What was your first job?
I worked multiple part time jobs to fund school. Among them, I worked as a librarian assistant, respite care provider, Deaf relay phone operator, medical transcriptionist, and most challenging… salad bar prep at a Wendy’s fast food restaurant (back when they had salad bars).
If you were to write a personal memoir, what would you name it?
Toto… we’re not in Kansas anymore.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Kansas and attended the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk Jayhawk).
What is your favorite class you’ve taught? Oh dear, that’s like asking someone which child is the favorite. They each have their own unique personality and strengths — Language Development and Disorders, Serving Children who are Deaf Hard of Hearing, Seminar in Pediatric AAC and Severe Disabilities, Multicultural Multilingual Considerations, Tools Research
What is your favorite place to grab dinner in Tallahassee?
Momo’s (where the pizza slices are as big as your head)
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I love to be outside running, boating, and traveling with my three kiddos.
Have you always wanted to teach?
When I was in a masters program at the University of Kansas, I had an opportunity to teach an undergrad course in Language Development. I worried I was too introverted to pull it off. After the first class I was hooked! Head over heels in love with teaching.
What is your favorite place you’ve traveled to or where would you like to go?
I loved visiting Puerto Rico and Bogotá, Colombia… divino divino divino!
How many football games have you attended?
I can’t quantify, but my favorite game was one watched from the President’s box.
Proudest career/life moment?
At the risk of sounding cheesy and hokey, for me, watching our graduating students walk across the stage brings tears to my eyes. It is a profoundly wonderful experience.
What’s your favorite band?
I like to listen to a wide variety of music while running but my favorites are pick-me-up songs with upbeat rhythms (e.g. Rather Be played by Clean Bandit- New Eyes) or bands with a Latin/Carribean style.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
One of my mentors once told me in a stern voice, Carla, you have to find what rings your chimes. It was golden advice.
If money were no object, how would you spend your days?
I would venture to guess that I would spend days exactly as I do now. I love what I do.
What is your favorite book and why?
I recommend the book Eat the Frog! By Brian Tracy which notes that successful individuals prioritize and tackle difficult tasks. The book hit one of my weaknesses (procrastination) right between the eyes and the analogy has stuck with me over time. Bottomline, get more done in less time….if you have to eat a frog, it’s not good to look at it too long. Get it done!
If you could be famous for something, what would it be?
World Peace 🙂
What Jeopardy category could you clear, no problem?
I have a very narrow niche area. Alex, I’ll take Child Language Development and Disorders.
Do you have any pets?
My children have Chihuahua dogs 🙂
When did you start working at Florida State University?
2005
What was the last movie you saw in theaters? Wild based on the memoir of Cheryl Strayed about a 1,100 mile hiking journey to self-actualization.
What is the best part about your job?
We (faculty) are incredibly fortunate! I love that our jobs provide ever-changing opportunities in teaching, research, and service. We catch glimpses of rising stars and we have an opportunity to positively shape and impact the lives of next generation superstars. Pure awesome.
’20 Questions with CCI’ brings faculty and staff from the College of Communication & Information into a new light. Learn more about your favorite professors – their hobbies, interests and favorite Tally places.
Do you know someone at CCI you’d like to see featured? Submit their names to kate.mullen@cci.fsu.edu.
