As a school psychologist, my job has many facets. I am highly involved in our district’s Response to Intervention (RTI) program, which is a method of academic and behavioral intervention used to provide proactive, systematic assistance to children who are having difficulty in school. I also work with teams to determine eligibility for special education services through ongoing assessment and evaluation. My overall goal in my career is to promote healthy student development in the areas of social emotional behavior, academic success and mental health/wellness.
Home Away from Home
I chose Mount Union because of my strong family ties and tradition linked to the college. I grew up attending Mount Union events and have always felt that campus was a second home.
Campus Connections
There is an intimate and personal feeling to Mount Union’s campus. It quickly becomes evident that Mount Union provides opportunities and connections all over the globe.
Mount Union Memories
Some of my best memories at Mount Union definitely revolved around my involvement with Greek life. As a legacy member of the sorority Alpha Chi Omega, the fun social events as well as the opportunity to work closely with the Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter still remain extremely valuable to me. I also got to marry a Sigma Nu, which I highly recommend.
Starting a Career
My first job was as a Title I reading teacher at Mary Irene Day Elementary in Minerva, OH. It was a fabulous jumping off point for me in my career, as I had the chance to use my reading endorsement and learn more about effective interventions for struggling readers in elementary school.
Continuing Education
After I earned my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, I had the opportunity to participate in Mount Union’s first cohort for the intervention specialist licensure. As I was working as an intervention specialist, I chose to further my education through the Kent State University School Psychology Graduate Program. I believe that it prepared me for the many roles of a school psychologist.
Lifelong Friends
My roommates, classmates, friends and sorority sisters from Mount Union, as well as my awesome husband, are still some the nearest and dearest to my heart. Social media and texting have made it all the easier to keep in touch. I love hearing from all of my Mount Union family as many of us are starting the next big journey in life—having children!
Proud Alumna
Every fall I attend Mount Union’s Homecoming and Alumni Weekend festivities. I love returning to campus, seeing the many generations of Mount Union alumni who I know and love and having the chance to relive everything I loved most about Mount Union.
Future Goals
My biggest goal in life is to use the skills I have acquired throughout my education, training, career and life experience to be of service to others. This includes service in my own community as well as seeking out opportunities to serve others across the nation and around the world!