What made you choose Marymount University for the pursuit of your Doctorate?
I liked the overall direction of Marymount’s program. It was diverse enough in content—yet the scope matched my career goals. I also am happy with the online platform that works nicely into my current work schedule.
What do you hope to accomplish by earning an Ed.D. degree?
I hope to advance my professional development. I am at a position in my school where I cannot go any further, but the content of what I am learning helps me in my current position as I move my school into the future.
What are your long-term professional and personal goals?
I hope to continue teaching in some form after my administrative career or even to spend some time doing professional development training.
Tell us a bit about your background up to this point – personal and/or professional.
I am originally from Syracuse, New York and I have been at my school for 28 years. I have worked my way up from teaching part-time to head of school, which is my current position. I have degrees in European History and Medieval Studies and have spent many years teaching history in high school and on a collegiate level.
I enjoy creating programs and have done so for professional staff development, the acquisition of social skills, executive functioning, social/emotional learning, global connectedness, environmental awareness, family support programs, risk assessment, strategic planning, and experiential learning. This has afforded me the opportunity to speak and train at both national and international conferences.
What motivates you to complete an online program?
The flexibility allows me to complete my goals while working and running my school.
What do you think of the Ed.D. program so far?
I enjoy this program very much. I am particularly drawn to the research aspects of the program and have found all the instructors very approachable.
What is the biggest highlight of your experience with the MU Ed.D. program?
My colleagues in the cohort—I wasn't expecting to make such solid connections without meeting in person, but this is a top-notch group of people who share my motivation and goals.
Anything else that you’d like to share?
The photo above represents how much I enjoy spending time with my rescue dogs. Currently at my school, I have implemented a “Reading with Dogs” program with my black lab, Becket.
