I am a graduate student at Portland State University working toward a Masters of Science in Archaeology. I have worked in archaeology professionally and avocationally since 2001. From 2015 to 2017 I was an instructor at the Fort Vancouver Public Archaeology Field School at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, teaching university students archaeological field and laboratory methods, as well as skills in interpreting archaeology to the public. I recently developed an educational program in which I present archaeology to children at elementary schools. I focus on historical archaeology because I love using the documentary record in conjunction with the archaeological record to piece together the story of the past. I am passionate about engaging with the public about archaeology , and feel strongly that archaeologists must collaborate with community members for the benefit of the public as well as enriching archaeological interpretation.