A Little Bit About Me:
For starters, I am a humanitarian and a life-long learner who will always be committed to student success! My 20+ years of employment and volunteer experiences include serving in the fields of public health, behavioral health, higher education administration, and local government.  Since 2009, I have held part-time instructor positions at Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and Western University of Health Sciences.  I currently serve as a council member for the Region IX Pacific & Southwest Health Equity Council. 

Originally from the Motor City (Detroit, MI), I currently reside in Tampa Bay, FL.  Prior to this, I lived in Phoenix, AZ for close to 10 years and briefly lived in southern Illinois and southern California. 
 
Education/Licensure/Certificates:
•   B.A. in English (Wayne State University, 2000)
•   M.A. in counseling (Wayne State University, 2006)
•   M.Ed. in higher and postsecondary education (Arizona State University, 2009)
•   M.S.W. in planning, policy, administration, and community social work (Arizona State University, 2013)
•   Doctoral candidate in health education (A. T. Still University, expected graduation date in 2017)
•   Michigan Board Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (since 2006)
•   Arizona Department of Education Guidance Counselor Certificate (since 2011)
•   Certified Health Education Specialist (since 2016)

Research Interests:
I am interested in resiliency and how it plays a role in helping people to maintain good emotional and mental health despite dealing with adversities.  My other research interests include: integrative health; health counseling; electronic cigarette trends; older adults who are affected by HIV/AIDS and/or older adults who identify as gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgender (GLBT); and, program planning for community-campus partnerships for health.

Teaching Philosophy:
Teaching is all about compassionate service delivery.  Each and every student is unique and needs a secure, caring, and stimulating atmosphere to learn about their areas of interest.  One of my hopes as an instructor is to instill a passion for learning, inside and outside of the classroom, while I share my own passion for learning and discovery right along with the students.

Hobbies:
I enjoy traveling, listening to music, playtime with Sudan (my cat), juicing and making new green smoothie concoctions, and generally trying new things whether it's food, electronic gadgets, or activities.