A native Nebraskan with three degrees from this University. Earned the Professor of Practice status in 2011 after teaching for two years as an adjunct. Prior to teaching here, taught middle and high school for 19 years and served as curriculum assistant for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) at the district level for eight years. Hired in 2009 to take over the FCS education program and preparation of future teachers. Professional interests include extensive participation in professional organizations, especially the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) and the Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers of Nebraska (FCSTN, the FCS section of the Association of Career and Technical Education). Community outreach is also incorporated into activities for students to participate during their experiences within the FCS education program. Some of these activities include teaching a nutritious cooking class after school hours, participating in the Lincoln Public Schools and Nebraska Restaurant Association’s Culinary Competitions, volunteering for Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) judging and state leadership events, and AAFCS Student Affiliate activities.