What brought you to Normandale as a student?
“I was making a career change from working in the airline industry to becoming a dental hygienist and debating whether to attend a four-year university or a community college. Doing my research, I came across Normandale where I discovered their dental hygiene program had a great reputation and success rate. I also discovered I could earn my degree at a fraction of the cost of a university. Since I was living in Bloomington at that time, the proximity from home to campus was fantastic!”
What did you enjoy most about your time at Normandale as a student? Do you look back on this time positively?
“Normandale was the right-sized campus for me. Classes were easy to navigate, the campus grounds were beautiful, especially the Japanese Garden, and I felt supported by my advisors and faculty. I look back now, recognizing what a quality education I received and how my time at Normandale became a springboard for even more success down the road.”
What did your career look like after leaving Normandale as a student and before joining the college as a faculty member?
“Right after leaving Normandale, I accepted a full-time dental hygiene position at an area dental practice. A few years into my new career, I was asked to take on a mentorship role, guiding new dental hygiene graduates transitioning from being a student to becoming a clinician out in practice. This new role fundamentally shifted my professional trajectory. As I watched these recent graduates apply what they learned in school into hands-on clinical practice, I realized that my most fulfilling moments didn't come from my own patient care, but from the 'aha' moments of my mentees. This ignited a passion for teaching, and wanting to shape the future of our profession from an educator's role. To prepare, I went on to complete my bachelor's degree in dental hygiene at Minnesota State University, Mankato. After receiving my bachelor's degree, I accepted a part-time teaching position at Century College in their dental hygiene program. I had the best of both worlds, gaining teaching experience a few days a week, while still keeping up my clinical skills at my dental practice. During this time, I continued on with my education, receiving a master's degree in dental Hygiene education at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. It was shortly after receiving my degree that a teaching opportunity opened up at Normandale in their dental hygiene program. I've come full circle at Normandale, from student to educator, and I could not be happier with the outcome!”
How did your experience at Normandale as a student shape who you are today?
“As a dental hygiene student, I was challenged to think critically, develop confidence, and embrace a commitment to lifelong learning. Our dental hygiene program also reinforced the importance of serving others with compassion and professionalism. Through patient care experiences, I learned that dental hygiene is not just about treating oral disease; it's about educating, advocating for, and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.”
How do you carry your experience as a Normandale student into your current teaching?
“Returning to Normandale years later as an instructor has given me a unique perspective. I understand the challenges and opportunities our students face because I once sat in the same classrooms and clinics. That experience motivates me to create a supportive learning environment where students feel challenged, encouraged, and empowered to succeed.”
What are you up to this summer? Any fun plans?
“I am excited for an upcoming month-long road trip in July. Highlights will include taking in a baseball game in St. Louis, Missouri, exploring scenic hiking trails in Chattanooga, Tennesse, kayaking down the Santa Fe River in High Springs, Florida, and visiting the coastal towns of Savannah, Georgia and Charleston, South Carolina.”
top
