My teaching experience spans over three decades and encompasses a wide variety of diverse learning environments. I began teaching dance as a teenager, first choreographing for my church and then moving into theater and social dance instruction. By the time I was 18, I was assisting in social dance classes at Georgia Southern University and teaching swing and Latin dance independently in clubs by the age of 20. These early opportunities taught me how to meet students where they are, whether in church, community spaces, or higher education settings.
Beyond the arts, I have taught in K-12 Christian schools, coached youth baseball with Dilworth Little League and the YMCA, coached Soccer with the YMCA, and led Sunday school and youth groups across several churches. In each role, I worked with students from diverse racial, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as across age groups from preschoolers to high school seniors. I also served as a math and English tutor at Georgia Southern University, where I primarily worked with student athletes, learning how to adapt instruction to different academic skill levels and the demands of student-athlete life. Later, I volunteered at local elementary schools, mentoring struggling readers and advanced math students, and even taught staff to use their library systems, demonstrating how learning occurs in both formal and informal settings.
At the university level, I have served as Instructor of Record for five finance courses at UNC Charlotte, including Investments, Real Estate Finance, Financial Management, Real Estate Principles, and Asset Management. My teaching has been consistently recognized: I was a finalist for the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, featured in the Niner Times article “Rated and Respected,” and identified by 23 graduating seniors in the UNC Charlotte Senior Survey as the “most significant, positive contribution to their education.” These recognitions reflect my ability to connect with students from diverse backgrounds and varying learning needs.
In addition, I have shared my expertise beyond the classroom, including speaking at the Nightclub and Bar Convention in Las Vegas on lighting design, conducting audiovisual technology training for technicians and church staff, and guest lecturing on professional development in architecture and business master's programs. I have also given lectures on both finance basics and professional development to various organizations, from fraternities and sororities to religious organizations. These roles often brought me into contact with learners outside my primary field, requiring me to translate technical and professional concepts into language accessible to diverse audiences.
I remain committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments in every setting where I teach. Whether mentoring struggling students, working with gifted learners, coaching athletes, or preparing finance majors for their careers, I approach teaching with a focus on dignity, compassion, and respect for each individual. My professional journey demonstrates that I not only value diversity but also thrive in diverse teaching and learning contexts.