I was born in Berlin, Germany and grew up in New York City. I studied at Bryn Mawr and Barnard Colleges and received a degree in English Literature.

I worked as Lead Administrator and College Guidance Director at an independent school in upstate New York for 13 years. After working extensively with international students, I made the decision to pursue a M.Ed degree and am now a certified New York State ENL teacher (English as a New Language).

I teach in public schools in New York State, have private students at all age levels both in the US and abroad, and I work with adult students in the Clarkson University graduate education department.