How long have you been at Hofstra?
I started at Hofstra University as an adjunct in September 2004 and then became full time in September 2008.

Academic specialty? 
Early Childhood Special Education and Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Major publications/accomplishments: 
I published the article Evaluation of Push-In Therapy in a Collaborative Preschool Environment in the spring 2012 edition of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals. I also presented on the findings of this study in November 2012 at the New York State Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference in Saratoga Springs, NY. I am also presenting on the same study at the Bi-Annual Conference of the International Association of Special Education taking place this July in Vancouver, British Columbia.

In addition to my work in academia, I am very proud of my thirty plus years work with children with special needs both in a classroom environment as well as a school administrator.

Interesting hobbies?  
I like to hike in the Hudson Valley and kayak in Long Island Sound.

Why did you go into your field?
I became interested in special education while in college after I started working with individuals with intellectual disabilities as a recreational aide in a small residential facility. I realized during this experience that special education was the field for me.

Favorite campus activity: 
Commencement.

Why?
Commencement is such a great celebration of all the hard work and dedication of the students and I love being part of it.
Favorite class to teach: 
SPED 241: Identification of and Interventions for Children and Adolescents with Emotional/Behavioral Disorders.

What general advice about college would you give students?
Recognize and take advantage of the wonderful knowledge that can be gained from the college experience.

Why?
Teaching about emotional and behavioral disorders helps to dispel a lot of myths about mental health issues in children and youth. It also provides students with knowledge that will better prepare them for service to those children.

Why do you like to teach?  I love teaching because it provides me the opportunity to prepare many for service to children with disabilities.

Favorite thing about NY/Long Island region:
I love the diversity and vitality of the New York region.

Favorite campus eatery:
Au Bon Pain.

Favorite campus spot: 
Hagedorn Hall.

What do you hope your students learn from you?
I hope students learn how to work with children in a manner that is nurturing, constructive and leads to growth for all.

What general advice about college would you give students?
Recognize and take advantage of the wonderful knowledge that can be gained from the college experience.

What general advice about life would you give students?
Never stop learning and make sure you do something you like to do.

Best Hofstra memory:
My best memory is of the first class I taught here at Hofstra. I knew from the very beginning that the students here were exceptional and that this was a wonderful place to teach.

Favorite (short) Hofstra story:
I really enjoyed attending a recent performance of the Hofstra University Symphonic Orchestra. Many of the performers were students in one of my undergraduate courses and it was great to see them doing what they love in a setting outside of the classroom.

What do you take the most “Pride” in?
I take the most “Pride” in providing students with a high quality education that is centered on practice and the application of skills in today’s classroom environment.

What have you found as your “Purpose”?
My “Purpose” is to provide students with the skills needed to be a quality educator of children of all abilities.