She holds a B. S. in Mathematics from the University of Georgia, and has earned an M. Ed., Ed. S., and an Ed. D. from Valdosta State University. She taught secondary mathematics, served as a principal, and is currently a full professor in the Dewar College of Education and Human Services at Valdosta State University, teaching mathematics methods and graduate research courses. She has been honored by the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics as a post-secondary educator who inspires, mentors, and advocates for mathematics education, and she has twice received the Valdosta State University College of Education Award for Excellence in Teaching. She and her husband, Philips, have two children and four grandchildren.