Professional Profile

Contact me if you have work for me, or are interested in collaborating with me on a project. If you need more insight into what I have been working on in the past, browse through my projects or contact me directly.

Instructional Design & Teaching Philosophy

In response to my research, I believe in motivational strategies and frequently use humor and self-disclosure to enhance students' engagement and interest when designing material or facilitating instruction.

Yet, every class is different, dynamics can shift and unforeseen forces and events may impact the overall learning experience.

Thus, it is important to follow models that are clear and autonomy-supportive (e.g. self-directed learning) as well as to emphasize the need to listen to students as well as instructors, to constantly reflect and assess the teaching and learning processes.

In general, I have developed expertise in adult learning theories, e-learning methods, multicultural and language acquisition contexts.

The ADDIE model, Gagné, Kirkpatrick, or Bloom's taxonomy are great guides, but should be referred to in reference to the evolving strategies and innovative methods, such as UDL or motivation, as well as the applicable policies that may be in place.

Research & Interests

My interests span diverse topics and I am constantly influenced by my interactions and experience. This way, I have developed expertise in topic areas surrounding cognitive and instructional psychology, motivation, self-disclosure, humor research, psycholinguistics, second/foreign language acquisition, and communication studies.

As a member and leader of several research teams, I have investigated issues related to motivation, and students' uniqueness needs. Part of this research included discourse analysis in traditional and online learning environments. Also, I examined faculty development and use of student data to improve instruction.

Since my graduation, I have further expanded on my knowledge in sports psychology, focusing on motivation, goal setting and performance as well as bilingual early childhood education, and child development..

Outlook

I successfully defended my dissertation and graduated with a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in May 2014.

After moving to the Greater Denver Area, I decided to teach as an Adjunct at the University of Denver, as well as an online instructor for the University of Mary Hardin Baylor. I also work as a coach with individuals on a one-on-one basis, teaching study skills, goal setting and motivational skills, as well as language. In addition, I am a freelance instructional designer and communications specialist. For example, I have been working for COERLL and MOOD.

Currently, I am looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity in which I can apply my diverse skills and build on my experiences.

Since I finished graduate school, I have missed being a crucial member of a creative and innovative team that sets high goals, and expects every member of the team to contribute with enthusiasm, passion, and hard work.

I am very excited about what the future holds and can't wait to explore the opportunities that I will encounter.