what "LEARNING. LEADING. TOGETHER." meanS to me
LEARNING
Learning starts with listening and a genuine quest for understanding.
This is something I convey to my students in every class I teach. Since 2008, I have worked as a professor at Wayne State University where I teach students the art and science of communication. I love celebrating their success at graduation!
Through my research, I want to learn how people can best use communication to cope with stress and maintain close, fulfilling relationships.
My success at Wayne State has been based on my commitment to listening and learning as much as possible to help students thrive in a diverse and complicated world.
LEADING
Leading with a servant's heart means focusing on the growth and well-being of students.
I learned this while I was chair of the Department of Communication at Wayne State, overseeing 84 full- and part-time educators serving over 800 students with an operating budget of $3.6 million dollars.
During my time as chair, I realized that leading is not about putting myself first and expecting others to follow along; it is putting students first. It is also about making tough decisions when faced with fiscal constraints. I did everything I could to center student success and faculty well-being when searching for solutions.
I've had the opportunity to be a leader in our community as well, as president of the Novi Educational Foundation Board of Trustees (2023-2025) and a founding executive board member of the recently rejuvenated Novi Theatre Boosters (2025-2026). These leadership experiences will serve me well as a member of the board.
TOGETHER
Together means working collaboratively with others to make a difference in our community.
When I volunteer, I am there to help teachers and support students. I’ve been a classroom parent, trip chaperone, dance mom, swim mom, and stage mom. I have also been a...
- Member of the Sex Education Advisory Board (2022-2025)
- Volunteer at the Detroit Zoo (Penguins!) (2025-present)
- Member of the Zero Suicide Steering Committee, CS Mott Children’s Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI (2022-2024).
- Cookie Mom/Robotics Coach with Girl Scout Troup 71420/FLL Robotics Team 26827 (2014-2019)
- Parent Representative on the Village Oaks Elementary Continuous School Improvement Team (2015-2016)
In all of these experiences, it has been a joy to see what happens when you join with others to serve the community. I am excited to continue this history of service as a member of the Board of Education!