Let's find peace, purpose and possibilities together
Are you looking for a compelling future? I’m here to help you find hope as I rediscover my own.
This is what I do
Writer, Professional Speaker, Podcaster, creator of e-courses for transforming your life, Teacher/Tutor, Editor
I speak
As a dynamic speaker, I captivate audiences with powerful, personal stories that provide insight and motivate positive change. Whether on stage or hosting my podcast, 2 Chit Chat Chicks, I weave a lifetime of experiences into inspiring narratives. My storytelling skills create an engaging atmosphere, inviting participation and inspiring action.
I offer a variety of services, including:
Speaking Engagements and Events Requiring an MC: I can captivate audiences with motivational stories tailored to their needs.
Podcast Hosting and Guesting: I love sharing engaging content through my 2 Chit Chat Chicks podcast and would welcome being a guest on yours!
Workshops: I enjoy leading motivational and participatory sessions for women, teens, incarcerated adults, retreat events, and groups looking to enhance their storytelling and speaking skills.
I am passionate about connecting with people and delivering messages of hope and resilience. Let’s work together to inspire and empower your audience.
With nearly 40 years of teaching experience across seven countries, I bring a unique perspective to education, centered on inspiration and taking into account individual learning styles. My teaching style creates an engaging, effective and warm learning environment.
I offer a variety of services to cater to diverse learning needs:
English Language Learning: My master’s degree is in EAL (English as an Additional Language), and I can support students at all levels in their educational journey to navigate the reading, writing, and understanding of subject-area content. This can be done online or in person.
One-on-One Conversational English: As a specialist in EAL, I can offer informal lessons where we focus on conversational English in a variety of settings, tailored to meet your individual needs. This can also be online or in person.
Personalized Tutoring: You will receive tailored, one-on-one guidance to achieve your academic goals. I can work with all ages and most subject areas, and am delighted to tutor neurodiverse students and those hoping to obtain a high school certification.
Online Sessions: I am computer savvy and experienced in online teaching; I can support learning through online sessions that focus on students’ specific areas of need.
Informal Get-togethers for Students with Special Needs: Spending time with folks who are neurodiverse in settings that help them expand their horizons and comfort is something I am experienced and comfortable with.
I am dedicated to making a difference by encouraging each person to find their unique path for learning, fostering a sense of purpose that extends beyond the classroom. Let’s connect and explore how we can unlock your full potential together.
I teach
I Write
Ever since I learned to read, I’ve been captivated by the art of storytelling. I use my blog, “New Start Every Day,” to share stories about my personal growth and the journey of reinventing oneself. My young adult novel, “Hey Hmong Girl, Whassup,” explores themes of identity and resilience. I am also experienced in academic writing and journalism. As a professional writer, I offer my expertise in various forms:
Classes on the Art of Writing: Learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of storytelling in my engaging writing classes.
One-on-One or Group Writer’s Workshop Sessions: Whether you’re working on a novel, memoir, or any large piece of writing, I offer personalized or group sessions to help you develop your work.
Editing Services: Improve the clarity, coherence, and overall impact of your writing with my professional editing services.
Workshops on Narrative Writing: Learn how to compelling tell the stories from your own life.
Support for Academic Writing: I can help you improve your papers and essays so they are clear and meet the standards of conventional, academic writing.
My aim is to help you find your voice, bring your unique stories to life, and become a more efficient and confident writer.
My latest endeavor combines my love for teaching, speaking, and writing into comprehensive e-courses designed to empower others. These e-courses offer a dynamic learning experience, incorporating interactive elements and real-world applications to ensure impactful learning outcomes. Through these courses, I aim to share the knowledge and insights I’ve gained over decades of teaching and writing, providing students with tools to improve gain insights into personal development, and are crafted to inspire and transform your journey.
Navigating Grief: A Path to Healing Join me in this interactive online course on grief and loss. I’ll guide you through your grieving journey using multimedia content, real-life case studies, and interactive assignments. Together, we’ll explore a comprehensive understanding of grief, coping strategies, and healing processes. You’ll also have access to virtual workshops, discussion forums, and resource libraries for continuous support and learning.
Life Stories: Crafting Your Personal Narrative Allow me to guide you through the exciting journey of writing personal narratives. Together, we’ll explore essential elements like character development, plot structure, and descriptive language, transforming your life experiences into compelling stories. By the end of our time together, you’ll have a polished narrative that beautifully captures a meaningful moment from your life.
Guiding Through Grief: Compassionate Support for Healing Let’s explore how you can understand and support those going through grief. In this course, I will guide you through the latest research and expert insights on grief, helping you to offer empathetic and effective support to those in need. You’ll learn practical strategies, therapeutic techniques, and compassionate communication skills to help facilitate healing and build resilience.
The Transformative Power of Self-Love: Join me in discovering the transformative power of self-love. Together, we will explore practical strategies, insightful research, and interactive exercises to help you embrace and appreciate your true self. Start your journey towards a more confident and fulfilling life today!
I Create
About Me
Hello! I’m a podcaster, teacher, workshop leader, and writer with a passion for inspiring others to live their best lives while having fun along the way. Since moving to the beautiful Singing Sands of Vancouver Island, I have found joy in gardening, taking long walks by the ocean, and communing with our beloved daughter, Emily, who passed away in 2023. Our new home in Canada offers me a chance to rediscover myself and connect deeply with nature.
For nearly 40 years, I have dedicated myself to teaching English to a diverse range of learners in various educational settings, including a community college, international schools, a juvenile detention facility, public schools, and prisons. My journey has taken me across Canada, the USA, Taiwan, Korea, Greece, Hong Kong, and China, where I have had the privilege of enriching the lives of students from all walks of life.
My career is also distinguished by extensive publishing achievements. I authored an adolescent novel titled Hey Hmong Girl, Whassup?, and have written numerous freelance articles for magazines and newspapers. I have also developed educational materials and served as the editor-in-chief for an educational publishing company in Korea.
Through my blog, “New Start Every Day,” I delve into my personal goals of peace, purpose, playfulness, and passion. Additionally, I co-host a weekly podcast with a dear friend called “Two Chit Chat Chicks,” where we share our optimism, lively spirits, and engage in insightful conversations. Sixteen years ago, I joined Toastmasters and proudly became the national speech champion of China, a testament to my commitment to effective communication and motivating others to live their best lives.
More upcoming events
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My Family
My sweetheart, Don, and I met on a plane to Taiwan, connecting over our love for education, travel, human rights, and inclusivity. Our more-than-30-year journey together has been filled with learning and growth, making anywhere we are together feel like home. We have two wonderful daughters: Charlotte, a university student in Vancouver who constantly amazes us with her zest for life and caring spirit, and Emily, a deep and wise soul with boundless curiosity, who passed away in 2023. As a family, we lived in China and Hong Kong, traveling widely and embracing a life full of adventure and close family ties. Now, back in Canada, we continue to explore new quests while cherishing the memories of our dear Emily, healing together, and nurturing our desire for peace, purpose and playfulness.
Get in touch
Contact me
I’d love to hear from you. Please send me a note to let me know how I can be a part of your personal empowerment.