I was born in Long Beach, California, making me the first American in my family.  I was also the first in my family to

graduate from high school and attend college.  





Originally an English major, I later switched to Psychology and received a B.A. degree from California State University,

Long Beach.  I returned there to complete my Masters degree and fulfill academic requirements for a marriage, family,

child counseling license.  





I have worked as a therapist both in hospital and out-patient settings, specializing in substance abuse issues and

recovery.  My first official teaching position was at Coastline Community College in the Basic Skills Center.  I have

also taught at Golden West College and worked in the Tutorial Center there.  Prior to coming to Orange Coast College, I

was a study skills specialist and assistant coordinator of the tutoring program at CSULB.  I have been faculty at OCC

since Fall 1999, running the Tutorial Center and teaching tutoring skills (Comm 150).