I am especially interested in deepening our understanding of trauma, how it shapes individuals, relationships, organizations, and larger systems, and in using that understanding to improve practice, education, and the ways we support people and communities.
MSW Program Director & Clinical Assistant Professor
UGA and the School of Social Work have been an important part of my own professional journey, first as a student and now as a faculty member and program director. It is meaningful to me to contribute to the same program and profession that helped shape my own development as a social worker, educator, and clinician.
What interests me most about social work is the opportunity to be part of meaningful change in the lives of individuals, organizations, and communities. I am especially interested in deepening our understanding of trauma, how it shapes individuals, relationships, organizations, and larger systems, and in using that understanding to improve practice, education, and the ways we support people and communities.
I teach because education has the potential to create change far beyond the classroom. Preparing future social workers is not simply about helping students gain knowledge and skills; it is also about helping them develop self-awareness, professional judgment, and a deeper understanding of the values and ethics that shape our profession. I see teaching as both a privilege and a responsibility because the growth of each student ultimately influences the individuals, families, organizations, and communities they will serve.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that learning is a shared process between instructor and student. I strive to create an environment that is engaging, respectful, and challenging, one that moves students beyond acquiring knowledge toward critical thinking, self-awareness, application, and professional competence. My role is to provide a strong foundation, create opportunities for students to wrestle with ideas and assumptions, and support them as they develop their own understanding and professional identity.
I hope students leave my classes with more than knowledge. I want them to become stronger critical thinkers, more self-aware practitioners, and more confident in applying what they have learned to real situations. I also hope they become comfortable questioning assumptions, considering different perspectives, and developing the professional judgment, values, and sense of responsibility that will guide their work with others.
I am naturally curious and enjoy learning just as much as I enjoy teaching. I value authenticity, thoughtful conversation, and a good sense of humor, and I try not to take myself too seriously. Outside of work, I enjoy mountain biking, spending time outdoors, reading, and getting absorbed in a good story. I hope students know that I am approachable, that questions are always welcome, and that none of us ever reaches a point where we have everything figured out.