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Me with the world championship trophy for the dance twirl team

Past

resilience, persistence, disappointment, success 

Growing up, school was challenging for me. I was always the last person to finish assignments and tests, was super embarrassed to read out loud, and I had to work very hard to do well in school. Over time, I adapted study strategies and though I still worked very hard, I was able to excel with my schoolwork. To save money, I attended a community college and lived at home during my first two years in college. Being accepted to University of California at San Diego (UCSD) to study psychology was a dream come true. When I was 28 years old, I was diagnosed with severe deep dyslexia, which explained why I struggled in school and why I took (and bombed) the graduate records exam (GRE) four times!

 

Prior to becoming a full-time academic I worked as a personal fitness trainer for 15 years in Boulder Colorado and was a certified continuing education provider.

 

My sport growing up was unconventional - I was  a baton twirler. After several challenges, our team won the Grand National and World Championships two years.

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At UCSD with my dad and sister 

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My husband and sons climbing Alberta peak at Wolf Creek, CO 

Present

educator, mentor, researcher, wife, mother

As an associate professor of psychology at Adams State University, I teach classes in child development, statistics, research methods, and cognitive science. I serve as the researcher for a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant aimed at increasing minority, first generation, and low- income student’s retention in STEM. Other research includes examining correlates of grit, methods of fostering resilience, and the psychological benefits of community engagement and physical activity in youth.

 

Though I spend most my time teaching, mentoring, and conducting research, my identity and values are also strongly tied to family, faith, and health and fitness. I have been married 16 years and we have two boys. As a family we enjoy spend time outdoors (snowboarding, playing golf, and running), eating and cooking healthy meals, praying, and learning together.

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My amazing ASU psychology students; all these students conducted their own research 

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My husband hiking Crestone Needle; picture taken by Adam Hodges

Future

inspire, empower, outdoor adventure, growth

Professionally, I envision continuing to support and increase diverse and non-traditional students’ persistence and success in college. Working with Phil Kassel, we developed a 4-step build grit process. One of my goals is to teach the build grit curriculum in educational, athletic, and professional settings. Mostly, I aspire to empower students and professionals to build grit, resilience and habits for a meaningful and successful life.

 

For my personal goals, I hope to spend more time backpacking, snowboarding, and mountain biking with my family, and cooking for friends and family. Most importantly, I am working on becoming a better mother, wife, and role model for people I interact with.

"Adversity is one of the most potent forces in life. It shapes your character, clarifies your priorities, and defines your path. It can also fuel your greatness." - Eric Weihenmayer

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Kale, crab cakes, chipotle aioli, & corn relish, and filet mignon topped with gorgonzola sauce on our patio

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