She received her B.A. in English Teaching from the University of Quindio-Armenia, her M.A. in English Education from The University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, and her Ph.D. from the University of Texas-Austin. Dr. Larrotta draws upon qualitative research methodologies and the practice of engaged scholarship to connect the areas of teaching, research, and service in an organic manner. In collaboration with students and colleagues she aims to build bridges to connect the rich resources of the university to the most critical social, civic, and ethical problems by educating the adults, children and families in the local community. She aims to create, support, and document possibilities for change at the local and national levels.