Biography:

Nina envisions broadening the awareness, understanding, and application of educational policy and practice for children having special needs within the Seventh-day Adventist church.  She believes strongly that our schools are ideal environments to nurture our kids; that empowering the teachers, administrators, and principle players in this ministry would go far in attracting, encouraging, and retaining families as well as in realizing the true potential of these children.

Goals for the Special Education program include mentorship of enrolled as well as potential students, stabilization of both the MS and NAD endorsements, development of on-line classes, exploration of alternative field work experiences, and expansion of licensure into other arenas of disability.

Professionally, Nina’s focus has always centered on children, with career transitions in teaching (SDA and public), administrating, consultation, business owner, psychiatric therapist, clinical director, and school psychologist. She has been adjunct faculty at Andrews since 2005, teaching traditional, on-line, and WEB-CT courses pertaining to exceptional children, special education, and educational/school psychology.

Nina continues a parallel practice in school psychology and believes ongoing clinical experiences bring a fresh awareness of current trends involving development, education, and advocacy of children and their families. Her present role in the public schools is in a PreK-4th grade Montessori Academy as well as K-8 parochial school.

Nina has been blessed with two incredible sons (Kai and Brit) and daughter-in-law (Kristi), all graduated from Andrews University. All have now migrated to Loma Linda, California where Kai is a fourth year dental student and Brit just began his first year in the same dental program. Kristi has been teaching 4th grade at Mesa Grande Academy but has chosen to stay at home now. Kasen Mikael arrived February 24, 2009 to fill our lives with his magnetic smile, engaging giggles, and Shamu screeches! Kopper - our chocolate lab – keeps me energized and practicing grand/parenting skills!!

Favorite activities include quiet times with God, treasured moments with family and friends, travel and adventure (anytime, anywhere), music (piano, eclectic listening, shower vocalist), photography (people/places/nature), gardening (“Mom moves plants/bushes/trees like people move furniture!” – latest project is a square foot organic garden and orchard), cooking (yummy/nutritious/whole foods), creative writing (largely still in my head), reading (spiritual, bio, historical), and recreation (most water activities, hiking, camping, v-ball, s-ball). Satisfaction is derived through empowering those experiencing difficulties and volunteering with Red Cross disaster mental health services.

Current Research or Professional Activities:

Dissertation focus: Special education possibilities in private, parochial schools

Research interests: bilingual special education, pervasive developmental disorders (autism spectrum), resiliency, play therapy, home schooling, character/moral development, children/families of divorce.