, VA
Academic English Instructor (March 2013-present)
Teach intensive, 10- to 15-week, college-level classes for adult students, mainly from Saudi
Arabia and China, who seek eventual enrollment in U.S. universities. Subjects taught include: Core Reading, Writing, and Grammar; Oral Communication Skills; and electives, such as Learning English Through Pop Music and Preparation for Undergraduate Study, as needed. Have also provided writing tutoring, run weekly Grammar Clinics, and served as Student Activities Coordinator. Promoted to level of Senior Instructor, 2022, for demonstrating "high competence" in teaching and service.
Georgetown University, English Foreign Language Institute, Washington, DC
Academic English Instructor (May 2015-July 2015)
Taught intensive, 8-week, college-level classes for adult students from Saudi Arabia, Japan, and
elsewhere using a variety of required texts and media resources. Subjects taught focused on
academic language and included: Intermediate and High Intermediate Grammar and Intermediate Listening and Speaking.
Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute, Falls Church, VA
Intensive English Instructor (May 2012-March 2013, May 2016-July 2016)
Taught intensive, 6- to 8-week, college-level classes for adult students from Saudi Arabia, the
United Arab Emirates, and Turkey using a variety of required texts and media resources. Subjects taught focused on academic language and included: Reading and Writing; Grammar, Listening, and Speaking; and Handwriting and Vocabulary Development. Set up a new community conversation group for VTLCI students.
National Graduate University, Arlington, VA
ESL Instructor (August 1994-May 1995)
Taught beginning-level ESL grammar and conversation class for four hours per week. Created
own materials to supplement required grammar texts, including extensive use of video.
Northern Virginia Community College, Alexandria, VA
ESL Intern (February 1994-May 1994)
Assisted instructor in beginning-level ESL composition class as part of George Mason’s
Internship in Applied Linguistics. Duties included helping answer student questions and
planning and teaching several lessons with input from instructor.
Arlington Education and Employment Program, Arlington, VA
ESL Volunteer (February 1993-May 1993)
Provided general assistance to instructor in REEP’s “transition” program, designed to move students from community-based ESL programs to mainstream academic and vocational training. Occasionally taught student breakout groups independently.
Northern Virginia Literacy Council, Arlington, VA
ESL Tutor (November 1991-September 1992)
Taught English conversation and literacy to Salvadoran adult on a volunteer basis. Spent approximately 3 hours in class time and 2 hours in preparation time each week. Supplemented required Laubach curriculum extensively to best meet student’s learning goals and abilities.
ADDITIONAL TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Arlington Public Schools, Arlington, VA
Visiting Poet (January 2007-present)
One of 9 local poets selected to conduct poetry workshops for elementary and middle school
children through the Arlington Pick-a-Poet program. Design and present original, interactive workshops to teach use of figurative language to 5-20 classrooms per year.
Substitute Teacher (September 2007-June 2008)
Taught math, social studies, music, and English to variety of elementary and middle school classrooms.
McKinley Elementary School, Arlington, VA
Drama and Literature Consultant (April-May 2008)
Designed and conducted a 4-hour “Literature Through Movement” residency for 4 kindergarten classes in which I helped students dramatize various Eric Carle books. Topics included acting and singing techniques, creating sets and costumes, and basics of stagecraft.
Girl Scout Troops 5841 and 6671, Arlington, VA
Leader (October 2003-May 2012)
Directed groups of six 9th-graders and twenty 6th -graders. Planned and ran troop activities,
including developing lesson plans for troop meetings, service projects, and field trips.
Overlee Cooperative Preschool, Arlington, VA
Music Teacher (January 2004-May 2005)
Planned and taught monthly music and movement classes to 3- and 4-year-olds.
Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, Arlington, VA
Senior Manager, National Farmworker Environmental Education Program (May 1995-July 1997)
Designed and led training conferences for over 100 AmeriCorps members and supervisors two
times per year. Topics included effective teaching and outreach skills.
WRITING, INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN, AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE
Pearson Education, Inc., Columbus, OH
Instructional Designer (July 2016-September 2016)
Created interactive exercises and writing assignments for college text on juvenile delinquency to make it suitable for the Pearson REVEL online learning platform. Part-time contract project.
PerformTech, Inc., Alexandria, VA
Instructional Designer (September 2008-February 2012)
Wrote training courses for government clients, including the Department of Homeland Security, National Highway Institute, and Customs and Border Protection. Work included creative development of all instructional materials, from slides to instructor guides to participant workbooks. Obtained required federal background check. Part-time position.
Freelance Writer/Editor, Arlington, VA (2001-2012)
Wrote and edited web content, evaluation reports, grant proposals, and annual reports for a
variety of clients, including Arlington Public Schools, CARE, WISER, and the International Initiative to End Child Labor.
International Initiative to End Child Labor, Arlington, VA
Director of Programs (October 2005-October 2006)
Wrote and provided managerial support for not-for-profit organization devoted to eliminating
child labor. Produced reports, grant proposals, and other documents. Co-authored Department of Labor-funded research reports on child labor in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Part-time position.
Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs, Arlington, VA
Development Coordinator (December 1997-May 1998)
Researched funding opportunities and wrote proposals on part-time basis.
Senior Manager, National Farmworker Environmental Education Program (May 1995-July 1997)
Directed $1 million, 15-state AmeriCorps-EPA program to provide farmworkers with pesticide safety training. Supervised on-site staff of 3 and provided daily guidance to a team of 17 program coordinators, 40 site supervisors, and 70 AmeriCorps members nationwide. Designed and led training for AmeriCorps members and supervisors. Conducted site visits and recommended program improvements. Designed all major program activities, including conference programs, member recruitment packets, and site visit protocols. Developed and monitored program budget. Contributed to and edited monthly program newsletter.
Project Manager, Peer Exchange and Communications (September 1992-April 1995)
Implemented Department of Labor-funded peer exchange training project. Researched and wrote association grant proposals, annual reports, Congressional testimony, press releases, and newsletter articles. Developed successful proposals for $1 million AmeriCorps grant, $500,000 DOL database grant, and two $200,000 grants from HHS. Supervised Project Assistant. Represented association at national coalition meetings. Responded to inquiries from the press, Congressional offices, funding sources, and association members.
Publications Manager/Reporter (August 1990-August 1992)
Wrote the AFOP Washington Newsline, a monthly newsletter averaging 20 pages per issue. Reported on legislative and regulatory changes affecting federal job training programs, the appropriations process, child labor reform, NAFTA, immigration law, and other relevant issues.
IEEE Computer Society, Washington, DC
Technical Services Support Coordinator (February 1989-August 1990)
Coordinated printing and distribution of over a dozen quarterly newsletters and program catalogs. Designed and created program catalogs, newsletters, reports, and forms. Tabulated and analyzed results on major membership survey, resulting in a bonus for me.
Publications Production Assistant (August 1988-February 1989)
Assisted Managing Editor with scientific text production: obtained author copyright permissions, made stats, pasted-up camera-ready copy, proofread galleys, and wrote press releases. Produced a conference proceeding ahead of schedule, resulting in another bonus.
National Endowment for the Arts, Washington, DC
Program Assistant, Visual Arts Program (August 1987-August 1988)
Responsible for progress of over 5,000 Visual Artist Fellowship applications in annual grant review process. Supported Program Specialist in preparing for peer-panel review sessions.
CREATIVE WRITING, PUBLIC SPEAKING, AND PERFORMANCE
Visiting Poet. One of 8 local poets selected to conduct poetry workshops for elementary and middle school children through the Arlington Pick-a-Poet program. 2007-present.
Readings. Readings on the Pike, Written in Arlington Reading, Invited Poet, June 10, 2021. Various readings for GMU Kindling Series, 2020. "Call and Response" GMU Fenwick Gallery Reading, 2020. “Arlington Reads” Poetry Contest Finalists Reading, 2006. Joaquin Miller Cabin Reading Series, Invited Poet, 2002. Black Buzzard Press Reading, Invited Poet, 1990.
Publications. Poetry published in such journals as Burningword, The Moving Force Journal, The Dewdrop, Potomac Review, Artemis, and Poetica and several anthologies: Daring to Repair (2012), Journey to Crone (2013) , Reverie: Ultra-Short Memoirs (2014), and Written in Arlington (2020).
River Road Unitarian Church, Bethesda, MD. Wrote and delivered sermons and poetry for Sunday-morning services for 700. 2001-2007.
POETRY AWARDS
- Moving Words, Arlington Humanities Program, 2021.
- Best in Issue, Poetica: Reflections in Jewish Thought, March 2009.
- Finalist, Arlington Reads Poetry Competition, 2006.
- Invited Poet, Joaquin Miller Cabin Reading Series, 2002.
- John V.A. Weaver Prize in Poetry, 1987.
MUSIC AND THEATER
Chalice Theatre, Arlington, VA. Played role of Vivian Bearing in Wit (2015), God in Children of Eden (2015), Edith Zuckerman in Charlotte’s Web (2012), Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me (2011), Hippolyta in Midsummer Night’s Musical (2011), Asaka in Once on This Island (2010), Susan in Big (2009), and Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical (2008).
Opera Theater of Northern Virginia, Arlington, VA. Played role of Peacock in production of The Nightingale by Charles Strouse. Paid position. November 2006.
Adventure Theater, Glen Echo, MD. Played several roles in premiere run of Ring Around a Fable, a children’s musical about Aesop’s Fables. 5-person cast. Paid position. January-February 2006.
Potomac Theater Company, Potomac, MD. Played variety of characters in educational musicals about bullying and consumerism. Performances during the day in DC-area schools. Paid position. November 2003-June 2004.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Arlington, Arlington, VA. Soprano soloist in 60-voice choir. Sang for memorial services and as leading participant in other musical events. 2007-present.
River Road Unitarian Church, Bethesda, MD. Soprano soloist in 50-voice choir. Sang weddings and served as leading participant in numerous other skits, cabarets, and shows. 1997-2007.
Overlee Cooperative Preschool, Arlington, VA. Taught monthly music and movement classes to 3- and 4-year-olds. January 2004-May 2005.
Digimundo, Bethesda, MD. Lead singer for band focusing on original funk songs and covers of Latin music. Performed in street festival in Bethesda, October 2004. August-December 2004.
Arlington Metropolitan Chorus, Arlington, VA. Member of 100-voice group. 1988-1992.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS, PAPERS, AND PRESENTATIONS
- "Academic Success in the U.S.," at INTO Mason Student Orientation, January 19, 2022.
- "Being Successful in Remote Learning," at INTO Mason Student Orientation, with Esther Namubiru and Noele Simmons, August, 2021.
- “A Week in the Life of a Core Class,” at INTO Mason Professional Education Day, September 20, 2019.
- “Creating More Authentic Writing Tasks,” at INTO Mason Faculty Conference, May 13, 2019.
- “Peer Exchange Writing Reviews in the EFL Writing Context,” at INTO Mason Professional Education Day Roundtable Discussion, February 16, 2018.
- “Implementing Student-Led Discussions in OCS Classes,” at INTO Mason Brown Bag Session, with Sarah Steadman and McKenzie Rachlin, November 28, 2017.
- “Including Authentic Literature in Core Classes,” at INTO Mason Brown Bag Session, November 21, 2017.
- “Creating Grammar Jeopardy Games,” at INTO Mason Professional Education Day, May 14, 2015.
- “Creating a Customized Search Engine: Making the Internet Manageable for Your Students,” with Chip Hayes at the Washington Area TESOL Conference, April 27, 2013.
- Finalist, Arlington Reads Poetry Competition, 2006. Invited Poet, Joaquin Miller Cabin Reading Series, 2002. Poetry published in the Daring to Repair (2012) and Journey to Crone (2013) anthologies, Poetica (2009, 2010), Potomac Review (2003), Artemis (1991), and others.
- Choosing Community, The Value of Boredom, In Defense of Ritual, and other lay-led services for River Road Unitarian Church, 2001-2005.
- “Cooperative Learning: Context and Opportunities for Acquiring Academic English,” with Evelyn Jacob, Sondra Patrick, and Edith Wheeler, TESOL Quarterly, Summer 1996.
- AFOP AmeriCorps Personnel Manual, 1997 and 1996.
- “Expert Training Techniques,” AFOP AmeriCorps Orientation and Graduation, 1996.
- “Planning and Running Effective Meetings,” AFOP In-Service Training, 1996.
- “Effective Multi-Site Management,” AmeriCorps Renewal Conference, 1996.
- “Stretching Your Personnel Dollars: Using Volunteers in Your Program,” AFOP National Technical Assistance and Training Conference, 1996.
- “Unique Approaches to Promoting Pesticide Safety with Farmworkers,” with Diane Mull and Beth Outterson, for National Institute for Farm Safety. June 1996.
- “Implementation of the Worker Protection Standard,” Testimony before U.S. EPA, 1996.
- “Evaluation and Continuous Improvement of Your AmeriCorps Program,” New AmeriCorps Program Directors Conference, 1995.
- Trainer’s Guide: Activities for Training Farmworkers on Pesticide Safety, 1994.
- “Concerns for Farmworkers under NAFTA,” Testimony before U.S. Trade Policy Staff Committee, 1991.
LANGUAGES
Proficient Spanish. Beginning Portuguese.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Chair, INTO Mason Faculty Affairs Standing Committee, 2019-present
Co-Chair, INTO Mason Adjunct Recognition Task Force, 2022
Chair, INTO Mason Faculty Assembly, 2020-2021
Vice-Chair, INTO Mason Faculty Assembly, 2019-2020
Chair, INTO Mason Grammar Task Force, 2019
Chair, INTO Mason Transparency and Communication Task Force, 2016-2017
Chair, Yorktown High School Choral Boosters, 2011-2015
Leader, Girl Scout Troop 5841, 2003-2012
Leader, Girl Scout Troop 6671, 2005-2012
Chair, Music Committee, River Road Unitarian Church, 2005-2007
Chair, Lay-Led Services Committee, RRUC, 2002-2005
President, Westover Civic Association, 2003
Chair, Madison Cooperative Playgroup, 2002
Board of Directors, Overlee Cooperative Preschool, 2001-2002