Briefly describe your educational background.

I double majored in psychology and sociology, with a criminal justice certificate at Creighton University.  I have a master's degree in recreation management from the University of Idaho, and my EdD is from University of Northern Iowa. 

Briefly describe your career background.

After my graduation from Creighton, I worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for two years in pretrial and probation.  I decided that I wanted to give back in a service capacity to my country since my parents were in the Air Force, so I joined AmeriCorps.  With AmeriCorps, I worked for the Idaho State Parks Department designing environmental education programs at the State Parks for elementary-age schoolchildren.  After completing my term with AmeriCorps, I was hired as the director of operations for the Boys & Girls Club of the Lewis-Clark Valley in Lewiston, Idaho.  I decided after working there to earn my MA degree and enrolled at the University of Idaho, where I worked as a graduate assistant for two programs: (a) Intramurals/Club Sports at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) on the campus, and (b) The University of Idaho Women's Soccer Program.  After completing my degree, I applied and was accepted as a Camp Adventure participant in 1999.  After serving Camp Adventure for two years, I was hired at UNI as an instructor in the LYHS (leisure, youth and human services) program (now named the recreation, tourism and nonprofit leadership--RTNL--program) and have been here ever since :).   

Why did you choose this career path?

I chose this career path to help perpetuate through teaching, research, and service the development of undergraduate and graduate students who can positively impact the lives of children and youth through their work. 

What brought you to UNI?
The opportunity to teach in the LYHS Program and earn my EdD brought me to UNI.

What's your favorite part about UNI?

Teaching!  I appreciate the opportunity to teach, as well as live and learn together with our students in the classroom.

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

Each year, watching our RTNL students graduate and move into the profession as leaders is the greatest thing to see. 

What research focus do you have and what drove your interest in this area? 

My research areas include coaching efficacy, youth work efficacy and recreation leadership, driven by my own coaching and youth work experiences. 

What does being student-focused mean to you?

Student-focused to me means working with students in various capacities--whether in the classroom, through advising, or meaningful conversations throughout the day--to help them become the best versions of themselves as they progress through our RTNL Program.

We talk about helping students realize or even exceed their expectations and potential. What does it mean to you to be part of that process and see the outcome?

I enjoy and appreciate the opportunity to watch them grow and develop into leaders in the RTNL field.

What do you hope students learn from you?

I hope students learn from me that they can make a meaningful impact in the RTNL field, and enjoy the process that is associated with making that meaningful impact.

Why do you encourage students to consider the programs you lead and teach? 

I encourage students to consider our RTNL program because they have the opportunity to make an immediate impact on the quality of life of various populations that we serve.

What excites you about your chosen field -- and how does that passion translate into your efforts to prepare students as well? 

I am excited about the RTNL field because when I look at the students within our program, I see so many individuals who will make a difference in the lives of others.  That excitement leads me to do the best I can to prepare our students to do what they are passionate about within the RTNL field.

What advice do you have for prospective/current students to make the most of their time at UNI?

My advice is to explore their interests and become involved in various endeavors related to the RTNL field.  There may be opportunities they are not aware of that can spark growth in areas that can impact them professionally.