Education
Ph.D. in Aging Studies, University of South Florida (2008)
M.A. in Gerontology, University of South Florida (1998)
B.A. in Psychology, Auburn University (1996)
I discovered a natural affinity for older adults in my childhood, as a violinist in a Suzuki violin ensemble in elementary school in Orlando, FL. The group frequently performed at retirement communities and long-term care facilities and I really enjoyed these early opportunities to interact with older people. I did not discover the field of Gerontology, however, until I was nearly done with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology. At that time, I decided to pursue a career in Gerontology and enrolled in a Master's program at the University of South Florida in Tampa. During this time, I also worked as an activities director in an assisted living facility. I learned so much during these two years and had the opportunity to put what I was learning into practice immediately, an experience that would later inform my teaching style and commitment to experiential learning. I went on to hold several positions in the Aging Network - Information & Referral Specialist with the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging; Senior Companion Program Coordinator and Foster Grandparent Program Director with Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay - before returning to graduate school for an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Aging Studies.
I have been on the faculty in the Gerontology Institute at Ithaca College since 2008. I find it incredibly gratifying to accompany students in their exploration of issues, concepts, and theories that will most assuredly impact their lives both personally and professionally. Every course I teach has an experiential learning component of some kind. By way of example, students in my courses have:
- engaged in the Ages & Stages in Our Community intergenerational case study project with community elders and second graders at South Hill Elementary.
- explored the life course perspective through small group discussions with residents of Longview (a retirement community across the street from Ithaca College). You can read more about the Longview/IC Partnership here: www.ithaca.edu/gerontology/longview/.
- performed musical plays (Titus Towers, The Fountain of Youth, The Invisible Singing Martians, Ben & Jeff in Ithaca, Clementine) together with resident playwright and actors from Titus Towers (an independent living community for disabled and older adults in downtown Ithaca).
- conducted and presented research in partnership with Hospicare & Palliative Care Services of Tompkins County
- designed, conducted, and presented research on the topic of civic engagement among Kendal at Ithaca residents, at the request of the Kendal at Ithaca Residents' Association President.