Hello
After 16 years as a social work educator and leader, I retired from Western Kentucky University, where I currently hold Professor Emeritus status. I founded LumaQuest to continue my life purpose: supporting mission-driven professionals as they transform themselves and their communities.
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As a social work practitioner first, I bring decades of social work experience as a case manager, clinician, nonprofit leader, supervisor, and coach. My work in social work education included teaching, training, research, grantsmanship, and accreditation. These experiences allow me to fully support faculty, nonprofit leaders, and program managers as they do their important work.​​​ I earned my PhD in social work from University of Louisville and my MSW from University of Southern Indiana.
Social Work Experience
Provided individual, family, and group psychotherapy services in home, in office, and in school-based settings. Supervised CSWs and paraprofessional staff. Served in multiple leadership positions on several non-profit boards. Provided service coordination (case management) to seriously emotionally disabled children, adults experiencing persistent and severe mental illness, people who have been victimized, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Facilitated interdisciplinary team meetings, advocated for needed services, and monitored service provision.
Academic Experience
Started as part-time faculty and ended at rank of professor emeritus. Served as department chair and BSW & MSW Program director at various times. Published 15 peer-reviewed presentations, delivered 37 state & national peer-reviewed presentations, and awarded over $1.1 million in external grant funding. Earned several awards. Taught and developed over 20 unique academic courses to more than 1,300 students during her tenure. Worked at Western Kentucky University for 19 years, and as part-time faculty at University of Louisville and at Kentucky Wesleyan College.
LumaQuest Mission
LumaQuest was founded to help mission‑driven professionals—especially social workers, faculty, and nonprofit leaders—gain the clarity, confidence, and direction to step into leadership and advance their impact with intention. We provide education, coaching, and support to mission-driven professionals – especially social workers, faculty, and nonprofit leaders—in order to advance those who advance society. We help social work programs articulate their purpose and impact so that they can build coherent, strengths‑based accreditation systems with clarity, confidence, and long‑term success. We assist nonprofit organizations with strategic planning, board development, and program evaluation so they can support their clients.