Q: Out of everything you're working on, what are you most excited about?

A: I am excited that we have been able to design, obtain funding, and launch an approved fellowship and internship with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Adaptive Sports & Fitness. This is exciting as the knowledge and support that Human Performance & Sport Science (HPSSC) faculty have provided to U-M student athletes/teams and students in the MiPR lab will also inform and provide the foundation for students to engage in research and performance enhancement with para athletes. 

Q: What's one thing about your work that might surprise people or that people might not know much about?

A: I was very fortunate to graduate from the U-M School of Education with a masters of art in education. I initially expected to be teaching high school science (i.e., chemistry and biology) but, upon completion of my degree, I took a program coordinator position with the U-M Science Learning Center. It was a great opportunity to put into action educational theory on how students learn and how to support engaged learning.  

From there, I supported comprehensive student learning and engagement programming, as first, associate director at U of A, then director at UC San Diego. In California, I worked with faculty to support the design of curricular engaged learning experiences with course content and designed and ran student academic support and transition programs.

This work experience and knowledge has been pivotal to my support of HPSSC with its academic programming and strategizing the future of the interplay of education and research for and with students.

Q: What's the most meaningful or satisfying aspect of your work?

A: The most meaningful and satisfying part of my work is learning each day about the impact of the research and mentorship of the HPSSC faculty. Their research lines are amazing, and they all devote their time to all levels of trainees, i.e., independent studies, lab opportunities, mentorship, etc. I hope that what I do, small in comparison, provides support in other ways for them.

Q: What's your favorite thing about our school and why?

A: I have been fortunate in my professional work in higher education over the past 14 years, but  the School of Kinesiology, along with my team at HPSSC, have been the most positive, supportive, and open to new considerations that I have experienced. I don't see Kinesiology faculty or staff on a regular basis, but each interaction with them has been full of immense knowledge and consideration. It is a great environment to thrive in.

Q: What's one fun or surprising thing about you?

A: I love music and going to events/concerts. I enjoy many genres and have over 400 CDs and some vinyl records. I like having the tangible items. My sons all learned to play the piano, and two of them also play the guitar. I figured I could have home concerts, which they did (and do) indulge in when time permits.

Q: Which states and/or countries have you lived in? Which was your favorite, and why?

A: I have lived in Michigan (my home state), Illinois, Arizona, and California. My favorite is Michigan. I love the four seasons, with fall as my favorite; Michigan does not disappoint with fall leaf colors, locally or up north. Michigan has great opportunities for outdoor activities in any season as well. I will add that during snowstorms, I do miss California.
 

Q: Who are the special people in your life?

A: The special people in my life are my family!  I am lucky to be with a supportive husband, and I have four amazing sons and daughter-in-laws.  They would say, however, that all the grandchildren, currently five of them, are the reason I came back to Michigan from California. (I remind them that there was only one when I moved back. :) )

Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere, where would it be and why?

A: Disney World in Florida. I first had the opportunity to go there with my sons when they were younger. Now, I love going because it's a happy place for me (great memories old and new), and I can actually see the immense details in the construction of the various areas of the parks since I don't need to keep track of little ones. I am amazed at the additions/improvements that I saw during a recent trip.