Speaking

Why I Speak…

When I left academia to be at home full-time with my children, one of the things I knew I would miss was my classroom teaching. I loved being responsible for helping college students learn about how we develop as children and adults. Speaking with students, teaching them about theories, and providing real-life examples of those principles at work was exciting. Regular exclamations of “So that’s why they do that!” would come frequently. Most often from a student who was raising children while working on a degree.

What they were learning was instantly applicable.

I decided then, that even after leaving the University, I would still try to help parents develop their own best practices, by somehow teaching them about normal development. 

How I am Unique …

As a speaker-scholar, I offer a somewhat different background than most. I have found it not only natural but essential, to integrate my faith life into my intellectual work. Both writing and speaking in areas of faith development have helped me to appreciate the richness of our faith and the importance of seeing the human person as both whole and integrated.

My approach comes from research, the bible, and what I have experienced raising my own children. I bring alive the concepts of human development and help individuals to internalize a deeper understanding of normal development so that they can make intentional choices in their own lives. My work brings theory and research together in a practical way. I bridge the gap between academic researchers and the individual trying to live out their purpose in the real world.