I was inspired by the staff, community and scholarship as I was completing my Masters. 

My emphasis is on the Use of the Mother Tongue among Indigenous communities, and the stories of the environment and how this relationship fosters health and well being in individuals as well as communities and the environment they call home. 

The challenge, the structure, and the grace given by the staff. 

Staying on track;  I work full time, and have had a host of life events that could have derailed me. I’ve made a commitment to myself, that I deserve this, that indeed, I do have something to say, and I can do hard things. I grew up in an environment where going to college was not an option, and if I did make it … I had limited opportunities.  That was in the 60s and 70s.  I’ve raised five children as a single mother, and when my last was out of my home, I decided to pursue my best life.  Claiming that its My choice, to make those decisions. I am now living my best life, with focus, and a passion, I’ve always known was simmering just below the surface!

I’ve worked in behavior health, in non profit administration and reluctantly became a kindergarten teacher.  I am a reluctant teacher, and I’ve fallen in love over and over again, in this past decade with the magic of the small inquisitive child, and their families.  I  actually looking at “early retirement” and not teaching in early childhood education, and hope to pursue a position teaching new teachers, to support my quest to decolonize early childhood education. 

I dabble  in art; have been intentionally creating regenerative gardening in my urban back yard; travel to any beach; belly laughing with my family. 

Follow your heart, be flexible, and accept the tenet of radical grace practiced by many of the staff.  Believe you can do it … Know you can do it … and hold your nose, to dive right in!

I completed my Master’s in Social Justice and Community Organizing at Prescott and loved my experience so much that I did not want to stop. Apart from the amazing course work, I also felt called to grow my academic muscle, which the online program made possible for me while working full-time, and raising my family.

Sustainability Education is a great field because it encompasses a broad range of intersectional issues like community resilience, climate change, and technology, which is what I am focusing on. My research is a combination of grass-roots organizing and existential philosophical explorations. While my real question of “how do we sustain the possibility of life on Earth as a species that thrives in groups?” is too large, the PhD in Sustainability Education program gives me the opportunity to work on parts of that question by engaging research from related fields, such as Science Technology and Society (STS). This is how I arrived at exploring the collective construction of a healing-informed sociotechnical imaginary. 

I love everything about the doctoral program! The coursework, the faculty, the community, and how aligned everything is with the values that the Sustainability Program holds. The program provide a real life example of what I am hoping to extend into my work and community. 

My biggest challenge is that I am working full-time, and raising three teenagers at the same time. To be honest, I have not overcome that challenge, but I am learning to live with it. This requires that I walk my talk in the most practical way, incorporating intentional practices of self-care, building in time to move my body, being diligent about my sleep, and, believe it or not, taking lots of breaks! I also worked on my mindset recognizing that I have control over my timeline, which reduces a great deal of pressure. My goal is not just my degree, but to find joy in my research, writing, and the growth opportunities that present themselves.

I’ve worked in international development, fund development, as a parenting educator, and now as a project manager and resilience educator. This PhD is somehow bringing me full circle and I hope to teach and build resilient communities at the same time once I have earned my degree. I am also interested in action research as a way to continue to develop my ideas and remain connected to my community. I actually have an idea for a post-doc program鈥� I’d love to explore ways to make that happen!

I think part of my path is to bring my whole self into everything I do, so I don’t have much of a separation of in school and outside of school/work. I love reading, organizing, learning, socializing, being creative together and alone whether through writing, drawing, or sewing. As part of my self-care, I need to spend time outside, moving my body, connecting with nature, the universe鈥� Too much routine can make me feel stuck, so engaging in diverse activities and experiences fills me up personally, and professionally. With time to breathe and break

Do it! Just do it! Bring your full self, leave your limiting beliefs about what you can do, and enjoy the ride. Make room for self-care and intentionally cultivate connections and relationships that allow you to explore your ideas, share your thoughts, and sometimes rant. Find a rhythm that works for you, and be open to adapting it as needed. Progress is not linear and your inner transformation needs as much space as what you are working on bringing into the world. My personal journal is currently longer than my dissertation

I learned about this PhD program by interviewing 3 professors from Prescott on my podcast, Care More Be Better. Dr. Emily Affolter, Dr. Sebastienne Grant, and Dr. Laird Christensen were amazing representatives of the college and they drew me right in! Since my passions are at the intersection of Sustainability, the future of food, and information access it felt like the perfect match! 

Through this PhD program at 91茄子, I plan to craft my dissertation with a working title of:  The Sustainable and Regenerative Food Frontier: Exploring how personal agency, food producers, and certifying bodies connect to create more sustainable food options for the future of humanity.

I come to this research with a fairly deep understanding of the nutrition issues we face on a global scale, and with clarity that the future of sustainable food will shift as we learn more and as our climate changes. This will be my continual work-in-progress, and I’m excited to take part in this journey, even though the future remains uncertain. 

I love that it emboldens my innate curiosity and penchant for explorative learning. 

My biggest challenge tends to be time management. I’m a working mom and I have two young boys (aged 6 and 9). By taking just one course at a time, I’m (mostly) able to balance my life. 

I’m a natural products industry executive who specializes in building sustainable brands that define their respective categories. While I’ve spent a majority of my career at the executive, C-suite level, I now acknowledge that this type of work doesn’t feed my soul.

With the next phase of my work-life, I want to dive more deeply into content creation, writing books and articles that inspire people to be less compromising when it comes to their health and wellness and their environmentalism. I want to inspire people to understand they have agency. They can demand plastic-free options and packaging that doesn’t degrade our environment. I may work with an organization to help them access green consumers more, or to help them overhaul their business strategies on these fronts.  

I LOVE podcasting, and having deep conversations one-on-one with a variety of subject matter experts. It scratches my critical thinking and curiosity itches and brings me so much joy. I LOVE cooking great food and entertaining people in my home. I LOVE being outside in nature with my friends, family, dogs, or all alone. I also LOVE coffee, hot sauce, and artisanal chocolate. While these last 3 aren’t exactly “hobbies” they bring me joy and offer daily rituals to color my life a little more. Plus, when I enjoy them with friends, life is even more rich!

Come to your coursework with a curious, open mind, and save every article that inspires you. You never know when you’ll need (or want) to revisit that research! 

“My academic journey began with a twelve-year pursuit to earn my two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, reflecting the challenges and perseverance of an adult learner finding their rhythm in higher education. As I progressed, each experience offered invaluable moments of reflection and growth, strengthening my commitment to lifelong learning. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal moment for me; when I lost my job, I viewed it as a chance to revisit academia. This turning point led me to 91茄子, where I joined the Master’s program, later transitioning to the PhD.

What keeps me at Prescott is the college’s unwavering commitment to social justice and the way it encourages us to critically question the status quo. The faculty’s vast expertise is matched by their deep compassion and dedication, creating an environment where I feel both challenged and supported. 91茄子 fosters a community that deeply values these principles, making it an ideal place for my continued growth and advocacy.”

My research centers on transforming how mental health counselors are educated to support people experiencing suicide and suicidality with an emphasis on autonomy and dignity. I’m particularly focused on re-centering treatment, prevention, and post-vention practices away from the carceral and coercive nature of involuntary commitments. Instead, I advocate for approaches that respect individuals’ autonomy and address the systemic injustices that contribute to suicidality. My work combines critical suicidology, social justice frameworks, and decolonial methodologies to drive meaningful change in mental health education and care.

What I appreciate most about the doctoral program at Prescott is the profound emphasis on social justice and critical inquiry. The program encourages me not only to examine the surface but to dive deeply into challenging the structures that shape mental health education and care. I value the collaborative and reflective environment, where professors and peers bring both compassion and extensive knowledge, creating a space where transformative research feels both encouraged and supported. Prescott’s commitment to fostering critical, decolonial perspectives and uplifting marginalized voices truly aligns with my passion for socially just research.

My biggest challenge in the PhD program has been adapting to the rigor and expectations of doctoral-level work. Transitioning from my Master芒鈧�s to PhD studies brought a new level of depth and complexity, especially in areas like identifying gaps in the literature and confidently positioning my research within the field. Additionally, post-COVID brain fog occasionally makes it difficult to process dense scholarly material. To overcome these challenges, I’ve developed a study method that involves reading academic texts while listening to them aloud, which helps me absorb information more effectively. I also lean heavily on the support of professors and peers who offer invaluable insights and feedback, making the journey both manageable and rewarding. These strategies have helped me build resilience and grow as a scholar, allowing me to approach each new hurdle with greater confidence.

“Before starting my PhD, I spent over 20 years in education, working with learners from early childhood through adulthood, in roles that spanned the classroom, administration, vocational counseling, and career education. My career has been enriched by my studies in Art Therapy as well as my work as a multi-media artist, where I used creative approaches in education and therapeutic settings, as well as my personal life. These experiences deepened my commitment to socially just, inclusive practices and prepared me to transition into mental health, research, and advocacy.

After earning my PhD, I hope to contribute to higher education, particularly within community colleges, which had a profound impact on my own learning journey. I aspire to be part of a movement to reframe mental health education and research by integrating social justice and lived experience into suicidology and mental health care. Ultimately, I aim to help foster future professionals who approach mental health with compassion, creativity, and an understanding of systemic influences.”

Outside of school, I’m passionate about creating and engaging with various artistic mediums, along with reading, music, and, of course, my cats! As a visual artist, I enjoy exploring emotions and ideas through different forms of expression. Reading memoirs is a favorite pastime, as they offer profound insights into individual journeys and broaden my understanding of diverse life experiences. Music is a constant companion that inspires my work and provides relaxation. And my cats, who bring endless joy and humor, are always by my side, adding warmth and playfulness to my daily life.

My biggest piece of advice for prospective doctoral students is to actively connect with people in your field, and LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for that. Building connections and reaching out to professionals who share your interests not only helps you gain insights but also opens doors to mentorship. Having a mentor (or mentors!) is invaluable during the doctoral journey – they can offer guidance, share resources, and help you navigate the challenges along the way. Remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Reach out, ask questions, and build a support network that will help you grow and succeed.

Prescott’s interdisciplinary approach and ability to co-create new research pathways alongside BIPOC communities while finding solutions is the reason I transferred into the Sustainability Education program. 

My research focuses on inclusive immersive green apprenticeship curriculum development. 

The flexibility around my full-time career, the radical grace demonstrated by professors and the beloved community, and the co-creating of learning spaces are what I like best about the PhD program. 

Life has so many highs and lows, unexpected challenges, and multiple opportunities! Breathe, rest, hold space, then walk on! 

When I started the PhD program, I was an experienced high school special education teacher having facilitated learning in both urban and rural districts. I decided to make a career change over the Summer, and am now an outreach manager for green energy new building development. I love my role as it helps communities learn about the benefits of building to Net Zero and renewables. It also cultivates greater awareness of green energy and careers to communities historically left out of the renewables conversation. 

I’m a PATH therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI), and enjoy singing while traveling to white sand beaches. 

Inspite of plans and support systems, life surprises us; some happy, some sad. Along the gauntlet of any doctoral program, the silver lining and unexpected opportunities and blessings will keep you working towards your goal. The world really is our stage. And there are even more stages to find in this world 芒鈧�� yes, I芒鈧�ve  found a couple new ones!  The world needs more of us solutionaries (aka change makers)! Join us in co-creating a more regenerative, harmonious world. 

A conversation with a friend and mentor of mine, also currently faculty with Prescott and in her PhD program via Prescott is what ultimately brought me to Prescott for my PhD journey! I began to feel intrigued and curious! Specifically with what “Sustainability Education” is and encompasses. This led me to a zoom meeting with Em, the Director of the PhD program who then had me convinced and sold after an amazing and thought provoking conversation! I had been pondering an EdD or PhD for a few years and had just began the journey of researching various programs and universities. I am so thankful I chose Prescott-truly! 

I plan to focus on research that: addresses working to dismantle the disparities and inequities within our K-12 public education system; to truly close the achievement gap, particularly for our students of color and/or most marginalized students-
-Belonging/Beloved Community/Ubuntu
-Access to quality and targeted instruction and resources (MTSS model/tiered instruction and support)
-Sustainable and culturally responsive pedagogy 
-Schools with an asset based mindset vs deficit model
-Research Questions:

Are all of the efforts to co-create, design, and implement a racial equity policy in school districts/education in response to a state charge to do so, due to the achievement gap (and discipline rates) disparities with students of color, work? Do all of these and our efforts work? To advance racial equity? To close the achievement gap? What are the results? After 10 years (for us in our local school district), is it sustainable? Are our teachers of color being retained? Why or why not? 

I truly enjoy the heart and soul of this doctoral program the most. The fundamental beliefs that Prescott and specifically this program are grounded in. For example, tenets such as acknowledging place, positionality, privilege, and supremacy culture. Additionally, the belief in holding space for indigenous land/space, intersectionality, and honoring those that came before us particularly in the fight for social and racial  justice, reconciliation, and civil rights. 

My biggest challenge to date has been navigating the asynchronous component of this program while simultaneously wanting to engage with classmates/colleagues in this work in meaningful ways because it is all so rich, inviting, and thoughtful. 

My career has primarily been in K-12 public education as a certificated K-8 Washington State teacher of 16 years. Most of my time was spent teaching kindergarten and first grade but for the past 4 years I have taught K-5 “Title/LAP” which is a reading intervention/specialist. I hold my National Board Certification and lead cohorts facilitating fellow educators pursuing their National Boards. I am a national board regional coordinator for OSPI (office of superintendent for public instruction) and have been involved in various teacher leadership positions and work. Equity work, mentoring new teachers, and co-facilitating our new state teacher evaluation framework via our union. Additionally, I have been an elected delegate for our state and nation wide union representative assembly. I earned my Master’s Degree in 2020 in Curriculum and Instruction. After earning my PhD, I hope to pursue higher education potentially, and get more involved with teacher preparation programs/training. I hope to fulfill a dream that’s been a long time in the making…to find a platform to seek and share knowledge collectively. To conquer imposter syndrome-never imagining that I would or could be a “Doctor” of anything, having never saw myself in this space or amongst my teachers or professors along the way in my educational journey. 

Outside of school, I actually LOVE teaching and am always at “school” for my career as an educator. My students give me my energy and are my “why.” Aside from my teaching world-I enjoy frequenting farmer’s markets, coffee shops, and baking new gluten free treats. I also love playing the piano and listening to live music or going to a local jazz club. When it’s nice outside, I enjoy finding new trails to walk or beaches to place my feet in the sand and ground /earth myself-this is an important healing practice for me, being near water, trees, sand, the earth, with the sun kissing my skin…grounding myself. Earth’s medicine is so healing for me. 

You CAN do it!!! Go for it, jump in, and see where the journey takes you. Stay committed to the process and be open to all you can learn and gain from it and from the collective perspectives and experiences of our fellow colleagues/classmates as well. You get to research what you LOVE and are passionate about and interested in-that is one of the biggest advantages for me! 

I had such an amazing and supportive experience during my Master’s Program at PC that made me excited to come back.

I would like to identify expand and implement HER workshop series in progressive settings where Black women activists organize in New York City. In addition, I would like to create a curriculum for burgeoning Black girl activists while addressing educational and environmental sustainability issues.

The building of affinity with my BIPOC doctoral cohorts; and the exploration of new research practices for understanding the effects of activism burnout, racial trauma, and racial battle fatigue. 

 The challenges of embarking on an interdisciplinary approach towards sustainability education and social change is daunting. Nevertheless, I will remain focused and keep my eyes on the prize because I anticipate finding out new and breakthrough information for my dissertation.

I have a very exciting and eclectic background in human and social services. Fortunately, I have been able to find my niche as a premier group facilitator, grassroots community organizer, mental health advocate, and race and gender equity consultant. I would like to expand my horizons on these platforms while looking into a career as an adjunct professor and public speaker.

I love to dance, create poetry, swim and travel.

Don’t let being an older adult stop you from fulfilling your dreams to excel in academia.

My experience as a Master’s student and the work that Prescott does to promote social justice and ecojustice.

Sustainable Learning and Education focus, using agential realist and postmodern philosophy to shift perspective to ecological conception of learning and human behavior. Specifically, the research looks to create ecological modeling and mapping to provide alternative explanations for human sustainability practices in education and beyond.

The wide array of people and ideas and the support of the academic community.

Knowing what direction to go in and completing the research process have been daunting tasks. Reading, debriefing, and discussion with other colleagues and my partner have allowed me to gain new perspective to choose the direction I want to go in and support from professors and colleagues has helped me move through the IRB process and become courageous enough to share my work through publishing efforts.

Knowing what direction to go in and completing the research process have been daunting tasks. Reading, debriefing, and discussion with other colleagues and my partner have allowed me to gain new perspective to choose the direction I want to go in and support from professors and colleagues has helped me move through the IRB process and become courageous enough to share my work through publishing efforts.

Invention, Writing, Reading, Hot Spring Adventures, Travel, Art, Crafting, Spiritual Engagement, Meditation, Hiking, 4×4 Driving, Camping, Ecological Gardening Methods, Sustainable Agriculture, Event Planning, Economic Sustainability, and Learning

Where we are going and who we are seem to always change…it’s okay not to know where you are going as long as you can find something to follow that interests you and keep taking steps to move towards these things. Take every bit of feedback you can get, and think deeply about your relationships to yourself, your work, and others around you. Ask for help and receive help graciously…and when you are asked, be willing to be part of the communal effort. 

I was in search of a college that offer a program in sustainability. When I read through the curriculum and saw that through PhD program in Sustainability Education captured most of what I wanted to learn in post graduate school, PC became my immediate option for enrollment  

My research focus is how can Sub-saharan governments, multilateral organizations, and farmers adapted approaches to decolonize and eliminate barriers that that affected food sustainability and appreciate pathways to sustainable economic growth. 

I have been introduced to great minds in terms of faculties and study at large. My first symposium i attended was an opportunity to convince myself that I sought the right college and program.  This doctoral program is an opportunity for me to leverage my capacity and give meaning to solving some of the problems faced in the world. 

I worked often as a project and program consultant. Helping to build up capacity for organizations, writing proposals, and  providing integral community development training especially in West Africa. Upon completion of PhD, I will continue my previous consultancy and introduce the tools and models in my research to struggling government who might want to improve agro economic growth for their countries and how they can engage multiple stakeholders in steering the systems to achieving their objectives for food sustainability and trade. 

Great passion for travels, entertsining family and friends,  reading and engaging in public policy conversation, giving to charity and helping to make the world environmentally sustainable. 

Begin your program with open mind and lean on what you bring to the program with the willingness to incorporate fresh ideas from classroom discussions and faculty comment. I will greatly help what you finally want your research to be about. If only you have nor thought about one.