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 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 off from school. A couple of summers ago, I played Queen Aggravain in ONCE UPON A MATTRESS in a summer stock company and last summer, I directed and played a role in a melodrama for Calico Ghost Town.

As an instructor, I'm the director of the College Choir as well as the director of the mainstage productions on campus. Since coming to Barstow College, I’ve directed productions of SYLVIA, a big band revue called CLUB 66 (which I also conceived), LITTLE WOMEN, GREASE, THE LAST NIGHT OF BALLYHOO, A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, THE UNINVITED, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, ALMOST MAINE, and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, WONDER OF THE WORLD, ANNIE, THE PONY EXPRESS, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and this weekend, we're opening LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST.

I’m originally from northern California, where much of my family lives. I now live in the Barstow area.

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