“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I may remember. Involve me and I learn.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Teaching Philosophy
scientific method. interactive learning. collaboration & inclusivity
In the classroom, I work with and alongside of my students, rather than in front of them. I aim to help students become aware of their important role in the creation of knowledge. In each of my courses, I highlight the iterative nature of the scientific method, provide hands-on interactive learning, and work to foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
I value innovative pedagogy and regularly participate in continuing education. Most recently I have completed trainings in Team-Based Learning and have incorporated this learning paradigm into many of my courses. I am committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in education. In line with this commitment I use high impact practices in my teaching, have attended intergroup dialogue workshops, and participated as a member of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest DEI in STEM planning team.
Courses
I teach introductory, clinical, and assessment-related courses.
Introduction to Psychological Science
Psychology impacts daily life in many ways—at home, school, work, and even when resting. In this course, students learn to think like psychologists, focusing on the science of psychology from five perspectives: biological, behavioral, cognitive, social/personality, and clinical.
Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology
This course provides an overview of common psychological difficulties, their potential causes, current evolving diagnostic criteria, and approaches to their treatment. We take a case study approach to understanding whole people, beyond their disorders. Throughout the course, we also discuss practical issues and “hot topics” in the field.
Psychological Assessment
In this course, students are introduced to commonly used psychological tests (IQ, achievement, personality, psychopathology, neuropsychological, career aptitude), basic psychometrics (test properties), and development of their own psychological measure.
Theories & Methods of Psychotherapy
This course provides an overview of theoretical and applied aspects of mental health intervention. The three major course components are: profession of clinician & foundational skills; major theories & methods of psychotherapy and methods of helping; engagement in experiential activities and personal reflection.
Anxiety and Its Disorders (J-Term course)
In this 3-week course, we examine risk factors and prevalence, diagnostic definitions, classification, empirically supported interventions, transdiagnostic features, and other issues in the scientific study of anxiety and its disorders, with a focus on practical understanding and application to our own lives.
Fieldwork in Psychological Science
This course provides students with an in-depth, immersion experience into what it is like to work in the helping professions of counseling, clinical psychology, clinical social work, and pre-health (e.g., OT). Through this course, students have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a real-world, clinical setting. Students complete their thesis through conducting a single-subject design study, employing an intervention to collect data and culminating in a full APA-style paper and presentation.
Clinical Psychology Term
I currently direct Clinical Psychology Term at Knox College. Clinical Psychology Term is a term-long immersive experience for junior and senior students interested in pursuing careers in clinical, counseling, and social work fields. Students take two clinically-oriented courses and complete internships in clinical and social settings.
Our most recent Clinical Psychology Term cohort engaged in internship experiences at a range of settings in the local Galesburg area.
