Biography
I was born in Toronto, Canada and grew up in southern Kentucky. I spent a year in Pau, France, as a high school exchange student. After finishing a BA in French with honors at Calvin University, I earned a Masters and PhD in French Literature at Indiana University in Bloomington. I became president of the Alliance Française de Grand Rapids in 2020, and in 2021, I was named chevalière dans l’Ordre des Palmes académiques by the French Republic. When I have time, I love to rock-climb in Kentucky and climb mountains in the Pyrénées and the Alps. I summited Mont Blanc in 2013.
Office hours
- Please email for an appointment
Education
- Diplôme Annuel - Université de la Sorbonne - Paris, France 1990 (Cours de Civilisation Française)
- BA Calvin College 1991 (French, with honors)
- PhD Indiana University 2000 (French Literature)
Professional Experience
- Associate Professor of French, Calvin College (2004-2009)
- Assistant Professor of French, Calvin College (1999-2004)
- Instructor of French, Calvin College (1997-1999)
- Associate Instructor of French, Indiana University (1992-1994; 1995-1997)
- English Assistant (TAPIF), Lycée Polyvalent International Victor Hugo - Colomiers, France (1994-1995)
Academic Interests
I teach a full range of French courses, from beginner language courses to advanced culture and literature courses in the French and francophone world. In 2001 I directed the first semester-length Study in France program. In 2016 and 2018, I took students to Haiti for the January Interim, and in 2022 I organized the first May in Germany program. In 2023 I led the first May in France program.
