In addition to teaching English, I have been a Professor for a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification program with an internationally-recognized and awarded company based in Chicago, IL, USA, since 2019. 

I have two Master’s Degrees: an MA in Teaching and an MA in English and am TEFL certified myself. I am in the process of becoming a certified Translator and Interpreter of Portuguese into English through DePaul University in Chicago.  As an undergraduate at Villanova University in Philadelphia, USA, I studied Political Science with a focus on Russian Foreign Policy. 

Before I became a teacher, I served in the United States Navy, first as a Russian Interpreter, then as a Surface Warfare Officer.  While I was in the Navy, I enjoyed the opportunity to engage in diplomatic talks and strategy sessions with Naval representatives from various nations, as well as the chance to indulge in my own wanderlust, my deep love and need for international travel and adventure. This has been my inspiration to create In Wonderlust, in the spirit of the pursuit of personal excellence and growth.

In 2021, I moved to São Paulo, Brazil, where I live with my family.  I continue to study additional languages and work to develop my Portuguese proficiency daily and enjoy exploring my new home and culture.