Her research focuses on the arts and its effect on literacy in early childhood education. She has worked with the visual, musical and theatrical arts in many capacities. Dr. Hardy taught preschool through high school and was an administrator at several early learning centers for eight years. Most recently, she taught early childhood and elementary courses at Point Park University and the Community College of Allegheny County. She is involved in PAEYC and is the PQAS coordinator for Early Childhood continuing education trainings.