About

Me (Your Instructor)

I am originally from Western North Carolina, thus the accent. I went to undergrad and grad school at Appalachian State University (Go Mountaineers!) where I majored in mathematics. I spent over 15 years teaching math & stats to students from grade 9 to university, most recently at UW-L. I spent two years then working as a data scientist and financial business analyst and KwikTrip before coming to Western. I enjoy running, hiking, cycling, and giving back to the community through my involvement in Rotary and other community organizations. I have one cat, Artemis.

Learning Data Analytics

Learning any new skill — especially in tech — is rarely a straight line. Some days, you’ll feel unsure, have more questions than answers, or wonder if you're making any progress at all. That’s normal, and it’s part of the process.

What matters most is staying curious and keeping an open mind. That mindset will serve you both while learning and later on the job, where tools and software evolve constantly. Data rarely arrives in perfect shape; your job will often be to question it — to poke, prod, and explore until it starts to reveal insights.

In this program, I’ll introduce you to key ideas and give you hands-on practice with industry-standard tools. But that’s just the beginning. Even seasoned analysts don't know everything — and neither do I. There may be times I forget a command or where to find an option. That’s okay. The field is broad and always changing, and learning how to troubleshoot and problem solve is just as important as memorizing menu layouts or complicated syntax.

You’ll learn through practice, experimentation, and yes — sometimes mistakes. That’s part of growth. Don’t be afraid to try something, even if you’re unsure it’ll work. We’ll figure it out together.

A few tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with the big picture. Think about your goal, then identify the steps or knowledge you need to get there.
  • Effort matters. You won’t be at your best every day, but consistent engagement adds up. Bring the best you’ve got, and progress will follow.
  • Feedback is part of learning. You’re not expected to be an expert — not now, and not even at graduation. Focus on progress, not perfection. And when we work with peer feedback, treat it as a valuable opportunity to grow.