I am a Rowan County native who has been either practicing or learning more in the field of psychology since 1994. I attended public schools in Salisbury and received an undergraduate degree from NC State University. Although my master’s degree was in Clinical Psychology (1994 from Western Carolina University), I returned to college in 2002 and completed a PhD in School Psychology with a special proficiency in Crime, Law and Justice in the summer of 2007 from The Pennsylvania State University.
In addition to employment within the school system, since graduation, I have worked in a medical practice where I consulted with medical providers and evaluated children for conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other behavioral concerns as well as challenges with anxiety and depression.
My early career experience was in the juvenile justice system where I worked with adolescents who were no longer living in their homes due to behavioral and emotional problems. I currently am employed full time as a School Psychologist in a local school district where my primary responsibility is conducting evaluations for students with learning difficulties.
I am excited to partner with Ms. Parks to assist home school students in an enhanced comprehensive evaluation that will yield information that can help improve their educational experiences. In addition to my license through the Department of Public Instruction, I am licensed as a psychologist and health services provider through the NC Psychology Board.
My younger brother has significant cognitive challenges in addition to being on the Autism Spectrum and having Cerebral Palsy. Through my family of origin, I saw firsthand the challenges that impact not only a student’s learning but the whole family. I know that these early experiences led me into the field of psychology. I am married and have two children. In my free time, I enjoy reading, hiking, walking, and traveling as time permits.
On a personal and professional level, I am concerned with issues of social justice and am striving to improve my skills in this area