I am a native Nebraskan and have lived in Nebraska all my life with the exception of two years in graduate school in Kansas and two years employed at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute at the University of South Florida in Tampa. I began teaching at NWU in August of 2002 when I accepted appointment as Associate Professor and Director of the Social Work Program. Prior to this I was an adjunct instructor at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha for seven years. For 19 years I was employed as a medical social worker specializing in the areas of oncology, bone marrow transplantation, hospice, and HIV/AIDS. In addition to my clinical work with these client groups I also spent time serving as a clinical supervisor and an assistant department director. I was also in a group private psychotherapy practice on a part-time basis for one year. As I progressed in my clinical career I became more interested in teaching and macro/social justice issues where my energies are now directed. Beginning in the fall of 2009 I began a new role in the Social Work program as Field Director.