I was born and raised on the east side of Michigan, and I attended the University of Michigan for my undergraduate degree. While an undergraduate, I became interested in the scientific study of sexuality and worked as an undergraduate research assistant in a developmental psychology laboratory. I then obtained a dual Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan (I bleed Maize and Blue). I then worked as a clinical social worker in Chicago, where I provided psychotherapy services to children and families. After four and a half years as a clinical social worker, I obtained my doctorate in clinical psychology at the University of Washington in Seattle. While at UW, I examined the confluence of GBV, substance use, and sexual health. I then completed my pre-doctoral psychology residence at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas where I provided trauma and substance use services to Veterans. After completing my internship, I accepted a position as an Assistant Professor at Morehead State University. I teach courses in addiction therapies, introduction to clinical psychology, psychology of gender, and intellectual assessment. My research program can be best understood by the quote from USAID: “Prevent only, and you ignore the survivor in front of you. Respond only, and you’ll be responding forever.” In addition to my research and teaching, I am a pop culture enthusiast and proud Pitbull rescue mama.

​

What's your SUPER power? I have an encyclopedic knowledge of "Gilmore Girls".