I am one of those people who has had a crazy career path.  I started my professional life as an administrator in the U.S. Army.  Over the years I have been a secretary, a mom, and even a tour guide.  When I was in my forties, I headed to university to study my two passions: history and writing.  I completed my B.A. in history and writing in 2007, and an M.A. in history with a special focus on public history in 2011.   

While studying for my master’s degree, I worked as an interpretive historian for the U.S. National Park Service developing tours and programmes for the public.  During that time, I also did an internship at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.  When we moved to Britain in 2013, I was able to work with local museums and heritage groups doing research and developing exhibits, telling stories of the community for the community.  

Over the years, I also volunteered as a community activist in Baltimore City, and served on the Board of Directors for the Junior League of Baltimore, as well as outreach work at both Johns Hopkins University and City University, London.  

I arrived in Germany a few years ago and began teaching English to corporate clients in Frankfurt.  This has given me a unique perspective into my own language.  I came to realise that what a native speaker sees as “standard English”, a non-native speaker often sees as overwhelming.

I now take this perspective with me wherever I go.  It pains me to see a museum panel written in language not appropriate for the average museum visitor.  Or when I hear a native English speaker giving instructions to a non-native speaker and saying things like: “No worries. It’s a piece of cake.  Just press here and Bob’s your uncle.”  The listener wonders why they are talking about cake, and who Bob is.

So, that’s me in a very short space.  My goal is to help people communicate more clearly and with confidence.  I would love to hear from you – about the issues you are having and the ideas you need help with.a