I'm Shane -- A research social scientist, an educator, a marketer, a facilitator, a privileged helper, and a positive deviant
A positive deviant (+d) is an individual who exhibits counter-normative behavior and strategies within a specified culture.
It's against the norm to believe specific prosocial and caring actions can solve bullying when most people seem to believe an anti-bullying assembly and harsher penalties effectively remedies the problem. It's against the norm to ask students to solve their own problems rather than promote a one-size-fits-all teacher training program. It's against the norm to assume the environment and the organizational system are more to blame for bad behavior rather than the people who performed it. It's against the norm to ask deviants to reflect on their strengths, leverage them for good, and create social change, but one day, it will be the norm.
Welcome to my website, which shares my perspective as a social scientist and practitioner. My goal is to share my vision, strengths, and research paradigm with you in the hope that you will reflect and apply your strengths to improve the world.
My Vision and Purpose for Social Change.
As Steve Jobs once said, "We are here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise we else even be here?" Each day we can choose to make a positive dent that leads to a ripple effect of caring. I firmly believe that our actions reflect our character and people copy our actions. Thus, if we can inspire more people to take the time, apply their energy and leverage their strengths to help others, we can develop and support the development of prosocial action and character. I am grateful to so many individuals and groups of leaders who shaped my personal and educational journey. For me, it was through meaningful interactions (not tweets or shapchats) and experiences as an entrepreneur, marketing consultant, resident advisor, Vice President of the Student Government Association, Undergraduate Representative to the Board of Visitors, and a graduate student in Psychology that informed my purpose: To serve others with innovative research-based interventions to meet needs on a large scale.