Education
I hold a Master of Arts in Writing from Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a sequence in Teacher Education from Illinois State University. Additionally, I have three teaching endorsements: K-12 Visual arts, Middle-Level ELA, and Secondary English.
Before I earned my BA, I earned my Associate in Arts from the College of Lake County because a wonderful professor named Dr. Nicholas Schevera saw something in me, and I hope that one day I might be able to pay him back for all the kind things he’s ever done for me. Until then, I’ll teach to make him proud.
What I’ve Done
I’m classically trained as an English and fine arts educator, and since 2022, I’ve taught both at Carmel Catholic High School in Mundelein, IL.
Starting in August 2026, I will also be a college professor at the College of Lake County, where I’m teaching in two departments: English and Academic Success. In addition to teaching, I’ve worked as the National Honor Society moderator, as a basketball coach, and of course, as a freelance writer and artist. Some of my work has been published with the National Council For Teachers of English and for Amazon in their documentary, 1/10th of a Second.
What I’m Working On
My dream is to be a published author. Specifically, I’d like to write vampire fiction for the rest of my life. If you’re interested in supporting me, please visit my Substack, Caligo, and give show it some love.
I’m finishing my debut novel, Apricity, and I plan to upload bonus content to my Substack so that readers can get a taste of what it’s like to sink their teeth into my work.
Publications
“Caligo,” Author of Blog. Substack, 2026.
“Questions for Vampires,” Author, Every Writer. 2024.
“Plagiarism Is Not On The Guest List: A Response to Inviting Artificial Intelligence with Curiosity”, Author. On NCTE Blog, January 2024.
“Missing In Action: YA Fiction That Captivates”, Author. On NCTE blog, November 2022.
“Unmasking The Mythical Narrative Surrounding The Five-Paragraph Essay”, Author. On Literacy & NCTE blog, November 2021.
“Why I Cook: (Book)”, National Day on Writing Event Coordinator And Editor in Chief, Why I Cook: Book Website, 2021.
“Community, Agency, and Voice: Creating Authentic Writing Opportunities”, Co-Author, Published Essay, Ethical ELA Website, 2021 .
“A Letter”, Author, Published Narrative, College of Lake County Prairie Voices, 2018.
“The Lamentable”, Author. Copyrighted Novel, Library of Congress, 2016.
“1/10th Of A Second,” Contributing Artist, Amazon Documentary, 2015.
Art Features
