I wrote my autoethnographic dissertation about the interplay of my psychological capital (hope, optimism, resiliency, and efficacy) and my experience of grief after the death of my beloved husband, Robert, in December 2017.  In addition to my Ph.D. in Organization, Information and Learning Sciences (OILS) at the University of New Mexico, I have a Master of Theological Studies and a Master of Arts from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary.  I am a lifelong learner and have worked as a professional musician, worship leader, educator, non-profit manager, trainer, workshop leader, curriculum writer, online instructor, and public-school administrator. I bring a passion for discovering new ways to learn and think about ideas. My current intellectual thinkstorms involve wondering how the ideas of psychological capital, stories, and grief can help adults, youth, and children in their everyday lives and how to find rest and rejuvenation in the midst of life’s craziness.

Why MyFest

The idea of sharing stories and experiences with people from around the world was too tantalizing to pass up!  I’m excited to be part of this community of learners and thankful to my sister, Clarissa Sorensen-Unruh, for asking me to consider participating.