麻豆视频

Q: What led you to Delaware Tech?

I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Delaware and then went back to school a few years later for a degree in education. My plan wasn't to teach at a college level, although I love psychology. I was going back with a plan to teach around the middle school level.

It was around this time in my life that I started teaching at Delaware Tech as an English adjunct because I had some experience tutoring English as an undergraduate. I did this as a way to supplement my income while I was going to school at Wilmington University for my education degree. I found that I loved it at Delaware Tech and never looked back.

Q: What's your favorite thing about working at Delaware Tech?

What I find the most rewarding is being able to work with the students. That includes both in the classroom academically and in extracurricular activities. Outside of teaching, I am also a club advisor and coach for the women’s cross-country team. Those experiences are really fun because you get to see a different side of the students.

Q: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

I fundamentally believe that everybody can learn, but people learn in different ways. Some people can learn the content quickly, and it might be more of a challenge for others. Overall, everyone can learn if they are given support and opportunities. It is our job as instructors to make sure that they have those.

Q: Are you currently involved in any research or special projects?

Right now, I'm finishing up a dissertation for my Ph.D. in human development and family sciences. I have a real interest in families who are raising or providing lifelong care for children and adults with disabilities and mental health challenges. My dissertation is on caregiver strain, how it affects quality of life, and how that's moderated by age and the relationship quality between the caregiver and care recipient.

Q: What's the significant achievement or milestone you've had in your professional journey?

Becoming an instructional coordinator in the social sciences department was very significant for me. Another major professional milestone was getting my master's degree in human development. So much of the content in those courses lined up with what I was teaching, and I was able to engage with it on a deeper level.

I also received a Hallmark Award for consulting with the Stanton Campus PTK advisor at the time for their capstone project.

Q: Describe being the coach of the women’s cross-country team.

It has been a phenomenal experience. Since I am a teacher,I only see students in the classroom most of the time. Through coaching, I get to see a totally different side of the students and work with them in a different capacity.

You're not only coaching them in athletics, but you're also coaching their character. That’s what participating in athletics does—it builds character and discipline. To do that as a coach, you also have to be a role model for the students. You end up learning as much from them as they have from you.

You form lifelong relationships from it too. One of our runners ran his first marathon in December after the season was over.My husband and Iwent to see him run and cheered him on. The race is 26 miles, so watching him cross the finish line was really cool and definitely a milestone.

Q: What are your interests or hobbies outside of Delaware Tech?

I like to run, and I train for 5ks and half marathons often. I used to run marathons, but I don’t do that much anymore. Cycling is another one of my favorite hobbies, and I'm pretty involved in disability organizations like Autism Delaware and The Arc of Delaware.

Q: What's something people may not know about you?
I'm a crazy animal lover. I love dogs and would have like 20 of them if I could.