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 and met some of the most influential teachers of 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 after, I ended up right back in the desert!

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

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.

As an instructor, I'm responsible for directing the main stage productions on campus. At the moment, we're in rehearsals for Months on End. I'm also a choral director. I direct both the College Choir on campus and the Community Choir in Barstow. I also teach a voice study class on campus called The Broadway Voice.

I’m originally from northern California, where much of my family lives. Interestingly enough, my parents first met in a Music Appreciation class at a community college. Now, I'm teaching it!

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 taught 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