I was born in Dayton, Ohio, and lived near Dayton until August 2004, when I moved to Florida to teach for SPC. I received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Wright State University in Dayton and an M.A. in Speech Communication from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. In 2007, I received a Ph.D. in Leadership and Education from Barry University in Miami Shores, FL. I taught communication and public speaking courses at Miami University and Sinclair Community College, both in Ohio. I feel the best part of teaching is meeting, working with, and getting to know the many students enrolled in my classes each semester. I have great passion and respect for the value of communication as a means of enhancing one's career prospects, relationships, and quality of life. In short, I love teaching and believe in what I teach! Students often feel anxious taking a class that involves public speaking. Helping them manage their public speaking fear and give a good, engaging speech is something I very much enjoy and appreciate. Outside the classroom, I love rock and alternative music. My favorite artists are Flickerstick, Tool, Failure, Elbow, Cracker, Dishwalla, Black Lab, Big Wreck, Secret Machines, Peal Jam, Our Lady Peace, and The Verve Pipe. I also love movies, hiking, photography, traveling with friends and family, collecting frog merchandise (frogs are awesome!), and playing basketball, poker, and Magic: The Gathering. Take care, thanks for reading, and have a great semester here at SPC!