1. What is your educational background and where have you worked previously?
I earned a bachelor’s degree in political science (2003), a master’s degree in special education (2014), and a doctorate in special education (2017), all from the University of Pittsburgh. Additionally, I am a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). For the past 20+ years, I’ve worked with a variety of students and their families including those who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, emotional/behavioral disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and other developmental disabilities. For nine years, I held several different roles at The PLEA School, a center-based school in Wilkinsburg, PA. While there I happily educated students with disabilities in both the classroom and their homes. Following my time at the PLEA school, I spent 5 years working for the Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA) at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. The PASA Project was a grant-funded program that designed, implemented, and scored an alternative assessment for students where the PSSA or Keystone Exam was not appropriate. For a few years I worked as a Positive Behavior Support Specialist for the North Allegheny School District. And, most recently, I served an administrative role as a behavior analyst for Pittsburgh Public Schools. As part of this role, I helped to design and implement a training program for paraprofessionals and teachers who work with students with complex needs.
2. What attracted you to Slippery Rock University, and in particular, the College of Education?
When I first started my doctoral program, I had not really considered a full-time career in academia. Although I enjoyed teaching classes, conducting research, and being part of a university, my passion was still in K-12 schools. As time went on, I grew more and more fond of academia. That said, I did return to practice following graduation but kept my foot in the door by continuing to teach special education graduate courses at Pitt and California University of Pennsylvania. While I envisioned retiring from the K-12 public school system, I could not pass up the opportunity to apply for my current position here at Slippery Rock. Slippery Rock’s reputation speaks for itself, and I have many friends and family members that graduated from here. I frequently witnessed their Rock Pride (most specifically, my brother-in-law; James Matsik, ‘04). Additionally, I was born and raised in a small, rural town named Wilcox, which is in Elk County, PA. The town of Slippery Rock immediately reminded me of Wilcox.
3. What is your current role? What is your favorite course to teach?
I am currently an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the College of Education. This semester I am teaching Early Intervention for Students with Disabilities, Introduction to Special Education Law, and Advanced Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Honestly, I enjoy teaching all my classes.
4. What is your favorite aspect of working in your field?
Long story short, I love seeing children make important gains toward success and independence. I am most interested in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and interventions related to ABA – specifically interventions that focus on remediating skill deficits often associated with severe cognitive and developmental disabilities. This includes both the reduction of challenging behavior and the increasing of academic and functional skills. Additionally, I am interested in researching and implementing effective ways to train others to engage in evidence-based practices, particularly paraprofessionals and teachers who work in inclusive settings.
5. What were you like as a college student?
Shy, overwhelmed, and confused at first, but by the end of my undergraduate degree less so. As I mentioned above, I grew up in a very rural part of the state – moving to the Oakland neighborhood in Pittsburgh was a drastic change for me. I decided to attend Pitt because of its reputation as an outstanding academic institution. By the time I got to graduate school, however, I was motivated and organized. The city no longer phased me, and I was excited to learn whatever I could.
6. What do you know now that you wish you would have known as a college student?
College should be challenging – but not stressful. I frequently say this to my students. Professors are here to help you – and are eager to do so!
