Originally from El Paso, Texas, I lived in Central Florida for over 20 years

and recently moved to Decatur, GA.  As a lifelong learner, I have demonstrated a

commitment to personal and professional development, earning an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from Valencia Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in English-Creative Writing from the University of Central Florida, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Full Sail University, and a Master of Arts in Instructional Design and Technology-eLearning from the University of Central Florida. 

 

In my previous position as coordinator for the writing center at Full Sail University, I tutored students, trained and managed work-study tutors, handled administrative and scheduling tasks, and created promotional events and materials. I assisted students in all degree programs and mentored students in the Creative Writing degree programs. In addition, I created and implemented a training program for all incoming work-study tutors to better prepare them for the task of peer tutoring. Overall, I worked to improve and streamline procedures, helping to grow the writing center from just over 400 visits per year in 2011 to over 1,100 visits per year in 2014.

​

From there, I moved on to the position of Associate Course Director in the English Department at Full Sail, Teaching English Composition in an online setting, I designed learning activities, managed course content in the school's proprietary LMS, created engagement in the course through online discussions and synchronous live lectures, provided timely and supportive feedback on student writing, and worked to identify and implement improvements to help students achieve learning objectives. 

 

After discovering my passion for designing online instruction, I enrolled in the Instructional Design Master's program at UCF.  My coursework focused on designing for online environments, implementing learning theories, designing for adult learners, and implementing instructional systems design models. In conjunction with completing my degree, I completed an instructional design internship at University of Central Florida, where I worked to evaluate and revise two online graduate courses. 

 

My creative background helps to shape my persona as an educator and instructional designer.  My Creative Writing MFA coursework centered on writing for film, TV, animation, comics, games, and transmedia storytelling. As a writer and educator, I realize the value of storytelling for both entertainment and education. I understand that framing lessons with immersive narratives allows students to make more in-depth connections to the material. As a writer, I specialize in academic writing, scriptwriting, creative non-fiction, and poetry and have been published on Linguistic Erosion and Modern Day Fairytales.

​

As evidenced by my work experience, I am dedicated to supporting and inspiring students in all facets of higher education. I enjoy working in multiple roles, such as designing instruction, delivering instruction, and supporting and mentoring students in their overall educational and professional goals.