About Me:
I have worked in the field of aging as an educator, researcher, evaluator, and trainer since receiving my doctorate in Anthropology in 1988 through Northwestern University's Program in Ethnography and Public Policy. My current research and evaluation interests focus on self care, healthy aging, and using technology to deliver education and services to older adults and their family members. My previous research addressed aging and community life, intergenerational activities, socialization and social support, family decision-making regarding the diagnosis of dementia, and homelessness among older people. My primary focus is to build organizational knowledge through practical research and evaluation that enhances the ability of social service professionals to more effectively address the needs and preferences of older people and their families. I joined Leonard Schanfield Research Institute (LSRI) in 2006 and currently serve as Senior Co-Investigator. I have acted as principle or co-investigator on a wide variety of applied research projects conducted through LSRI. I also provide evaluation support to internal programs provided through other departments at CJE SeniorLife.
Previously, I served as a Research Assistant Professor from 2000 to 2005 at the Buehler Center on Aging in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, where I am currently an affiliate. I co-directed ASSERT, a training and technical assistance project to build the capacity of social service agencies to conduct evaluation research. I was also a faculty member from 1993 to 2008 in the M.A. in Gerontology Program at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), where I also served as the Coordinator of Graduate Field Experiences and contributed to the development of program curriculum by developing courses. In 2005, I received the Part Time Faculty Recognition Award from the Association of Gerontology in Higher Education and in 2006 I was awarded the Part Time Faculty Excellence Award from NEIU.
Area(s) of Training
anthropology, applied anthropology, cultural anthropology, ethnography, other
Area(s) of Expertise
aging (multiple areas), program evaluation, organizational culture, human service provision & processes
Current Area of Employment
applied research within social services
