University of Maryland, College Park

Counseling psychologists have a rich tradition of advancing scholarly knowledge and providing services to healthy individuals in times of crisis or transition (Gelso & Fretz, 2000). As scientist-practitioners and as psychologists, we are invited to use our knowledge to better the lives of individuals and contribute to the improvement of our society (American Psychological Association, 2003). Through my research, teaching, and service, I have strived to generate knowledge that can be used to address social concerns and individual problems, to educate students to achieve their research and clinical potential, and to actively contribute to the communities in which I live and work.

As a researcher, I have three areas in which I seek to advance knowledge in counseling psychology. The primary focus of my research program is to further understanding regarding the circumscription of women in low status, low paid occupations. A second focus of my research centers on improving the practice of career counseling and developing vocational interventions for populations that are at risk for occupational underachievement. Recently, I have begun to investigate factors related to healthy functioning in adoptive families.

Women and people of color continue to be overrepresented in low status, low paying careers. Despite significant advancements in the labor force (for example, almost half of those employed in management and professional occupations are women), women are vastly overrepresented in fields such as nursing, teaching, child-care and administrative support (U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2005). The circumscription of women and people of color into occupations that may underutilize their abilities represents a significant loss of human capital and potential. Our work focuses on advancing theoretical knowledge regarding the variables that contribute to the vocational underachievement of women and people of color, nationally and internationally. In addition, our work examines the applicability of career development theories to the experiences of people of color. For specific studies being conducted in the area of vocational development and choice: Vocational Research.

Many therapists lack the knowledge to effectively intervene with adoptive families (Pavao, 1998); one study indicated that 90% of a sample of doctoral level practicing psychologists needed additional education about adoption (Sass & Henderson, 2000). Moreover, although adoption touches the lives of millions of Americans, very little is known regarding predictors of healthy functioning among adoptive families. Currently, we are investigating factors that contribute to healthy behaviors in adoptive families. Identifying predictors of healthy functioning among adoptive parents could inform policies regarding the selection and preparation of adoptive parents. For specific studies being conducted in the area of vocational development and choice: Adoption Research.

Economic self-sufficiency enables battered women to leave their abusive partners and remain free from abusive relationships (Goodman & Epstein, 2008). My research in the area of domestic violence is two-fold: (1) to apply vocational theory and research to develop and implement interventions to assist battered women in becoming economically self-sufficient and making healthy choices for their lives; and (2) training advocates for battered women and their children. For specific studies being conducted in the area of vocational development and choice: Domestic Violence Research.