Dr. Cummins is Associate Professor at Youngstown State University. She is coordinator of the undergraduate, graduate and distance education graduate programs in early childhood education and was responsible for developing the distance education program for graduate students. Her research interests include; effective pedagogy in distance education, digital storytelling, virtual learning experiences, and fostering effective dispositions in teacher education candidates. She has published research in the areas of digital storytelling, mentoring in the field of early childhood education, play for young children and faculty learning communities. She was recipient of the 2011, Ohio Board of Regents, Faculty Innovator of the Year Award.