Instructor Information

Background about me 👩🏻‍🏫:

• Some of you might be surprised to learn that English is actually my second language. How did that happen? Well, my mom and I moved to the United States from a small country called Bulgaria—tucked between Turkey and Greece—when I was thirteen years old. We first lived in San Francisco, and in 2003, moved to San Diego. I started eighth grade in English as a Second Language classes, and it was quite the culture shock. But thanks to some amazing teachers (and endless reruns of Friends), my English skills began to grow quickly.

• I began my higher education journey at Cuyamaca College in San Diego, then transferred to the University of California San Diego, where I earned my Bachelor’s degree in English/Writing in 2012. After a short break, I completed my Master of Fine Arts in Fiction at Antioch University Los Angeles. My teaching career started in 2014 at Cuyamaca College, and soon expanded to Southwestern College and San Diego Mesa College. Over the years, I’ve taught everything from transfer-level writing to literature and creative writing, and since 2017, I’ve focused mainly on online instruction.

• I now live in San Diego with my husband, our three-year-old daughter, and our two dogs—a husky and a shepherd/mastiff mix. We love going to the beach, indoor rock climbing, and traveling (Ireland and Scotland are our most recent adventures). In my downtime, I’m a bit of a true crime and serial killer docuseries fan—The Ted Bundy Tapes and Mindhunter are among my favorites.

My teaching philosophy 💡

I believe my role as an instructor is to help students be their best and reach their educational and career goals through support, encouragement, and genuine connection. Rita Pierson, a teacher for forty years, once said, “Every [student] deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.” Those words guide how I live and teach.

At the community college level, I have had the privilege of working with hardworking and inspiring students who have overcome incredible challenges. I am committed to providing each of them with a learning environment that is supportive, individualized, and warm. I meet students where they are, build relationships, and challenge them—while making sure they know I believe in their ability to succeed. My philosophy is rooted in empowerment. My students have so much to offer, and it’s an honor to learn alongside them, help them recognize their worth, and be part of their bright futures.