Accreditations

Pennsylvania Licensed Psychologist

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship - Registered Instructor

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association - Certified Mental Health Specialist

Biography

Born and raised in Erie, I left to complete undergraduate and graduate school; due to my husband's employment with the federal government, I lived and gained valuable professional experience in several states and varied capacities, largely in major inner-city medical centers.  Shortly after our 2 children were born, my family happily relocated to our hometown where I spent 13 wonderful years as a full-time mom and homemaker, an experience from which I draw frequently in my lectures to provide often amusing anecdotes.  After re-entering the gainful work force several years ago, I am finding great pleasure and fulfillment in sharing both my professional and personal experiences in the lively and inviting environment of GU.

Courses Taught

Introduction to Psychology PSYC 111

Professional Experience

• Northshore Psychology Associates, Erie, Pa.; neuropsychology assessment
• Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center, Fairview, Pa. ; therapeutic riding instructon, equine-assisted experiential learning programming
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis; In-patient and out-patient neuropsychology assessment and treatment
• Hamot Institute for Behavioral Health, Erie, Pa.; community mental health service provision
• Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center, Camden, NJ; Inpatient Diabetes Treatment Center; evaluation, treatment, patient education
• Biofeedback Group, Inc., Havertown, Pa; chronic pain; biofeedback therapy
• Bridgeway House, Elizabeth, NJ; chronic mental illness; case management
• St. Vincent Medical Center, Erie, Pa.,  Dept of Rehabilitation; neuropsychology internship

Scholarship/Research

Research

• Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center - Efficacy of Equine Experiential Learning with At-risk Youth and Traumatic Brain Injured Adults
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Group Psychotherapy for Women with MS
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Interventional Strategies for MS- related Cognitive Dysfunction
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Results of a Phase II Trial of IM Recombinant Beta Interferon as Treatment for MS
• Cleveland Clinic Foundation - Low Dose Oral Methotrexate Improves Neuropsychological Function in Patients with Chronic Progressive M.S.

Presentations

• APA,  Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors in Women's Health Conference, Washington, DC, "Group Psychotherapy for Women with MS"
• Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers Annual Conference, Atlanta, GA, "Group Psychotherapy for Women with MS"
• Clevaland Clinic Foundation, Mellen Center, " Importance of Behavioral Observations in Neuropsychological Assessment"
• Erie County Diabetes Association, "Emotional Factors in Diabetes Management"
• Northwest Pennsylvania Schools Staff Development Week, Albion, PA, "Time Management"
• Philadelphia College of Podiatric Medicine, "Managing Stress During Finals"

Service

• Therapeutic Riding Equestrian Center - volunteer and instructor's assistant
• Our Lady's Christian School - swim team assistant coach
• Erie Youth Soccer Association - assistant coach
• Our Lady's Christian School - parent volunteer