She received her Ph.D. in environmental design with collaterals in special education and architecture from Texas Tech University. During her 14 years of professional interior design experience, she supervised and completed projects including healthcare design, executive offices, designer's showcase homes and high-end residential design. Memberships include American Society of Interior Designers and International Interior Design Association. Her research focuses on the impact of the built environment on the behavior of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her collaborative projects emphasize the interdisciplinary approach between interior design, architecture, education and healthcare in both the U.S. and U.K.