Professional
As a psychologist, I have had a non-traditional career, working as a researcher, program evaluator, statistician, school administrator, government contractor, and educator. My areas of research and expertise include the evaluation of systems of care, disability services, educational programming, and therapeutic interventions for mental health, as well as screening and psychoeducational assessment for children with exceptionalities and disabilities.
I have been a researcher and faculty member at eight colleges and universities (twice at ECU), and I have been teaching university students for more than 30 years. I taught my first online course in 2003 and have since taught a wide range of courses in Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Research Methods, and Statistics. Currently, I teach Psychological Statistics, Developmental Psychology, Advanced General Psychology, and Introductory Psychology in the ECU Flight Path program.
My greatest passion is working with students and supporting their academic and personal growth. I strive to create an inclusive learning environment where all viewpoints and experiences are welcome. In my online courses, I focus on building meaningful connections with students while fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement through reflections, discussions, and problem-based learning.
Personal
I have been married to my husband, George, a retired Army officer, for more than 30 years. As a military spouse and professional, I have lived and worked in Italy, Germany, Canada, Hawaii, California, Kansas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, and I have traveled extensively, exploring 59 countries (and counting).
Outside of academia, I enjoy golfing, hiking, skiing, cycling, triathlons, cooking, reading, quilting, playing games, exploring art and history, and traveling. My husband and I have one son, whom we homeschooled before he began college, and an energetic Border Collie. My claim to fame is appearing on an episode of Hawaii Life on HGTV—I’m a little bit famous, but only at Home Depot.