TCC Directory

My teaching is grounded in the basic premise of empowerment. I want learners to leave the classroom with a passion for the discipline and a desire for life long learning. It is important to create a learning environment where individuals feel they can safely take a risk to try out new ideas and practice what has been presented.

            My expectations are high. I want to challenge learners to be the best they can be. Since each person is different and learns in different ways, it is important to value what is brought to the classroom and build upon what the learners already know. This means I must learn who they are as well as what they know.

            Cooperative learning strategies encourage learners to think for themselves while promoting a sense of non-threatening cooperation. Critical thinking and creative problem solving are vital for effective service provision and are nurtured in my classrooms. While learning is hard work, it should not be a drag. I strive to make learning a fun process.

            I am not content to sit back and let things flow into the status quo. My goal as a teacher is very similar to the goal I have for my students; I want them to reach their highest potential while I work to be the best I can be. This means challenging myself as well as my students. This means moving away from the familiar approaches. This means finding new ways to present established material. This means staying current in an ever-changing world.

Education:

           PsyD Psychology, California Southern University     

            MS Human Resources/Organizational Leadership, Chapman University                            

            BA Human Services Management, Western Washington University

            ATA Human Services/AAS General Studies Tacoma Community College

            Professional Experience:

            Court Appointed Special Advocate, Kitsap County Juvenile Court (current)

            Trauma and Crisis Counselor, World Change for Children  

Hunger Outreach Coordinator, South Kitsap

            Family Selection Committee Chair, Kitsap Habitat for Humanity

            Family Therapist, Catholic Community Services

            Family Development Specialist, Kitsap Community Resources

            Private Practice, Transitional Issues

Additional work with families, children and elders at risk, families of substance abusers, people in transition, inmates, mentally ill, developmentally disabled people in crisis, military families, domestic violence, and more.