I was born and raised in Pennsylvania. In fact, my family has been there since the late seventeenth century and has only moved about 80 miles from where they set anchor on the Delaware River in 1683. I identify most strongly with the natural rhythms and landscapes of Pennsylvania's "Dutch Country" — its characteristic red, limestone-rich soil nestled in the eastern stretches of the Appalachians between Philadelphia and the Blue Mountains. Travel outside of southeastern Pennsylvania, however, has become a large part of my life. I enjoy getting to know new places and experiences. Since 2011, I've been a resident of the Badger State. I share my home in Wisconsin with two rescued felines, Bessie and Stanley. I'm also a Quaker; we are pacifists, social justice activists, and avoid hierarchical structures.

I would describe my work as residing largely within linguistics and American studies. I'm a sociolinguist interested primarily in heritage languages and the interaction of language and identity. My interest in language began early, as I listened in on my grandmother and great aunt visit at the kitchen table. They both spoke Pennsylvania Dutch and it fascinated me... and, well, continues to fascinate me.

Since graduate school, I've worked with fiber as a maker of weaving, knitting, embroidery, and wool spinning. I am happiest as a curious person and love learning new techniques, especially if they are rooted in cultural traditions. Folk craft, in all its diverse media, gives me endless inspiration.

​Please check around my site and feel free to contact me with any questions. I'd be happy to share research and "in preparation" manuscripts for commentary.