I am currently serving as a Lecturer in English Education at Rikkyo University, Tokyo. While gaining my MSc in Psychology, I became interested in how group dynamics can combine with cognitive and affective states to affect learning outcomes. My current research focuses on how concepts from social psychology (such as theories surrounding group cohesion) can be applied in a second language environment, particularly in relation to student motivation and L2 anxiety, and I am presently collecting data on whether undertaking reflective team-building tasks can affect group climate and bonds.

After finishing my masters in TESOL at Columbia University's Teachers College, I worked in Adult and Continuing Education at LaGuardia Community College helping students reach their educational and professional goals. After that, I worked at Rikkyo University's Center for Foreign Language Education and Research, teaching English and communication strategies for discussion, presentation, and debate. Upon returning to the USA this year, I continued to work to help people improve their lives, this time helping facilitate access to government programs and grants at the Oregon Department of Human Services' Self Sufficiency Program.