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.
At UCSD with my dad and sister
(I'm on the right)
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.
My amazing ASU psychology students; all these students conducted their own research
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
Kale, crab cakes, chipotle aioli, & corn relish, and filet mignon topped with gorgonzola sauce on our patio