Curriculum Vitae
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- Curriculum Vitae
- Area of Expertise
- Education
- Professional Experience
- Honors & Awards
- Credentials & Certifications
- Other Relevant Professional Information & Development
- Research
- Scholarly Publication Record
- Data-Based or Theoretically Refereed Papers
- Data-Based or Theoretically Refereed Papers in Review or Preparation
- Books
- Book Chapters
- Non-traditional Publications (Non-referred)
- Grants & Contracts
- External
- Internal
- Papers Presented
- Invited
- Webinars
- Peer-Reviewed Abstract Presentations
- Journal Activities
- Editorial Board
- Reviewer
- Teaching
- Courses Taught
- Workshops
- Service
- Membership
- Professional Service
- Service to the University
Area of Expertise
My specific area of research interest focuses on understanding the motor development and physical activity behaviors of individuals on the autism spectrum across their lifespan. Through a radical pragmatic lens, I use my expertise in mixed methodology to employ both qualitative and quantitative methods in the search of high-quality intervention, assessment, and teaching strategies to reduce systemic barriers to physical activity and healthy behaviors. Through participatory research frameworks, I am interested in co-producing research that closely aligns with actual community need to ensure equal opportunity is provided to autistic individuals and their families.
Education
Education
University of Virginia
Ph.D.
Kinesiology
May 1, 2017
Western Michigan University
M.S.
Special (Adapted) Physical Education
Aug 11, 2011
University of Michigan
B.S.
Major: Physical Education; Minor: Health & History
Apr 28, 2009
Professional Experience
Experience
Assistant Professor
University of North Texas
Aug 28, 2017 → Feb 9, 2021
Graduate Researcher
Motivation Intervention Design Lab
Oct 1, 2016 → Apr 20, 2017
University Supervisor
University of Virginia
Sep 1, 2014 → May 1, 2017
Doctoral Research & Teaching Assistant
University of Virginia
Aug 28, 2013 → May 1, 2017
Assistant Researcher
Curriculum & Instruction Lab, University of Michigan
Jul 1, 2012 → Mar 20, 2021
Honors & Awards
- 2021 — SHAPE Fellow, SHAPE America
- 2021 — Mable Lee Award, SHAPE America
- 2020 — Awarded “Top Faculty Paper", Commission on the Status of Women, AEJMC
- 2019 — Elly D. Friedmann Young Professional Award, International Federation for Adapted Physical Activity (IFAPA)
- 2019–2020 — Mentoring Micro-grant ($1,500), Office for the Provost and VP for Academic Affairs, University of North Texas
- 2019 — Travel Support ($1,000), Office of the Provost, University of North Texas
- 2017 — Connect Learning Grant and Course Development Program ($750), Career Connect, University of North Texas
- 2017 — Mary Catherine Ellwein Award, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia
- 2017 — Adapted Physical Education/Activity Graduate Student of the Year, SHAPE America
- 2016 — Linda K. Bunker Scholarship, Department of Kinesiology, University of Virginia
- 2010 — Golden Key International Honor Society, Nominated & Inducted, Western Michigan University
Credentials & Certifications
- Certification in Mixed Methods Research, University of Michigan School of Social Work (2019), 30 CEU coursework in mixed methods research.
- Collaborative Institutional Training (CITI) (2018), Social & Behavioral Research.
- Apple Teacher A Certification (2017), Apple Teacher Program.
- Certified Adapted Physical Educator (CAPE) (2015), nationally certified as an expert in adapted physical education.
Other Relevant Professional Information & Development
- 2020–Present — Editor/Contributor, The Radical Pragmatist Newsletter
- 2020 — Mixed Methods International Research Association MOOC Professional Learning Courses
- 2019 — Co-host, #SaludTues twitter chat. Topic: #NationalDisabilityEmploymentAwareness
- 2019 — Organizer, Community Movie Event (DAMN Good Time!) in collaboration with Texas Woman’s University.
- 2018–2019 — Editor/Contributor, Meet Me in the Gym (Blog)
- 2018 — Early Career Mentoring Workshop, International Society for Autism Research
- 2018 — NIH K-Award Workshop
- 2018–2019 — UNT College of Education, Research Development Fridays
- 2017–Present — National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity
- 2014–2016 — Tomorrow’s Professor Today, University of Virginia Center for Teaching Excellence
Research
Scholarly Publication Record
Data-Based or Theoretically Refereed Papers
Publications
She’s a lady; he’s an athlete; they have overcome: Portrayals of gender and disability in the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games
Journal of Sport Media
accepted
“I mean I hate to say it's sink or swim, but…”: College course instructors’ perceptions of the adapted physical education content that they prioritize and teach.
Sport Education & Society
published
Feb 8, 2021
“Just invite us”: Autistic adults’ recommendations for developing more accessible physical activity opportunities
Autism in Adulthood
published
Jan 22, 2021
Social skill outcomes following physical activity-based interventions for individuals on the autism spectrum: A scoping review spanning young childhood through young adulthood
Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly
published
Jan 1, 2021
A grounded theory of adoption and maintenance of physical activity among autistic adults
Autism
published
Jun 24, 2020
A multiple method review of accommodations to standardized assessments commonly used with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum
Autism
published
Apr 1, 2020
Adapted physical educators perceptions of educational research
Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
published
Mar 6, 2020
Building rapport: Improve interviews to capture detailed responses from parents of children with disabilities
PALAESTRA
published
Dec 23, 2019
The effect of task modifications on the fundamental motor skills of boys on the autism spectrum
Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities
published
Mar 25, 2019
Fundamental motor skill interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder: A literature review
Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disabilities
published
Feb 7, 2019
Community barriers to physical activity for families with a child with autism spectrum disorder.
Advances in Neurodevelopmental Disorders
published
Jan 18, 2019
A practical guide to the development of an online course in adapted physical education.
PALAESTRA
published
Jul 10, 2017
Exploring the effect of gender and disability on gross motor performance in kindergarten children.
The Physical Educator
published
May 15, 2017
Exploring the Interaction of Motor and Social Skills With Autism Severity Using the SFARI Dataset
Perceptual and Motor Skills
published
Jan 20, 2017
The roll of dynamic systems theory in motor development research: How does theory inform practice and what are the implications for autism spectrum disorder?
International Journal on Disability & Human Development
published
Aug 10, 2016
Effectiveness of quality physical education in improving students’ manipulative skill competency.
Journal of Sport and Health Science
published
Jun 5, 2016
Make task constraints work for you: Teaching object control skills to students with autism spectrum disorder.
Journal of Physical Education Recreation & Dance
published
Jan 5, 2016
“Try to do the best you can”: How pre-service APE specialists experience teaching students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
International Journal of Special Education
published
Sep 25, 2015
Inclusive and effective adapted physical education: Meeting the needs of each student.
Strategies
published
Jul 7, 2015
Data-Based or Theoretically Refereed Papers in Review or Preparation
Publications
‘Not everybody enjoys physical activity’: A qualitative Twitter study of the barriers experienced by autistic adults.
under review
A pilot investigation of potential modifications to gross motor assessment of boys on the autism spectrum
under review
Are we being inclusive? Stakeholders’ place in adapted physical activity research: A retrospective analysis of 35-years of Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly.
in preparation
Physical activity and individuals on the autism spectrum: Report from the first “physical activity” special interest group meeting at the 2019 INSAR annual meeting.
in preparation
Family perspectives of autistic child behaviors during a fundamental motor skills intervention.
in preparation
A systematic review of objective measures for physical activity in populations on the autism spectrum.
in preparation
The self-identified social network of autistic adults and their importance to physical activity engagement.
in preparation
Mixed methods analysis of a fundamental motor skill intervention for children on the autism spectrum.
in preparation
Books
Book Chapters
Non-traditional Publications (Non-referred)
Publications
Grants & Contracts
External
Grants
Dynamic systems approach to build motor skills in children with autism spectrum disorder.
Golden Key
Examining service providers’ perspectives toward physical activity in children on the autism spectrum.
Association for Applied Sport Psychology
An examination of physical educators' views towards educational research
William T. Grant Foundation
Internal
Papers Presented
Invited
Presentations
Navigating access: Modifying the environment to leverage the strengths of autistic youth
Mar 12, 2021
Supporting autistic adults in physical activity: Stakeholder recommendations to improve access
Dec 3, 2020
Task Modification to effectively build gross motor skills in autistic youth
Sep 1, 2018
Inclusion of autistic voices: Strategies to navigate the grey area of informed consent
Jul 24, 2018
Working with Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Oral presentation at the Content Teaching Academy.
Jun 28, 2016
Webinars
Peer-Reviewed Abstract Presentations
International, National, & Regional Presentations Included
Presentations
"Just invite us": Autistic adults' recommendations for developing more accessible physical activity opportunities
May 3, 2021
'Not everybody enjoys physical activity': A qualitative Twitter study of the barriers experienced by autistic adults
Feb 25, 2021
She’s a Lady; He’s an Athlete; They have overcome: Portrayals of Gender and Disability in the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games.
Aug 22, 2020
Using a Socially Assistive Robot to Engage Children in Physical Activity: An Analysis of “What’s Possible” Using a Participatory Design Framework.
May 8, 2020
A conversation on Twitter: Autistic adults perspectives on physical activity.
May 8, 2020
Adapted Physical Educators’ Views Toward Educational Research.
Apr 10, 2020
Participatory research: Improving adapted physical activity outcomes by including key stakeholders.
Jun 21, 2019
Common modifications for youth on the autism spectrum during motor and physical fitness assessment.
Jun 21, 2019
Lifetime physical activity experiences of autistic adults: A grounded theory study.
Jun 21, 2019
Smart technologies for inclusive living aging with autism spectrum disorder (STILAS).
May 11, 2019
A new grounded theory of physical activity participation in autistic adults: Preliminary findings.
May 10, 2019
Experiences participating in community physical activity by families who have an autistic child: Findings and recommendations.
Mar 15, 2019
“Unless you deal with the sensory stuff, nothing else matters”: Autistic adult’s experiences with physical activity and recommendation for better inclusion.
Mar 1, 2019
What autistic adults say about their physical activity experiences and why we should listen.
Nov 3, 2018
A systematic review of social skills common to physical activity-based interventions for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Oct 3, 2018
Measurement of physical activity of young adults on the autism spectrum.
Oct 3, 2018
Barriers to physical activity participation in the community for families with a child on the autism spectrum.
Oct 2, 2018
A mixed methods analysis of a fundamental motor skill intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Aug 25, 2018
“Nothing about us, without us": A building session for using participatory design frameworks in adapted physical activity research.
Jul 6, 2018
Examining physical activity in children on the autism spectrum from service provider’s perspective.
Jul 5, 2018
A fundamental motor skill intervention using a dynamic systems approach.
May 11, 2018
Improving motor performance in children with ASD using task modifications.
Nov 18, 2017
Importance of gross motor skill programming for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and strategies to be effective.
Jul 29, 2017
Task modifications to improve motor performance in children with ASD: A pilot study using a dynamic systems approach.
Jun 30, 2017
Facilitators and barriers to physical activity in the community in families with children who have autism spectrum disorder.
May 5, 2017
Task modifications to improve motor performance in children with ASD.
Mar 22, 2017
Designing Purposeful Task Modification to Improve the Success of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in P.E.
Nov 12, 2016
When we assess, do they understand? A pilot study to make assessments more accessible for children with ASD
Sep 2, 2016
Parent perceptions of the physical ability of children with ASD: An excerpt from a mixed methods dissertation of a FMS intervention
Sep 2, 2016
The effect of task modifications on fundamental motor skills of children with ASD: Preliminary results of a pilot study.
Aug 5, 2016
Analyzing how autism severity affects motor and social skills: An exploration using the SFARI Base dataset.
May 13, 2016
Practical strategies to successfully assess children with autism spectrum disorder.
Apr 3, 2016
Developing modifications for assessment in children with ASD: Preliminary Results.
Apr 2, 2016
The roll of dynamic systems theory in motor development research: How does theory inform practice and what are the implications for autism spectrum disorder?
Feb 26, 2016
Making task constraints work for you: Teaching motor skills to children with autism spectrum disorder.
Feb 11, 2016
Utilizing a dynamic systems approach to building functional motor skills in children with ASD.
Jul 11, 2015
Building a protocol for utilizing the TGMD-3 with children with autism spectrum disorder: Preliminary results.
Mar 27, 2015
Evaluating fidelity in online professional development for physical educators.
Mar 7, 2015
Utilizing evidence-based practices to teach motor skills to children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Nov 1, 2014
Effect of gender and disability on gross motor performance in kindergarten children
Oct 3, 2014
Preservice adapted physical education teacher challenges when teaching motor skills to children with autism spectrum disorder.
Oct 3, 2014
Developing a protocol for use of the Test of Gross Motor Development, TGMD-2, with children with autism spectrum disorder.
Jun 21, 2014
Comparison of fitness performance between children with and without ADHD.
Apr 3, 2014
Comparing selected international K-12 physical education programs.
Feb 14, 2014
Evidence-based autism intervention strategies and their potential to develop motor skills.
Feb 14, 2014
Theory to Practice: inclusive practices for physical education teachers
Oct 28, 2013
Journal Activities
Editorial Board
Service
Member
PALAESTRA
Jan 1, 2017 → Feb 9, 2021
Member
Revista de Sobama: Journal of the Brazilian Assoc. of Adapted Motor Activity
Jan 1, 2019 → Feb 9, 2023
Reviewer
- 2020–Present — Frontiers Psychology
- 2020–Present — Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder
- 2019–Present — Autism Research
- 2019–Present — Journal for the Measurement of Physical Behaviour
- 2019–Present — Journal of Advanced Academics
- 2019–Present — Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport
- 2018–Present — Autism
- 2018–Present — Exceptional Children
- 2018–Present — Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- 2018–Present — Perceptual and Motor Skills
- 2017–Present — Research in Developmental Disabilities
- 2016–Present — Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly
- 2014–Present — PALAESTRA
- 2018 — Journal of Teaching in Physical Education
- 2017 — Journal of Motor Learning and Development
- 2016 — British Journal of Visual Impairment
Teaching
My instructional areas of expertise include: adapted physical education/activity, teaching pedagogy, disabilities (specific focus on developmental disabilities and autism spectrum disorders), measurement and assessment in teaching and physical education, motor development, and research methods (specific focus on qualitative and mixed methods). I am trained and proficient in providing instruction in-person, hybrid, and online.
Courses Taught
Courses
KINE 3550
Pedagogical Skills, Strategies and Management in Physical Education and Movement for Children
Sp 2021
KINE 5910
Special Topics (Independent Research)
Sp 2021
KINE 5920
Special Problems (Culminating Research Experience)
Sp 2021
KINE 5900
Special Topics (Independent Study - Grad)
Su 2020
KINE 3020
Movement for Individuals with Disabilities
Su 2020
KINE 2900
Special Topics (Independent Research - Lower UG)
Sp 2020
KINE 4900
Special Topics (Independent Research - Upper UG)
Sp 2020
KINE 3020
Movement for Individuals with Disabilities
Sp 2020
KINE 3550
Elementary Teaching Methods
Sp 2020
KINE 3020
Movement for Individuals with Disabilities
Fa 2019
KINE 3020
Movement for Individuals with Disabilities
Su 2019
KINE 3020
Movement for Special Populations
Sp 2019
KINE 3020
Movement for Special Populations
Fa 2018
KINE 3020
Movement for Special Populaitons
Su 2018
KINE 3020
Movement for Special Populations
Sp 2018
KINE 3020
Movement for Special Populations
Fa 2017
Workshops
Presentations
Task modifications for building motor skills of autistic children.
Jun 15, 2019
Gross motor assessment and goal development.
Jan 18, 2019
Service
Membership
Memberships
AERA
Jan 1, 2020 → Feb 9, 2021
IFAPA
Jun 18, 2019 → Feb 9, 2021
MMIRA
Aug 22, 2018 → Feb 9, 2021
INSAR
Nov 1, 2017 → Feb 9, 2021
TXAHPERD
Jan 1, 2017 → Jan 1, 2019
VAHPERD
Jan 1, 2015 → Jan 1, 2017
NAFAPA
Oct 1, 2014 → Feb 9, 2021
NCPEID
Jul 11, 2014 → Feb 9, 2021
SHAPE America
Jul 1, 2014 → Feb 9, 2021
SHAPE Colorado
Jan 1, 2011 → Jan 1, 2012
MAHPERD
Jan 1, 2009 → Jan 1, 2011
Professional Service
Service
Co-leader
Special Interest Group
INSAR
Chair
Membership Committee
NCPEID
Member-at-large
Board of Directors
NCPEID
Student Representative
Board of Directors
NAFAPA
Member
Annual Conference Planning Committee
SHAPE
Service to the University
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