Hello Fellow Imposters
Here is a little bit about me
Professional Background
I am currently an Associate Professor in the Health Sciences Department, Health Administration degree program at California State University Northridge. In addition to my role as an associate professor, I also serve as the Graduate Coordinator for the master's of health administration degree program. I hold certifications both nationally and statewide in diagnostic imaging, mammography, and fluoroscopy, and I am a certified radiology administrator.
As a core faculty member in Health Administration, I share my extensive career experiences from both the clinical and administrative sides of health services. My teaching philosophy centers around integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the health administration field.
In addition, I am currently a Coach in the Faculty Success Program with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). NCFDD is a group that helps professors, postdocs, and students from over 450 schools the skills necessary to be successful in their careers. The main focus of my work as a Coach with NCFDD is helping other academics achieve extraordinary writing and research productivity while maintaining a full and healthy life off campus.
Research Interests
My research interests are diverse and deeply rooted in my commitment to advancing the field of health administration. My primary areas of focus include:
- The use of creativity and technology to promote student success
- The imposter syndrome in health administration/health professions, particularly among people of color
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in health administration with an emphasis on women and people of color
- LGBTQ+ health-related services and the health administrator’s role
- Professional development training for health leaders and professionals
- Interprofessional education, collaboration, and communication
Educational Background
- **EdD in Adult Education**, Walden University, 2017
- **MBA**, University of Phoenix, 2008
- **MAOM**, University of Phoenix, 2008
- **BA in Liberal Studies**, California State University Los Angeles, 2001
- **AS in Radiography**, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 2000
- ** Immaculate Heart High School**, College Prep High School
Personal Journey and Cultural Background
I personally suffer with a high degree of imposter syndrome. I am the 6th of 7 children born to parents who lived through the depression era, Jim Crow era, and the segregated south. My rich and diverse cultural background includes Louisiana Creole, Ashkenazi Jew, Native American, Spanish, and African American heritage, with ancestors who were slaves. Moreover, my first language was Spanish. This adds another layer to my diverse cultural and personal identity. All of these aspects of me help to fuel my imposter syndrome experience.
When I started my college educational journey, I faced significant challenges, completing my first semester as an engineering major with a 0.075 GPA. I am a suicide-attempt survivor and I believe in and advocate for mental health, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness in my personal and professional life. Yet, despite these early setbacks, I persevered and went on to achieve remarkable academic and professional success.
I was a single parent but currently married with a blended family. Imagine adding this dynamic to my already complex relationship with my imposter.
Personal Interests
I enjoy working with students, getting to know them, and helping them transform their lives by realizing their potential. This is truly fueled by my complicated experiences in higher education. I was fortunate to find amazing professors and mentors in my later educational years who invested in me. Outside of my professional life, I have a passion for crocheting and knitting, primarily making blankets and hats. Recently, I have embraced a fitness lifestyle and exercise five times a week (having lost 100 lbs over the course of 3 years). I proudly call myself a gym junkie.
Fun Fact
My creativity extends beyond the classroom and research. I am a classically trained dancer, having studied Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, under Florence and Robert Blackwell. I also enjoy utilizing the skill of calligraphy which I learned in high school. These creative hobbies complement my dedication to physical fitness, and my love of the arts.
I am a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. My commitment to student success and professional development in the health field, combined with my rich cultural background and personal resilience, makes me a valuable asset to the field and a true scholar of the imposter syndrome phenomena.
Here is a little bit about me
Professional Background
I am currently an Associate Professor in the Health Sciences Department, Health Administration degree program at California State University Northridge. In addition to my role as an associate professor, I also serve as the Graduate Coordinator for the master's of health administration degree program. I hold certifications both nationally and statewide in diagnostic imaging, mammography, and fluoroscopy, and I am a certified radiology administrator.
As a core faculty member in Health Administration, I share my extensive career experiences from both the clinical and administrative sides of health services. My teaching philosophy centers around integrating real-world experiences into the curriculum to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the health administration field.
In addition, I am currently a Coach in the Faculty Success Program with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity (NCFDD). NCFDD is a group that helps professors, postdocs, and students from over 450 schools the skills necessary to be successful in their careers. The main focus of my work as a Coach with NCFDD is helping other academics achieve extraordinary writing and research productivity while maintaining a full and healthy life off campus.
Research Interests
My research interests are diverse and deeply rooted in my commitment to advancing the field of health administration. My primary areas of focus include:
- The use of creativity and technology to promote student success
- The imposter syndrome in health administration/health professions, particularly among people of color
- Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in health administration with an emphasis on women and people of color
- LGBTQ+ health-related services and the health administrator’s role
- Professional development training for health leaders and professionals
- Interprofessional education, collaboration, and communication
Educational Background
- **EdD in Adult Education**, Walden University, 2017
- **MBA**, University of Phoenix, 2008
- **MAOM**, University of Phoenix, 2008
- **BA in Liberal Studies**, California State University Los Angeles, 2001
- **AS in Radiography**, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 2000
- ** Immaculate Heart High School**, College Prep High School
Personal Journey and Cultural Background
I personally suffer with a high degree of imposter syndrome. I am the 6th of 7 children born to parents who lived through the depression era, Jim Crow era, and the segregated south. My rich and diverse cultural background includes Louisiana Creole, Ashkenazi Jew, Native American, Spanish, and African American heritage, with ancestors who were slaves. Moreover, my first language was Spanish. This adds another layer to my diverse cultural and personal identity. All of these aspects of me help to fuel my imposter syndrome experience.
When I started my college educational journey, I faced significant challenges, completing my first semester as an engineering major with a 0.075 GPA. I am a suicide-attempt survivor and I believe in and advocate for mental health, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness in my personal and professional life. Yet, despite these early setbacks, I persevered and went on to achieve remarkable academic and professional success.
I was a single parent but currently married with a blended family. Imagine adding this dynamic to my already complex relationship with my imposter.
Personal Interests
I enjoy working with students, getting to know them, and helping them transform their lives by realizing their potential. This is truly fueled by my complicated experiences in higher education. I was fortunate to find amazing professors and mentors in my later educational years who invested in me. Outside of my professional life, I have a passion for crocheting and knitting, primarily making blankets and hats. Recently, I have embraced a fitness lifestyle and exercise five times a week (having lost 100 lbs over the course of 3 years). I proudly call myself a gym junkie.
Fun Fact
My creativity extends beyond the classroom and research. I am a classically trained dancer, having studied Ballet, Tap, and Jazz, under Florence and Robert Blackwell. I also enjoy utilizing the skill of calligraphy which I learned in high school. These creative hobbies complement my dedication to physical fitness, and my love of the arts.
I am a dedicated educator, researcher, and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. My commitment to student success and professional development in the health field, combined with my rich cultural background and personal resilience, makes me a valuable asset to the field and a true scholar of the imposter syndrome phenomena.