Thanks for visiting my home on the web!

I am a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Illinois. I joined the department in 2002 after earning an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a B.A. from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin.

My expertise is in interpersonal communication. I study how people communicate with spouses and family members during times of transition. I teach undergraduate and graduate classes on conflict management, relationship development, and research methods.

God has blessed me with an incredible husband, a wonderful daughter, a fabulous son, and a huge extended family who fill my heart with joy. My favorite activities are hanging out with them, spending time in church, cheering for Wisconsin sports teams, and eating M&Ms. Deum laudamus, a quo omnia beneficia fluunt!

Please reach out — I would love to hear from you!