A dedicated and highly accomplished educator, certified grief counselor, author, and community advocate with over 40 years of experience in the West Tennessee education system. Proven leader in curriculum development, student supervision, and community-based non-profit management. A passionate speaker and writer on topics of grief, hope, and resilience.
Professional Experience
Consultant | Various Universities | 2023 – Present
- Provides expert consultation on writing curriculum and instruction for higher education institutions.
Professor | University of Memphis | June 2010 – May 2023
- Taught senior-level education courses, including the edTPA senior project.
- Supervised student teachers in classroom settings across West Tennessee at both the Memphis and Lambuth campuses.
Educator | Jackson-Madison County School System | August 1977 – May 2010
- Served as a teacher for the elementary gifted program (1996-2010).
- Taught at Pope Elementary and Denmark Elementary (1977-1996).
Education & Certifications
- Certified Grief Counselor | 2021
- Gifted Certification | Union University | 1994
- 45 Hours Above Master's in Education | Cumberland University | 1984
- M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction | University of Memphis | 1979
- B.S. in Education, Minor in Chemistry | University of Tennessee at Martin | 1977
Awards & Achievements
- 2025 Sterling Award - 20 Most Influential Women of West Tennessee
- The Billy Schrivner Distinguished Service Award | Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame | 2022
- Tennessee Southwest Region Teacher of the Year | 2010
- Jackson-Madison County School System Teacher of the Year | 2010
Community Leadership & Advocacy
Co-founder & Board Member | The Morgan McCarty Memorial Scholarship Foundation | 2007 – Present
- Established and manages a non-profit that has awarded over $250,000 in college scholarships.
- Organizes the annual Morgan McCarty Golf Classic, a major fundraising event for 18 years.
Founder & Facilitator | Grace for Grief Support Group | 2020 – Present
- Leads a monthly support group for parents who have experienced the loss of a child.
Legislative Advocate | 2008
- Successfully lobbied for the passage of Bill 852 in the Tennessee General Assembly, strengthening laws related to hit-and-run incidents.
Publications & Speaking
- Author | YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE, A MEMOIR OF GRIEF, LOVE, AND GRACE | (Forthcoming 2025)
- Author | Whispers of Grief, Wings of Hope | (In Progress)
- National Speaker | Bereaved Parents of the USA National Conference, Pittsburg, PA | (July 2025)
- Speaker | Speaks locally and nationally on topics of bereavement and finding grace through heartache.