I am a child development and family studies Instructor for the Child and Family Studies Department and Extended Learning Departments at Southeast Missouri State University. I have served as a campus Child Care Center Director, Workshop-on-Wheels Trainer, and in numerous roles educating young children, families, and child development practitioners in regional and national settings. I often present at professional conferences in the areas of leadership, pre-k curriculum, and nature literacy. I also participated in a study tour of the Nature Kindergarten in Scotland hosted by Claire Warden. My research interests include higher education/adult learning strategies, the impact of poverty on preschools, the process of observation, and connecting children and families to nature.

I am married and have two adult children. Both children attended SEMO and working in successful career paths.

I want students to be engaged and interested in learning no matter what age. Take time to dig deeply, ask questions, be curious, and enjoy the journey.