I grew up and graduated from high school in Alexandria, MN.  After that, I attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN where I majored in political science.  I received my Masters in Russian Literature and Linguistics from the University of Iowa and another in teaching from SUNY New Paltz.  Before working at New Paltz High School, I worked in non-profits in  New York City, at Bard College and at Marist College.  Bringing parts of the world to the students of NPHS and helping them understand their place in it is one of the best parts of my job.