From my grandmother teaching me how to bake the recipes of her Russian immigrant mother, to my father singing German lullabies to lull me to sleep as a child, to impromptu trips with my husband to explore street food in Mexico City, or breaking bread in a wine cellar in Rome with couples from around the world, my life has been shaped by moments where culture, language, and connection come together. These experiences sparked a lasting curiosity in how people communicate across differences and how shared traditions help us understand one another.
That curiosity, combined with my background in writing and storytelling, shaped how I think about communication. As a foodie at heart, I’ve come to believe that food is a universal language, one that brings people together and bridges cultural divides, and that storytelling is one of the oldest ways we preserve and share history and connect with others.
These passions led me to Vista Higher Learning, where I focus on helping instructors lower barriers for students, increase engagement, and create more accessible, enjoyable language learning experiences through the Supersite. I believe language education should feel dynamic, supportive, and fun, empowering students to build confidence as they explore new cultures and perspectives.