MY BACKGROUND
How I've Been Preparing to Help You
2010 - 2023
PSYCHOMETRICIAN
As a Psychometrician I administered a variety of cognitive, academic and IQ tests to children and adults to assist in the diagnosis of different neuropsychological and learning issues. Although I worked with patients of all ages, much of what I did involved assessing kids for ADHD, autism spectrum, dyslexia, and other learning differences.
2015- Present
SELF-DEFENSE / BULLYPROOFING INSTRUCTOR
In addition to being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown-belt level student myself, I have taught women's self defense and sport Jiu-Jitsu classes, and children's Jiu-Jitsu and bullyproofing classes at Harrisburg Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. With both groups, my focus is on empowerment and confidence-building, whether preparing for a self-defense situation or for a tournament. I also hold a 2nd degree black belt in Jung Sim Do from West Shore Academy of Martial arts where I trained for 10 years and instructed as well.
1996 - 2017
CERTIFIED BRADLEY CHILDBIRTH INSTRUCTOR
I taught drug-free childbirth methods, deep relaxation, communication, breastfeeding and newborn care to couples to help them prepare for the transition into parenthood.
1996 - 2015
LA LECHE LEAGUE LEADER
I organized and led breastfeeding and parenting support meetings and events and offered individual mother-to-mother support to struggling new moms. I also presented at regional conferences on topics related to childbirth and parenting a "spirited" child.
2012-2015
SUBSTITUTE TEACHER, CAIU / HOMESCHOOLING CO-OP TEACHER
I served as a substitute teacher in various local school districts, typically in Middle and High School settings through the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. I also designed and taught a variety of semester-long writing, science and study-skills courses for Middle and High School students at a co-op for homeschooled students.
1991-1996
GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT / LAB INSTRUCTOR, VIRGINIA TECH
During my graduate work in Experimental Psychology and Developmental Psychobiology, I taught a variety of classes and labs in the Psychology Department to upper-level undergraduate psychology students, in addition to assisting professors with lecturing, grading, and student support.
May 1993
VIRGINIA TECH, M.S. PSYCHOLOGY
May 1991
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY, B.A. PSYCHOLOGY / BIOLOGY