Ph.D. (School Psychology), Michigan State University, 1999
Ed.S. (School Psychology), Michigan State University, 1997
M.A. (School Psychology), Michigan State University, 1996
B.G.S. (Psychology, Sociology and Business), University of Michigan, 1993 

School psychology, human development of children and adolescents, learning and behavior, childhood learning and behavioral disorders and creative therapies (play and art therapy).

Teaching Excellence Award, Cornerstone University, 2009
Dean’s Scholar Fellowship, 1998-1999
Robert Craig Fellowship in Psychological Studies, 1998-1999

What can students expect from your classes? From your division?

My students will tell you that my courses are highly challenging while also being engaging and directly relevant to careers in psychology and related helping professions. I consider it very important that we seek to create not just a “course” but rather an active, involved learning community where each and every student’s input is vital to the success of the learning experience. We consult a wide variety of sources — textbooks, peer-reviewed journals, credible online sources, films and case studies — as we seek a deep understanding of psychological theory and concepts as well as a skilled ability to apply these concepts to real people and situations. I always strive to employ a broad range of teaching techniques including lecture, discussion, case-study application, skits, multi-media activities, simulations and creative challenges in an effort to maintain high engagement and interest in my courses. All the while, we hold the discipline of psychology up the bright light of God’s word, thinking critically as we constantly seek to discern truth and expose those aspects of the world and our discipline which are opposed to God’s truth. In my courses, I also tend to assign a variety of activities and projects — not just exams and papers but also creative projects and assignments — that allow students with different learning profiles and strengths to express their understanding of the course material.

Of all the classes that you may teach, which one are you most passionate about?

Each of the courses has a unique aspect that ignites my passion. I love the constant challenge of teaching statistics and research to students who often come in dreading the course and convinced that they will never “get it”; seeing that “a-ha” moment when the logic of statistics comes together for a student is very satisfying and exciting. God’s amazing design of the human being and the incredible process of development keeps me constantly engaged in the child and adolescent development classes that I teach. Helping advanced students to take their first steps into post-college professional life in senior seminar is another favorite. However, I would have to say that the advanced seminar courses that I have developed — art therapy and play therapy — are my true teaching passions because they combine everything that I love about human development and creativity. It is powerful when students understand and grasp the deep potential for nurturing positive human change that lies within play and art therapeutic modalities. I am passionate about seeing my students harness their own God-designed creative energies and insights in such a way that their creativity spills out into the lives of their clients in a way that encourages positive growth and development.

I urge students to keep their minds and hearts open to God’s calling within the helping professions, because psychology has a broad range of possible applications that includes but is not limited to counseling in a variety of settings — be ready to explore a wide range of possibilities in the challenging and engaging field of psychology.

Where were you born or raised?

McBain, Mich.

Family information:

I have been married to my husband, Matthew, for nearly 10 years. He is a high school teacher and football coach, so we spend a lot of time out on the football field cheering him on. We have two children — Kennedy, 8, and Hayden, 6 — and we love having a front-row seat to watch them learn, grow, develop and get excited about God’s word and his beautiful creation. We always have a variety of pets, which has included hamsters, bunnies, fish and hermit crabs, but our most beloved family pet is a chocolate lab named Ruby.

Most of my passions are creative in nature as that is how I connect most deeply with God and renew my spirit. I enjoy dabbling in photography, scrapbooking, painting and home décor but have also been known to try my hand at quilting, mosaic stone and glass art, woodworking and jewelry. Our family is also big into athletics, especially football and softball, and we love watching University of Michigan teams, biking together and exploring nature through hiking, swimming and camping.

“I will praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful; I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).

This verse is often used to emphasize that life begins at conception and to combat pro-abortion stances. But, I also believe that this verse talks about how vital it is for us to anchor our full self-concept in the fact that we are created in the image of the master creator of the universe. He knows our name, he adores us and we should live each and every day with that truth at the forefront of our thinking.

It is a true gift and privilege to be able to teach with and from my whole self, including my spiritual journey and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is empowering to challenge students to think beyond the secular world of psychology and to explore critically what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ pursuing an education and career in a field that is heavily influenced by secular thinking. That we can take that journey of discernment and exploration together, asking God to give us his wisdom to guide the process, is something that sets our program apart from other psychology programs.

616.949.5300 ext. 1909

Nicole/McDonald|cornerstone/edu