Who I am...
GRANDMOTHER. CITIZEN.
I have two beautiful grandchildren. I hold them close to my heart. My grandson, Nolan, has learned to FaceTime me, and we sing songs and read stories together. He requests special songs for his baby sister, Maddie. I am committed to using my gifts and privilege to help make the world a more beautiful, safe, and kind place for them and all of the other young ones (and for my children and their peers as well). These are my most important roles.
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CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST.
I earned my doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of Louisville in 1982, and am licensed as a psychologist in Pennsylvania. Throughout my career, I have sought additional education and training to strengthen my knowledge and skills. I have over 20 years of experience as a clinical psychologist providing psychotherapy and assessments for children, adolescents, adults, and families, as well as consultation to agencies and schools serving children and families.
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In 2001, I began work at Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA, as a professor, researcher, and leader. For nine years, I was the Director of Graduate Psychology Programs, during which time we created and obtained APA accreditation for a doctorate in counseling psychology (Psy.D.) program. I also established an APA-approved Continuing Education program at Chatham. In June 2017, I retired from my full-time faculty position, but continue to teach courses as a Professor Emerita, most often related to connections between nature and health and well-being.
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In addition, I have completed two Academy for Leaders programs at the Center for Courage and Renewal. I have also concluded training in Life and Leadership Coaching at the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT) which is pre-approved by the International Coach Federation (ICF) as an Accredited Coach Training Program (ACTP).
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RESEARCHER. AUTHOR.
I am passionate about understanding and sharing what makes our lives better. What can we do to be healthier and happier? How can we identify and deal with the challenges of doing so? And how can we use what we learn to work together to solve the big problems of our time?
My peer-reviewed published research is in two areas related to human health and well-being: 1) understanding what contributes to thriving and burn-out experiences of helping professionals, and 2) exploring benefits of teaching health professionals about environmental and social sustainability, and health benefits of nature experiences.
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SPEAKER. TEACHER. ACTIVIST.
Life-long learning and engagement with my community are high priorities in my life. For the last 10 years, I have been involved in environmental causes of different kinds. I teach and speak about connections between a healthy natural environment and human well-being. As a citizen, I participate in activities and organizations related to preserving a healthy planet, and also to alleviating food insecurity among children in our region. I have learned so much about what leads to sustainable health and well-being, and I keep learning as much as I can.
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