Eagle Tales: Helping Teachers Soar

I've worked at AU for almost three years. Before that, I worked for the Catholic University of America's Center for Teaching Excellence and University of Maryland's Teaching and Learning Transformation Center, where I helped faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students grow in their teaching through consultations, workshops, learning communities, and other programs. Earlier in my career, I taught high school chemistry in Prince George's County, Maryland.

My job is to support and empower faculty across AU in their teaching-related professional development. I aim to promote more student-driven, equitable educational experiences. A typical day includes meeting one-on-one with faculty to discuss their courses, hosting workshops and events for faculty, consulting with others on campus about teaching, as well as planning, preparing, and learning. My office is on the second floor of Hurst, in room 203.

The person who helped show me the ropes is Kiho Kim, the former executive director of CTRL, who is now provost of Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland.

My go-to lunch spot is on the steps of Hurst so that I can enjoy the sun while watching students on the quad. My go-to order at the Dav is a mocha with oat milk or the featured drink. I appreciate how the Dav donates a percentage of their profits on those drinks toward important causes. My favorite place on campus to steal a quiet moment is the bench in front of Kay, looking at the labyrinth, so that I can trace its path with my eyes. Campus is at its prettiest when the cherry blossoms bloom, especially the large ones in between Hurst and the East Quad Building.

I show my AU spirit by participating in staff events focused on sustainability and wellness, such as Campus Beautification Day and faculty and staff group fitness classes.

My favorite day of the workweek is Thursday, because it's the day that my colleagues and I meet on campus-plus, it's almost the weekend. My work-from-home rituals include feeding and playing with my cats, Gizmo and Luna; enjoying a cup of hot tea; and watering my plants when I need a brain break. I do my Zoom meetings from my home office. If I'm lucky, Gizmo will sit on my lap to join the call.

When I'm not at work, you can find me all over DC trying a new restaurant, catching a show at one of the theaters or concert venues, hiking through Rock Creek Park, or attending a group fitness class. My hobbies include salsa dancing, cooking, running or any form of exercising, and scuba diving.

The last great book I read was All About Love by Bell Hooks. The last great meal I ate was the handmade pasta and pesto alla trapanese that I learned to cook on a recent trip to Sicily.

If I wasn't a teaching and learning specialist, I'd be a plant shop owner. I love plants and teaching others how to nurture them. But my job at AU is best because I get to work with amazing students and faculty who care deeply about equity and justice, and every day is different.