I am a Professor, Director of Graduate Programs, and Extension Specialist at North Carolina State University where I teach Family Science graduate courses in the Youth, Family, and Community Sciences academic program.

I have over 20 years experience working with youth and their families as an early childhood educator, marriage and family therapist, parent educator, administrator and faculty member, and Mom/Wife/Daughter/Friend.

During my tenure, I have lead numerous research projects that focused on curriculum and program development for underserved audiences and I have presented talks here and abroad on the topics of parenting, family life coaching, teaching with technology, and relationship education at national and international conferences.

I serve as Co-Founder and Chair of the Family Life Coaching Association and have been on the executive board of the National Parenting Education Network and the North Carolina Parent Education Network. My work at NCSU focuses on family life education, youth development, adolescent health, parenting, and relationship education.