About the Instructor

Hello, and welcome to my class! A few things about me…

I’m a big believer in community colleges and what they have to offer. I attended one myself. I went to American River College in Sacramento, CA right after high school. I had wonderful experiences there with some of the most influential teachers in my life.

I acquired my Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts from Sonoma State University in the wine country of California. I graduated cum laude and with distinction.

I received my Master of Fine Arts in Music Theatre Performance from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. It’s ironic that after so many years, I ended up right back in the desert!

Besides being an instructor at Barstow College, I’m a professional actor and singer. I first sang for an audience in a nightclub when I was five years old.

I was involved in various choral groups for 11 years. In college, I was a member of the celebrated American River College Chamber Singers. In 1990, we were invited to sing the Brahms Requiem in Ireland under the direction of John Alldis with the National Irish Youth Choir. I also studied vocal jazz for three years and was the student director of the acclaimed American River Jazz Choir.

I started seriously studying voice at 18. My voice teachers have included Stephen Janzen, Perla Warren, Carol Kimball and I also attended a master class with Warren Jones.

Other singing experience includes theatre, weddings, commencements, and parties.

After receiving my MFA, I moved to New York City to pursue acting. I worked consistently doing regional theatre, summer stock, and a national tour until I tired of living out of a suitcase and decided to start teaching. I still perform when I have time off from school.

Matron Mama Morton in CHICAGO

Aunt Eller in OKLAHOMA

Rosalia in WEST SIDE STORY

Jan in GREASE

Fraulein Kost in CABARET

Ethel Toffelmier in THE MUSIC MAN

Sister Berthe in THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Chiffon in LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

Sister Amnesia in NUNSENSE II

I was also nominated for an Irene Ryan acting award for my portrayals of Queen Margaret in HENRY VI, PART 3 and Trina in FALSETTOS. In fact, I had the chance to perform our winning production of FALSETTOS at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC for the American College Theatre Festival.

Besides performing, I have also done my share of directing. Last year at Barstow College, I directed a production of SYLVIA and conceived of and directed a big band revue called CLUB 66, which was a big hit. This year, I will be directing LITTLE WOMEN in the Fall and GREASE in the spring. Other directing experience includes BABES IN TOYLAND, STORIES, SURE THING, MARGARET’S BED, and BABY.

I’m originally from northern California, where the rest of my family lives. At the moment, I now live in the Barstow area with my two cats, Heidi and Sarah.

I bring my experience as a professional in my field to my teaching. I am very blessed to be able to do the two things I love most for a living. While being a performer is in my blood, I have always wanted to be a teacher. My father taught elementary school, junior high, and kindergarten and my mother used to teach piano…so perhaps being a teacher is in my blood as well. Regardless, I get to teach about what I love and I hope to pass on some of that love to you as well. Please respect yourself enough to be a student with your whole heart. I will teach you with passion…it is up to you to learn passionately.

"Teachers open the door,

but you must enter by yourself."

-Chinese Proverb