Get in Touch With Me:
I am on sabbatical this academic year 2021-2022.

You can still contact me, but I may not be quick to respond!

Check out my website, which houses my course syllabi and a lot of resources for students!

Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society Students: Join the AGS Canvas Site

Math Club/Mu Alpha Theta Honor Society: Join the MC Canvas Site

You may wonder, how is my name pronounced? Listen to my NameBadge!

About Me: 

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics; Elon University
Master of Science, Applied Mathematics; Texas Tech University

I chose mathematics at first not because I wanted to teach it, but because to me, it was fun. I loved seeking out the patterns in everything, creating proofs of the theorems by piecing together axioms and other theorems, and imagining infinity.  But once I graduated from Elon, I didn't know what to do with it! I didn't think I wanted to teach, so I didn't go into education. I found out that some graduate programs will pay you to go there, so I decided to take that opportunity to give me more time to figure out what to do with my life. In graduate school at Texas Tech University to earn money, I had to teach undergraduate classes. That's right, they just tossed me in the classroom. I had no idea how much I would love it!

After several years teaching there and three summers doing research in mathematics at the Air Force Research Laboratory, I knew teaching was my gift and passion. I earned my Master of Science in Applied Mathematics and moved to California shortly after. 

I have been teaching math at the postsecondary level since 2001 and at Las Positas since 2008, including classes from prealgebra through multivariable calculus, linear algebra and discrete mathematics. In addition to teaching math, I advise the Alpha Gamma Sigma Honor Society (AGS) and Math Club at LPC (LPC students only; link is to self-enroll in Canvas Math Club Site). I am also the State AGS Chair of Scholarships and Awards.  I have also served as the Mathematics Department Coordinator, Math Learning Center Coordinator, and Coordinator of the Basic Skills Student Outcomes and Transformations Grant (to help students accelerate through mathematics and English pathways), Basic Skills Committee Chair, and Student Equity and Achievement Committee Co-chair. Currently, my educational interests include best practices for equity of marginalized students, mathematics education for elementary students and teachers, computing in Statistics courses, and pursuing open educational resources (better known as “free textbooks”) for classes.

I firmly believe that every student must and can learn to think mathematically. I am dedicated to offering students a variety of learning supports, including utilizing brain research and growth mindset activities designed to enrich, personalize and holistically support their academic success.

On a more personal level, I played trombone throughout middle, high school and college, marched in the bands, and played in multiple Jazz Ensembles, Brass Quintets, church groups, etc. until the end of my first pregnancy with my daughter. Though I don't play seriously any more, I LOVE all kinds of music and am happy and excited to listen and enjoy!   I love to read and watch TV while also doing needlework (crochet currently). Star Trek, Star Wars, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Marvel and DC, Disney - hey, I have two kids!  I'm not great at it, but I love experimenting in the kitchen with different foods. Baking is my favorite medium, but I also work with "normal food"!

Know where I stand:

We are living in very unique times. From a global pandemic to social justice reform and various natural phenomena, it is hard to be okay, or to expect "normal" during this time.  We are all facing challenges that we didn't expect, that we didn't plan for, that we may have no immediate solutions. Things that once were simple are not any more.

• Talking helps: You are always welcome to talk to me about things that are not course-related. I am willing to be an ear to listen, should you need that.
• Your experience is sacred: You NEVER need to justify your needs to me by sharing personal details. You are entitled to your privacy. 
• Meet me halfway: I want to support you in your learning, and the best way for me to do this is for you to communicate with me.
• We are part of a village: More than ever, it takes a village of support to help each of us thrive. If I can't help you, I will do my best to connect you with someone who can.
• Be brave for you: No one can better advocate for YOU than YOU can. If you need extra time, extra understanding, extra anything, please don't be afraid to ask for it.
• Systemic racism must be completely eliminated: I am deeply committed to acknowledging, confronting, and actively striving to eradicate all forms of racism and ethnic oppression. Thus, my courses operate from the belief that racism is real, is present, and is something that Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color face daily. Part of my objective for my courses, therefore, is to create a safe and brave space that enables all of my students to engage openly, safely, equally, equitably, and honorably with their education. In taking my course, you are expected to do your best to embrace these values; and, while I expect that we will all make mistakes along the way, I also expect that we will work together to engage with all of our classmates and with the material through thoughtful respect of everyone and their individual perspectives.

*These ideas are inspired by Professors Chris Jones, Summer Serpas, and Katie Klein Booth