When did you start at UMD? Why did you choose to work at UMD?
I started at UMD in August 2018, so I’m just finishing up my sixth academic year here. I chose
UMD because I loved the opportunity to teach the future generation of elementary and special
educators.
What do you like most about your job?
I love seeing my students learn and apply their knowledge in their field experiences. I get to see
them grow as individuals and as future teachers as they progress through the program. It’s truly a bittersweet feeling when I see them graduate and start their teaching careers.
What is your research and/or teaching focus?
My research focuses on ensuring that students with disabilities are adequately prepared for life
after high school; making sure that they have the necessary academic and life skills to be as
independent and as successful as possible in their adult lives.
My teaching focuses on response to intervention, educational assessment, transition planning,
communication and collaboration among educational professionals, and academic interventions for students with disabilities. I strive to ensure that my students, regardless of if they become general or special educators, have the instructional tools they need to teach ALL their students.
Do you have any advice for students?
Try to really soak in the knowledge that you get from your courses while at UMD. Also, your professors are here to help you—be upfront and honest to them. We want you to succeed! Don’t be afraid to reach out to us either via email or stay after class or come to our office hours. We love to help!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to just hang out with my family. I love to relax and do as little as possible when I have the
time to just do that. I love shopping, drinking coffee, and being outside as much as possible in
the summer. I also love traveling and seeing as many new places as I can. I’m traveling to
Hawaii this summer to celebrate having just received tenure!
About the Integrated Elementary & Special Education program