Rooted in core values like Autonomy, Flexibility, Learning, Respect, Transparency, Honesty, and Fun, I live and breathe principles that not only shape my life but also guide my interactions with others. As a proud native of Baltimore City, these values have been my compass in navigating life's journey.
Being a first-generation undergrad and grad student, I recognize the transformative power of education, a value intricately tied to my passion for continuous learning. This passion steered me into a fulfilling career in higher education, where I've been teaching English since 2013. The classroom, for me, is an ever-inspiring space filled with dedicated students who continually fuel my curiosity and growth.
Beyond teaching, I wear the hat of a trained and certified Life and Engagement Coach, proudly holding the Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coach Federation (ICF). Feel free to explore more about my coaching venture, Best AT Coaching!, LLC, on the business page.
As a Baltimore native, I earned my academic stripes from local institutions: a BS in psychology from Stevenson University, an MA in higher education administration and student affairs from Morgan State University, and a PhD in language, literacy, and culture from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. My current research focuses on the experiences of Black and Brown faculty, staff, and students in higher education. For a deeper dive into my research interests and recent publications, check out the Teaching & Research page
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A Commitment to Intention
Today does not mark the beginning of a new me or a dramatic shift in who I am, but it does mark my commitment to continued intention. 2025 brought great joy, great pain, deep friendships, and difficult fallouts. Looking back, I can acknowledge that there are moments I could have navigated differently to better protect my peace, but I do not regret the decisions themselves.
I am continuing to grow into who I am and who I aim to be, guided by what I know is best for me. Along the way, I have had to step back from certain situations, spaces, places, and people, and in some cases, let them go entirely.
Moving forward, I hope to bring greater intention to my physical and mental health, my financial investments and savings, and all of my relationships. If you are reading this, I hope 2026 brings you everything you want and more. And if it holds shared memories, laughter, joy, and genuine support for both you and me, I look forward to our paths crossing and embracing those moments together.
I encourage you to find what will be your guiding compass as you move forward with navigating life in this season.
-Dr. T
Embracing Authenticity in 2024: A Year of Intentional Being
As a firm believer in the transformative power of reflection, I consistently carve out time to ponder life's lessons and set intentions for the future. The culmination of each year, in particular, becomes a sacred space for me to delve deep into self-inquiry, asking powerful questions that shape my path forward. Questions like: "What might I need to leave behind in 2023?" and "What lessons am I carrying into 2024?" serve as compass points for my personal growth journey. Anticipating the new year, I contemplate what I hope it will bring and how I aspire to show up for it. Crafting commitments and intentions for the coming year has proven immensely satisfying, guiding my actions and mindset. In this spirit of intentional living, I'm adding a new layer to my reflective practice for the upcoming year. I'm excited to announce that my theme for 2024 is "I want more for 24!" In essence, I am dedicating the year to unapologetically being true to myself. 2024 will be a year focused on my desires, prioritizing what makes me genuinely happy.
A significant aspect of this commitment involves shedding any guilt associated with saying no or declining invitations that don't align with my core values. It's about embracing the power of choice and recognizing that my happiness is a priority. Beyond contemplating how I want to show up for 2024, I am equally invested in defining how I want to be in the coming year. Being authentically me and unapologetic about it is a goal I am eagerly pursuing. I encourage you, dear readers, to embark on a similar journey of self-discovery. Consider how you want to be in 2024 and fully lean into that authentic being.
I invite you to share your commitments and intentions for the upcoming year. Let's collectively celebrate a year of intentional being and set the stage for a transformative 2024! I would love to hear how you're embracing your authentic self in the coming year.
-Dr. T