About Me

BOSTON —> L.A. —> I.E.

When I was a college student, I learned about the importance and complexities of gaining access to college. Too often, entry to selective, well-resourced institutions requires much more than strong grades and test scores. As a student worker in undergraduate admissions, I learned about educational disparities directly from the voices of students who attended a wide variety of high schools across the nation. Though these college applicants shared qualities such as drive, passion, and a commitment to learning; factors such as wealth inequities, racism, generational status, and school quality (e.g. access to rigorous curricula, AP courses, experienced teachers) could easily open or close pathways to opportunity.

A professional career focused on supporting students with college access & success first through the education non-profit Bottom Line and then as the Dean of College and Career advising at Codman Academy Public Charter School pushed me to examine these issues more closely. Inspired by the stories of my students, I moved across the country from Boston to Los Angeles, where I completed my Ph.D. in urban education policy with concentrations in higher education and sociology.

I am now an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership at Cal Poly Pomona and a proud resident of the Inland Empire. I teach courses to Ed.D. students seeking to strengthen their skills as leaders committed to social justice, equity, and liberation. These courses cover topics such as qualitative and quantitative research methods, educational technology, organizational change, program evaluation, and teaching pedagogies that advance student success.