Volunteer Spotlight – November 2014

Years of Service: 1 year

University Position: Associate Professor of Special Education

Degree(s)/Discipline: Ed.D., Cross Categorical Special Education; M.A., College Student Development and Administration, Shepherd University; C.A.S., Education Administration, Hofstra University; M.S., Education, Adelphi University; B.S., Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury

How did you become involved as a Phi Kappa Phi volunteer? I responded to a national request for volunteers. I was so surprised, yet excited, when I was contacted to participate on an important committee.

What has Phi Kappa Phi done that has made you proud? Phi Kappa Phi represents the best and the brightest! The Society recognizes the creative contributions of its members to society through their successes in their respective fields and volunteerism. Phi Kappa Phi actually recognizes the abilities and work of undergraduate and graduate members with awards, fellowships, and grant opportunities.

What does Phi Kappa Phi mean to you? Phi Kappa Phi is something to be proud of! The organization represents integrity, scholarship, and ideals to strive for.

What do you enjoy most about being a Phi Kappa Phi volunteer? I felt proud to meet the committee members, especially the late Dr. Ray Sylvester. The committee was genuine and welcoming, and focused on helping members. The group worked together effortlessly to award funding to the various Phi Kappa Phi fellowships, awards and grants. I learned so much from this talented group. Following the positive experience, I wanted to find other ways to volunteer with the Society.

What advice would you give to a new Phi Kappa Phi volunteer? Be ready for an adventure! You will meet committed members from across the country with ideas to better the Society, higher education and beyond.

What are your hobbies? I volunteer as a member of the Shepherd University chapter of Team River Runners who work with returning veterans from the Martinsburg, West Virginia Veterans' Hospital. We kayak and canoe with the veterans at the Shepherd University Wellness Center, on the Potomac River, and Antietam Creek. I also enjoy bicycling, and reading and participating in fundraising 5K runs for local groups such Muddy Mamas for Girls Inc of Hagerstown and Relay for Life.

Where are you from? I was born in New York City, raised on Long Island, and lived in the West Village. I spent many years working in public education primarily working for the New York City Public Schools, in a variety of administration positions and as as a high school teacher. I currently live in Washington County, Maryland, near the Antietam Battlefield and teach in the department of education at Shepherd University.