Since 2005 she has been co-editor of the Journal of Aging, Humanities, and the Arts. Her degrees include, A. B., Radcliffe College, Harvard University, 1961, M.A.T., The Johns Hopkins University, 1962, and Ph.D. in English, Case Western Reserve University, 1972. She has taught at Colorado State University, The University of Colorado, Cleveland Institute of Art, Case Western Reserve University, The University of Florida, The University of Richmond, and The College of William and Mary.