1) What is your background in psychology (e.g., education)?
As an undergraduate student at Marquette University I majored in Psychology and English, and I went on for my M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.
2) Describe your current occupation and any involvement in the Minnesota Psychological Association if applicable.
Until last year, I was an associate professor of counseling psychology at the University at Albany, State University of New York in Albany, New York. With a mix of sadness and excitement, I left my tenured position and last summer my family and I moved to the Minneapolis area to be closer to our families here and in Wisconsin.
3) What inspired you to pursue a degree in psychology?
As an undergraduate student I worked at the counseling center on campus and provided outreach to students as a paraprofessional. I worked closely with the psychologists in the counseling center and received training in basic helping and leadership skills. Those experiences instilled in me a love for applied psychology and my original goal in pursuing my Ph.D. was to be a therapist in a college counseling center. During my graduate studies, I realized I also enjoyed teaching and research, and I have spent the first 15 years of my professional career as a professor teaching and supervising graduate students.
4) Why did you join the Minnesota Psychological Association?
Once we got the moving boxes unpacked last year, one of the first things I did was join the MPA. Having been a professional in the field for over 15 years now (and having been a member of the New York State Psychological Association), I knew that being a member of my state psychological organization would help me stay up to date on new developments in the field and changes in legal and ethical standards, and that this organization would be advocating on behalf of psychologists in the state.
5) What do you hope to learn/gain from your new membership?
Being new to Minnesota, I hoped that joining the MPA would help me network with other psychologists and get to know the psychological community in the area. I knew that making a career transition and a geographic move would be big transitions in my life and hoped that the MPA might be a good professional resource as I got established here.
6) Any outside hobbies/interests you do not mind sharing?
My husband, two kids, and I enjoy hiking, biking, going to concerts and shows, and eating at all the excellent restaurants in the Twin Cities. I am an avid reader, play the piano, and do a lot of puzzles.