I am a librarian / media specialist / instructor in Columbia, SC. In 2020-2021, as the media specialist for Pine Grove Elementary School, I provided most services online, reading to students and teaching them where to find suitable ebooks. After the library flooded during winter break, I worked with a school and district team to design a new, flexible media center with a makerspace. While the media center was closed per district covid policy, I went into classrooms or on MS Teams, delighting the children with stories and my many fanciful costumes. With the help of generous donors, I raised funds to seed the makerspace.
Previously I served as Instructional and Reference Librarian at Lenoir-Rhyne University's Graduate Center in Columbia, SC. I have also served as media specialist at Ridge View High School, instructional technologist at Heyward Gibbes Middle School, and part-time user services librarian at Columbia College. I taught college English for over twenty years, and online for fifteen years.
A long-time resident of South Carolina, I am a p.k. (professor's kid). I grew up in Clemson, where my father taught physics for 35 years, and I have lived in California, Florida, New York, and Italy. I began my college career in the California community college system. After studying piano performance for many years, I returned to my earlier love, foreign languages, and earned my B.A. in Italian Literature with a German minor from Florida State University and studies in Spanish and French. At The Citadel, I earned an M.A.E. in English and Secondary Education. I studied British and American Literature at the University of South Carolina, and completed my M.L.I.S. in 2011. In 2014, I completed my certificate in School Media Studies.
A few of my academic and professional interests include:
- web 2.0 technologies and emerging technologies
- writing in digital media
- online education and technology
- digital storytelling
- multiple literacies
- project-based learning
- diverse student populations
Teaching is my passion. I want to see my students bring together their experiences, information and ideas to make meaning. I encourage in my students habits of inquiry, analysis and reflection, and I strive to help them develop strong information literacy skills, and strong communication skills.