What is your background?

I received my Ph.D. in Criminology from the University of South Florida, my Master of Public Health from the University of Central Florida, and my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Minnesota, Moorhead State.

Why are you passionate about empowering young people to be safer drivers and passengers?

I truly believe that so many of our societal challenges can be improved by utilizing critical thinking and rational problem-solving skills.  By engaging, educating, and empowering people to make good decisions I know we can prevent poor decision-making behind the wheel—whether by drivers or passengers.

What draws you to the Impact Teen Drivers Mission?

I absolutely love uniting diverse groups of people for a common cause, and really enjoy empowering first responders, health professionals, and educators with evidence-based strategies and programs that they can bring into their local communities and schools to empower others and stop the number one killer of teens in America

Why do you enjoy being part of Impact Teen Drivers?

I enjoy working with people who genuinely want to serve others, and ITD provides the opportunity to work with service-oriented people both inside and outside the organization. It is important to me to make a difference, and using evidence-based strategies to have a measurable effect in changing attitudes and behaviors is very rewarding.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I genuinely enjoy spending time with my husband, our three dogs, and our two cats—one of whom is convinced he’s a dog. We love outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and camping, and simply taking time to enjoy nature. I also team up with my dogs for agility trials, which is a fun and rewarding way to stay active and strengthen our bond. In quieter moments, I enjoy winding down with a hot cup of tea and a good book before bed.

What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

Passionate, Intuitive, Committed

“Fueled by passion, led by strategy, and anchored in unyielding resolve.”