Biography:

I was born in South Haven, Michigan, and spent my entire life living in Southwest Michigan. On purpose! I love the beauty of the state. When not on the beach or in the water at home, my family spent weekends at our cabin next to the Manistee National Forest  in northern Michigan, near Traverse City. I have logged many hours sailing all the waters of the great lakes over the years. In addition to my passion for sailing, I am perfectly happy being a landlubber -- hiking, backpacking, and skiing. I have spent many hours, in all weather conditions, exploring the woods and mountains all over the world. In addition to loving the outdoors, I have spent my life traveling the globe, not as a tourist, but as a student. I am always amazed at how much I learn from sharing life with others in their environment.

I was blessed with two wonderful children – a daughter and a son – who have in turn, blessed me with three lovely nipote (I am “Nonni”), with whom I love to share my passion for life!

Current Research or Professional Activities:

I am writing an article for the Journal of Adventist Education (Special Education issue); Working with other Trainers of School Psychology developing a survey to assess what skills are needed, as the field changes, for interns before they go into the internship year. And, of course, the dissertation. My study is looking at implicit theories of intelligence, locus of control, and how that impact motivation toward interventions for struggling students.