About Me

I’m an English professor at California State University, Fresno, specializing in English education and American literature. Over the years, I’ve taught a variety of courses, including English Teaching Methods, Women’s Writing, Autoethnography, and Southwestern American Literature. I’ve published articles and book reviews in such journals as Western American Literature and Southwestern American Literature and an introduction to Teaching Vocabulary: 50 Creative Strategies, Grades 6-12. In late fall 2009, Studies in American Indian Literature will be publishing my interview with Wendy Rose.

During the 2008-2009 academic year, I was the Fulbright Roving Scholar for Upper Secondary Schools in Norway. I lived in Oslo, but traveled all over the country doing workshops on American culture and education for high school students and teachers. It was an amazing experience to meet so many engaged and intelligent students. I also really loved working with Norwegian teachers, facilitating discussions devoted to writing instruction and multi-ethnic literary studies.

One of the great joys of my work in Fresno is my job as director of the San Joaquin Valley Writing Project. We promote the exchange of best practices relating to the teaching of writing amongst K-16 teachers in a variety of disciplines. We also provide professional development to local schools and districts. This organization provides a supportive network for teachers who care about writing instruction across disciplines.

I’ve lived in California, Utah, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Texas, Portugal, and now Norway. I love to travel–but I also really love hanging out with friends, walking during the beautiful Fresno mornings, watching my orchard and wisteria blossom, and otherwise feeling a connection with place. I’m a budding photographer and a cookbook collector.

Welcome to the Icing where I will try to integrate my various interests and passions   . . . and where I ruminate about the sweet things of life.