PERSONAL BIOGRAPHY: I am originally from New York City. I attended Hunter College there for a year and then I transferred to the University of Michigan where I graduated with a B.A. degree in cultural anthropology. While I was a student there, I spent three months living in northern Italy with a family. I learned Italian through total immersion. It was a wonderful experience especially when I found myself learning some of the language from the family’s 2-year-old child. After returning to Ann Arbor, Michigan, I worked as a researcher at the University for a few years before returning to Europe where I traveled extensively for 1-½ years. I spent a few years living in New York City and then moved to California to be with my sisters. Shortly after making the move, I met and married my husband. We had one son who later gave us three beautiful granddaughters. My hobbies are photography and travel with the goal to visit all of your countries. You can see a few of the places I’ve been in my travel photos on my web site. I’ve been to many countries in South America, Central America, Europe, and a few in Asia. Maybe I’ve already been to your country.
PROFSSIONAL BIOGRAPHY: In California, I worked at both Golden West College in the graphic arts department as a course assistant, and as the school photographer. After completing the photography program at Orange Coast College, I spent several years as a professional photographer while getting my M.A. degree at CSULB in linguistics and TESOL. I started teaching ESL at Orange Coast College and after several years began teaching at Golden West and Fullerton. I have been teaching at Cypress College since 1996. Originally,
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY: I also want to tell you a little about my teaching philosophy. First, I want to tell you what I am NOT. I am not a "police officer" who pushes you to learn, do your homework, and to attend class. After all, you are responsible for your own learning. If you desire to transfer to a 4-year college or university, to receive you’re A.A. degree from Cypress College, or just to learn to read and write well, you will come to class regularly, on time, and fully prepared. If you don’t, there is a good chance you won’t pass the class. I will respect your decision because I respect you, my students. Second, I am here for you. I want you to succeed in this class and move up to the next level as quickly as possible. If at any time you do not understand something or need any kind of help, I encourage you to come and talk to me. You can come by any time during my office hours or you can make an appointment with me for another time when we are both available. You will see that I am often in my office at other times, too. Third, I like questions. Don’t be afraid to ask them. You can ask questions during class, before or after class or or by e-mail. Questions show that you want to learn.
Let’s have a great semester together.