She received her doctorate degree in Psychology from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in Carbondale, IL and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from a historically Black university, Bowie State University, located in Bowie, Maryland. Her professional background is a compilation of work in the areas of both science and practice. Regarding clinical practice, she has experience in the Veterans Administration (VA) system, state psychiatric hospitals, correction facilities, college counseling centers, and community mental health.