Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
-Robert Frost
The "I wanted to help people" standard is true for me. However, I also was blessed to have a fantastic aunt with a physical handicap. She never appeared disabled to me because having only one hand was the only way I ever knew her. But as I grew older, I realized how amazing she is to have accomplished so much while figuring out how to do it one-handed. She became a certified chef and did catering and also taught at a culinary school before she retired.
Well, I guess I must have liked it pretty well considering how long I kept going! I feel that college helped to broaden my horizons in so many areas. First, I learned to appreciate people from so many different, rich backgrounds. I enjoy learning from others' experiences and having colleagues with diverse backgrounds is such a benefit. I also feel that it helped me find my niche. I found something that I enjoyed that I could be paid to do - that is the dream job.
As parents, my husband and I were looking for a small community to raise our family yet still be reasonable close to a large city with all of the perks that come with it - events, shopping, restaurants, etc.
I really enjoy teaching assessment courses. I have an analytical mind, and those courses are tailored to the way I think. I also like sharing my experiences with future school psychologists to assist them in developing skills to use in their future careers.
I am working on preparing a publication on action research I completed last year in my previous job as a school psychologist. Specifically, we looked at finding alternate ways to identify students from under-represented groups as gifted. I have also recently begun working with a local school district on a project to implement response to intervention (RtI) practices through the use of progress monitoring assessments at an elementary school.
None are in progress this time; however, I am actively research possibilities in this area. Specifically, I am planning on applying for a summer research grant or a seed grant.
I currently serve on three departmental committees.
I ascribe to the facilitator model ("guide on the side"). I like to give students many opportunities to participate through activities and discussions. I strongly feel that the students and I work together to make the class a success because they will only get out of it what they put into it. Active learning, even at this level, is possible.
My greatest personal accomplishment was finishing my doctorate while having a family. When I started the program, we had one child, and when I graduated, we had six children. No, it was not planned that way, but I would not change those experiences for anything. Having the children during that time, gave me a unique perspective for working with parents of children with special needs. I think it has helped me become a better professional, as well.
- National Association of School Psychologists
- American Psychological Association
- Washington State Association of School Psychologists
- Washington Educational Research Association
Interviewed by APA GradPsych for article on graduate students balancing school responsibilities and family responsibilities (March 2005).
 Most, if not all, of my hobbies now surround family interests. They include playing the piano, cooking and baking, camping, attending concerts, plays, and shows, and shopping.
We love to travel as a family. We often camp and really enjoy visiting the National Parks while also teaching our children about the significance of various locations around the country. We also enjoy attending cultural events such as sporting events, concerts, and plays; however, these are usually of the child-friendly nature.
While we love to camp and enjoy nature, I would say that our favorite family vacation spot is Disney World. Having lived in central Florida previously, we spent many short and long vacations there. My husband, Skip, and I also renewed our wedding vows there several years ago. It has many special memories for our entire family.
Having triplets! They have been both an extreme blessing and a challenge all at the same time. However, life is never dull, and we always seem to have interesting stories to tell about our adventures with them and their three other siblings.
I am a pretty good cook and baker; I prefer the baking, but both are quite necessary at our house. I also play the piano quite well. I could definitely be better if I found more time to play and practice.
I would like to someday take a cruise around the world and just relax for a few weeks. 
Prior to joining CWU, I was a school psychologist in a suburban school district in central Florida.
My most meaningful experience was renewing our wedding vows with our oldest son as our "best man" and our daughter as our "maid of honor." It was so much more relaxing than the wedding because we could focus on each other more and worry less about everything being "perfect."
My childhood hero was my maternal grandmother, "JoJo." She lost her husband at a fairly early age and still managed to run the family farm and serve as the matriarch of the family for many years. JoJo was the rock of the family and supported everyone in reaching their goals. She always had time to spend with anyone who needed her attention and seemed to just know when something was bothering someone.
My parents were not college graduates; however, they worked hard and instilled that work-ethic in me. My older sister, older brother, and I were raised on a farm in rural, south Georgia. We had a supportive extended family and had many responsibilities to "help out" around the house.
|
