I teach courses in diagnostic reading instruction and early literacy in the Curriculum and Instruction Department at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. As a three time alumni of the University of Arizona, I am a true Wildcat fan. Prior to moving to Illinois, I called the Tucson desert my home for twenty-three years. My husband, Peter, and I designed and built our "little house in the desert" when we were expecting our second daughter. We now reside in Glen Carbon with our two beautiful, talented girls, Laura and Katelyn and two faithful dogs, Jasmine and Mia. When our family is not at work, school or church, you will likely find us on a soccer field, biking trail, or campsite.