PhD Student
Biography
Cassie is from Charleston, West Virginia. She received her B.A. in Multidisciplinary Studies (Anthropology, Biology, and Linguistics) from West Virginia University, and her M.A. in Education and Human Development from the University of Colorado, Denver. Cassie's research focuses on using qualitative methodologies to explore the lived experiences of children and educators in early childhood classrooms, with particular attention to how societal and political forces shape these realities.
Research
2019-present Graduate Research Assistant
- Intercultural & Classroom Culture Research Lab, University of Tennessee, Knoxville - Knoxville, TN
- Principal Investigator: Samara Madrid Akpovo, Ph.D.
2016-2017 Research Assistant
- Child and Family Neuroscience Lab, University of Denver - Denver, CO
- Principal Investigator: Pilyoung Kim, Ph.D.
Education
2019- present, Doctoral Student - Child and Family Studies
- University of Tennessee Knoxville - Knoxville, TN
- Focus: Qualitative research in early childhood education
2018 - 2019 Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program
- Clayton Early Learning & University of Colorado Denver - Denver, CO
- Fully funded 18-credit graduate fellowship with an emphasis on leadership and policy in early childhood education
2016-2017 M.A., Education and Human Development
- University of Colorado Denver - Denver, CO
- Emphasis: Human Learning and Development
2013 TEFL Certificate (Teaching English as a Foreign Language)
- TTMadrid, Madrid, Spain
2008-2012 B.A., Multidisciplinary Studies
- West Virginia University - Morgantown, WV
- Minors: Biology, Anthropology, Linguistics
Professional Service
Teaching Experience:
2017-2019 Teaching Assistant, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO
- EDHD 5260: Child Study and Observation (Fall 2018)
- Instructor of Record: Jen Selbitschka, Ph.D.
- FNDS 5000: Teaching as a Profession (Fall 2017, Fall 2018)
- Instructor of Record: Lauren Weatherly, M.A.
- EDHD 5010: Human Learning Practicum (Spring 2018, Spring 2019)
- Instructor of Record: Lauren Weatherly, M.A.
2017-2019 Mentor Teacher
- Boulder Journey School - Boulder, Colorado
2016-2017Graduate Student Teacher
- Boulder Journey School - Boulder, Colorado
Professional Organizations:
North American Reggio Emilia Alliance
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Professional Service:
2017- 2019 Early Childhood Professional Development Advisory Board - Denver, CO
Awards and Recognitions
2019 Tennessee Fellowship for Graduate Excellence