She holds a Juris Doctor from the Dickenson School of Law at Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Economics and International Business from Drexel University. She has been licensed to practice law since 2004. Prior to joining Ashford University, Westerman was defending clients against medical malpractice lawsuits, and practiced civil litigation, employment and business law. For over six years she has taught Undergraduate and Graduates courses.