I have a bachelor’s degree in Japanese and a Master’s degree in Linguistics, with a focus on phonetics and phonology. I studied and lived in Japan and have taught English as a Second Language at Washington State University. There, I chaired the pronunciation committee and drove the creation of a pronunciation curriculum.

All the while, I took courses in theater and voice. After completing my MA, I wanted to combine my knowledge of linguistics with my love of theater. Dialect coaching was the perfect opportunity to do this, and it also makes use of my teaching experience. I began dialect coaching in Seattle in 2006.

I also hold a certificate from the Institute of Language and Phonology and am a member of VASTA (Voice and Speech Teachers Association).