She teaches courses in food and nutrition management. She has previously taught at Meredith College and San Jose State University. Her research interests include foodservice management, food safety and sanitation, child nutrition programs, and eating disorders. Prior to her academic career, she attended the California Culinary Academy and graduated as a Certified Chef. She has worked as a cook/ supervisor in restaurants in San Jose, CA and as a Nutrition Education Specialist for Head Start. She also worked as a RDN in Minnesota in the area of eating disorders for five years.