My areas of expertise include criminal justice, victimology, criminology, corrections, juvenile delinquency, criminal law, research methods, forensic interviewing, and substance use and abuse. My professional experience in probation and parole, child protective services, and social services allows me to bring real-world perspectives and practical applications into the classroom. I particularly enjoy helping students understand how criminal justice theories and systems translate into the experiences of victims, offenders, families, and professionals working within the justice system.
One of the things that makes me unique is that I genuinely enjoy finding ways to connect learning to the real world. Outside of the traditional classroom, I enjoy creating hands-on educational experiences, working with students through academic camps and community programs, and finding creative ways to make behavioral science and criminal justice engaging for learners of all ages. I have especially enjoyed developing and leading Grace College’s Detective Camp, where students get to solve mysteries, practice investigative skills, and learn through experience.
I also enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring new places, and spending time with family and friends. I love a good mystery or crime-related story, which probably comes as no surprise given that I teach criminal justice! I think my curiosity is one of the things that carries over into both my personal life and my teaching—I enjoy asking questions, figuring out how things work, and helping others make connections they may not have considered before.
Most importantly, I think what makes me unique is that I don’t see being a professor as simply a job. I enjoy getting to know students, celebrating their successes, encouraging them through challenges, and staying connected with them beyond the classroom. I consider it a privilege to be part of their journey.
My teaching style is student-centered, relationship-focused, and experiential. I believe students learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process rather than simply listening to lectures. I incorporate discussion, case studies, interactive activities, real-world examples, research, and hands-on learning opportunities to help students connect course concepts to situations they may encounter in their future careers. My experience developing courses and incorporating flipped-classroom methodologies reflects my commitment to creating engaging learning experiences.
I also place a strong emphasis on knowing my students and mentoring them throughout their academic journey. Whether teaching a small classroom course, an online class, or supervising an internship, I strive to create an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, challenging ideas, and connecting what they are learning to their own career goals. My goal is not simply to help students successfully complete a course, but to help them develop the critical-thinking, communication, research, and professional skills they will carry with them beyond the classroom.
At Grace, teaching goes beyond delivering course content. It is about mentoring, encouraging, challenging, and investing in students. Because our classes are smaller, students have a voice in the classroom, faculty can provide individualized attention, and genuine connections develop naturally. I love that I can see a student grow from their first day on campus through graduation and know that I played a small part in their journey.
There is something special about teaching in a community where relationships matter. At Grace College, we have the opportunity to educate students while also helping prepare them for their future careers, relationships, and callings. For me, that combination of strong academics, intentional relationships, and a close-knit community is what makes teaching at Grace so rewarding.
