LSUS Degree(s): Ph.D. in Psychology (1996)
                          Specialist in School Psychology (1989)
                          B.S. in Psychology (1986)

How I got to LSUS: My family and I moved to Shreveport when I was in third grade, LSUS was just a couple of buildings in a cotton field. I remember as a child telling my parents that it would be really great to attend school so close to home. And many years later, I was able to do just that...except that small college had grown considerably into one with more buildings, a lower teacher to pupil ratio, a faculty with more of them having Ph.D.'s , and a college that now offered advanced degrees. After graduating form high school, I had many opportunities to attend major universities for both academics and twirling. However, I chose to attend LSUS. It has been one of the best decisions I ever made!

Fond Memories of LSUS: I have many fond memories of my days at LSUS, but most of those surround favorite professors. In Psychology, there were so many truly wonderful people, but no one stands out more than Dr. George Kemp. Although I did not originally set out to be a psychology major, Dr. Kemp's classes and others lead me to the field. Our styles meshed so much that I adopted him as my advisor...even though he was head of the department at the time. Dr. Kemp stills continues to be one of my mentors to this day....a real jewel as a professor and a person of exceptional character. I would also like to mention a professor that was a favorite of mine outside of my field...Dr. John Hall. With his "far side sense of humor" and his worldly travel...I always looked forward to his classes and took everything he taught at the time...anthropology, geography, etc.

LSUS faculty who helped me: Dr. George Kemp, Dr. John Hall, Dr. Bob Benefield, Dr. Von Stagg, Dr. Rick Carlisle, Dr. Georgia Wills, Dr. Jean Hollenshead, Dr. Pat Stanley, Dr. Mattie Mosley, Dr. Pat Doerr, Dr. Gary Rush, and Dr. Jimmie Smith. Each of them will always hold a dear place in my heart.

How LSUS helped me succeed: LSUS has always been known for academics. The variety of professors that taught me and the low pupil to faculty ratio really allowed for a phenomenal education. I realized what a terrific foundation I received form LSUS when I attended the University of Tennessee for my doctorate. I possessed advanced knowledge compared to others and was able to clep out of numerous courses.

What I do now: Currently, I am employed as the System School Psychologist for Caddo Parish Schools. I deal with crisis intervention for all 74 schools, coordinate the School-Wide Positive Behavior Support initiative, coordinate character education, manage a few pilot programs and grants, and oversee 11 Site-Based Behavior Intervention Specialists.
The work is always exciting and each day brings a new adventure. What I like most about my position?...the challenge and getting to work with students, faculty, staff, and the community...all to benefit the students of Caddo Parish.

I also have been teaching at LSUS as an adjunct since 1995. It is a wonderful opportunity to work with such distinguished colleagues and to be a mentor for undergraduate and graduate students. My goal is to always be approachable since this attitude is what originally sold me on attending LSUS.

Advice to college-bound students: Many of you will change your field of study more than once...like I did! It is not about what others want you to do or even what they expect of you. Instead, college is about finding your true path in life. If you wake up everyday and still love your job...you have chosen your career wisely! And remember, have fun along the way. No one guarantees tomorrow!

Advice to someone who wants to enter my field: I worked many years as a traditional school psychologist before doing what I do now. The field is very diverse and often the demands change from one system to another. In short, you can find your perfect career niche, but it may require some experimenting until you land that perfect position.

Tips on choosing a major or career: Say to yourself..."Can I do this everyday for the next 30 years?" "Will I still be as energized as I was on day one?" If you can answer yes to both, you probably have selected the right career path. I would also encourage students to shadow a professional or complete a few hours in the field (internship, practica, course requirement).
There is no better way to get a true feel of the actual job requirements than to get in there!

My toughest professional challenge: I always wanted to work with students and to teach at the college level. Currently, I have the best of both worlds and would not change a thing!

My toughest personal challenge: My personal challenge is to learn to say NO. I have a true zest for life and am involved in so many things that I love, both professionally and personally. I continue to be involved with organizations, am a member of the Krewe of Gemini, and teach baton and dance. For me, it is a matter of too little time.

Successes in my life:

• Heroes in the Fight, Louisiana State Mental Health individual Award Winner (2007 -2008)
• National Alliance on Mental Illness, President (2007 - present)
• National Register's Who's Who in Executives and Professionals (member; 2002-2003)
• Character Education Governor's Award Winner (2001-2002)

I've learned this from life: Just when you think everything is planned, life usually throws you a curve ball. Over the years I have learned to go with the flow. After all, it is the journey that matters!