Department of Human Development and Family Studies

Katharine Ball kabdz6@mizzou.edu

Jacquelyn Benson jjb9f7@mizzou.edu

* BS in Human Development and Family Studies, B.E.S. in Educational
Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia (2004)
* MA in Family Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia
* Currently working on Ph.D. in Family Studies
* Professional/Research Interests: Gerontology and Women's & Gender Studies
* Hometown – O'Neill, Nebraska
* Hobbies – running, cycling, kayaking, reading biographies and fantasy
* Fun Fact – I spent a year in Providence, RI serving as a full-time Americorps Volunteer for City Year. I managed 3 corps members and a service learning program for 40 middle-school students
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou – Research Assistant, Connecting for Baby; Graduate Instructor, HDFS 4970 (Family Studies Capstone); Teaching Assistant, HDFS 4970 (Family Studies Capstone), Research Assistant, Interdisciplinary Center on Aging; Ambassador Coordinator Graduate Assistant, College of Human Environmental Sciences; Teaching Assistant, HDFS 4970 (Family Studies Capstone); Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2200 (Research Methods).
* What I like best about Columbia is that this community truly values the arts and the environment, and provides residents with lots of opportunities to get involved with both. Columbia is a beautiful city!
* What I like best about Mizzou is that there are plenty of cultural opportunities at your fingertips without having to travel to a large city. Mizzou has a beautiful campus, music and arts scene, and a plethora of educational opportunities. There's something for everyone!
* As a graduate student in HDFS I love that the students offer a lot of support for one another. There are also lots of opportunities for learning, whether through internships, teaching, conducting research, or editing manuscripts. The faculty are world class and are enthusiastic about working with students. It's a privilege to be here!
* I chose Mizzou because of the HDFS department's dedication to providing funding for students. Furthermore, all students are ensured multiple opportunities to get involved with research, teaching, and/or practice... a good recipe for successful graduates. I considered many schools before choosing Mizzou, but MU's HDFS department is superior.
* Publications and Presentations
Benson, J.J. & Oliver, D.B. (2007). Building and sustaining relationships across disciplines: Interdisciplinary research teams and collaboration. Poster Presentation at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Conference, San Franciso, CA.

Jonathon Beckmeyer jjbvf2@mizzou.edu

* BS Psychology (2000), Truman State University
* MS Criminal Justice and Criminology (2006), University of Missouri - Kansas City
* Currently working on Ph.D.
* Professional/Research Interests: Attachment Theory, Social and Emotional Development in Adolescence, Health Risk Behaviors in Adolescence
* Hometown – New Haven, MO
* Hobbies – Golf, Watching Sports, Cooking
* Fun Fact – I collect sneakers
* Fellowships - Marion K. and Vernon W. Piper Distinguished Doctoral Fellowship
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Research Assistant - Dr. Ganong and Dr. Coleman, Connecting for Baby; Research Assistant - Dr. Marjorie Sable, Secondary data analysis of the NICHD Study of Early Child Care
* What I like best about Mizzou is all of the university resources and the large number of class offerings.
* As an HDFS grad student I like how the program allow students to focus on the areas they are interested in and that faculty are supportive of student driven endeavors.
* Publications and Presentations
King Brown, M., Debernardi, N., Beckmeyer, J., & Wang, D.C. (2007, August). Adult attachment, stress appraisal, and reactions to partner's infidelity. Poster presented at the American Psychological Association Convention, San Francisco, California.

Shaun Calix sic4gb@mizzou.edu

* B.S. in HDFS, The University of Alabama (2003)
* M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy, The University of Southern Mississippi (2005)
* Currently working on Ph.D. in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Attachment as it relates to families with substance abuse issues, grandparents as parents, and parental functioning after marital dissolution.
* Hometown –Birmingham, AL
* Hobbies –Guitar, Tennis, Golf, Reading
* Fun Fact - I love to cook and try new recipes whenever possible. I am a rabid University of Alabama sports fan.
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development); Graduate Instructor, HDFS 1610 (Intimate Relationships and Marriage); Research Assistant, Dr. Ravert

ChiungHsin (JoAnne) Chang cc4gb@mizzou.edu

* B.S. in Psychology, ChungYuan Christian University (Taiwan)
* MS in Educational Psychology and Methodology, The University at Albany
* Currently working on Ph.D. in HDFS
* Professional/ research interests: social cognitive development, self-efficacy, parent child relationships
* Hometown –Taipei, Taiwan
* Hobbies – listening to the radio, hiking
* What I like best about Columbia is the abundant academic resources and the community festivals.

Claire Cook jccxt9@mizzou.edu

* BS in Child and Family Studies, Baylor University (2004)
* MS in Human Development Family Science, The Ohio State University (2007)
* Currently working on Ph.D. in Human Development Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: parenting in various cultures, parenting programs, policy related to family and children
* Hometown - Brownwood, Texas
* Hobbies – traveling, sports, jewelry making
* Fun Fact -I speak Spanish
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Research Assistant, Dr. Ispa; Research Assistant, Dr. Rudy;
Graduate Assistant, Jessie Darko, Child Development Lab
* What I like best about Mizzou is the accessibility to resources and the interdepartmental connections.
* I chose Mizzou because there was a match between my research interests and those represented in the department. Also, there was a commitment to scholarship and building young professionals.
* Publications and Presentations:
Cook, J.C., Schoppe-Sullivan, S.J., & Buckley, C.K. (2007, November). Relations between parent and child characteristics and co-parenting. Poster presented at the National Council on Family Relations Conference, Pittsburgh, PA. More...

Tamara Coon tgc8qd@mizzou.edu

* BS in Psychology, Central Michigan University (2004)
* MS in Family Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia (2007)
* Currently working on Ph.D. in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: parent/child relationships
* Hometown - White Cloud, Michigan
* Hobbies –roller-blading, golfing, playing with my dog, skiing, anything outdoors or in water
* Fun Fact - I love anything adventurous. I have been bungee jumping, parasailing, and snowboarding.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development); Research Assistant, Dr. Vicki Conn, School of Nursing
* What do I like best about Mizzou? There are a variety of organizations to get involved in.
* As a graduate student at Mizzou I like the relevance of the coursework involved in HDFS. My emphasis is Family Studies, and the required coursework for the Master's Degree in Family Studies was very interesting and geared toward my program of study. Also, students have the opportunity to focus on their interests, especially at the PhD level.
* I chose Mizzou because it provided me with the opportunity to work with and learn from well-known, respected researchers in my field of study.
* Publications and Presentations:
Coon, T.G., Hartley, S.E., Ripley, W.V., & Reilly, M.P. (2004). Does increasing the requirement for lever pressing decrease motivation? Presented at the Behavioral Analysis Association of of Michigan Conference, Eastern Michigan University

Shannon Cromwell skckx7@mizzou.edu

* BS in Family Studies and Human Services Kansas State University (2000)
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Divorce, remarriage, stepfamilies, children growing up with limited resources
* Hometown - Burlingame, Kansas
* Hobbies –spending time with friends, sports in general, especially K-State Wildcats, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals
* Fun Fact - I taught nutrition and cooking classes to low income children and families for 7 years through K-State Research & Extension.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)

Toni Crowell, CCLS tlcxm3@mizzou.edu

* B.S. in Psychology and B.A. in Education, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (1994)
* M.S. in Child Life and Family-Centered Care, Wheelock College (1997)
* Currently working on Ph.D. in Lifespan Development
* Professional/ research interests: the effects of childhood chronic illness on adult development, parenting ill children, resiliency, advocacy for the child life profession, promotion of child life practice in developing countries
* Hometown - Brockton , Massachusetts
* Hobbies –traveling, biking, volunteering with Operation Smile, connecting with friends
* Fun Fact - I've traveled to every continent – except for Antarctica
*Fellowships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou – Blumenthal Fellow: Graduate Instructor for HDFS 4110/7110 Child Life Theory and Practice; and HDFS 4130/7130 Child Life Practicum Seminar
* What I like best about Columbia: The small town environment, with lots of friendly people and a great cost (and quality) of living.
* What I like best about Mizzou:  Mizzou is a large University but it also has a well-integrated feel between departments.  Piecing together emphasis areas and building committees from outside, related disciplines is encouraged and attainable.
*What I like most about the HDFS department: I like the fact that professors are very accessible and willing to help. This openness within the department helps foster an optimal balance between mentoring and independent learning.
* I chose Mizzou because: I had the opportunity to teach while pursuing my degree. I also valued the fact that the department prioritizes bringing in instructors with clinical experience to teach applied courses.
Additional Child Life Experience

Emily DePhillips emd8t7@mizzou.edu

* B.A. in Psychology from University of Missouri -Columbia (2006)
* Currently working on M.A. in Child Life
* Professional/ research interests: The long term effects extensive hospital stays have on children later in life.
* Hometown - St. Louis, Missouri
* Hobbies – Running, reading, hanging out with friends and family, traveling
* Fun Fact - I am addicted to HGTV and anything to do with real estate
* Assistantships - Teaching Assistant, Child Development Lab
* As a graduate student I like the friendliness and helpfulness of the students, faculty and staff.
* What I like best about Columbia? Mizzou football and the diversity of the city!
* I chose Mizzou because I loved Mizzou so much as undergrad, I decided to stay and get my master's!

Kyrie Graves kcg7b2@mizzou.edu

* B.A. in Family Studies and Human Services from Kansas State University (2008)
* Currently working on M.A. in Family Studies
* Hometown - Topeka, Kansas
* Hobbies – I love to cook, go to the movies, travel and eat at various restaurants!
* Assistantships - Research Assistant, Connecting for Baby; Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400

Hitoshi "Jin" Harima hhnnc@mizzou.edu

* B.A. in Japanese History from Ritsumeikan University (Kyoto, Japan)
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: parent-child relationships, the transition of American family structures and its dynamics
* Hometown - Tenri Nara, Japan
* Hobbies – playing table tennis, exercising
* Fun Fact -I have 4 siblings. My bigger brother is studying in Indonesia now, one little sister is a nurse, and my other little sister and little brother are both college students.

Henry Hauck hahtfc@mizzou.edu

* MS in Family Therapy, Friends University (1995)
* Currently working on Ph.D.
* Professional/ research interests: caregiving/attachment theory, meaning-making, adult learning
* Hometown - Columbia, Missouri
* Hobbies –soccer coach and referee, I write a column for "Family" magazine called "Thinking Families"
* Fun Fact - I have been married for 22 years and have 3 children. I was one of 12 children; my mother was one of 13.
* Awards - Distinguished Dctoral Student

Anthony James agjkbd@mizzou.edu

* BS in Sociology, minor in Military Science
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Effects of absent fathers; culture sustainment/development of black families; social services agencies and implementation of programs; success/failure measures
* Hometown - Chicago, Illinois
* Hobbies –Cooking
* Fun Fact -I have been in the military for 6 years.
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou -Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400; TA Coordinator for HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)
* What I like best about Mizzou is that it has a beautiful campus and I really love the department I am in.
* As a graduate student in HDFS I get to work with families, and research issues that I am passionate about.
* I chose Mizzou because they offered the program I was interested in and I knew that the department was among the best in its field.

Tyler Jamison tylerjamison@mizzou.edu

* BS in Psychology, Miami University
* Currently working on MS in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Intimate relationships in emerging adulthood, specifically cohabitation and the transition to marriage; transition from dating to marriage, cultural influences on decision making
* Hometown - Champaign-Urbana, Illinois
* Hobbies –Cooking, dancing, watching movies
* Fun Fact -I'm secretly addicted to trashy TV.
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou -Assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies, Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400; Research Assistant, Connecting for Baby; Research Assistant, Relationship Development and Maintenance Following Divorce and Remarriage; Instructor, HDFS 1610 (Intimate Relationships and Marriage)
* What I like best about Mizzou is the community of graduate and professional student on campus.
*As a graduate student, I really appreciate the quality of mentoring in our department. The faculty invest in graduate students and work hard to provide us with diverse and meaningful learning experiences.
* I came to Mizzou on the advice of a trusted undergraduate advisor. Now that I am here, I realize that my desire to pursue an academic career is perfectly matched with the doctoral program. Not only will I leave with a broad foundation in HDFS content, but my training will include grant-writing, teaching and opportunities to publish.

 

Katrina Johnson kmj5hd@mizzou.edu

* BA in Psychology, University of Texas San Antonio
* Currently working on MA in in Child Life
* Professional/ research interests: child development
* Hometown - Bulverde, TX
* Hobbies – reading, movies, painting
* Fun Fact -I worked on an experiment with a professor at UTSA. I also worked at a daycare for 2 years, which was fun. I have 3 siblings.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou-Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400

Soyoun Kim, M.S.W. skw9d@mizzou.edu

* BA in Social Work, Western Illinois University
* MS in Social Work, University of Missouri
* Currently working on PhD, with an emphasis in gerontology and family studies
* Hometown - Seoul, Korea
* Hobbies –cooking (especially Korean food) and eating

Chisato Kimura ckvc4@mizzou.edu

* BA in Sociology, Meiji Gakuin University, Tokyo, Japan (2005)
* Currently working on MA in Child Life
* Professional/ research interests: the effect of hospital settings on ill children, how to improve living conditions in hospitals for children, advocacy for the child life profession
* Hometown - Chiba, Japan
* Hobbies –snowboarding, skiing, walking in the morning, pilates and yoga (especially, hot yoga!), reading
* Fun Fact - Now only 8 CLS are working in Japan. I would love to bring the wonderful concept of the Child Life program to Japan.

Jolyn Knapp

* BS in Human Development Family Studies, University of Missouri- Columbia (2007)
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Abuse in families, multicultural families, non-parental figures raising children (e.g., grandparents, foster parents, other family members)
* Hometown - Alexandria, Virginia
* Hobbies –reading, traveling, photography
* Fun Fact - I was a competitive figure skater for 12 years.
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400;
* What I like best about Columbia: There is so much to do and the people are so friendly!
*As a graduate student in HDFS I really appreciate the small classes. I get to know my peers and faculty better.

Alison Levitch ahlkv6@mizzou.edu

* BS in Psychology, University of Maryland
* MA in HDFS, University of Connecticut
* Currently working on PhD
* Professional/ research interests: cultural influences on parental and child development, experiences of parents of children with special needs
* Hometown - New Jersey
* Hobbies –traveling, painting and drawing
* Fun Fact - I am always on the lookout for the best ice cream and gelato!

Graham McCaulley gemwvd@mizzou.edu

* BS in Personal Financial Planning, University of Missouri - Columbia
* Currently working on MS in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: children of divorce
* Hometown - Columbia, Missouri
* Hobbies –Cooking
* Fun Fact -I work weekends at Red Lobster
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou -Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development); Research Assistant, Connecting for Baby
* Mizzou is a world class university. As an HDFS graduate student, I have the chance to interact with, and learn from some of the best in the field.

Lori McCurdy llmxtd@mizzou.edu

* BS in HDFS, focus on Early Childhood Education, Colorado State University
* Currently working on MA in Early Childhood Education
* Professional/ research interests: children of divorce
* Hometown - Kansas City, Missouri
* Hobbies – Playing outside; hiking, biking, gardening...I also enjoy yoga, swimming and traveling to the known and unknown! I especially like it when I can do these things with my husband and two young children!
* Fun Fact - I have been to 48 states and parts of Canada and Mexico.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou -Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)
* What I like best about Columbia: Having lived many other places before, I appreciate Columbia's diversity in culture, ethnicity and lifestyles. The community supports the expressive arts and outdoor recreation. There are various festivals throughout the year and beautiful parks and trails. It is a wholesome place in which to raise a family.
* What I like best about Mizzou is that there are many opportunities to pursue individual interests and a multitude of projects and organizations in which to participate.
* As a graduate student in HDFS I value the flexibility in my education and my field. A focus on Early Childhood Education affords me the opportunity to work with children and families within many contexts and at various levels.
* I chose Mizzou because of the outstanding professors and the opportunities for my professional development and forward thinking.

Kortet Mensah kgmc47@mizzou.edu

* BA in Business Administration, Stephens College, Columbia, MO
* M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from MU
* Currently working on PhD in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Family processes and their impact on the emotional, psychological, social, and spiritual development of its members

Erica Neely ehn3m4@mizzou.edu

* BS in Human Development and Family Studies, University of North Carolina - Greensboro (2003)
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Hometown - Dallas, North Carolina
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)

Lynette D. Nickleberry ldn26b@mizzou.edu

* BA in Psychology, Collateral - Biology, Stephens College (2003)
* MA in Family Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia (2005)
* Currently working on PhD in Human Environmental Sciences, Collateral - Women and Gender Studies
* Professional/ research interests: the economic cost of child maltreatment in the state of Missouri, self-help literature for stepfamilies. Professionally, I worked for a brief period as a family counselor and am familiar with Mulitsystemic therapeutic techniques.  I worked for a few years in mental health as a psychiatric aide and as a youth specialist with convicted delinquent youth in a minimal security group home setting.
* Hometown - Los Angeles, California
* Hobbies –working out, bicycling, racket ball (though I am not very good), eating out (is that a hobby?), football and basketball, but only if my kids are on the field/court.
* Fun Fact - I am a single mother of two GREAT boys ages 7 and 13 and together we enjoy watching professional wrestling (those guys crack me up)!!
* Fellowship - Gus T. Ridgel Fellowhip
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Total Person program mentor/tutor
* As a graduate student, I appreciate the cross-discipline approach to understanding families and the opportunity to explore qualitative research methodologies.
* What I like best about Mizzou? The new rec center!
* Publications and Presentations:
Aruguete, M.S., & Nickleberry, L.D. 2004). Acculturation, body image, and eating attitudes among black and white college students. North American Journal of Psychology, 6, 393-404. More...

Denise Eva Powell depq49@mizzou.edu

* BS, School of the Ozarks (1986)
* JD, University of Missouri - Columbia (1988)
* M.Ed., Lincoln University (2007)
* Currently working on PhD in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: divorce, remarriage, step-families and the Focus on Kids program. For almost 20 years, I focused solely in the area of divorce and child custody litigation. I hope to be able to conduct research that will ultimately help divorcing/divorced parents.
* Hometown - Bloomington, Minnesota
* Hobbies – reading murder mysteries and Harry Potter books. I love to cook and especially love to make recipes I inherited from my grandmother, who was from Belgium. I also love to golf - a great sport no matter how old and out of shape you are.
* Fun Fact -Even though I turned 50 years old this year, I have found that I have never been more excited about my life. I look at turning 50 as the start of the second half of my life and so far I have loved every single minute of it. I am really proud of all that I have accomplished, including raising 2 daughters that are also UMC grads, being a sole practitioner, going back to school to share all I have learned.
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)

Marilyn Preston mjpqmb@mizzou.edu

* BA in Community and Education Studies, Goddard College (2003)
* MA in Human Services, University of Missouri - Columbia (2007)
* Currently working on PhD
* Professional/ research interests: community, formal and informal social support for at-risk families, family structures, and adolescent parents/pregnancy
* Hometown - St. Paul, Minnesota
* Hobbies –photography, travel, spicy foods, music - especially George Michael
* Fun Fact - I was once a clown in the circus
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Research Assistant -Center for Family Policy and Research; Research Assistant - Sinclair School of Nursing; Teaching Assistant - HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development); Teaching Assistant - Children and Families in Poverty; Extension Associate - HES Extension; Graduate Instructor HDFS 4700 (Children and Families in Poverty)
*I like that HDFS combines my interest in sociological concepts of identity and power discourse, with a pragmatic focus on changing the world.
*At Mizzou, it gets cold, but not too cold to walk to class most days. The campus is pretty.
* Publications and Presentations:
Preston, M., Morrison, J., Ravert, R., Allen, K., & Rudy, D. (2007). Educational Equity and Inclusion Assessment for Student-Parents. Poster presented at the National Council on Family Relations, Annual Conference, November 2007. More...

Tyler Robertson trrtk4@mizzou.edu

* BS in Education
* Currently working on MA in Child Life
* Professional/ research interests: Children in hospitalized settings
* Hometown - Bentonville, Arkansas
* Hobbies – cycling, traveling, tennis
* Fun Fact - I am a cancer survivor. Right now I am training to ride in a 100 mile bike race in Arizona for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Graduate Assistant in Red Door, Child Development Lab
* I really enjoy the environment on campus at Mizzou, especially the architecture and landscaping.
* As a graduate student in HDFS, I love being able to work with children while simultaneously learning about all aspects of their development. I feel that this will greatly prepare me to enter the field of Child Life.
* What I like best about Columbia: I love the people of Columbia, they are some of the nicest I have encountered. Upon arriving in the city a woman said, "Good Morning!" to me as I walked into Wal-Mart... and she wasn't even a greeter!

Stephanie Schindler sms8b4@mizzou.edu

* BS in Human Development & Family Studies, emphasis on Family Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia (2006)
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Parental Incarceration, Parent Education, and Positive Youth Development
* Hometown - Perryville, Missouri
* Hobbies –Spending time with my friends and family, watching TV and playing with my dog “Bob”
* Fun Fact - I volunteered at a 4-H program in the Vandalia Women’s Correctional Center for 2 years and completed my undergraduate internship with the program.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Human Environmental Sciences Ambassadors Coordinator
* What I like best about Mizzou: I love the campus and the students! There is always soething happening on campus such as an educational lecture or fun event.
* As a graduate student in HDFS, I like that there are so many opportunities to work in or research your interest area and you can have several interest areas and learn about all of them within the HDFS program.
* What I Like about Columbia:The city is awesome! We have many of the amenities of a big city, but it seems like we are living in a small town. The City of Columbia, the District and other areas of town are always having events for the public. There is always something to do that does not cost a lot of money.
* I chose Mizzou because I really like the department and the flexibiity that they offer. I did my HDFS undergrad at Mizzou, and I have always felt very comfortable on campus and like the idea of being able to get a great education in my home state.

William Smith wksn65@mizzou.edu

* BS in Criminal Justice, Lincoln University
* M.Ed. in Special Education, University of Missouri - Columbia
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: I am interested in low-income children development, children in foster care development, media effects on African American children development and the developmental effects of having siblings with disabilities.
* Hometown - Fontana, California
* Fun Fact -I am enjoying spending time with my family.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Research Assistant, Dr. Dannerbeck: Disproportionate Minority Contact Study; Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)
* What I Like about Mizzou: The large student body that allows you to network with other students and staff.
* As a graduate student in HDFS, I really like the quality of professors that are major contributors in their area of study.
* What I Like about Columbia: That it is a family and educatin centered environment.

Linley Snyder las6w8@mizzou.edu

* BA in Psychology, Susquehanna University (2003)
* Currently working on MA/ PhD in Life Span Human Development
* Professional/ research interests: How personal concepts of health and medical regimen of children are affected by chronic illnesses change as they grow up; particularly interested in youth with type 1 diabetes.
* Hometown - Latrobe, Pennsylvania
* Hobbies – Dance, running (or at least trying to!), reading, being outdoors, traveling, finding good coffee shops
* Fun Fact - I completed two years of AmeriCorps - one in the central US and one in Seattle. So there is a good chance that some of my stories begin with, "This one time, in AmeriCorps..."!!
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Research Assistant, Dr. Rebecca McCathren, Department of Special Education; Research Assistant, Center for Family Research and Policy; Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development); Undergraduate Internship Coordinator
* As a graduate student in HDFS, I really like that the department encourages and almost requires and interdisciplinary approach. This approach enhances how I view my area of interest in families and health, particularly families with children affected by chronic illness.
* What I Like about Columbia: There are a number of parks and trails in and close to Columbia.
* I chose Mizzou because of the caliber of faculty and research really stood out to me, but it was the personal contact from the HDFS department during the application process that finalized my decision.
* Publications and Presentations:
Scott, J., Snyder, L., Thornburg, K. (2007). Home-based programs: Recommendations to improve program quality. Columbia, MO: University of Missouri-Columbia, Center for Family Policy and Research. More...

Mindy Stafford Markham mssvxf@mizzou.edu

* BS in Family Life & Community Services, Kansas State University (2003)
* MS in Human Development & Family Studies, University of Missouri - Columbia (2005)
* Currently working on Ph.D.. in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: parent-child relationships, parent education, divorce
* Hometown - Wamega, Kansas
* Hobbies –snow skiing, photography, being with friends & family
* Fun Fact - avid ice cream eater, love scary movies, did an internship at Parents
as Teachers
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Graduate Coordinator, New Faculty Teach Scholars Program; Research Assistant, P.I. Eileen Porter, Older Homebound Women Study; Graduate Instructor, HDFS 2200 (Research Methods in HDFS); Research Assistant, P.I. Lawrence Ganong and Marilyn Coleman, Co-Parenting after Divorce Study More...
* As a graduate student in HDFS, I love that I get to work with people and that research I conduct can be helpful to people who learn the information through publications and prevention/intervention programs.
* What I Like about Columbia: I love everything about Columbia! I love the people, the restaurants, the campus, and the trails.
* I chose Mizzou because although I applied to a number of schools, when I visited this campus, it just felt right. I felt like I connected with the other grad students and the faculty. I loved the campus and could envision myself here.
* Publications and Presentations:
Markham, M.S., Ganong, L.H., Coleman, M. (2007). Coparental identity and mothers' cooperation in coparental relationships. Family Relations. More...

Hailey Stout hms471@mizzou.edu

* BS in HES, University of Missouri - Columbia (2001)
* Currently working on MA in Family Policy
* Professional/ research interests: women in families
* Hometown - Lebanon, Missouri. I've now lived in Columbia as long as I had lived in Lebanon.
* Hobbies – tennis, gardening, fishing, and camping
* Fun Fact -I was born in Hawaii; I learned to ski in the Austrian Alps unable to speak German (the only language my ski instructor knew)!
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development) and HDFS 2420 (Early and Middle Childhood); Research Assistant, Center for Family Research and Policy;

Eva Sutton ems2m2@mizzou.edu

* BS in Human Environmental Sciences, University of Arkansas (2006)
* Currently working on MS/PhD in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: human sexuality, role identity
* Hometown - Rogers, Arkansas
* Hobbies – reading, traveling, watching movies
* Fun Fact - I have traveled to 8 countries and own over 200 movies.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Graduate Instructor, HDFS 4970 (Family Studies Capstone); Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development) and HDFS 4970; Coordinator, Pigskin Preschool; Research Assistant - Connecting for Baby (P.I. Larry Ganong and Carol Mertensmeyer); Assistant to Director of Graduate Studies
* What I Like about Columbia: I like that Columbia feels like a "hometown," but has everything you could possibly ask for in a large city: large selection of restaurants, numerous concerts (e.g., Elton John and Kenny Chesney), art and culture.
* I chose Mizzou because my undergraduate advisor, as a Mizzou alumnus, highly recommended this program. I looked at many other programs, but in the end felt that Mizzou was the only option for me. At Mizzou, we have the opportunity to work with and learn from the best in the field. I know that when I leave Mizzou, I will not only have a degree, but also a wealth of research and teaching experiences that I can draw from the rest of my professional career.
* Fellowships: HDFS Supplemental Fellowship
* Publications and Presentations:
Sutton, E.M., & Jamison, T.B. (2007, November). Growing in the shadows: Classroom mentoring of graduate teaching assistants. Paper presented at the National Council of Family Relations Annual Conference, Pittsburgh, PA.

Scott Tobias, CFLE sat6d5@mizzou.edu

* BA from Miami University (1999)
* MS from Miami University (2003)
* Currently working on Ph.D. in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: family policy, Native American families, family dynamics
* Hometown - Beavercreek, Ohio
* Hobbies - My dog “Sierra” or anything to do with Siberian Huskies, broomball, golf
* Fun Fact - My favorite musician is Jimmy Buffett, I’m a huge parrothead!
* Awards - Anderson Teaching Award, Graduate Professional Council Travel Award
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Data Collection, Connecting for Baby; Research Assistant - Center for Family Policy and Research; Research Assistant, Drs. Lawrence Ganong and Marilyn Coleman; Teaching Assistant -HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development); Graduate Instructor - HDFS 1610 (Intimate Relationships and Marriage).
* What I like best about Columbia: There are so many good places to eat. You'll never have a night where you can't find something good.
* What I like best about Mizzou is the variety of experiences that one can undertake including research, teaching and exploring one's own direction in relation to the field.
* As a graduate student in HDFS I can take all the best from a variety of field such as psychology, sociology and public policy, and apply them in real world settings that are relevant to individuals and families.
* I chose Mizzou based on two factors: department reputation and the opportunity to teach. Mizzou's HDFS department is well regarded in academia, and teaching is my first love. I found the combination to be a good match for me.
* Publications and Presentations:
Tobias, S. (2007). Working with students inside and outside of class: Providing support as a TA in a lecture. University of Missouri Graduate Assistant Teaching Orientation. More...

Jessica Troilo jetn83@mizzou.edu

* BA in Economics, minor in women's studies, Allegheny College (2000)
* MS in Family Mediation, University of Missouri - Columbia (2005)
* Currently working on PhD in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: stereotypes of individuals based on their family structure and gender, gay and lesbian families
* Hometown - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
* Hobbies –letterboxing, traveling, music, and reading
* Fun Fact - I once spent Christmas Eve stuck on an Interstate in the middle of Illinois because of a snowstorm!
*Awards - Adeline M. Hoffman Award, Most Outstanding Graduate Student (HDFS), Distinguished Master's Thesis Nominee, Most Outstanding Graduate Student Nominee (Campus-wide)
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant -2400 (Principles of Human Development), Teaching Assistant Coordinator - 2400, Assistant to the Director of Graduate Studies, Webmaster of the HDFS website, Graduate Instructor - 1600 (Foundations of Family Studies), Graduate Instructor - 2200 (Research Methods)
* What I like best about Columbia: There's always something going on. Whether you like to be outdoors, rummage through antiques, experience music and art - Columbia has it.
* What I like best about Mizzou is the campus. I visited other schools and none of them were as nice or as welcoming as Mizzou. When I visited, everyone I met was so nice and friendly that it made the decision to come here easy.
*What I like most about the HDFS department are the people. I know I've taken classes from the leaders in the field. I like the collaboration between the faculty and students. There's also a sense of community among grad students. It's a supportive environment.
* Publications and Presentations:
Troilo, J., & Coleman, M. (in press). College student perceptions about the content of father stereotypes. Journal of Marriage & Family. More...

Heidi Watkins hlwz72@mizzou.edu

* BS in Psychology, Western Carolin University (2006)
* Currently working on MA in Child Life
* Professional/ research interests: childhood cancer
* Hometown - Charlotte, North Carolina
* Hobbies –tennis, biking, music, making jewelty, dancing, thrift stores, traveling
* Fun Fact - I lived in South Africa for two months hanging out with college students.
*Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant

Xingru Yue yy797@mizzou.edu

* BS in Engineering, Zhengzhou University (2001)
* MS in Civil Engineering, University of Missouri - Columbia (2007)
* Currently working on MA in Family Studies
* Professional/ research interests: Multicultural families, immigrant families, cross-cultural adoption families, family relations, parent-child relationships
* Hometown - Hebei, China
* Hobbies – reading, painting, traveling, movies
* Fun Fact - I taught Chinese to American families with children adopted from China.
* Assistantships held as a Graduate Student at Mizzou - Teaching Assistant, HDFS 2400 (Principles of Human Development)