What is your advising philosophy?

I take a student-centered, holistic approach when working with students. I understand that each student is unique and has various strengths, experiences, responsibilities, challenges, supports, and interests that impact their lives both inside and outside the classroom. It is very important to me to take the time to get to know the students I work with, so I can better understand and support them. I love interacting with students and building collaborative relationships to help them navigate their educational path and make progress toward reaching their personal, academic, and career goals.

What was your path to Newnan?

My background is in Clinical Social Work, and while much of my over 15 years of work experience has been providing therapy, assessment, and referral services in community mental health settings, I have always possessed a love for learning and education. I greatly enjoyed my undergrad and grad experiences, and I knew working with students in higher education would be a perfect fit for my desire to help people reach their goals and my passion for education. I made the positive leap into higher education as my chosen career over two-and-a-half years ago when I accepted a position as a Success Coach at the University of Toledo. In this position, I worked closely with students to support them with successfully navigating college life inside and outside the classroom. This position solidified that I had made the correct career move as I absolutely love working with college students. I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to continue connecting with students and supporting them on their educational paths as a General Academic Advisor in the Newnan Advising Center!

Why did you join Newnan?

I joined Newnan because I have a passion for working with bright and talented students with various backgrounds and interests. Having received a liberal arts education myself, I understand the value of exploring and being exposed to a variety of subject areas, and the transferable skills that can be acquired through a rich and diverse educational experience. I'm excited to accompany the students I work with on their educational journeys and provide any guidance and support I can along the way. In addition to wanting to work with incredible students and valuing the liberal arts education of LSA, I also wanted to join Newnan because the colleagues I encountered were so kind, welcoming, and voiced the same student-centered, holistic focus that is important to me. It is wonderful to work in an office with people who value the well-being and success of both their students and their colleagues.

Class you loved and why?

I really loved my Intro to Philosophy and Philosophy of Ethics courses because these courses enabled me to really develop and use my critical thinking, logic, and analytical skills to delve into complex concepts and topics, form my stance, and back up my positions with logic and reasoning. I also enjoyed the discussions and hearing differing viewpoints on various concepts and issues. These courses were interesting, challenging, and broadened my perspective.

Interests and hobbies:

I love to travel with my family and friends (the Caribbean, Alaska, and NYC are some of my favorite places,) cheer on my 3 kids at their sporting events & activities, read (mainly thrillers,) have movie nights (comedies and scary movies are my go-to choices,) listen to music (70's classic rock and 90's hip-hop are my favorite genres,) draw (I'm not good, but it's fun and relaxing for me), and shop!