Biography:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference”
From “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

English was my favorite subject in high school, and my love for the English language became a passion in college. I came to a major fork in the road when, as a third year college student in Korea, I decided to come to the U.S. to further my studies. This life-changing decision meant leaving my friends and family and embracing the unknown, and I actually ended up where I never envisioned myself to be.

My brief stay at Andrews as a graduate student does not match the many lasting memories I have from here, and I am tremendously blessed to be back in the English Department as a faculty member. I am grateful for the privilege of working with my former professors and colleagues who inspired me with their kindness and passion.

Each professional choice I’ve made—including little detours—has offered me valuable opportunities to expand my knowledge and experience as a teacher. Before joining the English faculty at Andrews, I directed the ESL program at Southwestern Adventist University for four years. I also worked with middle school ESL students in Powder Springs, GA. and taught at Korean Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea. My professional interests center upon TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), and currently I have the privilege of mentoring future ESL professionals in the master’s program.

In my free time, I enjoy music, reading, and traveling. My husband and I love exploring new places with our two boys, Christopher and Matthew, who have already become savvy travelers.

Current Research or Professional Activities:

Article Published: · “Using Translation Exercises in a Communicative EFL Writing Classroom.” ELT Journal 65 (2), 2011. Conference Presentations: · “Finding the Way Back Home: Voices of Hyphenated Americans at Their ‘Second’ Turning Points.” Panel Presentation at Michigan College English Association Conference, Oct. 15, 2010. · “Helping ESL Writers Find Their English Voices.” Presentation at College English Association Conference, San Antonio, TX, Mar., 2010. · "Creative Adoption: Trends in Anglicisms in Korea." English Today 28.2 (2012):15-17. · "Providing a Sounding Board for Second Language Writers."  TESOL Journal 3.1 (2012): 33-47.