View My Resume When
I first arrived at GovState, I was immediately drawn to the College of Health
and Human Services tag line: “Make Someone’s Life Better.” That phrase
resonated with me deeply, coming from a career in hospital and medical practice
management where every decision was centered on improving the lives of patients
and families. What I have since come to appreciate is how education amplifies
that mission, not only improving the life of one person, but creating ripples
of impact that reach communities, states, and even international populations.
I
am inspired every day by our students, who bring diverse backgrounds, life
experiences, and generational perspectives to their studies. Their enthusiasm
for learning and their commitment to service remind me why this work is so
meaningful. GovState provides the opportunity to teach, to engage in research,
and to apply knowledge in ways that shape the next generation of health care
professionals. I am proud to be part of an institution that not only lives out
its mission to make lives better, but also embraces the University’s new
tagline, reminding us that we are truly Better Together
I
see interprofessional education (IPE) as essential in health and human service
professions because it prepares future providers to collaborate across
disciplines when addressing the complex needs of individuals. Physical health
challenges, mental illness, substance use disorders, and HIV rarely exist in
isolation, and effective care requires contributions from medical providers,
behavioral health specialists, social workers, and community service
professionals. By engaging students in interprofessional learning, I help them
build mutual respect, develop a shared language, and gain an understanding of
one another’s roles. I believe these experiences not only strengthen teamwork
but also reduce fragmentation in care and create more comprehensive treatment
plans that ultimately lead to better outcomes for the people we serve.
As a professor, my commitment to
IPE directly shapes how I approach teaching, scholarship, and service. In the
classroom, I design curricula that emphasize collaborative learning, case-based
instruction, and simulation exercises that mirror real-world teamwork. In my
research, I focus on the outcomes of interprofessional models of care, the
effectiveness of team-based interventions for co-occurring conditions, and how
collaboration can reduce health disparities, particularly among populations
affected by HIV and substance use disorders. In service, I extend my work
beyond the university by partnering with community agencies, clinical sites,
and professional organizations to model and support interdisciplinary
collaboration. I also see IPE as a natural bridge to international
collaboration, since the challenges of integrated care are global. Through my
affiliation with national and international organizations I continue to strive
towards faculty exchanges, joint research projects, and cross-cultural training
initiatives, I aim to prepare students for global health challenges while also
strengthening institutional partnerships that encourage innovation and the
sharing of best practices across borders