My Teaching Philosophy:  I find great inspiration in helping others to nurture a greater sense of who they are as curious and informed global citizens, so that they might be filled with the courage to follow their creative inspiration. Teaching, and working with students, is perhaps the best way for me to follow my own creative voice and to continuously be challenged to grow and see the world in different ways. Through a close attention to reflective practice, I am committed to helping students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills so that they will be more effective communicators in the process of acting upon their own commitments and concerns.

I want students to value the learning that takes place in a formal setting, particularly the rigor in understanding and engaging theory, but more importantly, I want them to make explicit connections between knowledge, application and how they act in the world. I believe strongly in 'extending the classroom' and breaking down the limiting boundaries of formal education. For this reason, my courses are built around 'community-based learning' principles that situate all formal learning in a decidely messy, practical context. By struggling to understand the relationship between theory and practice with a generous dose of critical thinking, a certain awareness emerges that is difficult to shake. It is this life-long affliction and commitment to learning that I am hoping to instill in others through my teaching.