General Information
Staff Profile
Marianne comes to the Oral Communication Program with 14 years of teaching experience, and an interest in facilitating others’ effective translation of thoughts and ideas into clear exchanges and presentations. She thinks the effective use of one’s voice and one’s body is fundamental to connection with audiences.
Her ability to tap individuals' optimal use of their physicality derives from her medical background. She earned her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy with a minor in Anatomical Sciences at Colorado State University. She subsequently worked with individuals recovering from spinal cord injuries, strokes, head injuries, and other traumas. One of her most memorable training experiences included working with Vietnam Veterans recovering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Marianne’s enduring interest in healing extended into her love of nature and children, which inspired her to transition from medicine to education; she returned to school to gain knowledge and skills in ways to effectively address environmental and human health concerns. She earned her MA in Speech Communication from San Jose State University, and her PhD in Communication from the University of Utah, where she developed expertise in the areas of environmental communication and conflict resolution, both from a feminist perspective. During her training she taught courses in Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Conflict Resolution, and other topics. Marianne’s research included investigations of Socially Responsible Companies, and wilderness programs for at-risk youth. She analyzed how proliferating wilderness therapy programs use (or misuse) nature to shape the identities of their participants.
In her free time Marianne enjoys practicing yoga, singing, going for long walks, visiting with friends, playing fetch with her cats, eating chocolate, and engaging in any activity related to water (excluding drowning).