About Me
I have worked in the Portland State University Education Abroad Office for nearly two decades. I first came to PSU as a student in the fall of 2003, and earned my BA in Social Science and Arts & Letters with a minor in Theater Arts. In my Social Science degree, I heavily focused on International Studies, Sociology, and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. While studying Theater Arts, I continued to pursue my love for comedy and took improv classes. For several years I performed in a handful of comedy troops in the city of Portland. In my undergrad, I caught the travel bug and studied abroad several times. I studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand on a faculty-led program that focused on Mass Media and Communications. I went on to study the Spanish language in Oviedo, Spain and complete my Capstone in Turrialba, Costa Rica. Shortly after earning my BA, I took several exploratory courses to see what I should do for my masters, and fell in love with the Leadership for Sustainability Education program in the PSU Graduate School of Education. I was thrilled to be studying subjects like global political ecology, permaculture, and Gandhi’s educational philosophy. I recently graduated with my MS in 2017. I am passionate about international education and helping PSU students reach their study abroad goals. Each student has their own story and journey and it is rewarding to work through the process with them. Outside of work I enjoy being with my family, gardening, goofing around, and visiting the beach.
Professional Scope
As a Senior Education Abroad Advisor in Portland State University’s Office of Global Engagement & Innovation, I advise PSU students on a wide range of education abroad opportunities, including exchange, direct-enrollment, provider, quarter-length, and select faculty-led programs. I help students identify programs that align with their academic interests, degree requirements, graduation plans, financial circumstances, and personal goals. I support students throughout the education abroad process, from program exploration and academic guidance through applications, scholarships, financial planning, pre-departure preparation, and return-to-PSU considerations. I also serve as an Education Abroad liaison to PSU’s academic Pathways, collaborating with faculty, academic advisors, and campus partners to connect students with international learning opportunities. In addition to individual advising, I contribute to program development, outreach, information sessions, and initiatives that expand access to meaningful education abroad experiences.
How I Can Help
- Choosing a Program — Explore education abroad options and find programs that fit a student’s academic interests, major, degree requirements, goals, and preferred location or experience
- Academic Planning & Global Learning — Think through course options, credits, degree applicability, and how an international experience can fit into an academic plan while supporting academic, professional, and personal goals
- Applications & Preparation — Navigate the application process, program requirements, deadlines, pre-departure steps, and questions that arise throughout the process
- Funding Education Abroad — Explore program costs, financial aid considerations, scholarships, and other resources that can help make education abroad financially possible
- Program Development & Administration — Support the development and administration of education abroad programs, including program logistics, partner coordination, program processes, and ongoing program management
Global & Cultural Engagement
- Languages Spoken: English (native language); Spanish (elementary, continuing to learn)
- Global Experience: Over two decades of professional experience in international education, including education abroad advising, student services, program development, and international program administration.
- International Education & Study Abroad: Studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand through a faculty-led program focused on Mass Media and Communications; studied Spanish in Oviedo, Spain; and completed a capstone experience in Turrialba, Costa Rica.
- Education: Portland State University alumna with a B.A. in Social Science and Arts & Letters and a minor in Theater Arts, as well as an M.S. in Leadership for Sustainability Education.
- Professional Interests: International education, global learning, intercultural engagement, sustainability, and expanding access to meaningful global experiences that support students’ academic, professional, and personal goals