My background and
training in psychology. I was born in Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania and was raised by loving and supportive
parents in a Roman Catholic home with my three siblings. Although
I began my education with a focus on Aerospace Engineering,
the interests I developed during my Introduction to
Psychology class changed my educational path. I
began volunteering at a state psychiatric hospital
and transferred to the University of Pittsburgh as
a Psychology major. While obtaining my undergraduate
degree I worked full-time at the Smoking Research Group
Laboratory. I remain thankful for the mentorship
and friendship I received during those five years. This
prepared me for graduate school: Kent State University. I
received a M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology while
obtaining training in assessment and forensic psychology,
under the mentorship of Yossef Ben-Porath. The
opportunity to continue MMPI research with Dr. Handel
and Dr. Archer, as well as the chance to return to
work [in a more professional role] in a state psychiatric
hospital, made Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS)
the perfect place to complete my psychology internship. The
beautiful water surrounding the medical school and
warm weather here in Virginia while I interviewed in
the middle of winter didn’t hurt either! I
completed my education with a fellowship in forensic
psychology at EVMS and have been certified as a forensic
evaluator for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The
criminalization of the mentally ill in this country
has become a significant social problem, and has made
training in forensics an important area within psychology. I
have found that educating the community regarding mental
illness and advocating for those with mental illness
have become critical parts of my role as a professional
psychologist.
Future goals. I have been blessed with
many gifts that have allowed me to excel in my chosen
field. I feel it is important to use these gifts
I have been given to serve God and His people. Therefore,
I have chosen academic life for my career path. I
hope to provide the same quality mentorship that I received,
to the students of Regent University. I want to
help students meet their career goals as well as provide
education so that all graduates can become outstanding
clinicians as well as advocates for those suffering with
mental illness. However, I do hope to successfully
balance these career goals with a rewarding family life. In
my free time you’ll find me at the park with my
husband, dogs, and son.
|
