Meet Hannah

B.A. in Journalism, Marquette University, Diederich College of Communication

The most rewarding part of working with young writers is helping them realize they already have a story worth telling.

Many students initially believe they have nothing unique to say. I love helping them discover that meaningful stories often emerge from ordinary moments. Through thoughtful questions, close reading of mentor texts, and careful coaching, students begin to recognize the details, observations, and perspectives that are uniquely their own. That is where authentic voice comes from.

When working with students on college essays, I focus on helping them uncover what matters most to them, craft vivid and engaging stories, and communicate their experiences with clarity and confidence. My goal is never to write for students, but rather to help them express themselves in a way that feels genuine, memorable, and unmistakably theirs.

I believe that every student has something meaningful to say. Sometimes they just need the right questions, encouragement, and guidance to discover it.

For more than 23 years, I have dedicated my career to helping students find their voices through reading, writing, and storytelling. I currently teach World Cultural Geography at University School of Milwaukee and previously spent 17 years teaching middle school English Language Arts, six years teaching creative writing, and served as English Department Chair.

My path to education was not entirely straightforward. After graduating from Marquette University with a degree in Journalism, I worked as a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, an educational exchange organization in Germany, and later at a San Francisco tech company. Sitting through conference calls in a basement office one day, I realized something important: I missed working with students. I returned to the classroom and have never looked back.

Nothing keeps you laughing, learning, and working hard quite like spending your days with young people. Their curiosity, humor, creativity, and insight continue to inspire me every day.

When I'm not teaching or working with students, you'll find me traveling, backpacking, cooking, reading, or jogging. I am also the proud parent of two children, ages 12 and 15, and share a part-time dog with my mom. My favorite podcast is This American Life, and my current favorite author is Maggie O'Farrell. After reading Hamnet, I've been making my way through the rest of her work.