I was born and raised in Germany, where I happily spent my first 40 years mastering the fine arts of bratwurst appreciation and punctuality. I studied Germanic languages, literatures, and linguistics in Munich (yes, I can diagram sentences in my sleep), with additional coursework spanning medical sciences, linguistics, and literary studies at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
My academic path was not just theoretical. I completed a pedagogical teaching practicum (160 hours in German and French) at Ignaz-Taschner-Gymnasium in Dachau, as well as a professional field placement in a general practitioner’s office in Hesse. Between science, language, and literature, I ended up with a background that is equal parts analytical, structured, and communication-focused.
Coaching, Teaching, and Adult Education
Once upon a time, I was a gymnast—and because gravity wasn’t enough of a challenge, I also coached Junior Olympic teams for the German Gymnastics Federation. I completed a full coaching pathway (Übungsleiter, Trainer C, Trainer B) with over 300 hours of formal training, covering everything from technical instruction and movement analysis to long-term athlete development and training theory.
Somewhere along the way, I spent about a decade working for a Catholic NGO as a certified adult-education trainer and assistant branch director. I completed an advanced train-the-trainer certification with Malteser Hilfsdienst, totaling over 200 hours of instruction and supervised teaching, focused on qualifying instructors and designing structured training programs. In other words: I learned how to teach people how to teach, which turns out to be surprisingly useful.
What I Do Now
These days, my acrobatics are limited to juggling projects at the Augusta Recreation & Parks Department, where I serve as the Public Information Assistant. That means I wrangle websites, run social media, craft communications, and occasionally serve as the department’s human megaphone.
A big part of my role is making sure the public understands what we do, why we do it, and how to access it, whether that’s through press releases, updates, graphics, digital tools, or public-facing content.
Beyond communication, I also pitch in on big-picture strategy, crunch numbers, support projects and grants, and help keep our mission and vision from collecting dust. It’s a mix of communication, operations, and problem-solving: never boring, rarely quiet, and always moving.
A Few Other Things
I’m fluent in German, English, sarcasm, and a rather dusty French. I can order breakfast in Spanish (but don’t ask me for lunch) and, given the right mood, flirt in Swedish.
As a hobby photographer, I love capturing our department’s events. Basically, if there’s a ribbon-cutting, concert, or parade, you’ll probably find me there with a camera in one hand and a coffee in the other.
Outside of work, I’m all about family time, swimming, reading, and gaming. And if you’re wondering how to bribe me? Italian or Mediterranean food will do the trick, extra points for pasta.
Education, Coursework, and Certifications
University Coursework
Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
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Kursus der Medizinischen Psychologie und Medizinischen Soziologie
Introduction to psychological and sociological foundations of medicine, including doctor-patient communication, health behavior, and social determinants of health.
Approx. 130 hours -
Praktikum der Berufsfelderkundung
Full-time professional field exploration in a general practitioner’s office, focused on healthcare delivery and patient interaction.
Approx. 40 hours (1 week full-time) -
Praktikum der medizinischen Terminologie
Training in Latin- and Greek-based medical terminology and clinical language.
Approx. 45 hours -
Biologie für Mediziner (Lecture & Lab)
Cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, and laboratory methods.
Approx. 150 hours -
Chemie für Mediziner (Lecture & Lab)
General, organic, and medically relevant chemistry including lab analysis.
Approx. 150 hours -
Physik für Mediziner (Lecture & Lab)
Mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, optics, and medical applications.
Approx. 150 hours -
Einführung in die Klinische Medizin (Praktikum)
Clinical introduction including patient interaction and presentation.
Approx. 60 hours -
Physiologie (Lecture & Lab)
Human physiology across all major organ systems.
Approx. 180 hours
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
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Neuere deutsche Literatur (Seminar & Lecture)
Literary-historical overview and text analysis of modern German literature.
Approx. 150 hours -
Germanistische Linguistik (Seminar & Lecture)
Structure and analysis of the German language (phonology, syntax, semantics).
Approx. 150 hours -
Germanistische Mediävistik (Seminar & Lecture)
Middle High German, medieval literature, and philological methods.
Approx. 150 hours -
Proseminar: Heinrich von Kleists Dramen
In-depth analysis of Kleist’s dramatic works and literary context.
Approx. 120 hours -
Romanistik (Introductory Courses)
Romance linguistics and literature, including French language-focused coursework.
Approx. 120 hours total (combined) -
Pädagogisch-didaktisches Schulpraktikum
Teaching practicum in German and French at Ignaz-Taschner-Gymnasium Dachau.
160 hours
Professional Training and Certifications
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Übungsleiter License – Gerätturnen
Foundational gymnastics instructor certification covering apparatus instruction, pedagogy, and safety.
120 hours -
Trainer C – Kunstturnen Frauen
Intermediate coaching certification focused on technique, training planning, and athlete development.
120 hours -
Trainer B – Kunstturnen Frauen
Advanced coaching certification covering performance training, periodization, biomechanics, and supervised coaching practice.
120 hours -
Trainer für Erwachsenenbildung – Malteser Hilfsdienst
Advanced train-the-trainer certification focused on adult education, instructor qualification, and supervised teaching.
Approx. 235 hours
Frankly Speaking 