I was born in the U.S. and raised in Japan, and have been educated and worked in both countries. Since 2007, I have been teaching Japanese at Washtenaw Community College in Michigan where I developed various for-credit/not-for-credit courses tailored to the diverse needs of college students as well as adult learners. Aside from teaching college Japanese courses, my professional experience includes scientific research, in Japan and the U.S., and business management in the U.S. I also work as a consultant helping American businesses overcome Japanese language and cultural barriers.

In my personal time, I love to play traditional fiddle/banjo music. When I travel, I always bring my fiddle with me so I can attend trad sessions anywhere I visit.