My favorite part about teaching at Johnson is: The opportunity to connect with students on both an academic and personal level. At Johnson University, relationships between faculty and students often extend beyond the classroom. It is not unusual for faculty to invite students to gather in their home for a meal or to visit. These relationships often extend beyond a students’ tenure and continue for a lifetime. I consider it a privilege and blessing to teach at JU, and over the years the students here have served as a significant source of strength and inspiration to me. I continue to take delight in listening to my students share their faith and commitment to obtaining a degree that will allow them to serve Christ and others. During my time at JU, my faith has grown exponentially as a result of the connections I have made with students, faculty, staff, and administration. God has placed me in the perfect environment for physical, mental, and spiritual growth. Thanks to God for blessing me and this great institution.

When I’m not teaching, I love to: Exercise, practice yoga and meditation, swim, read, journal, volunteer at local nursing homes, assisted living center and memory care units, and spend time with family and friends.

In my classes, students can expect: “To work hard and play hard.” They will participate in roundtable discussions of public health problems/challenges facing individuals and communities throughout the world and brainstorm with classmates to examine, identify, and propose possible solutions to current health problems. The “play hard” aspect of my classes involves moving outside of the classroom setting and taking field trips to various public health agencies; listening to guest speakers from local public health organizations share their work experiences in the public health field; hosting an on-campus Health & Wellness fair for students, faculty, staff and the local community.

My best advice to a new student in my program is: Jump in and soak up all you can about the Public Health field! Do not hesitate to ask your professors questions or ask for assistance with assignments. Our faculty is committed to providing you with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to succeed and become an outstanding public health professional. We are here for YOU!

Because of my influence, I most want my students to become: Excited, enthusiastic, and passionate about helping individuals and communities become as healthy and happy as possible. I hope my love and passion for public health is contagious. Consequently, I hope to inspire students to become genuinely passionate about influencing and motivating others to become as physically, mentally, and spiritually healthy as possible.

The myth-busting truth about my discipline I most want people to understand is: Public Health serves the whole person (mind, body, and soul) and not just one aspect of one’s life. Public health is everyone’s health and we all have a responsibility to ensure that our bodies, which are the temple of God, stay as healthy as possible in order to glorify him. It is our responsibility to leave a healthy impression on God’s creation as a reflection of our love for Him.

A quote that influences how I live is: “Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card. How you leave others feeling after an interaction becomes your trademark.” – Jay Danzie (Think Grow Prosper)