Assistant Teaching Professor

Learning, Teaching & Curriculum

Biography

I am a teacher educator and nature enthusiast with more than 20 years of diverse experience in education. At the University of Missouri, I serve as Director of Online Teacher Education for the Department of Learning, Teaching & Curriculum and I co-direct the Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses and advise graduate students pursuing a master’s degree in ECE. I also serve on the Board of Directors for First Chance for Children.

My career has spanned roles from classroom teaching to educational consulting. I began as a classroom teacher, working with students from pre-K through 8th grade in Scottsdale Public Schools and Head Start programs. I later served as a regional consultant for Missouri’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) initiative and as assistant director of a Reggio Emilia–inspired preschool in Arizona, where I focused on special education and classroom ecology. In Southern California, I coordinated an inclusive afterschool math program that supported marginalized communities and expanded STEM access for girls. I have also partnered with families as a special education advocate and as an educational consultant for attorney Susan Marks & Advocates.

Drawing on this broad background, I am committed to preparing future educators to design inclusive, holistic, and meaningful learning environments that nurture both children and their families. My academic interests include improving teaching and learning in higher education, creating active and engaging learning experiences, and supporting sustainable work-life balance for educators. I am especially passionate about teacher candidates’ well-being, including the importance of getting both themselves and young children outdoors. I am an active volunteer with Missouri River Relief and a proud member of the Children & Nature Network.

Areas of expertise

• Early Childhood Education
• Special Education
• Children in nature
• Classroom ecology and community