Ms. Bender received a Bachelor's degree in Administrative Community Service at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama in 1992. She also received a Master of Public Health (Behavioral Science)degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2005. She has worked at UAB in various departments as an administrator and researcher for 15 years. Much of her research experience has focused on working with health behaviors related to hypertensive/overweight populations and exercise. In addition, Ms.Bender has carried out research involving resolved problem drinkers.

Ms. Bender's focus at the School of Nursing is working primarily with students in the BSN and DNP programs. She teaches pre-nursing students, provides student advising, and assists in recruiting efforts for the School as well.