I have spent more than two decades paying attention to what happens in the moments when communication breaks down—when a child’s behavior overwhelms an adult, when a leader avoids a difficult conversation, or when a family cannot find the words for what they are experiencing.

As a licensed psychologist, university professor, nationally recognized speaker, and mom of four, I have seen how quickly relationships can change when people feel understood and have practical language for what comes next.

That belief became Make Words Matter: an approach grounded in psychology, strengthened by real-life experience, and designed to help educators, leaders, and parents communicate with greater clarity, compassion, and confidence.

I believe people do better when they feel seen and supported—but support does not require us to abandon boundaries, expectations, or accountability. My work helps adults hold both: empathy for what someone may be carrying and confidence about what needs to happen next.

Alongside my speaking and consulting work, I am a professor of psychology at Indiana University East and direct its master’s program in mental health counseling. My academic background, clinical experience, and years spent preparing future counselors allow me to bring research to life in ways that are relatable, memorable, and immediately useful.

Today, my work centers on professional speaking, organizational training, and leadership development. Whether I am working with an audience of thousands or a small leadership team, my goal is the same: to help people understand what is happening beneath the behavior, choose words that strengthen relationships, and leave knowing what to do next.

When I am not teaching, speaking, or recording podcast episodes, I am usually spending time with my husband and four kids. We are mostly in gyms across the state and region watching basketball games or volleyball games loving every minute of it. (Well most of the minutes - the close games and my nervous momma heart sometimes doesn't love those moments!). I also love my introverted time with black coffee, walks through the neighborhood, time near water, and audiobooks at hyperspeed.