I am, at heart, a learner who found her way into teaching, coaching, researching, and writing. My work lives at the intersection of learning, language, and leadership, where I am most interested in how people grow as thinkers, communicators, and human beings.
My professional path has not been linear, but listening to others has always been the focus. I began in social work, where I learned to listen deeply and see the whole person. I later worked in journalism, where I learned the power of story and the responsibility that comes with telling it truthfully. Those experiences still shape how I approach education today - with curiosity, empathy, and a deep belief in voice.
I am also a researcher of the 1961 Freedom Riders, a journey that has profoundly influenced both my scholarship and my sense of purpose. Their courage continues to inform how I think about justice, collective responsibility, and the role education plays in shaping a more humane world.
Today, I am a dedicated educator and instructional coach while pursuing my EdD in Curriculum and Instruction at The University of Alabama. My research focuses on thinking, writing, and human-centered approaches to learning.
This space is where I think in public, and I have some published works from over the years. I want it to be where I reflect on teaching, coaching, leadership, faith, writing, and the lessons people leave with me. It is less about having answers and more about making meaning.
I have been married to my husband, Mickey, for more than 30 years, and we have two sons who continue to be among my greatest teachers.
My faith grounds everything I do. It calls me to lead with grace, to practice forgiveness, to choose courage, and to believe deeply in the transformative power of love.
