What brought you to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work?
I came to Pitt because it’s a place where social work’s mission and innovation really intersect. Pitt has this incredible legacy of research and community impact, and I wanted to be part of that—but also to help expand it into the online space. For me, it’s about making sure that a parent balancing kids’ soccer practice, a professional working full-time, or someone living across the country can still get a Pitt Social Work education. That felt like a challenge worth jumping into.
What inspired you to focus on online education?
I’ve always been a little bit of a tech nerd, and I love thinking about how tools can solve problems. When I first started in this area, I noticed how many students wanted a degree but couldn’t make the “traditional” model work. Online education became the bridge. I love that we can design flexible, student-centered programs that meet people where they are—literally. And it’s not just about access—it’s about building courses that are interactive, engaging, and honestly…a little fun.
What changes have you seen in online education since you started you work in this area?
It’s like night and day. In the early days, online education was basically “let’s put the lecture slides online and call it a day.” Now, we’re creating dynamic learning spaces—discussion boards that spark real debate, breakout rooms that feel like mini-classrooms, and multimedia tools that let students show off their creativity. Students expect a community, not just a course—and the technology has finally caught up to make that possible.
How do you see your work on the online program intersecting with the other work being done in the School?
I see online education as woven right into the fabric of the School. Everything we do—whether it’s research, practicum education, or student support—has a digital layer now. My job is to make sure online students feel just as connected and supported as anyone on campus. That means collaborating with faculty on course design, working with student services to smooth out processes, and building bridges so online and on-campus students can actually learn with each other. I get to nerd out with instructional design tools, but it all comes back to students feeling like they belong here.
What are your plans/goals for next six months?
The nerdy side of me is really excited about digging into course design and trying out new engagement tools (think interactive modules, dashboards, and ways for students to visualize their progress). The student-centered side of me is focused on connection—making sure online students feel like they’re part of the Pitt Social Work community from day one. And honestly, I want to hear directly from students about what’s working and what’s not, so we can keep improving in real time.
Is there a fun fact you’d like to share with the SSW community?
Fun fact: I am an avid sports fan so much so that I voluntarily committed to being the team mom for my daughter's travel softball team -- three years and counting. I take their action shots during their games, design their banners, and run the team's social media. It's a fun way to be involved with sports in a different way and I love being able to use my creativity skills in a non-academic setting.