University of Redlands

Fostering healthy, reciprocal relationships is what drives me as an educator. To me, a mutualistic and empowering relationship is paramount for student learning and student outcomes. Generally speaking, I prefer to build connection between students and myself by attending to different styles of learning. I hope this creates connection between students as well.

Additionally, the liberation of students and communities is a critical component in what motivates me as an instructor. In my tenure as a school counselor, I witnessed the oppression and marginalization that can occur in an educational system if a learner does not comply with the dominant culture. And my focus on social justice goes beyond the walls of the classroom. I think counselor training programs have the unique opportunity to provide students avenues for involvement in their community through the use of service learning projects. I believe this can foster critical consciousness within the student while liberating people from social injustices.

As a counselor educator, I hope to facilitate learning regarding the ‘how to’ of being a counselor while offering an opportunity for students to develop a sense of self through the use of a relational-based classroom and a focus on social justice. I hope to create a classroom community that promotes a learning environment where students feel they matter on a professional and personal level. Ultimately, I believe this will yield competent, ethically-minded, socially-just counselors.

Okay, while all the above is true and important to me, I am also highly motivated by fun and humor...don't be fooled by what some may view as dry information. I LOVE my profession and this is demonstrated by laughter. I welcome challenges and I can handle serious business when it is necessary, especially if humor can be present when appropriate.