Getting to know your instructor

Position at Moraine Park Technical College and classes I teach: I'm in my sixteenth year teaching communication classes at the Beaver Dam campus.

Past careers/other positions at Moraine Park: I received my occupational work experience in food service at the U.W. Platteville and as a chef's assistant at a resort in Vilas county. I began my educational work experience as a fourth grade teacher teaching eighteen years in Beaver Dam. Before taking a position as a communication instructor at MPTC, I worked part time in the Student Success Center.

Where you live/Where your from/family:

I am from SW Wisconsin, born in the lead mining town of Benton where my grandfather, "Pop" Vail published the local paper The Benton Advocate. My ancestors came from Cornwall in 1838 to mine lead and farm. I grew up in Platteville where my dad was employed as a teacher and administrator. Mom had her hands full just raising my precocious (bratty) sister who is now a Superintendent of Schools near Lake Geneva.

Hobbies, interest, etc....:

I love to landscape and garden. Watching things grow facinates me. I make the rounds each night in warm weather to check on all the plants, trees, shrubs, and turf on my 2 acre lot.

Anything else??

I have discovered Hiking Holidays: all inclusive, guided, and pampered hiking in scenic areas staying in elegant B & Bs being stuffed with exquisite local cuisine. Recently I was on Prince Edward Island and nearby Iles de la Madeleine. Last summer I revisited Newfoundland where I joined a service trip with Seirra Club to repair and maintain the East Coast Trail.