Department of Communication Studies
Originally from Aurora, SD, I’ve been lucky to call Omaha “home” for the past 15 years. Since 2008, it has been a joy to help Creighton University students elevate their voices through my work as a teacher, coach, and community member.
I began my teaching career in 2004 at South Dakota State University as a graduate student and found a passion for helping students thrive in speaking situations. It was at SDSU where I first worked with a student who was so terrified of speaking, that this person refused to even step foot in the classroom. By the end of the semester, that same student successfully delivered their speech to their classmates in our classroom. It was the biggest round of applause I have ever heard! Most recently, I’ve taught Talk to Me, TED: Leadership, Social Media; Applied Communication for Business Success, and our online public speaking course: Digital Communication.
I am also a former competitive collegiate speech and debate coach. During my time as Director of Individual Events and Assistant Director of Forensics, I’ve coached multiple students to achieve outrounds at national tournaments. Specifically, I am honored to have coached two National Champions, Whitney Rice at James Madison University in 2008 and Creighton's first National Champion in Prose Interpretation, Chris Fowler in 2010.
Beyond teaching and coaching, it is a joy to serve our community in a variety of ways. Providing corporate and individual training focused on public speaking and communication has been an amazing opportunity to work with leaders and organizations across the spectrum (for example, healthcare, real estate, insurance, and agriculture). My seminars help create change to promote effective communication on both a professional and personal level. I’ve also worked with local organizations in Elkhorn and Omaha to host forums, request community involvement, and run well-attended events.
It is my belief that everyone has the opportunity to improve and become a stronger speaker, but it takes time, dedication, and trust in the process. What we do in the Creighton University Communication Center allows such individuals to discuss ideas, work with a trained tutor, and practice their skills in order to realize their true potential.
Where I call Home: Victoria, MN
Majoring in Biochemistry
I also work at the Lifetime Fitness Kids Academy.
I enjoyed my freshman year COM classes and have always taken pride in helping my friends understand difficult concepts of any class.
Fun Fact: My favorite movie is the 2000s Jim Carrey How the Grinch Stole Christmas and I can quote the entire movie.
Where I call Home: Eagan, MN
Major: Exercise Science
Minor: Spanish
Area of study: Pre-Physical Therapy track
At Creighton, I’m involved in a variety of clubs, including EXSEL, Pre-Physical Therapy Club, Spanish Pre-Health Society, and Sign Language Club. I also participate in service at Siena Francis House throughout the school year, and I’m a member of both the NSLS leadership frat and one of the sororities on campus.
In high school, I took a mandatory speech class during my sophomore year, and though I gained a lot of practice in giving speeches over the course of that year, I always felt so anxious before and during public speaking. Because of these experiences, I was really nervous to give speeches in class when I came to Creighton, but meeting with a Communication Center tutor helped me gain a lot of confidence in public speaking, and it became something that I’ve learned to enjoy. Now, I look forward to helping others gain that same confidence and joy so that they can be successful in their own public speaking endeavors in the future.
Fun Fact: One day I hope to be trilingual (English, Spanish, and American Sign Language)!
Where I call Home: Parker, Colorado
1st Year Occupational Therapy Candidate
Community Involvement: CLC through Campus Ministry, Intramural Sports
Interests: All things OT, arts/crafts, being active (hiking, rock climbing)
Public Speaking Experience: High School Graduation MC, Speaking at Ceremonies for clubs and activities, Panel Speaker for the PHLC 200 Panel
Fun Fact: I recently hiked my first 14er in Colorado!
Where I call Home: Princeville, IL
Interested in Health Administration and Policy on the Pre-Medical Track
I am a part of the Dean's Fellows Community, Student Senate, the Creighton Pre-Professional Scholars Program, and the Honors Program. In addition, I do service at Live on Nebraska and I am the founder and Executive Director of the Creighton Pre-Professional Scholars Program Student Advisory Board.
I enjoy tutoring students because I love watching students discovering their talent and passion for public speaking!
Fun Fact: I have three dogs and I can speak German!
Where I call Home: Vietnam
Majoring in Business Intelligence Analytics
I also work at the Lifetime Fitness Kids Academy.
Fun Fact: Fluent in English and Vietnamese
Does helping students with public speaking sound interesting to you and a great way to get involved at Creighton? Contact Dr. Laura Gill, Communication Center Director to discuss becoming a Communication Center tutor.
