Education

I am a proud Rhody Ram alum – URI Class of 1994! (Bachelor of Arts in Psychology) Master’s of Social Work (MSW – Licensed: LICSW) – Rhode Island College (1998).

Career Journey

As an undergraduate at URI, I worked both on and off-campus to support my educational journey. I volunteered at a teen parenting program and that is where my love of working with young adults began to blossom.

I spent the bulk of my professional career as a School Social Worker (22 years). After all those years, I felt like I wanted to expand my professional horizons and reached out to URI Alumni Career services for guidance and assistance. I saw firsthand how invaluable the career resources are at URI, both for current as well as past students! I was fortunate to be hired by Rhode Island College as an Assistant Project Director, then Project Director for the Learning Partnership for Children’s Services, a training and educational partnership between Rhode Island College – School of Social Work and DCYF. After 3.5 years in that wonderfully fulfilling role, I then was hired as the Director of Practicum Education within the School of Social Work at Rhode Island College. I spent additional per diem and part time doing clinical social work at Rhode Island Hospital, Northern RI Collaborative as well as teletherapy through the Covid-19 pandemic.

Throughout my 26 years of professional experience, I have been privileged to advise undergraduate and graduate student interns, providing clinical consultation, supervision and mentorship.

When not supporting career and experiential education at URI, you will find me: Spending time with my family, enjoying the many activities in which my children (ages, 17 and 13) participate. I love taking walks, especially with a cup of my favorite coffee! I also enjoy traveling, exploring new places, listening to music and shopping.

What Strength, Value, or Personality trait do you identify with most and why? I most identify with Positivity. This trait was amplified during my time as a School Social Worker, interacting with youth who benefitted from an upbeat interaction style and contagious enthusiasm.

I approach those I work with from a strengths-based perspective and work to form relationships within this framework.

I also embrace the qualities of Empathy, Connectedness, and Learning. I find no other place as exciting, challenging, and engaging than higher education. And to be back to my alma mater is more exciting than I can express! Go Rhody! Go Rams!