Bio

I earned my PhD in Anthropology here at Stanford in December, 2024. My dissertation described what daily life was like at two therapeutic group homes for children California's foster care system.

Academic Appointments

  • COLLEGE Lecturer, Civic, Liberal, and Global Education

Professional Education

  • B.A., The University of Texas at Austin, Anthropology (2005)
  • M.A., Columbia University, Anthropology (2010)
  • Certificate, University of Alaska Southeast, Outdoor Skills and Leadership (2020)
  • Wilderness First Responder, National Outdoor Leadership School, Outdoor Education ahnd Leadership (2017)

Service, Volunteer and Community Work

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate, CASA (8/30/2012 - 5/1/2016)

    Served as the legal advocate for a youth in foster care during court hearings. Sought and received therapeutic and educational services for youth, while developing a strong bond of trust and rapport.

    Location

    California

Current Research and Scholarly Interests

Ethnographic research describes the daily lives of children in California's foster care system who live in therapeutic residential group homes. Research questions how relationships of trust and attachement are formed between children and their adult caregivers, as well as among the children themselves.

2026-27 Courses