Which classes do you teach online?
I teach all the early childhood courses, including: CD 730 Characteristics Inclusive Early Childhood and CD 785 Integrating Creative Arts into Inclusive ECE.
What types of projects can your students expect in these courses?
Students design an inquiry-based provocation for young children, gather assessment data and document their findings with a documentation panel.
What would you like students to take away from your classes?
I want students to leave my classes thinking differently about teaching and learning. Rather than asking, “Who needs extra help?” I hope they begin to ask, “How can I design this so everyone can access it?” My goal is for future educators to see themselves as intentional designers of learning environments — where play, language, relationships and responsive supports work together to help all young children thrive.
What advice would you give to those considering this online program?
Be ready to actively engage and apply what you’re learning in real contexts. This program is designed to connect theory to practice, so the more you lean into your clinical experiences, collaborate with peers and reflect on your work, the more meaningful it becomes. Also, give yourself permission to grow — many of the ideas may challenge how you were taught, and that’s part of the process.
What is the value of this degree?
This degree prepares educators to truly understand young children — how they learn, communicate and develop across settings. It goes beyond strategies and helps you build a mindset grounded in responsive teaching, purposeful play and strong partnerships with families and communities. Graduates leave with the skills to design meaningful learning experiences and the confidence to advocate for practices that support all learners.
Why did you start teaching?
I started teaching because I’ve always been drawn to the energy and curiosity of young children. Early in my career, I saw how powerful thoughtful teaching can be — not just for academic growth, but for shaping how children see themselves as learners. That impact continues to motivate my work with future educators.
What is one book you think everyone should read?
One book I often recommend is "Moral Classrooms, Moral Children" by Rheta DeVries and Betty Zan. It emphasizes the importance of the sociomoral atmosphere in classrooms and how relationships, decision-making and community-building shape children’s development. It’s a powerful reminder that effective teaching is not just about what we teach, but how we create environments where children learn to think, collaborate and care for one another.
Tell us something that your students might find interesting about you.
Before returning to higher education at Emporia State, I actually stepped away from a previous university role because I wanted a deeper understanding of the inclusive early childhood classroom. During that time, I taught PreK in a setting that served children with and without exceptionalities. That experience reshaped how I think about teaching and continues to influence my work today. I stay closely connected to schools and early childhood programs, which helps me bring real-world perspectives into my teaching.
