Yes, there is life outside of the classroom! When I am not teaching you will find me supervising and advising students, researching, publishing, attending conferences, reviewing books and articles, performing some administrative tasks, reading anything I can get my hands on, and contributing my share of service to the department and the university. I have helped expand and improve the English Education program at ASU and hope to continue to do even more in this direction. I am always in mentoring mode with students and have often written with graduate students for publication. School is a big part of my everyday life.

When I am not working you will probably find me hanging out with my astoundingly wonderfut husband, two wonderful cats (Izzy and Rudy) and with my really cool friends. I also love to hang out with my teenage niece. She is AWESOME; honestly! If I can find time alone I like to work in the flower garden, go to the gym, get outside in any number of capacities, and go to the theater. I LOVE the theater. I've also been told I am a pretty good cook and can throw a REALLY fun party. My favorite all time movie is still TRAINS, PLANES, and AUTOMOBILES with Steve Martin and John Candy (I love to laugh.), and my favorite group is REM, though I think PRINCE rocks. I am all about a life of meaning and growth and cannot imagine a day without some time for thoughtful reflection. I can, however, exhibit "shallow" values; I try never to miss a HOKIE football game. Though I grew up in the city, I chose to stay in the mountains because they never fail to embrace me.  In general, I think I am a fairly lucky gal.