A.A. – Social and Behavioral Sciences, Riverside Community College
B.A. – Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino
B.A. – Human Development, California State University, San Bernardino
M.A. – Psychology with an emphasis in Developmental Psychology, California State University, San Bernardino

I am a high school dropout, teen mom, and first generation college student.  I started a career in the banking industry, which gave me an opportunity to be involved with the Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, and participate in the Choices Program, which is a high school dropout prevention program.   This experience not only helped me to positively impact the lives of others, but it also had a profound impact on my life as well.  I eventually returned to school, finished my high school diploma through adult education, and started my academic career at my local community college.  I took a short detour through a domestic violence marriage, but eventually learned that my education would be my power to change my life and the lives of my children.  Little did I know my pursuit would also inspire my mother, and she returned to school and eventually joined me at CSUSB. In 2000, I began a career as a licensed financial advisor and started by undergraduate coursework.  I went onto achieve departmental and college honors as a psychology student at California State University, San Bernardino, where I received two Bachelor’s Degrees.  Thereafter, I continued at California State University to complete my Master’s Degree in 2007, where I had the honor of graduating with my mother in the same ceremony, during which she was honored with two Bachelor’s Degrees: Criminal Justice and Social Work. 

In graduate school, I had the privilege of teaching Personal and Social Adjustment, Child Development Observation and Methodology, and the Experimental Psychology Lab.  I fell in love with teaching, and started teaching within the California Community College system in 2010.  I now teach full time at Mt. San Jacinto College in Menifee, and I continue to teach, or work, part-time at Palomar College, MiraCosta College, and Glendale College.  In addition to teaching, I am passionate about supporting students outside the classroom.  As such, I am actively engaged with student clubs and other groups that promote mental health awareness, LGBTQ training, and sexual assault and domestic violence advocacy.      

Teaching Philosophy

I aspire to be an effective teacher through meaningful connections with students, being conscientious of individual readiness and learning styles, simplifying complex information, establishing a clear and effective structure for the course, and scaffolding students toward success.  I am student centered and provide an active learning environment with open discussions and in class learning activities designed to apply the material.  I believe that learning is bidirectional and every individual within the classroom brings value to the learning process.  Such diversity enhances learning within the classroom and strengthens our sense of community and respect for one another. 

Awards and Honors:

2007 - Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award, California State University, San Bernardino

2015 – Distinguished Faculty Nominee, Palomar College

2016 – Part-Time Faculty of the Year, Mt. San Jacinto College

2016 – Hayward Award Recipient, MiraCosta College, California Community College Chancellor’s Office