I have over twenty years of successful teaching and mentoring in humanities and religious history as a professor and adjunct professor at Elmhurst College, Benedictine University and Wheaton College. My Ph.D. in Religious Studies was earned at Marquette University, and I have acquired considerable experience in the fields of American history, philosophy (classical and contemporary), literature and literary theory, as well as my primary qualifications in religious studies, comparative religion, Hebrew and Christian Scripture and criticism, and Western religious history.

My first passion is engaging students and developing their excitement for learning. Knowledge of academic fields and expectations are just the first steps in successful learning. Growing enthusiasm through realistic and everyday connections with topics, assignments and outcomes fulfills the learning experience. Literacy is the beginning, learning is the goal.

I have mentored hundreds of students into learners. Students differ and engage with humanities topics according to discernible learning styles, and it is of utmost importance to identify the learning experience of each student. Learners share an excitement for the experience which transcends literacy and assimilates knowledge in creative and constructive ways.

Also, my publications include several books, articles in professional journals, as well as introductory level entries in encyclopedias in the fields of philosophy, history, religion and literature. I have written the textbooks students use to learn (and know how to guide students toward understanding what is asked of them in the classroom).