She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Pomona College, Master’s degree from Lesley University, and doctorate from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Dottie taught typical and atypical children ages 3 to 12 settings, from special education to after school to early childhood. She has been working in teacher education since 1980, teaching courses on child development, exceptionality, learning, and curriculum methods, and supervising student teachers. She grew up in a rural farming community and has an affinity for the natural world.