Retired from Metropolitan Community College- Longview. May 31, 2022
Master of Science - Psychology - CSU, Los Angeles (1983)
Post M.S. Study - Human Services - CSU, Fullerton
Post M.S. Study - Speech Communication Graduate Program - CSU, Fullerton
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology - CSU, Fullerton (1981)
minor - Anthropology
Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts Transfer - Golden West College (1979)
Metropolitan Community College - Longview (institutional name change effective October 2005)
Longview Community College, Lee's Summit, MO 64081-2105
August 1990 to Present
Institution does not provide nor recognize faculty ranking - all have title of "Instructor."
Courses: General Psychology, Child Development, Adolescent Psychology, Human Life-Span Development, Adjustment & Personality, Industrial & Organizational Psychology, Behavior Management, Interviewing & Interpersonal Communication, Developmental Disabilities, General Anthropology, Cultural Anthropology, Intercultural Communication, Youth Development Seminar (Spring 2011), Introduction to Developmental Disabilities (UMKC), Disability in Community (UMKC). Create and maintain district wide OnLine General Psychology course (Spring 2019 - present)
Honors Seminars:
"Deconstructing Tarzan" (Spring 1999),
"The Disney Phenomenon: The Man, Myth, and Marketing" (Spring 2001),
The Psychology of Terrorism (Fall 2010),
Food: Why We Eat What We Eat (Spring 2011),
The Jester - the Role of the Comic in Speaking Truth to Power (Fall 2011),
The Psychology of Conspiracy Theory (Fall 2012).
Committees: Center for Teaching and Learning (2020-present) UMKC ADA 25th Anniversary Events (2015); Library Advisory Committee (2016-present); The Good Food Revolution - LV Common Reading Initiative (2015-2016); (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - LV Common Reading Initiative (2014-2015); Sabbatical Review (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018); Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - LV Common Reading Initiative (2010-2011); disAbility Awareness Day Planning (2010); District Early Alert Task Force (2009); The Plague, by Albert Camus - LV Common Reading Initiative (2008-2009); Convocation 2008 Planning Committee; North Central Association Accreditation Committee on Mission and Purposes; GenCAT Writing Assessment/Writing PAGE; District wide Writing Intensive Task Force; Faculty Excellence Committee (chair 1992-1994); Developmental Education Initiative, Advisory Committee; Parking Ticket Appeals Committee; Longview Faculty Association Executive Committee; Faculty Resource Center Committee; Youth Worker Certificate Development Committee; Developmental Disabilities Worker Certificate Committee; Faculty Senate (1998 - 2001); Faculty Adviser for Longview Psychology Club, New Faculty Mentor. Multiple hiring committees - Psychology, Human Services, Sociology, Anthropology.
Special Assignment: Peer Teaching Review Coordinator. As part of the the Faculty Resource Center, 3 hours release time to develop and institute a program to help faculty use the experience and expertise of their colleagues to improve and/or review various aspects of their teaching. (Academic year 2000 - 2001).
Psychology Discipline Coordinator: Select, oversee, schedule, and evaluate adjunct professors in Psychology. Participate in hiring and annual review committees for the college and the district. Provide first level response for student comments and complaints regarding psychology faculty. (Aug. 2003 to Dec. 2007)
University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO. 1998 - 2018
North Shore Community College, Beverly, MA.
Cerritos Community College, Norwalk, CA.
North Orange County Community College District - Adult Education Division, Fullerton & Cypress, CA.
Coastline Community College, Fountain Valley, CA.
Courses Taught as an Adjunct Faculty
Psychology:
General Introduction to Psychology
Psychology of Adjustment - Emeritus
Adjustment & Personality
Introduction to Developmental Disabilities (senior level)
Developmental Disabilities in Community (senior level)
Human Services:
Theories & Case Discussion
The Human Services Worker
Special Education:
Human Sexuality for the Developmentally Disabled
Concepts for the Developmentally Disabled
Sensory-Motor Development
Adaptive Physical Education
Social Studies - Emeritus
Current Events
Assist with Course
Crisis Intervention - Human Services Program - CSU, Fullerton
High School Dual-Enrollment Substitute
Covered 11 week leave for dual credit General Psychology course at Hickman Mills High School, Kansas City, MO. January 26 to April 5, 2000.
Fall 1997 - Worked in conjunction with area governmental and private agencies in developing an MCC certificate program and new course for persons training to work providing supports for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Institutional
Hogan Regional Center - Community Living Unit - Hathorne, MA.
"Senior Psychologist (level III)" Responsible for the psychological, behavioral, psychiatric, and neurological needs of clients with intellectual disabilities and multiple disabilities. Developed and monitored behavior plans and data collection; in-serviced staff on behavior modification plans, provided training on psychological issues; participated in discipline review, contributed to interdisciplinary team approach; reviewed and selected referred clients as part of a team; selected, trained, and supervised Psychologist I's; served as "Potentially Aggressive Client" (PAC) trainer.
Individual and Group
Health & Educational Services, Inc. - Topsfield, MA.
Individual and group psychotherapy with dual-diagnosed clients.
Developmental Disabilities Center of Orange County -and-
Harbor Regional Center (Southern Los Angeles County).
"Educational Consultant" Provided counseling for developmentally disabled persons individually and in groups, regarding issues of sexuality, mature interpersonal interactions, sexual abuse resistance, and related concerns.
Schick Centers for the Control of Smoking and Weight
"Senior Therapist" Provided behaviorally oriented treatment of smoking, overeating, and obesity-prone eating patterns. Trained new staff, served as guest speaker for local schools and colleges, and wrote weight treatment manual and informational pamphlets.
American Cancer Society - Orange County, CA Unit
Cancer Support Group at Lucky's Supermarket Headquarters.
California State University, Fullerton
Led training groups in Crisis Intervention.
Supervised leaders for training groups in Crisis Intervention.
Co-Leader in a Personal Growth Group as part of a course.
Foreword to the book Global Discontent: The Mosaic of Cultural Diversity by Manouchehr Pedram. Victoria, BC.: Friesen Press (2017).
Bringing Psychoanalytic Ideas to the Undergraduate Classroom: Resources for Instructors
Web page operated by the American Psychoanalytic Association.
Contributor: Several statements on teaching psychoanalytic concepts in non-psychoanalytic courses. http://www.teachpsychoanalysis.com/
"The Pursuit of Happiness" (May 28, 2004)
Lee's Summit Journal, May 28, 2004, p. 5, Guest Column.
"Busy Professional Involved Dads" - unpublished.
A chapter in a book on fathering. Addresses ways that men can be devoted to both job and active involvement in their children's lives.
"What is Common Sense?"
web site: http://www.mcckc.edu/longview/socsci/psyc/westra/CommonSense/cs1.html
An investigation of, and commentary on, the concept of common sense. Published on the Internet as part of the Longview Community College Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum Project, this series of pages includes an interactive test, explanations of counter-intuitive examples, and fallacies that might lead one to think of something as common sense.
Active Communication. (1996) Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove, CA.
An interdisciplinary text which assists students with becoming competent in therapeutic listening and speaking skills. An active, hands-on, approach to learning.
Instructor's Manual for Active Communication. (1996) Brooks/Cole, Pacific Grove, CA.
An instructor's manual to accompany the above text. Includes Teaching philosophy for a course in therapeutic listening, teaching suggestions, exercises, and test questions.
"Encounters with Oedipus Rex" (1995) Full Time Dads. No. 13, Jan/Feb 1995. pgs 1, 14, 15.
An examination of Freud's concept of the Oedipal Conflict and how it played out in the author's relationship with his oldest son.
"Fatherhood's Future: A Special Report - A Divided Future" (1994). Full Time Dads. No. 9, May/June, 1994. pgs. 9, 10.
One of a collection of essays by various authors, on the future of fatherhood.
Weight Treatment Manual
An in-house publication for the Schick Centers written to standardize treatment for all national Schick Centers.
Weight Treatment Information Pamphlets - Schick Centers
A collection of pamphlets on weight loss, healthy diet, and other topics, published in-house for clients.
Exclusion and Inclusion
Global and Multicultural Education Biennial Conference on Human Rights, 2020: Diversity, Equity, Ecology, and Peace. Kansas City, MO. Oct. 16, 2020
OER Textbooks - To Make the Leap, or Stay on the Cliff?
2019, March 2 - Enhancing Teaching and Learning… An Act of Service. KCPDC Conference.
Disability Identity and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities.
Global and Multicultural Education Biennial Conference on Human Rights, 2018: Diversity, Equity, Ecology, and Peace. Kansas City, MO. Oct. 5, 2018
Introduction to Mental Health Issues
Presentation for Health Workers course at Uzazi Village, Kansas City, MO.
March 29, 2017, Sept. 11, 2018, April 24, 2019.
Human Sexuality
Lecture for Blue Springs Alternative High School Dual Credit Psychology Class. March 31, 2017.
Intelligence, IQ, and Thinking
Lecture for Blue Springs Alternative High School Dual Credit Psychology Class. March 22, 2017.
Civil Rights, Laws, and Advocacy in Disability
The Whole Person, Kansas City, MO. Nov. 11, 2016.
A History of Disability - Dominant Social Attitudes towards Disability
The Whole Person, Kansas City, MO. Oct. 14, 2016.
Defining Disability
The Whole Person, Kansas City, MO. Sept. 9, 2016.
Occasionally, Eat a Metaphorical Marshmallow
Address for the Induction Ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa, the Community College Honor Society. March 20, 2016.
Is the U.N. still Relevant? (Education)
Panel presentation/discussion on United Nations goals and achievements regarding education.
IRC (International Relations Council), Truman Library. June 27, 2015
Longview Common Read Social Sciences Discussion Panel
Panel Member for a discussion for the students and community regarding issues of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks through a Social Sciences perspective. April 8, 2015.
The Tutor’s Task: On Knowing and Not Knowing.
MCC - Longview Tutor Training. Lee's Summit, MO. January 9, 2015
Common Reading Panel.
Panel Member for discussion on Common Read Program (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks). MCC - Longview Tutor Training. Lee's Summit, MO. January 9, 2015
Training Workshop
Center for People with Disabilities, Boulder, CO. May 15-21, 2014.
20 hour training workshop for employees of the Center for Independent Living.
Disability Identity
Lakewood Counseling Service / Truman Medical Center, Lee's Summit, MO. January 14, 2014
Commencement Address - "Transformation and Rites of Passage"
2013 L.E.A.R.N. Homeschool Graduation. Kansas City, Mo. May 18, 2013.
Ableism and Prejudice Regarding Disability
Guest Lecture in The Psychology of Prejudice at MCC-Longview. April 30, 2013.
Co-Presented with David Robinson, CEO of The Whole Person, Inc.
A "Relationships and Sexuality" Discussion
Platte County Board of Services, Kansas City, MO. February 13, 2013
Typical Sexual Development
Lakewood Counseling Service / Truman Medical Center, Lee's Summit, MO. January 8, 2013
Respectful Practices Workshop on Respectful Practices and Communication
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Kansas City, MO. Nov. 17, 2012
Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) Training - In-service for Summit Christian Academy
Day long workshop for High School Faculty, Thursday Oct. 18, 2012
Day long workshop for Junior High School Faculty, Friday Oct. 19, 2012
Follow-up Session, Friday, February 15, 2013
"Relationships, Romance and Sexuality"
Invited presentation for families of people with Williams Syndrome.
Williams Syndrome Association National Convention. Boston, MA. July 5, 2012
"Relationships, Romance, and Sexuality: Your Questions Answered"
WSA Gang - Ages 18 to 30 session.
Williams Syndrome Association National Convention. Boston, MA. July 4, 2012
"Shared Knowledge: Training IL Employees in Disability as a Social Phenomenon"
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Annual Conference. Washington, D.C., June 11, 2012.
Co-presented with David C. Robinson
"Summer Training Workshop" - The Whole Person, Inc.
A series of seven, weekly, 4-hour presentations on disability concepts and issues. June 4 - July 23, 2012
"Second Language Acquisition - American Sign Language"
The Whole Family Project, Spring Tutor Meeting. Prairie Village, KS. April 21, 2012
"Relationships & Sexuality"
Invited discussion group for teens and young adults with Williams Syndrome.
Williams Syndrome Canyon Region Conference. Salk Institute, San Diego, CA. September 17, 2011.
"Relationships"
Invited presentation for families of people with Williams Syndrome.
Williams Syndrome Canyon Region Conference. Salk Institute, San Diego, CA. September 17, 2011.
"Summer Training Workshop" - The Whole Person, Inc.
A series of seven, weekly, 4-hour presentations on disability concepts and issues. June 7 - July 26, 2011
"Longview WAC Institute for Community Colleges"
A 3 day workshop provided by the MCC-Longview Writing Across the Curriculum Cadre (Ken Eichman, Gene Fenster, Cathy Hardy, Kathy Kiser, Keet Kopecky, Matthew Westra, Janet Wyatt, and MCC-Longview WAC Coordinator, Mary McMullen-Light) for WAC Coordinators and other interested persons from Community Colleges across the USA. June 22 - 24, 2011.
"Active Communication"
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church. Kansas City, MO. May 14, 2011.
"Thinking Outside the Textbook"
Missouri Community College Association - 46th Annual Convention. St. Louis, MO. Nov. 5, 2010.
"Kids Grow Up: Relationships and Sexuality"
Session for Parents of people with Williams Syndrome.
Williams Syndrome Association National Convention. St. Louis, MO. July 10, 2010.
"Romance and Sexuality: Your Questions Answered"
WSA Gang - Ages 18 to 30 session.
Williams Syndrome Association National Convention. St. Louis, MO. July 10, 2010.
"For Dads Only"
Williams Syndrome Association National Convention. St. Louis, MO. July 9, 2010.
"Summer Training Workshop" - The Whole Person, Inc.
A series of eight, weekly, 4-hour presentations on disability concepts and issues. Link to description. June 1 - July 27, 2010
"Good Intentions - The Evolution of Attitudes toward Disability" Panel Presentation (Parts A & B)
disAbility Awareness Day - MCC-Longview. March 31, 2010
“Knowledge is Power - Power to the People: The Democratization of Information: Power, Peril, and Promise”
Address for the Induction Ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa, the Community College Honor Society. March 21, 2010.
"Physical and Emotional Intimacy"
Boomer Blast 2010 - MCC-Longview, AARP, Census 2010, Plus 50 Community Colleges. March 13, 2010.
"Thinking Outside the Textbook"
Enhancing Teaching and Learning (ETL) Conference, Overland Park, KS. Feb. 27, 2010.
"The Inter-generational Workplace"
Panel Presentation, MCC Convocation. Feb. 17, 2010.
"Affluenza: What Would Freud Say?"
Presentation as part of the MCC-Longview Common Reading Program, Feb. 10, 2010.
Affluenza Presenters' Panel
Presentation as part of the MCC-Longview Common Reading Program, Feb. 10, 2010.
"The Inter-generational Workplace"
MCC-Longview In-service Panel , Jan. 19, 2010.
"Cross Cultural Child Rearing"
MCC Professional Development Workshop: Oct. 29, 2009.
"Studying Child Development in West Africa"
Guest presentation in the televised course "HUMN 103 - Introduction to International Studies" MCC-Penn Valley Studio. June 11, 2009.
Commentator Q & A after the documentary Abstinence Comes to Albuquerque.
All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, Tuesday Night Documentary Series. May 5, 2009. (Link to Film at Distributor's web site)
"Bringing Africa to Missouri"
MCCA Conference, Lake of the Ozarks, November 7, 2008.
"Cultural Climate in the Classroom"
MCC Adjunct Faculty Workshop Series, co-presented with Susan Benoit. September 29, 2008.
Commencement Address
2008 L.E.A.R.N. Homeschool Graduation. Kansas City, Mo. May 3, 2008.
"Child Rearing in West Africa - A Curriculum Module for Child Development (Psych 245)"
Presentation as part of MCCA/MCGE Title VI-A Grant.
Globalizing the Curriculum - Faculty Development Workshop II. Springfield Mo., April 11, 2008.
"The Psychology of Terrorism"
Convocation 2008 - Keynote Presentation to MCC district-wide faculty. February 20, 2008.
Repeated by Request: All Employee District-Wide In-service Day. October 14, 2008.
"Intermediate Behavior Modification"
Casco Area Workshop Inc., Harrisonville, MO. Part of an all day In-Service training for staff who work in a behavioral section. November 12, 2007.
"Introduction to Behavior Modification"
Casco Area Workshop Inc., Harrisonville, MO. Part of an all day In-Service training for all facility staff. November 12, 2007.
"The Psychology of Terrorism"
Invited Lecture at Des Moines Area Community College.
September 25, 2003, February 12, 2004; September 30, 2004; February 24, 2005; October 6, 2005; January 31, 2006; October 17, 2006; February 20, 2007; October 11, 2007; April 8, 2008; October 21, 2008; April 2, 2009; September 24, 2009; March 9, 2010, October 19, 2010, October 25, 2011, March 15, 2012, March 14, 2013.
“Words Can’t Describe” – Using Creative Response Assignments
Longview WAC Professional Development Offering. March 22, 2007.
"Sexuality and Disability Services"
Presentation for The Whole Person, Kansas City, MO. January 19, 2007.
"Charisma: The Power of a Personality"
Address for the Induction Ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa, the Community College Honor Society. October 1, 2006.
"Lasting WAC: Creating Multiple Access Points"
Mary McMullen-Light, Matthew Westra, and Janet Wyatt
WAC 2006 - 8th Annual International Writing Across the Curriculum Conference. Clemson University, South Carolina. May 18, 2006.
"Integrity and the Cracker Jack© Diploma"
Keynote Address at the MCC-Longview Awards Ceremony. May 7, 2006 .
"Communication Skills and Strategies for Staff"
Presentation to the Longview Staff Association. April 20, 2006; repeated April 11, 2007.
"Communication Skills and Strategies for Staff"
Presentation to the Longview New Staff Mentoring Program. April 13, 2005, repeated April 21, 2006.
"Extended Time on Examinations and the Level Playing Field"
Poster Presentation with Mary Ellen Jenison, of Longview C. C.; and Jim Russell of Webster U. in St. Louis MO.
42nd International Conference of the Learning Disabilities Association of America. Chicago, IL, February, 2005.
"What Psychology can Provide for the Classroom Teacher" (with Stephanie Schoening)
MASCIS (Muslim American Society Council of Islamic Schools) 4th Annual Education Conference. Kansas City, MO. October 2, 2004.
"Board & Card Games: The Benefits to Education"
Presentation to the L.E.A.R.N. Home School Support Group. Kansas City, MO. September 27, 2004.
"Dividends Beyond Pay - or - If You’re So Smart, How Come You Ain't Rich?"
Keynote Address at the Longview Community College Awards Ceremony. May 2, 2004
"Talking with your Kids about Sex."
LEARNapalooza Home Schooling Conference. Kansas City, MO. May 29, 2004.
"You want to do WHAT?: When one Parent thinks Home Schooling is a Bad Idea."
LEARNapalooza Home Schooling Conference.- Kansas City, MO. May 29, 2004.
"Home Schooled Kids in College"
LEARNapalooza Home Schooling Conference. - Kansas City, MO. May 29, 2004.
"Worst Case Scenario Handbook: What to do When Staggering Budget Cuts Threaten to Undermine Your WAC Program"
Mary McMullen-Light, Matthew Westra, Terry Davin
Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) From an International Perspective. St. Louis, MO. May 22, 2004.
"American Styles of Homeschooling" Co-Presented with Cheryl Westra
Informal interaction with members participating in the U.S. Dept. of State's International Visitor Program, in a series of events titled "Teaching Methodologies that Promote More Effective Learning"
Participants were education professionals and governmental officials from Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, Oman, Syria, West Bank, and Yemen and their two translators. February 6, 2004.
"The Pursuit of Happiness: Why is Joy so Elusive?"
Research and recommendations on theories of happiness and satisfaction.
Longview Community College, Community Education. October 8, 2003.
"How Children Learn and Un-Learn Prejudice"
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November, 2002.
"Longview's Journey to 'College of the Year'"
Panel with Mary McMullen-Light, Matthew Westra, Gene Fenster, and Janet Wyatt.
Consortium for Community College Development (CCCD)
Organizational Change and Development: Where's the Beef?
Kansas City, MO. June 17, 2002.
"Parenting, School, and a Busy Life"
Presentation for the Re-Entry Center and the Single Parents' Organization.
Longview Community College, March 20, 2002.
"Writing Across the Curriculum at Longview and MCC"
Informal presentation/discussion for faculty at Richard J. Daley College, Chicago, IL. March 13, 2002.
"Setting a Course for Collaborative Leadership: The Path to College of the Year."
Panel with Mary McMullen-Light, Matthew Westra, Brian Mitchell, and Dick Diklich.
Chair Academy's 11th Annual International Conference for Community College Leaders. Kansas City, MO. March 2, 2002
"Clinical Pastoral Education: Communication Skills Building."
Presentation as part of CPE course work, also made available as in-service education hours for hospital staff.
Driscoll Children's Hospital, in association with University of Texas. Corpus Christi, Texas. November 15, 2001.
"Mastery Teaching: Reconnecting Your Discipline with Your Soul."
Workshop on course design, syllabus design, and teaching strategies as part of the Professional Development for Adjunct Faculty 2001 Workshop Series. April, 2001.
"A Time-ly Achievement: Writing Assessment in the New Millennium."
Co-presenter with Ann Dvorak and Cindy Herbert.
The 2001 Summer Assessment Academy of the Council of North Central Two Year Colleges. Flagstaff, AZ. July 30, 2001.
"Strangers in a Strange Land: Experiences teaching a dual credit course in an area high school."
(co-presented with Keet Kopecky)
Longview Community College - Faculty Resource Center. April, 2000.
"Fathering: Where Does Dad Fit in with a Mothering-Intensive Breastfeeding Parenting Style?"
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November, 1999.
"Lunch and Dessert with Matthew Westra and the Longview Critical Thinking Web Site"
Critical Thinking Conference, sponsored by the Longview Critical Thinking Assessment Committee and the Kansas City Professional Development Council. September 18, 1999
"Achieving Happiness in the New Millennium"
Address for the Induction Ceremony of Phi Theta Kappa, the Community College Honor Society. March 28, 1999.
"What Works?: A Faculty Forum on Course Projects"
Longview Faculty Resource Center. Co-presenter, Mary McMullen-Light, WAC Coordinator. February 17, 1999.
"The Involved Parent: Working and Parenting" (with Megan Hannan)
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November, 1998.
"Sending Clear Messages" (with Cheryl Westra)
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November 14, 1998.
“Fathers in the Nursing Family”
Overland Park La Leche League Group. October, 1998.
"Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum"
West Shore Community College, Scottville, Michigan.
Co-presenter, Michael Connelly, Philosophy Instructor. September 4, 1998.
"Rewards and Punishment"
Teaching Demonstration. Longview Community College Fall Opening Day In-service. August 21, 1998
"Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change as Applied to HIV Risk Populations." (with Steve M. Cohen)
Kansas City, MO Health Department, Communicable Disease Control Division. December, 1997.
"Fathering: Challenges and Opportunities."
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November, 1997.
“Communicating as a Couple”
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November, 1997.
"Intercultural Communication"
Central Missouri State University, Social Work Graduate Organization conference on Racial and Ethnic Harmony. March 13, 1997.
"Fathering Toddlers: a general discussion exploring a father's expanding role in his child's life."
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November, 1996. Repeated November, 1997.
"The Psychology of Terrorism"
Guest lecture for "PolSci 380A - Politics of Terrorism" course at University of Missouri at Kansas City. May 22, 1996, updated and repeated July 3, 1997.
"Raising Socially Responsible Children"
Prairie Star District Annual Conference. Kansas City, Mo. April, 1996.
"Communication for Couples"
Missouri State Conference for La Leche League. November 1995.
"Encounters with Oedipus Rex"
International Education Forum & International Men's Day. 1994.
"Assertiveness in Social Services and Social Work"
National Association of Social Workers, CMSU Chapter. 1993.
"Disability - Defined by Access"
National Organization of Human Services Educators. 1993.
"Exercise Programs: Why people stay, why people stray"
Longview Recreation Center. 1993
"Personality Profiles" (The Myers-Briggs Types and their Use)
Longview Recreation Center. 1991, 1992, 1994.
"Potentially Aggressive Client (PAC) Training"
Hogan Regional Center. Two presentations in 1989.
"Overview of Behavior Modification"
Hogan Regional Center. Several presentations in 1989.
"Transitional Adjustment"
Hogan Regional Center. Several presentations in 1989.
"Human Awareness" (Sexuality Issues among Institutional and Group Home Residents)
Hogan Regional Center. Several presentations in 1989.
"Masculinity - Exploring a Changing Sex Role"
North Orange County Community College District. 1988.
Radio talk show guest - Station KCEB, Norwalk CA. 1988.
Life issues radio show. Discussed my work on sexuality and people with disabilities.
"Crisis Intervention with Cancer Patients"
American Cancer Society - Orange County CA Chapter. 1986, 1987, 1988.
"Sexuality and the Disabled Elderly"
Holiday House, Ltd. 1987.
"Sensory Deprivation and the Disabled Elderly"
Beverly Manor Convalescent Hospital, Anaheim, CA. 1986.
"Common Sense - There's No Such Thing!"
DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Awards Tea. Grandview, Mo. March 14, 2009.
Lee's Summit Optimist Club at John Knox Village. June 21, 2007.
National American University. May 7, 2007.
Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC) Training Conference. Sept. 27, 2006.
Annual Regional Meeting of the International Association of Administrative Professionals, April 24, 2006.
International Association of Administrative Professionals, 2005.
South Kansas City Rotary Club, September 28, 2005.
"The Pursuit of Happiness: Why Joy is so Elusive"
International Association of Administrative Professionals, Hallmark Chapter, Kansas City, MO. January 8, 2008.
Shepherd's Center of Independence, MO. December 7, 2007.
"Active Listening and Speaking"
Mid America Assistance Coalition (MAAC) Training Conference. Sept. 27, 2006.
American Business Women's Association. Northland Diamond Chapter ABWA Monthly meeting. April 14, 2009.
"The Psychology of Terrorism"
Shepherd's Center of Independence, MO. March 6, 2009.
"Urban Connections" - KKFI Radio Interview regarding the Peace Builders' Awards for 2021 of the Global and Multicultural Education Center (G.A.M.E.). April 10, 2021.
"Radio Active Magazine" - KKFI Radio interview regarding the history of Global and Multicultural Education (G.A.M.E.) and the upcoming 12th Annual Peace Builders Awards Luncheon. January 8, 2019
"Central Standard" episode titled "Unschooling" on KCUR - Interviewed live on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018
"Urban Connections" - KKFI Radio Interview regarding the joint exhibit "Building a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World", sponsored by Global and Multicultural Education along with Soka Gakkai International. October 11, 2014
Mit 80.000 Fragen um die Welt (trans. "With 80,000 Questions Around the World") for German TV station N|DR Fernsehen. Interview Sept. 26, 2011.
National Geographic Channel - Taboo Commentator on the episodes "Touching Death," "Extreme Healing," "Supreme Devotion," "Bizarre Bodies," and "Trial by Fire" of the fifth season of the program Taboo. - Interviewed January 30, 2008, New York, NY. Programs aired beginning August 6, 2008.
Spokesperson for National Geographic Channel - Taboo Provided live and recorded interviews on radio to inform audiences about the premiere of Taboo. Monday, August 4, 2008.8:05am ET - 8:20am ET: WMJI (Independence{Cleveland}, OH)
8:35am ET - 8:50am ET: KQRS (Minneapolis, MN)
9:00am ET - 9:10am ET: Mancow Muller (national)
9:25am ET - 9:40am ET: KTRH (Houston, TX)
"KC Media Watch Dogs" on KKFI Community Radio in Kansas City, MO.
Interviewed regarding the psychology and trends of school shooters. October 9, 2006.
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
Contacted by BBC-TV2 producers for the show Horizon for research and comments on an upcoming program. July 4, 2006.
"Up to Date" on KCUR, Kansas City's National Public Radio station.
Guest with Kriss Miller on the topic of Home Schooling and the LEARNapalooza home schooling conference. Kansas City, MO. May 25, 2004.
National Geographic Channel - Taboo Commentator on the episode "Extreme Living" of the third season of the program Taboo. Interviewed March 19, 2004. Washington, D.C.
Review and assess textbooks and chapters in Psychology, Human Services, and Anthropology. Publishers include Brooks/Cole, Wadsworth, Harcourt Brace, Prentice Hall, HarperCollins, Longman, Houghton Mifflin, and others.
Wolfpack Award - MCC. Academic year 2020-2021 during COVID Pandemic.
Social Responsibility Board Awards: Attitude of Gratitude. Presented by All Souls U.U. Church. January, 2015.
Social Responsibility Board Awards: Responding to Joplin’s Call. Presented by All Souls U.U. Church. January, 2012.
Glaux Award - Phi Theta Kappa Mentor of a new Honors Student. 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2019.
Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2005-2006
Criteria include: nomination and selection by faculty peers, effective teaching and advising, service to the school community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.
Unprecedented second award given to one faculty member.
Governor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, 2003-2004
Criteria include: nomination and selection by faculty peers, effective teaching and advising, service to the school community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.
MCC Foundation Board - for "Vision Campaign" Leadership. 2004
Princeton Review / Time Magazine College of the Year, 2000-2001
Recognition for the college was based on the extensive Writing Across the Curriculum program at Longview. I have been a core member of the WAC team and process that brought the college this recognition. The award reflects the immense team efforts. I was interviewed for, and quoted in, the article announcing the award.
Who's Who Among Human Services Professionals 1987
Who's Who Among American Teachers, 3rd Edition, 1994
Who's Who Among American Teachers, 8th Edition, 2004
Who's Who Among American Teachers, 9th Edition, 2005
Membership Drives - KCUR 89.3 - Kansas City's NPR Station
Volunteer of the Year - 2024
On Air during programming: 2013, 2014, 2015 Spring, 2015 Fall, 2016, 2018.
On Phones during drives 2013 - present.
Event Support - 2013 - present.
Classical KC
Phones during Membership Drives: 2020 - present
Event Support: 2021 - present.
Paddle KC - Kayak, Canoe, & Stand-Up Paddleboarding
MR340 - Ramp Volunteer 2020 - present
Lifelines: Preventing Teen Suicide.
American Public Square event. Feb. 28, 2019. Served as a "Civility Bell Ringer"
BikeWalkKC
Tour de Bier fundraiser volunteer - 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020.
The Rabbit Hole (LINK)
Assist with construction and fund raising events. 2016
Theatre for Young America - Kansas City, MO
Assist with set building. 2014. Assist with prop design and creation. 2014 - present.
"8" - A Play Chronicling the Federal Trial For Marriage Equality.
Staged Reading. Role of Paul Katami. June 8, 2013
Preferred Family Healthcare - Adolescent Substance Abuse Rehabilitation
Community Advisory Board, June 2012 - 2018.
Wayside Waifs - Kitten Foster Care Program 2008 - present
Boulevardia fundraiser volunteer - 2017.
Global and Multicultural Education Center (G.A.M.E.)
Member of the Board of Directors, 2002 - 2011, 2019-present.
Advisory Board Member, 2011-2019.
G.A.M.E. Newsletter Editor, 2006 - present.
Emcee for Peace Builder’s Annual Awards Luncheon - 2017-present
Sexuality Education Trainer. Our Whole Lives (OWL) 26 part Comprehensive Sexuality Education Curriculum for grades 7 - 9, developed by Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ.
Train-the-trainers workshop (March, 2000), Plan and Deliver curriculum as part of a teaching team, 26 session program, repeated beginning April 2000, January 2002, December 2003, January 2006, January 2008, January 2010, January 2012, January 2015, January 2017.
Harvesters Food Bank Warehouse.
Sierra Club Lemonade Stand - SantaCaliGon Days in Independence, MO. Every September 1991-2013 (except 1997 & 2009).
New Fathers Support Hotline, North Shore Birth Center (1989-1990).
Fathers' Support Group - Leader, North Shore Birth Center (Developed and implemented program.).
Librivox.org - Audio Recordings for Public Domain Use, of Public Domain Materials
Reader for "The Country of the Blind" by H. G. Wells, for public domain audio recording. Access & Download here: http://librivox.org/librivox-short-story-collection-vol-021/
Reader for "A Plea for Captain John Brown" by Henry David Thoreau, for public domain audio recording. Access & Download here: http://librivox.org/short-nonfiction-collection-vol-009/
Reader for Complete Hypnotism, Mesmerism, Mind-Reading and Spiritualism by A. Alpheus, Sections 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, for public domain audio recording. Access & Download here: http://librivox.org/complete-hypnotism-by-a-alpheus/
Reader for The Theory of the Leisure Class by Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929), Sections 28-31, for public domain audio recording. Access & Download here:http://librivox.org/theory-of-the-leisure-class-by-thorstein-veblen/
Reader for Through the Brazilian Wilderness by Theodore Roosevelt, Sections 3, 4, 19, for public domain audio recording. Access & Download here: http://librivox.org/through-the-brazilian-wilderness-by-theodore-roosevelt/
Reader for National Geographic Magazine Vol. 01 No. 1. Section 4 - "The Great Storm of March 11 to 14, 1888" by A. W. Greeley (1844-1935) Access & Download here: http://librivox.org/national-geographic-magazine-vol-01-no-1-by-various/
Reader for The Kallikak Family: A Study in the Heredity of Feeble-Mindedness by Henry H. Goddard (1866 - 1957). Section 5, "What is to be done?" Access & Download here: http://librivox.org/the-kallikak-family-by-henry-h-goddard/
Student from Spain - 1 month exchange, July, 2013
Student from Japan - 1 month exchange, July / August, 2006.
Student from Germany - 1 year exchange, 2000-2001.
Student from Finland - 2 month temporary emergency placement, August - October, 1999.
Student from Germany - 1 year exchange, 1998-1999.
Student from Germany - 1 year exchange, 1995-1996.
Coastline Community College, Fountain Valley, CA.
Participated in revisions for Psychology, Anthropology, Sociology, and Political Science
National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) - 2011 - 2023
American Psychological Association Division 2 - Teaching of Psychology
Council of Teachers of Undergraduate Psychology (CTUP)
Organization for the Study of Communication, Language, & Gender 1987-present
The ARC 1998-2002
Federation of Small Anthropology Programs (FOSAP) of the American Anthropological Assn.1990 - present
G.A.M.E. - Global and Multicultural Education Center. Kansas City, MO. 1998 - present
(Board Member 2002-2010),
(Board Advisory Committee, 2010-2023),
(Newsletter Editor, 2006- 2020)
Missouri Community College Association (MCCA) 1995-2023
Last Updated: Feb. 5, 2023