Dr. Hodges learned and worked in clinical and cognitive developmental labs at UCLA during her early academic years. When considering her choice in graduate school, she contemplated how she wanted to use her career for societal impact. She aimed to merge science with real-world practices to benefit children in communities and schools. Captured by Horace Mann's quote, "Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity," she enrolled in the Clinical Psychology Program at Antioch University, New England. This program allowed her engage extensively in schools, clinics, and esteemed medical centers like Dartmouth Medical Center. 

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While still a doctoral student, Dr. Hodges lectured at universities, led workshops, and held leadership roles in professional associations. She honed her ability to engage audiences in meaningful conversations about complex topics, and she published in professional newsletters and peer-reviewed journals. She served as the American Psychological Associations (APA) Division 49 Representative of the APA Coalition of Psychology in School and Education. Within that coalition, she co-authored TEACH Teamwork with several colleagues.

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During her APA internship at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, Dr. Hodges supported children through developmentally informed, evidence-based care. She completed her post-doctoral training in Boston public and private schools. She ultimately transitioned to a fulfilling private practice where she could provide transformative experiences for child and teen patients. 

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While also a practicing Psychologist, Dr. Hodges co-taught with Dr. Richard Fletcher at MIT under the MIT J-Well Grant. The course was Technologies for Mental Health and Wellness. It was a highly sought after course, which garnered great popularity among MIT and Harvard students.

 

Being among the MIT and Harvard students reconnected Dr. Hodges with the younger version of herself - the scientist at heart who shined at UCLA. This experience also led Dr. Hodges to refine Surf'sUp Method, and establish her educational service Raising Moxie. 

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After 26 years of preparation, Dr. Hodges now facilitates community and systems change with Raising Moxie. Under this umbrella, she supports organizations that teach and lead kids, and she collaborates with Dr. Francis Lee Stevens on Mental Health Mirage: A Raising Moxie Podcast.

 

Dr. Hodges is excited about the upcoming school-based research project that she will collaborate on with Dr. Fletcher, marking another significant step towards her goal to make a difference in the community.