Connie is twice nominated for Outstanding University Teacher by the School of Theatre and Dance at Illinois State University, which has fed the Chicago and beyond theatre, film, and television scenes for decades.

Her former students include LaRoyce Hawkins (Chicago PD), Todd Stashwick (The Riches, 12 Monkeys), Cecilia Suarez (Capodocia), playwright Rob Caisley and many more. Connie’s dedication to her students is largely responsible for the birth of her book, co-authored with Jan Elfline: Actor for Life: How to Have an Amazing Career Without All the Drama, which includes interviews with ISU alumni Jeff Perry, Gary Cole, Sean Hayes, and more.

Connie lives in Bloomington, Illinois with her husband Mark. They visit their daughter Gwen in Chicago as often as possible. When not teaching, writing, acting or directing, Connie can be found practicing yoga, biking with Mark, dog wrangling Buster and Sophie, or tending the garden.