I received my Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, with a minor in kinesiology, from Penn State University in 2008. My postdoctoral research in the Balance Disorders Lab at Oregon Health & Science University focused on the relationships among cognition, posture, and gait in adults with Parkinson's disease.
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Idaho, affiliated with the Department of Psychology and Communication Studies, the Graduate Program in Human Factors, and the Graduate Program in Neuroscience. My research laboratory, the Mind in Movement Lab, is dedicated to exploring the inter-relationships among cognition, action, and posture. I enjoy mentoring highly qualified and motivated graduate and undergraduate students. My research is guided by a desire to bring insights from somatic practices (including the Alexander Technique) to the scientific study of movement.
I have experienced recurrent back injuries, chronic neck pain, fallen arches, sprained ankles, and stage fright. The Alexander Technique has made a tremendous difference in my life with respect to all of these issues.
I love to work with students who work or play at some activity I have never done myself. So far, the principles of the AT have always allowed me to provide valuable insight.
I have lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Whitefish, Montana; Middletown, Connecticut; Charlottesville, Virginia; Floyd, Virginia; State College, Pennsylvania, Beaverton, Oregon; and (now) Moscow, Idaho. I love to explore and learn about nature and the great outdoors.
I feel extremely lucky to have discovered the Alexander Technique. I find it fascinating that with the same principles of careful attention and non-overdoing I can help both people who are in so much pain they can barely move and high-level performers who are able to perform incredible feats of agility. I love that this work educates and empowers people to take care of themselves, instead of remaining dependent on a healer to take care of them.