"To
forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner
was you." Lewis B. Smedes
Originally, I wasn't drawn to the field. I was drawn to counseling because the process of learning about myself changed who I was. I didn't know how to understand my behaviors, and the profession kept driving me into a deeper awareness of myself. As a counselor and professor, I feel privileged to impart these gifts to others. Students to learn to see their own insights and motives differently and clients learn to value their uniqueness.
My college experience helped me become comfortable in my own skin. I started an Indiana University, where most of the students were white. I transferred my senior year to Virginia State University. It was a risk to transfer so late, but race and ethnicity were holding back. I couldn't find congruency between my ethnicity and my education. VSU is a historically black college (university) (HBCU), and studying there was a culture shock. I had never been around that many black people. It was the first time where students, faculty, staff, and administrators were all black. While it was intimidating, I was inspired by seeing African Americans reach the highest levels of academic success. It helped me to accept myself as an academician.
How did you end up in Ellensburg?
As someone who has made a sincere commitment to social justice and
advocacy, the best way to challenge myself was to go to an academic
setting that was primarily as a "majority" institution. I felt like
Central was the place where I could have the biggest impact. Central
also accepted me for who I was. I could acculturate without having
to assimilate.
What is your favorite class to teach?
I love teaching multicultural counseling. I love it because I'm
good at it, and I love introducing students to the field. I also
enjoy teaching introductory classes. Imparting empathy, listening
skills, and ways to communicate puts them on the path where they
will be for the rest of their professional career.
Research underway
The biggest thing right now is developing a heterosexual identity
process by using a quantitative design. I had completed a qualitative
study, and it is time to complete a confirmatory analysis. I am
also working on a theory about the millennial generation. Barak
Obama stated that the nation's interest in Hip Hop helped him with
the presidency. I'm curious how music continues to influence the
millennial generation. Technology is only a component of what makes
this generation unique.
Grants (anticipated)
I want to apply for a SEED grant but I haven't found a large-scale
grants.
University Service
Nothing yet. Part of the mental health counseling program.
Philosophy of teaching
I try to create culturally affirming classrooms environments that focus primarily on the development of self. It's important that students and I create knowledge together. I work to create a stimulating classroom atmosphere that is widely engaging. It's important for me to be present in the classroom. I'm vulnerable, fallible, and willing to learn with the students. It's a constructivist paradigm. To do this, I use experiential activities, media, technology, music, art, class discussion, group activities, and lecture.
What are you most proud of?
The thing I'm most proud of is that I'm in the best spiritual state of my life. Through this, I understand my purpose on a spiritual level. My second greatest accomplishment would be my relationship with my husband.
Professional Organizations
- American Counseling Association
- Association of Counselor Education and Supervision.
Counselors for Social Justice
- AMCD - Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
- ALGBTIC - Association for Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender
- The Counseling Association of Humanistic Education and Development
(C-AHEAD)
Awards or Accomplishments
- Mommy of the year at my daughter's school. I'm proud of that one.
- ACA 2009 Courtland Lee Multicultural Excellence Nomination
- SACES 2008 Individual Achievement (doctoral-level) Award Nomination
- SACES 2008 Research Grant Award
- C-AHEAD 2009 (2nd Runner Up) Dissertation Research Grant Award
Hobbies
I like to run (when I'm not pregnant). I also enjoy cooking (soul food), listening to music (neo-soul), doing
hair, and shop.
Special Interests
I love to learn about other cultures. I can just listen to people's
stories. The more different they are from us, the better.
Favorite Vacation Spots
Anywhere where my husband is at. The further the better. We love
the beach. We spent a lot of time at Virginia Beach.
Most Interesting Thing that Happened to You
I met Michelle Obama. During my doctoral program, she came to Virginia.
They picked a few students to meet her and I was one of the fortunate
ones.
Hidden Talents
I'm really a good dancer. Liturgical dance is something I started
about 3 years ago. The process has been a very spiritual experience
for me, and it's been wonderful to see how it impacts others. I
also love art. I paint and draw. It's a great emotional outlet.
If you could do anything, what would you do?
Go to Egypt. I would to travel abroad because I want to meditate
and pray in different places. Being part of Biblical and African
history would be powerful. Profession Before Entering the Counseling Profession
I was a cosmetologist. I started in high school and continued through
my undergraduate years.
Most Meaningful Experience
Listening to my husband's vows during or wedding. I had the thought
that this is where I was supposed to be at the exact time that I
was supposed to be there.
Childhood Hero
I didn't have a childhood hero, but I really looked up to my best
friend Tamela. She taught me to be comfortable being a woman and an African American. I was insecure
for most of my childhood, but my friendship with her heightened my self-esteem. She also helped me to develop my academic confidence.
Family of Origin
I am the third of four children, and I was raised in a single-parent home. Childhood was full of independence. I'm thankful for my childhood because I learned resiliency. I gained a strength that might have taken many more years to gain. It also helps me relate to a lot of different types of people because I've seen a lot of pain. It also helped keep my heart soft.
