When did you start at UMD? Why did you choose to work at UMD?
The social work department asked me to teach a course for them in 2012 and I haven’t left since. It is such an exciting place to be. When I started, we already had a Master of Social Work program for a long time and then in 2014, we got to add the Bachelor of Social Work program.
Our students learn about helping people, not just on an individual level but on a societal level as well. We also discuss social justice issues, and learn about working with people who are vulnerable, often those marginalized or oppressed. We need people who can do this work.
What do you like most about your job?
I like that in our program we can learn about working with all kinds of people—and especially American Indian communities. There are not a lot of programs where you can do this.
Sometimes students ask me what my favorite class is, which I find very hard to answer, often it’s the one I’m teaching right then. I do have a special place in my heart for the Family Violence class though as I worked in the field before coming to UMD and think most of our students will end up working, one way or another, with people whose lives have been affected by abuse.
Do you have any advice for students?
I really enjoy working with students and since you asked me about advice for them, I will say that you should try, maybe even have an obligation, to get as much out of your education as you can—if not for you then for the people you will serve. Also, try and stay kind, even if others don’t treat you as such, if they are here to see you as their social worker, it’s probably not because they are living their best lives right then. They might in the future though.
What do you like to do in your free time?
My life is not all work and no play. I do like to get out, travel, hang with family and friends, read, listen to music, go to concerts, hike, and bike, preferably mountain biking on all our excellent trails. I do a little mountain bike coaching on the side as well.