Back to Faculty Directory

I have been a licensed clinical social worker since 2014, utilizing my skills with adolescents, military populations, and survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault. I served in the New York Army National Guard as a Behavioral Health Officer and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator/Victim Advocate for 10 years, reaching the rank of Major. I have worked in higher education since 2016, first as an administrator and now as a faculty member. I love the college population and enjoy finding ways to motivate students through active, engaged, and partnered learning experiences that approach concepts and theories in an accessible and interesting way. In everything I do I am authentic and transparent, bringing vulnerability, empathy, and humanness to my work and in turn encouraging my students and clients to embody these characteristics themselves.

Degree Program University
M.S.W. Social Work Fordham
B.A. Social Work Siena College

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

I strive to make learning accessible through interactive discussions, small group activities, and a mix of content/media (videos, podcasts, readings, hands on engagement, etc). The overall goal in my classes is to go from understanding the theory and putting it into practice, making real-world connections and understanding the "why" behind what we are learning. I continually strive to update assignments and activities to ensure they are relevant, engaging, and meeting the learning goals.  

What I Love About Siena

I graduated from Siena with my BSW in 2007. I had a wonderful experience as a student, and every time I came back to campus it felt like coming "home". When I began working here in 2016, I was worried it wouldn't feel the same, but I can confidently say that this beautiful campus filled with passionate, dedicated, compassionate individuals (students, staff, administrators, and faculty alike) continues to feel like home. The community is amazing. 

My Favorite Courses to Teach

I have taught Intro to Social Work and Social Work Practice Skills for several semesters and they are "my" courses (not really, but I like to think they are!) - I have worked to create structures, build in content, and revise/develop assignments that push students to learn while also engaging in real-world problems and problem solving. I have taught several other courses, and have really enjoyed them all! 

My Professional Experience

Year Title Organization
2022 - Now Assistant Professor Siena University (formerly Siena College)
2016 - 2022 Administrative Coordinator, Social Work Department Siena University (formerly Siena College)
2015 - 2016 Victim Advocate Coordinator New York Army National Guard
2015 - 2024 Behavioral Health Officer New York Army National Guard (Commissioned Officer)
2011 - 2015 Medical case management New York Army National Guard / Skyline, Ultd
2008 - 2011 Various: case management and domestic violence counseling Equinox, Inc

Current Research

I have many research interests including: community building and how a sense of belonging impacts motivation, student success, and retention; and military service and how this impacts identity.  

Articles & Book Reviews

  • Community building as an integral part of social work education
    Journal of Baccalaureate Social Work
    2025

Awards & Distinctions

  • COTFD Summer Research Fellowship
    Category: Research
    COTFD / Siena College, 2025