Bio

Originally from Missouri, I hold a B.S. and M.S. in Chemistry from Missouri State University. I have worked in the educational field for over 20 years as a tutor, mentor, and faculty member. After working six years in the environmental field, I decided to re-enter the educational profession full-time and accepted a position as a chemistry faculty at Riverland Community College, where I currently teach.

During my time in Austin, I have served multiple organizations and committees, including Austin Aspires, the Pillars of the Community, the AAUW, the Hormel Institute Community Advisory Board, and as the chair of the Academic Affairs and Standards Council at Riverland Community College. In addition, I was honored by the Rotary Club International, Austin, MN Chapter, as Educator of the Year in 2015 and by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees as an Outstanding Educator in 2020 and 2022.

I began volunteering as a judge for the local science fair shortly after arriving in Minnesota and noticed students needed assistance with their projects. As a result, I founded The Science Fair Mentoring Project in 2014, a 501(c)(3) organization, to help address students’ experience in participating in the science fair. I am a change agent passionate about education and making science education accessible and engaging for all learners.

I love hiking, biking, yoga, reading, writing, traveling, and enjoying nature. I am a life-long learner with a growth mindset. My mission in life is to pay it forward and make the world a better place for others who live here. I currently live in Austin, MN, with my two cats, Piney and Goldie.