Faculty Profile

Psychology Instructor

Education/Degrees:

M.S. -Western Illinois University, 2011
B.S. – Western Illinois University, 2009
A.S. – Spoon River College, 2007

Classes Taught:

Campus and Community Involvement:

I am currently the Chair of the Curriculum Committee and an active member of both the College Senate and the Spoon River College Faculty Association. Over the years, I’ve also served on various campus committees and stayed engaged in supporting our students and college, including several years as the Student Government Association Advisor.

About Me:

I’m originally from Kewanee, IL, but moved to this area after my parents relocated here in 1994. My family means the world to me. I’m a proud mom to three incredible kids: Kayla, Josh, and Lucy. They challenge me, keep me grounded, and remind me of what really matters.

I think I’ve always had the teaching bug. When I was a kid, I’d set up a pretend classroom and play school for hours with my two little cousins. Even back then, something about explaining things, guiding others, and helping them understand just clicked for me; it felt like home. This eventually turned into a real calling, especially as I began to understand the power education has in changing people’s lives.

Psychology drew me in because I’ve always wanted to understand why we are the way we are: the way we think, feel, act, and relate to others. It’s a fascinating topic and applies directly to the lives of all human beings. Over the years, I’ve come to love the classroom not just as a place to teach but as a space where students can learn, grow, and feel encouraged.

Outside of work, I’m a mix of curious and cozy. I love to paint, listen to music, read, and unwind with a good true crime story or scary movie. I love anything related to psychology and have a healthy morbid curiosity, especially when it comes to psychopaths (particularly serial killers) and the darker side of human behavior. I recharge by spending time near water, watching my favorite comfort shows, and curling up with my two cats, Iris and Dexter. I believe in finding beauty and gratitude in small, quiet moments.

Why Spoon River College?

My journey with Spoon River College began in 2005, when I returned to school as a non-traditional student. I chose SRC because it was local, affordable, and had an intimate feel, but it became so much more to me than that. I would never have gone any further in my education if I hadn’t been inspired and mentored by our outstanding faculty. Their support and guidance made all the difference, giving me the confidence to continue my education and eventually become a psychology professor.

I returned to SRC as a faculty member thirteen years ago because I deeply believe in the value of a community college education and felt called to give back to the place that gave me my start.

What makes Spoon River College so special, and what I enjoy most, is the close-knit environment. The small class sizes and accessible faculty create space for real connection, not only between students and teachers, but also among colleagues.

What truly sets SRC apart is the way students are treated: not as numbers, but as individuals. They’re seen, supported, and encouraged. At a large university, students in intro classes may never even meet their professor, but here they’re in a small class with direct access to their instructor. This provides a sense of support and belonging that can truly change a life. I know, because it changed mine.

My Educational Philosophy:

I’m a teacher who leads with my heart. I care deeply about creating a classroom environment where students feel inspired, supported, and like they matter. I believe in meeting students where they are and walking alongside them as they grow, even when that growth takes time or doesn’t follow a straight line. My teaching is rooted in compassion, thoughtful inquiry, and the belief that learning includes students mastering the content, as well as connecting with themselves, each other, and the world in a meaningful way.

For me, success in the classroom includes earning good grades, but also growing emotionally, intellectually, and personally. I feel like a student is succeeding when they begin to feel more confident in their ability to speak up, more interested in how their own experiences connect to what they’re learning, or more engaged with the material, even if they are still struggling with some parts of it.

Some of the most meaningful moments I’ve had as an instructor are when a quiet student speaks up for the first time, when a student connects a personal experience with a psychological concept, or when someone who has been overwhelmed starts to reengage. I really value curiosity, effort, and self-reflection. Success can look different for each person, and I try to meet students where they are while encouraging them to keep growing and learning.

Advice for Students:

In the classroom, success doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from curiosity, consistency, and connection. Let your inquisitiveness lead the way. When you look for something that sparks your interest in every subject, learning becomes a lot more enjoyable and a lot more powerful. Show up, even when you’re struggling, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your professors genuinely want to help. Use a planner or system that works for you to manage your time, and separate larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps, with breaks and rewards along the way. Don’t procrastinate; progress happens when you take one step at a time. Finally, when life gets overwhelming (as it so often does), don’t hesitate to reach out to your professors. You are not alone, and we care deeply about your success.

In life, success looks different for everyone, and that’s okay. There’s no one right timeline or path. What matters is learning to take care of yourself and noticing what you actually need, not just what the world expects of you. It’s okay not to have everything figured out. Be kind to yourself, especially when things feel messy or uncertain. Extend that same kindness to others, as you never know what struggles someone else is carrying. Learn to set boundaries that protect your peace, and choose relationships where you feel safe, seen, and supported. Life will challenge you, and sometimes it will be painful, but there will also be moments of growth, beauty, and connection along the way. In all things, keep showing up and doing your best.