I am a retired military officer, military spouse, mom, grad school professor, author (4 books, 40+ articles) and professional speaker (60+ keynotes and speeches since 2010). I have a doctoral degree in Higher Education from Benedictine University, Master of Science degrees from Johns Hopkins University (Applied Behavioral Science) and Air University (Military Operational Art and Science), and a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography from Penn State University. I've also served as a fellow at Harvard and George Washington University. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about writing, reading, verbal and critical thinking skills.

I love mentoring and coaching to help people achieve their dreams! My parents were both the first in their families to graduate from college, so I understand that education is a powerful game changer. I am also a proud mama. Our daughter is 24 and just started a PhD program; her focus is gender equality.

I love adventure travel! I've visited over 60 countries, climbed a few big mountains and stood at both the North and South Poles. I am also an analog astronaut. An analog astronaut participates in human spaceflight training and deep space simulations while on Earth. Analog astronauts live in Moon and Mars simulations for various lengths of time, conducting research, testing food, spacesuits, technology, tools, etc.

In my spare time I raise Monarch butterflies and help protect the deer, dolphins, sea turtles and birds on our little barrier island in South Carolina.