Teaching

My goal as a teacher is to not just impart information about the subject at hand, but to create enduring interest that inspires my students to keep seeking knowledge that will improve their skills and enrich their lives.

Western Connecticut State University, MFA in Creative and Professional Writing, Danbury, CT, 2010-2011
Adjunct mentor, low-residency format, two semesters
Instructor, “Reading for Writers”, two semesters
Residency workshop presenter, “Habits of Successful Writers”

College of St. Rose, Albany, NY, 2009-2011
Adjunct lecturer
Marketing, “Branding and Basic Business Principles”

Academy for Lifelong Learning,
Western Washington University,
Bellingham, WA
“The Science of Dogs,” December, 2020

Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA
“Build More Buzz with Better Professional Writing,” 2-session class, Winter 2019

Vashon Center for the Arts, Vashon, WA
“Making the Private Public”, one-day class, 2018
“Craft Fundamentals”, 6-week class, 2018
“Memoir Writing”, 6-week class, 2017

Hugo House, Seattle, WA
“The Scene”, 4-week class, 2018
“The Many Ways to Be a Writer”, 6-week class, 2014

Pacific Northwest Writers Conference, Seattle, WA, “The Many Ways to Be a Writer”, presentation, 2014

Whidbey Island Writers Conference, Whidbey Island, WA
“The Many Ways to Be a Writer”, presentation, 2014
“A Dozen Lessons from a Dozen Years of Successful Freelance Writing”, presentation, 2014
“Unraveling the Mystery of Mysteries”, chat house session, 2014

Mohawk Valley Community College, Herkimer, NY, “Women in Literature,” guest speaker, 2010-2011

AWP, Denver, CO, “How to Make Money as a Writer”, panel presentation, 2010

Speak Dog Training, Bellingham, WA, 2016 – present
Dog/human trainer and canine behaviorist
Group classes and private lessons in learning theory, animal cognition, manners, and behavior management and modification.
Staff, volunteer, and community classes for the Whatcom Humane Society on handling shy dogs, managing reactive dogs, puppy behavior issues, and general dog training.