EDUCATION

I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2003 – Gig ‘Em Ags! I went on to earn a Masters of Organizational Management from Dallas Baptist University with an emphasis in Human Resources in 2006.  I have also earned a Professional in Human Resources Certification in 2009 from the HRCI.

EDUCATOR

In 2009, I began working for Blinn College in Bryan, TX as a Business Instructor.  While at Blinn, I have taught Human Resource Management (HRPO 2301), Business Principles (BUSI 1301) and Business Management (BMGT 1327).  I have taught regular classroom instructional courses as well as online courses.
As a teacher, I work to adapt my classroom to engage to motivate my students each day.  Every semester I incorporate new technology, like student blogs, Skype, and twitter into my courses.  No two classes I teach are exactly alike, but each engages my students with the course material to help them relate to the content.

TRAINER

Having worked for both Starbucks Coffee Company and a small private restaurant, Blue Baker, and a General Manager, Corporate Trainer, and HR Director,  I understand the unique challenges facing managers and employees in a fast-paced environment.
I worked for Starbucks Coffee in Dallas TX from 2004 to 2007 as a General Manager and Corporate Trainer.  While at Starbucks I took on the role of Manager, Coach, and Mentor – what Starbucks calls an MCM.  In this role, I personally trained new managers at all levels on the culture of Starbucks and the challenges they may face in the stores.  I had the opportunity to train several District Managers and even a new Regional Vice-President through her first 8 weeks with Starbucks.
I took on the role of HR Director in 2007 for Blue Baker.  I had the unique opportunity to design a training program from scratch.  I developed new employee training and manager training manuals, as well as classes and development opportunities for this bakery and deli business.  While at Blue Baker, I was able to reduce the company turnover rate by 60% in 3 years.  Focusing on hiring, training, and development had a significant impact on this small business bottom-line.  I continue to work with this company on on-going training initiatives.

SPEAKER

It was not until I began teaching that I realized I had a passion for public speaking.   My classrooms became my stage and have really transformed my ability to engage an audience.  Since beginning to speak publicly, I have been afforded the opportunity to speak at events such as teaching seminars, Junior League Organization Workshops, American Business Women’s Association Chapter meetings, and recently even at a TEDx event.
I have given talks on the following subjects:

• Teaching with Technology
• How to engage students with PowerPoint…. Yes, really with PowerPoint!
• Temperament Discovery and Application
• Human Resource Fundamentals
• Management Fundamentals
• Why Employees are the KEY to business success!
• Managing  Different Personality Types

Every talk is uniquely designed for the organization or business!

WRITER

While writing has just recently become a passion, I love every minute.  In 2008, I started my own personal blog for my friends and family, and recently in 2011 began a teaching blog.  I have written articles in local organization newsletters and school publications to faculty and staff.  My teaching blog, The Tinkering Teacher.com has weekly posts about new teaching technology, games, lectures, and education information.