Department Chair of Social Sciences, Violent Crime Analysis Fellowship Assistant Director, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Where did you obtain your degrees?
- Heidelberg University, BS in Psychology
- Heidelberg University, MA in Clinical Counseling
- University of Toledo Doctorate in Counselor Education & Supervision
What did you get your degree in, and what inspired that choice?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and pursued graduate training in clinical counseling because I believe every person carries some form of challenges or hardship, whether visible or unseen. Knowing that many people navigate difficult experiences quietly, I was drawn to counseling as a way to help others feel heard, supported, and empowered.
To me, counseling is not about solving people’s problems, but about showing up, being present, and walking alongside someone during moments when support matters most. While I am not currently practicing, I hope to return to the counseling room one or two days a week once my children are in school full-time.
I am most proud of my dissertation research, which was the first study of its kind in the counseling field to examine the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment experienced by counselors. I surveyed over 1,800 professional counselors nationwide and found that 75% reported experiencing at least one form of workplace sexual harassment during their careers. These findings have been published in the flagship counseling journal and presented at both regional and national conferences.
I am currently conducting a qualitative study to better understand counselors’ lived experiences of workplace sexual harassment and its impact on professional well-being. I am also working with students in the VCA Fellowship who are drafting manuscripts examining workplace sexual harassment experienced by both counseling and social work students during internship.
Tell us about your first job after you graduated from college.
While completing my bachelor’s degree, I interned at PatchWorks House in Tiffin and was fortunate to continue working there while completing my master’s degree. PatchWorks House is a nonprofit organization that supports families impacted by divorce, custody disputes, domestic and family violence, and other forms of trauma through supervised exchanges, visitation, mediation, and parenting education. I had an incredible supervisor, and I credit much of my professional growth to that experience. Most importantly, I valued the opportunity to help provide a safe and supportive space for children during difficult family transitions.
How did your career path lead you to teaching at Tiffin University?
I had no intention of ever becoming a professor. While working at another university overseeing the implementation of a Department of Justice grant focused on addressing sexual violence, a colleague experienced a medical emergency and needed coverage for her courses. As a team player, I stepped in to teach, and during that semester, I discovered how much I loved being in the classroom.
I continued adjunct teaching whenever opportunities arose and began exploring doctoral programs. As a new mom with a growing family, I was both excited and nervous about what that commitment would mean. While I was in my doctoral program, a faculty position opened at TU that aligned with my professional goals and family life, while also offering the opportunity to remain rooted in my community. I am grateful that TU supported me in a visiting role while I completed my dissertation. I quickly developed strong connections with both the students and the university. After my first year, I was excited to accept a full-time position.
How do you prepare students for challenges they’ll face in their careers/after graduation?
In my classroom, I emphasize applied, community-based learning. Many of my courses include projects connected to real community needs. I also am so appreciative of the local professionals who regularly share their experiences with students. Through my involvement on local nonprofit boards, I am able to build partnerships that create great learning opportunities for students. These experiences help students apply theory to practice, build confidence, and develop a realistic understanding of the challenges they will face within their careers.
What makes Tiffin University stand out to you as a faculty member?
What stands out most to me about Tiffin University is its forward-focused and innovative culture. TU is a place where new ideas are genuinely welcomed, and faculty are encouraged to think creatively about how to best support students.
As a first-generation college student myself, I deeply value TU’s strong commitment to student support and mentorship. I appreciate the opportunity to get to know students on a personal level and to walk alongside them as they work toward their goals.
I am also proud to serve as Assistant Director of the Violent Crime Analysis (VCA) Fellowship. Through this program, undergraduate students engage in meaningful, hands-on research from start to finish. Our fellowship has partnered with the Tiffin Police Department and the Seneca County Sheriff’s Office. Currently, we are collaborating with the TOPUCU organization, and are working on research projects connected to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections, and an addictions treatment center in Ohio. The results of these projects have the potential to create meaningful impact to inform practice and policy.
In my classroom, I emphasize applied, community-based learning. Many of my courses include projects connected to real community needs.
How do you incorporate TU’s motto – “Without risk, there is no gain” – into your own life or classroom?
Ultimately, I pushed myself to keep going and learned the importance of asking for help and leaning on others for support. These experiences reinforced that challenges and setbacks are often the moments where the most meaningful growth happens. As a professor, I bring that message into my classroom by encouraging students to take risks, persist through difficulty, and know that I am always in their corner.
I have lived TU’s motto in my own life. I took a significant risk in going back to school. I completed my doctorate while raising a growing family, with two of my three children being born while I was in my program. I also failed my dissertation proposal, and there were many moments when I considered quitting.
What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you – or an interesting hobby?
I kill plants.
What’s your favorite book, film, or quote – and why does it resonate with you?
The song Cat’s in the Cradle has always resonated with me. It’s a powerful reminder of how quickly time passes and how easy it can be to lose sight of what matters most. Balancing my work and family responsibilities can be challenging, and this song keeps me grounded. You will rarely find me responding to emails after hours or on weekends, because I’m probably building a fort in my living room. I value being fully present with my kiddos and am protective of my family time.