About Me

As a psychology educator and lifelong learner, I've been rewarded for two decades for developing innovative curricula centering wellness. ALWAYS pre-ordering nonfiction from the most exciting thought leaders writing about the stuff that makes life worth living — and swiftly incorporating the latest and greatest content to promote dialogue and personal growth in my classroom. As a podcast enthusiast, I create and adapt units and lessons to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring the latest research from thought leaders reaches as many of my students and families as possible. I share excerpts and invite dialogue on what these behavioral scientists/neuroscientists/thought leaders' work can teach us about being the best humans we can be for ourselves and in service of others across several units in Psychology.

I have been at the frontlines of the seismic shift in the grammar of schooling, the rise in perfectionistic tendencies, unhealthy comparison, and excessive pressure to excel in accelerated school communities. I've witnessed firsthand the proliferation of an unhealthy device addiction in teens, growing before the pandemic but swooning into a dangerous direction during the pandemic that has disturbed people's attention span and competencies required to connect and collaborate effectively and meaningfully. 

After completing my doctorate at Northeastern in 2023, I've continued to iterate on my research with the hope of having a greater impact in schools and communities by introducing tools and resources from psychology to promote greater motivation, optimism, resilience, and energy and to empower others to see they are enough and have enough to pursue life worth living. My interests as a scholar include mindset research, neurodevelopment, human flourishing, and social wellness.

Outside of school, I enjoy long walks, nonfiction, making anything with farro, and spending time with my outdoorsy partner and sporty little darlings [9th-grader and 11th-grader] who have dizzying extracurricular calendars! 

My highest strengths include love of learning, kindness, and perseverance. 

With gratitude and optimism, Dr.Darling