I am a linguist with a non-profit that does language development work for minority language groups around the world. I got my B.S. in English from Truman State University, my M.A. in Linguistics from Trinity Western University, and my Ph.D in African studies (linguistics) from the University of Helsinki. Since I do linguistic research and consulting on a daily basis, I use the principles behind grammar and syntax, phonetics, and spelling all the time.

I got into tutoring by working in a writing center at a graduate school for 3 years. I really enjoyed the process of working with students to improve their writing. My goal for any type of writing session is for the student's voice to come through clearly. It's the student's thoughts, ideas, creativity, and imagination that are of primary importance. Spelling and grammar are some of the tools to develop that clarity in expression.

I worked with native English speakers as well as international students at the writing center, and I also have experience living overseas (4 years in Tanzania). I am very comfortable working with people from different places around the world, and enjoy helping students with English, at whatever level.