Professional Scope
As Senior Instructor II for the Portland Center, I work with inbound international students to deliver culturally responsive, high-impact instruction that fosters academic growth and cross-cultural communication. Drawing on my own experience as an international student, over 20 years of TESOL experience, and a background in faculty and curriculum coordination, my work centers on designing courses that help students navigate cross-cultural adjustment, gain a deeper understanding of American values and beliefs, and participate in structured language and cultural exchanges with domestic PSU students to enhance global awareness and student belonging.
I began working at PSU in 2006 as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Over 18+ years at PSU, I have served as instructor and Learning Center Manager in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP), Faculty and Curriculum Coordinator in International Special Programs (ISP), and Admissions and Outreach Coordinator in OGEI.
How I Can Help
- Intercultural Exchange & Community Building: Facilitate structured language exchanges, guest lectures, and campus-wide collaborations connecting international students with domestic peers, academic departments, and local community organizations.
- ESL Curriculum Design & Teacher Training: Provide expertise in developing student-centered ESOL/TESOL curricula, integrating social justice topics and training and/or mentoring pre-service and in-service educators.
- Holistic Student Support & Engagement: Guide international and multilingual students through academic adaptation, cross-cultural adjustment, and experiential learning opportunities that build community-wide support networks.
Global and Cultural Engagement
- Languages Spoken: Polish (birth language), English (fluent), Spanish (beginner)
- Global Experience: Born and grew up in Poland; taught English in Poland and Hungary; conducted sabbatical work in Vietnam; actively volunteered supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Afghan refugees in the U.S., and traveled extensively.