Tell us a little about your background. How did you end up at UNI?
I completed my BA in education here at UNI. Then I taught in the Waterloo Schools for 11 1/2 years before I took a position here at UNI. I have been working as a professional learning coordinator in the Richard O. Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy (JCCL) and adjunct professor, which then led me to pursing my doctorate.

Why did you choose to pursue this degree at UNI?
Being a UNI alum I knew the quality of education I would receive, but working here and hearing about the new model they were pushing out for the EdD program really intrigued me even more. Another perk is being a staff member; I had access to some internal grants to help pay for my education. 

How did you choose your area of focus for your dissertation? Why was this important to you?
Teaching in a school district with many needs, I found myself continually searching for ways to better support my students not just academically, but emotionally and behaviorally as well. As I implemented different strategies, I began to notice real growth in my students: not only were their behaviors improving, but they were also opening up and building stronger relationships with me. That transformation sparked something in me. I realized that the work I was doing in the classroom had the potential for a greater impact, and I wanted to explore it more deeply through my research. That’s what led me to my area of focus. It felt both meaningful and necessary to continue this work in a way that could inform and inspire others in the field.

What three adjectives describe yourself?
Reflective, empathetic and driven.

What does completing your degree mean to you?
Completing my degree means everything to me not just as an educator, but as a mother of five. It represents years of hard work, late nights and the constant balancing act between my personal and professional life. It’s a reflection of my commitment to growing in my career while also modeling perseverance and lifelong learning for my children. This accomplishment isn’t just mine; it’s shared with my family, who have supported me along the way, and with the students and teachers I hope to continue inspiring through my work.

What challenges did you face as you worked toward this degree – and how did you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I faced during this journey was welcoming my fifth child during my first year in the program. While I wasn’t new to motherhood, balancing life with a newborn--especially as she faced medical issues--alongside work, school and family responsibilities was incredibly demanding. On top of that, shifting from writing like a storyteller to writing like a scholar took time and effort. Thankfully, I wasn’t alone. I leaned heavily on the guidance of my professors, the support of my chair and the encouragement of my cohort. Their feedback, patience and belief in me helped me grow both academically and personally. It truly took a village, and I’m so grateful for the one that surrounded me throughout this process.

How did UNI help you achieve your goals? 
UNI played a huge role in helping me achieve my goals. The cohort model was truly incredible. Even though we were in different cohorts at various points in the program, we stayed connected and supported one another every step of the way. That sense of community made all the difference as we pushed each other, motivated each other and celebrated each other's wins loudly and proudly. I’ve made lifelong friends through this journey. On top of that, we had some amazing professors who not only challenged us academically, but continued to support us even after their courses ended. Whether it was offering a listening ear or a helping hand, their presence and encouragement made this experience both meaningful and achievable.

What’s your best memory of your time at UNI?
One of my favorite memories from my time at UNI was our summer residency programs. After so much time on Zoom, finally getting to connect face-to-face was such a gift. We not only learned together, but we had the chance to spend time outside of class sharing meals, laughing and building real friendships. 

We often say UNI is student focused; a place where professors care--and teach; a place where learning happens in and out of the classroom;  and perfectly sized. Do any of these statements ring true for you?
Our cohort was the first to experience this particular model, so in many ways, we were the guinea pigs. But that’s exactly where UNI’s student-focused approach shined. The faculty truly listened to our feedback, our concerns and even our rants when things felt overwhelming. They created space for honest conversations and used our input to improve the experience for future cohorts. Our professors genuinely cared not just about our academic progress, but about us as people. They helped us problem-solve, encouraged us when we hit roadblocks and celebrated our wins right alongside us. That kind of support, both in and out of the classroom, made all the difference.

What advice would you give to students considering UNI?
My advice for students considering UNI would be to embrace the community and support that the university offers. Don’t be afraid to lean into the cohort model; it’s a powerful tool for building lasting relationships and creating a strong network of peers who will support you throughout your journey. Take advantage of the professors who genuinely care about your success; they’re not just there to teach, but to guide, listen and help you grow. Also, be open to feedback and make sure to use it to improve not just for the program, but for your own personal and professional development. UNI is the perfect size to make meaningful connections, but it’s up to you to fully engage and be present in that experience.

What's next? 
I’m excited to continue my journey here at UNI in the JCCL, where I’ll continue providing professional learning opportunities for our teachers, creating engaging projects for both the community and educators and teaching more pre-service teachers. While doing this, I will also be actively pursuing tenure-track assistant professor roles, with the hope of stepping into that position in the near future. It’s a path I’m passionate about, and I look forward to growing both professionally and personally as I take on new challenges and opportunities.