She holds a PhD in educational psychology from the University of Virginia. Her research is interdisciplinary and centers on promoting the development of young children, with a predominant focus on language and literacy development. Her research aims to support young children who have disabilities, are culturally and linguistically diverse, and/or live in poverty through better understanding of early childhood educators' and parents' current practices as well as developing interventions to enhance practices. She was formerly a public school teacher and guidance counselor.