Staff

I am from Menomonie. I graduated from UWRF with an elementary education degree. I knew from a young age that I wanted to teach and help people, especially young people. I taught 6th grade English for eight years in Berlin, Wis. In 2008, my family and I moved back to Menomonie when my husband began working at UW-Stout. I substitute taught for a year where I learned about TRIO Talent Search--a pre-college program at UW-Stout, designed to help potential first generation college students with limited financial means to attend the college of their choice. I loved this program and in 2009, applied to and began working with Talent Search as an academic adviser to students in grades 6-10. I helped them with learning about different career paths, the college education or training needed to obtain that career, and how to prepare in high school for college and the world of work. After four years as an adviser, I became the program director. Then after four years as the director, the program lost its funding in a grant competition. Fortunately, the position of Student Support Services director became available and I applied for and was hired to lead the SSS program here at UWRF! Besides leading the SSS program, I like to read, garden in my flower and vegetable gardens, spend time with family and friends, and stay at the cabin in northern Wisconsin.

I have worked in higher education since 2007 in a variety of areas including advising, TRIO Student Support Services, Career Services, writing centers, and as an instructor of first year seminar, career exploration, composition, and creative writing courses. My educational background is in writing, which is the focus of both my Master of Fine Arts degree from Hamline University and Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel University. Joining students on their own educational journeys and helping them identify, articulate, and achieve their academic and career goals has been a common thread, central responsibility, and source of joy throughout my entire professional career. I am grateful that my current role provides the opportunity to continue that work with UW-River Falls students.