About Me
I was born and raised in Michigan. My mom was a teacher and many family members were teachers, and I always thought I would pursue a career working with youth in some capacity. Growing up on a farm, I also developed an appreciation the role of science and data in improving outcomes. Although I had an idea of my interests and strengths, it took me time to determine what career path would be the best fit. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in biopsychology in 2002 from Albion College in Michigan. After graduating from college, taking some additional psychology courses, and working as a substitute teacher, I discovered the field of school psychology. It seemed like the perfect combination of my interests in working with youth, educational systems, and research. I enrolled at Michigan State University to pursue my Ph.D. in School Psychology. I earned my Ph.D. in School Psychology in 2008 after completing my internship in Springfield, Illinois working half-time in a department of behavioral pediatrics and half-time in the schools. In 2008, I moved to Tampa, Florida where I began as an Assistant Professor of School Psychology at the University of South Florida. While at the University of South Florida, I was also fortunate to spend two years working as a post-doctoral scholar in the Pediatrics Department at the University of South Florida School of Medicine. During this time, I developed a specialty in parent training. In 2015, I moved to the Chicago area to work as a core faculty member in the APA-Accredited School Psychology Program at Northern Illinois University. In this role, my primary roles are conducting research and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. My research focuses on youth with externalizing behavior challenges, and home and school factors that supportive adaptive development. I publish papers and present at national conferences regularly on these topics. I also teach courses on child development and child and adolescent therapy. As a researcher, teacher, and clinician my goal is to stay abreast new developments in the field in order to utilize evidence-based practices.
Areas of Specialty
As a school psychologist, I specialize in working with children and adolescents. I have experience in conducting psychoeducational assessments, as well as assessments for ASD, ADHD, and behavioral challenges. I also have experience in providing parent training in group and individual settings.
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association