Introducing myself and my journal: I Really Think So

About Me:
I worked for thirteen years in developing countries as a teacher trainer, program developer and director. As a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone, West Africa, I was a village based teacher trainer and a curriculum developer. Next, I worked in a refugee camp in Thailand as a teacher supervisor, trainer and curriculum developer preparing refugees for resettlement in the United States. After that, I was an Associate Peace Corps Director in Uganda and Ghana developing and managing projects in small enterprise development, primary education teacher training, art education and water and sanitation. I managed a web based program connecting youth in the Middle East with youth in the United States. I think education should be a catalyst for social change and I'm passionate about the potential for schools to comprehensively serve the culture and climates of their communities. I have a master’s degree in International Intercultural Development Education from Florida State University (That’s the short version of my career.)

Now I’m taking a break. I sit at home in my favorite red chair and read and read and read. My cat, Madame Banana, who I brought back from Ghana, sits with me. I’m looking forward to the amazing conversations I know we will have through Voices of Our Future. It will be good to feel like part of a much bigger world beyond my comfy, red, chair. (Madame Banana is cute but she doesn’t have much to say.)

My Passions:
social justice, service learning, sharing ideas, reading, gardening, beads

My Challenges:
I have multiple sclerosis which makes me wobbly and very tired.

My Vision for the Future:
A peaceful world where each person has a confident voice and kindness is the most important value

My Areas of Expertise:
international education and intercultural communication