I am an Instructor of Kinesiology in the Kinesiology Department.
Biography
Growing up two miles down the road from Arkadelphia as a child was a dream come true.
My mother graduated from Ouachita and made sure growing up that we supported all things
Ouachita, such as going to sporting events, Tiger Tunes, and participating in camps
and activities on campus. I knew from a young age the value of the culture at Ouachita
and recognize the opportunity and privilege that it is to be and educator on campus.
I went to school to become an Occupational Therapist because I value the ability to
help individuals engage in meaningful work and activities. I feel that I have similar
opportunities as an educator to help college students overcome barriers and hardships
in order to reach their full potential. I view this role as an opportunity to share
the love of Christ with students and to guide them in their academic and spiritual
journeys while on campus.
Over the last 5 years, I have worked as a registered and licensed occupational therapist
in a variety of settings. I have special training in spinal cord injury rehabilitation
and spent 2 years as a specialist at Baptist Rehabilitation Institute in Little Rock
teaching patients how to navigate life with a spinal cord injury and how to regain
the ability to dress, bathe, and participate in meaningful tasks. Over the last 3
years, I have worked at New Hope Therapy in Hot Springs serving pediatric clients
with special training in literacy and learning disabilities. I am a current board
member for the Anchored6:19 Anchored in Hope Respite program, which provides respite
opportunities for caregivers of children with special needs. My family and I attend
and are active members DeRoche Missionary Baptist Church in Bismarck, AR. My husband,
Jansen, and I have been married for 5 years and have three beautiful children.
Q&A
Why did you come to Ouachita?
I grew up in Arkadelphia and spent a lot of time on Ouachita's campus growing up.
I knew from the time that I was young that Ouachita was a special place. This was
confirmed during my 4 years of undergraduate schooling at Ouachita as I was able to
grow spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally during my time here. Ouachita
provided me with multiple opportunities to grow in my faith and future career. The
people and community of Ouachita are unmatched!
Why did you decide to become a professor?
I initially began my career as an occupational therapist. I love the ability to help
individuals overcome obstacles and challenges in order to participate and become independent
with meaningful tasks. I feel like this unique perspective transfers into a classroom
setting to help college students learn how to be independent and successful in whichever
paths they choose. I love the opportunity to mentor students academically and spiritually
to help them reach their full potential.
Why is your subject an important one in our world?
I believe that the study of Kinesiology is vitally important in teaching students
how to take care of our earthly bodies in order to honor and glorify God. The concept
of health and wellness does not only come from a physical perspective, but also through
a social, emotional, and spiritual perspective.
What do you want future students to know about your degree program?
The Kinesiology department is dedicated to ensuring students success in the classroom,
community, and post graduation. We are committed to ensuring opportunities for post
graduation through admissions to pre-professional programs, graduate studies, and
various employment opportunities.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy attending sporting events, reading, spending time with my family, and staying
active in the community.
What has been a meaningful Bible verse or passage for you?
Romans 15:13 has been an influential verse to me during my spiritual journey.
