World Campus Education Doctorate Students Fall 2024

Caring about others and being a lifelong philomath are the main reasons why I am an educational developer (and, quite frankly, why I never left higher education). I am insatiably curious about getting to know people as well as how to enhance the learning experience for all.

I received my MA in Spanish from Worcester State University, along with my MBA from Fitchburg State University, in 2016. I entered higher education in the same year, teaching a variety of courses in Spanish, as well as some in Management and Communication, at institutions across Massachusetts. 

I previously served in curriculum and educational development roles at the Center for Academic Excellence at Quinsigamond Community College and at the Office of Teaching, Learning, and Technology at Becker College, while simultaneously teaching as an adjunct faculty member. I am currently the Associate Director of Teaching Support at the Center for Teaching Excellence at Bryant University.  In my position, I support and engage with over 350+ faculty in one-on-one consults on pedagogy, instructional design, curriculum development, and educational technology. I design workshops and courses for our faculty and support our office’s initiatives on belonging, faculty vitality, and inclusion, while helping support faculty’s research in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. 

In addition to my work at Bryant, I am also an external facilitator of Effective Teaching Practices and Fostering a Culture of Belonging cohorts for the Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) at higher education institutions across the nation. I love being able to connect about pedagogy with folks with varying research interests, from different backgrounds and geographical locations, and with perspectives that enlighten my own thinking and development. 

My research has focused on first year teaching techniques and strategies, supporting neurodivergent faculty and staff, navigating deliberative dialogues in the classroom, and faculty well-being and resiliency. In my work, I discuss how faculty are navigating uncertain educational climates as well as how they can utilize feedback in propelling their teaching forward. This year I spoke on classroom management and faculty wellness on the Leadership Educator podcast,  as well as on building faculty community on the Tea for Teaching podcast. 

As I enter the Doctor of Education program, I’m looking forward to exploring how these same conversations on well-being and resiliency can be applied to educational developers, as many, like me, support large numbers of faculty and students. As a member of the Professional and Organizational Development Network in Higher Education Network, as well as a member of their Accessibility and Disability Special Interest Group, I’m interested in studying how we can enhance educational developer wellness and vitality in support of the amazing work that our colleagues are engaging in daily. 

I am eager to be a student again, as understanding beginner learner experiences is so important for the work that I do with faculty, as well as for my own growth and development. I can’t wait to get started – We are Penn State!!!!!

Allan is the current Director of the Graham Center for Innovation and Collaboration at Penn State York. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Shippensburg University and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Texas Arlington. Allan began his career as an experiential trip leader working with adjudicated youth before moving into education with the same organization holding various positions including education program manager.

Allan joined Penn State in 2019 to run the Graham Fellows Program for Entrepreneurial Leadership, a program designed to help instill an entrepreneurial spirit and assist students in transitioning from student to young professional. While at Penn State York, Allan was responsible for establishing the York LaunchBox, one of 21 locations throughout the state supporting student and community entrepreneurs. Allan has a passion for experiential learning and unlocking students’ potential and will be focusing his research in these areas.

Altruism, Courage, and Legacy

These are the core values that guide Shabana Walker.

Ms. Walker is a technology executive and people leader who is committed to employee growth and collaborative success. As the vice president of Customer Experience in Comcast’s West Division, she has a proven track record as a dynamic, collaborative leader who transforms and enhances the customer experience with thoughtful strategies and innovative programs.

Ms. Walker practices data-driven decision-making to identify and prioritize department efforts; works to improve operations with greater efficiency and quality; partners with cross-functional leadership to align projects with the strategic goals of the company; and improves employee culture and turns around underperforming teams through meaningful change, empathetic oversight, and an emphasis on high performance.

A champion for children, Ms. Walker is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging; and reducing food insecurity. She is a proud supporter of organizations including the Autism Society of Colorado and the Food Bank of the Rockies.

Ms. Walker holds a master’s degree in Organization Development and Change from Pennsylvania State University and is pursuing her doctorate in Education from the same institution. In 2023, Ms. Walker was named one of the Power 100 by Diversity Woman magazine.

Danielle is the middle school art teacher for the Quaker Valley School District, a small and compassionate district outside of Pittsburgh, PA. Danielle has undergraduate and graduate degrees in both Art Education and Studio Art. She has taught art in public schools, universities, and at a contemporary art museum. As the only middle school art teacher, Danielle works with and gets to know each of the district’s 400 middle school students as they transition from 6th to 8th grade. She believes that art is for everyone. Art can safely help adolescents explore identity, overcome challenges, and connect with others. Danielle is currently exploring how to be more intentional about the dynamics in her studio classroom and how to cultivate ways where each student feels like they genuinely contribute and belong.

Charletta Zeigler, a dedicated and accomplished educator, resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is the proud principal of a K-8 charter school in the city, where she has been making a significant impact on the lives of students and educators alike. With over 20 years of experience in education, Charletta has excelled in various roles, including as a teacher, reading specialist, and principal.

Her impressive academic background includes a bachelor's degree in early childhood and elementary education from Chestnut Hill College, a master's degree in teaching and learning from Lock Haven University, and a reading specialist certification from Arcadia University. Furthermore, she holds a master's degree in educational leadership and a principal certification from Edinboro University. Charletta is also a certified member of the Maxwell Leadership Team, reflecting her commitment to leadership and personal and professional growth.

Charletta possesses a deep passion for educating students and developing, inspiring and fostering the growth of future leaders and masterful teachers. She is excited to embark on a new journey toward a doctorate at Penn State to enhance her skills in education and leadership, improve and innovate in the field of education, and continue to make a positive impact on her students, staff, and the broader educational community.

After a successful 20-year career as a hospitality leader, Diane Guarantano made the decision to combine her passion for helping others with her desire to work in education. She obtained her M.S. in school counseling, and Administrator I certificate from McDaniel College in Maryland and now serves as an elementary school counselor and mental health team member at a Title I school outside Baltimore. In this role, Diane actively pursues her research interest of understanding and improving the relationship between the community and the school. She works closely with various stakeholders to best meet her students' needs, ensuring they achieve the greatest success academically, socially, and behaviorally. Coupling her professional experience with the knowledge gained through the Doctor of Education Program, Diane is determined to strengthen the connection between education and community to become an effective advocate for her students and their families.

Originally from the Midwest, Diane now resides on the East Coast with her husband, near their two adult children, whom they enjoy visiting often. In her spare time, Diane enjoys traveling extensively, spending time with family and friends, reading, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Gianna is dedicated to helping others utilize education to become the best versions of themselves. She grew up in North Philadelphia and experienced many of the systemic inequities that still plague urban areas today. Thankfully, she was able to receive excellent educational experiences. It was those experiences that allowed her to gain access to a variety of opportunities. She believes that having options makes all the difference in life. Therefore, she strives to ensure that others receive high-quality academic instruction, so that they will have choices about what they want to do with their lives and who they want to become.

Gianna currently serves as the Director of Education for Beyond Literacy, Philadelphia’s largest adult literacy nonprofit. In this role, she develops and manages educational programming for over 1200 adult learners per year. Previously, Gianna taught various subjects to adult learners and high school students, was an In-House Professional Development Specialist, and was a neuroscience researcher. Her current primary research interest is Organizational and Workforce Development, Change, and Leadership. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Biology and her Master of Science in Neuroscience degrees from Delaware State University. She also earned her Master of Science degree in Secondary Education from the University of Pennsylvania.

Kristen is a Human Capital Consultant for a boutique, DC-based firm working mostly with social change and social justice nonprofits as their HR partner. She holds two Master's Degrees from Pennsylvania State University -- one in Education with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis and the other in Organization Development and Change with certificates in Consulting Skills and Change Essentials. 

In her role as a Human Capital Consultant, Kristen specializes in organization development, employee engagement, change management, learning and development, training programming, and performance management. 

Her research interest focuses on neurodiversity in the workplace, specifically in equipping employers to hire and support individuals with neurodiversities through employer training, internal communication, and employee/organization development to meet the unique and changing needs of these employees.

Kristen's unique background as a former COO, behavior analyst, and teacher provides her with valuable insights into the dynamics of different organizational and educational levels, enabling her to develop tailored and effective learning strategies through an employer lens. She brings a behavior change perspective to her OD practice, ensuring that organizational needs are met through innovative and inclusive approaches. 

Living in Washington state, Kristen enjoys spending time outdoors with her partner and exploring the beautiful landscapes the PNW has to offer.

Suzanne Wayne is the IT Project Portfolio manager for the Outreach and Online Education Information Technology and Organization Effectiveness groups at Penn State. Her career has focused on supporting successful project and portfolio management in higher education, especially in enrollment management, IT, and marketing.

She holds multiple certifications from the Project Management Institute, including a Project Management Professional and an Agile Certified Practitioner certification. She is a leader of the Penn State Project Management Working Group, a university-wide community of practice that supports project managers through monthly discussion sessions.

As a D.Ed. student, she plans to focus on how higher education institutions as well as other organizations can apply project portfolio management and value stream management principles to find greater success in accomplishing strategic goals with limited resources.

Virginia Brensel currently serves as a 7th-grade teacher working with students from diverse backgrounds in California's San Joaquin Valley.  She has 20 years of experience in education.  Throughout this career, she has worked to continue her education in English Language Development, small group reading, blended learning, and writing.  Virginia is also a nationally certified STEM educator.  In addition to teaching, Virginia also works as a writer and consultant for Nancy Akhavan Consulting focusing on working with teachers and district leaders to build literacy and English Language Development in their districts.  

Virginia received her undergraduate degree from California State University Fullerton in a blended teacher education program.  She graduated with a master's degree from the University of Scranton.  

Virginia's philosophy is that all students deserve literacy.  Her passion is working with multilingual students.  She loves to see them succeed in the content areas and develop their language skills in their heritage languages and English.

When Virginia relaxes, she enjoys reading, tennis, pickleball, and traveling with her family.

Krishawna Goins is an accomplished early career elementary educator in Northern Virginia and a proud two-time graduate of The Pennsylvania State University. She holds a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education and a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Social Studies Education. During her time at Penn State, Krishawna has served as a PACE coordinator for the central region of Pennsylvania SPSEA (Student Pennsylvania State Education Association), interned for The Walt Disney Company, and collaborated with university leadership to impact educational policy and curriculum at Penn State.

As an Equity Lead for her school, she supports teachers through professional learning, curriculum development, and coaching to foster culturally responsive learning environments. Her master's work centered on the intersection of democracy in education, anti-oppressive social studies, and project-based learning. 

Krishawna is a lifelong learner with many wonderings. Her current research interests with her doctorate are early career educators and creating sustainable systems of support to elevate their skills and self-efficacy to amplify their ability to serve as changemakers within the field from Day 1. She hopes to focus on educator growth and retention through the lens of teacher leadership, advocacy, and communities to create just schools.

In addition to her work in the classroom and as a scholar, Krishawna also serves on the Penn State College of Education Alumni Society Board as the Chair of the J.E.D.I. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee and the Communications Chair of the S.E.A (Social Equity Alumni) Network. She also serves as the Learning Experience Specialist for Fair Share Publishing, a children's book publishing company bringing literacy into the future. Krishawna is also a co-founder and Freedom Dreamer at Women X Meta, a family #web3 startup focused on onboarding women and children into web3 and advocating for a socially sustainable future through technology. To learn more, visit her on Twitter: @MissGoinsGPE.

Anne Hill is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in education. She is a physical therapist with over thirty years' experience in neurologic rehabilitation, acute care, geriatrics, home care, orthopedics, and pediatrics. She has loved working with patients and other health care team members to optimize quality of life and outcomes. She has concurrently taught in the Penn State Mont Alto Physical Therapist Assistant Program for over twenty-five years, the last three as full-time faculty.

She hopes her students learn all they can to pass their boards and provide excellent care to their patients. She enjoys providing professional and community education on a variety of physical therapy topics. She hopes to contribute to the research behind best educational practices in physical therapy programs and the profession.

Kimberly Paglia is a creative and innovative educator who works in the field of special education as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TSVI) and as a Certified Orientation & Mobility Specialist (COMS). Over the past 19 years, she has worked in the public school system as well as for the non-profit Keystone Blind Association, with a focus on supporting students who are blind and visually impaired as they develop skills for independence. Currently, Kimberly is employed by Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 as a TSVI/COMS. In addition, she serves on the international conference programming team for NOAH (National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigementation).

Kimberly earned her Bachelor of Music degree from Westminster College, with a double major in education and composition, and her Master of Education degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In addition to her work in special education, she enjoys songwriting, playing music with her band, Bellhouse, and directing the worship band and choir at Trinity Church. Kimberly lives in Mercer, PA.  She is thrilled to be part of the PSU World Campus Doctoral program, where she plans to focus on ways to effectively support teachers and students.

Kevin Grubb is a nationally recognized expert in career and professional development and Villanova University’s Associate Vice Provost for Professional Development & Chief Career Officer. In this role, Kevin directs the university's strategic career initiatives, leading cross-university teams and driving projects that bridge the gap from college to career with a blend of high-tech and high-touch methods.

Kevin's passion for equitable access to career services has garnered acknowledgment from organizations such as LinkedIn, Gallup, Lightcast, and Strada, where he contributes to advisory boards and shares best practices on higher education leadership and career pathways for students. His leadership extends to non-profits, including service on the boards of the National Association of Colleges & Employers and the BIG EAST Conference Career Consortium.

Kevin's insights on transforming the college-to-career experience are featured in national conferences, media interviews, and podcasts. He holds a BS in Psychology from St. Joseph's University, an MA in Higher Education Administration from New York University, and a Certificate in Leadership in Performance Coaching from Brown University. Certified in various coaching and assessment tools, Kevin excels in guiding executives through organizational change, making him an invaluable asset in higher education and beyond. With a blend of expertise and enthusiasm, Kevin continues to revolutionize the way talent meets opportunity.

Dan Murphy earned his B.A. in Music and Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University and his M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology from James Madison University. Prior to his admission to the Doctorate of Education program, he completed a graduate certificate in Management Consulting through Penn State World Campus. Dan currently serves as the director for Commonwealth Campus Support in Student Affairs at Penn State. Prior to providing broad support and leadership to Student Affairs operations for the Penn State campuses, Dan spent 16 years helping welcome new students and their families to college through orientation and other transition programs at Penn State, Indiana University Bloomington, and James Madison University.

Dan has served as a board member for the Association of Orientation, Transition, and Retention in Higher Education (NODA) and as an elected representative on the State College Borough Council. Dan is interested in exploring change management concepts and their application in educational settings. 

Kat is a Pennsylvania Department of Medicine Licensed Behavior Specialist and is currently the Behavior Analyst for a public school district in Central Pennsylvania. Adopted from an orphanage in India at the age of six, Kat always knew she wanted to help children navigate the world, leading to her primary research interest of primary school special education. Kat earned a Master of Education in Special Education with emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis from Penn State and a Bachelor of Social Work from Bloomsburg University. She also earned a Master Certificate in Autism Education from Liberty University. She possesses a broad background encompassing social work, intellectual developmental disability, autism spectrum disorder, applied behavior analysis, and special education to improve childhood behavioral outcomes.

Kat has been married for over 17 years and has three adolescent children. In her free time, she enjoys helping with the family’s animals, including six barred rock chickens, three pekin ducks, two kune-kune pigs, and a chocolate labrador receiver dog.

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” - Picasso 

Billie Walker is a librarian at Penn State University. He became a Reference and Instruction Librarian at the Penn State Berks campus in 2001. Several years later, he moved on to become Head Librarian at Scranton and is now in the same position at Penn State Great Valley. He has written journal articles to include ones about prominent African American Librarians, as well as ones about using games and humor to teach college students about the library. Before he arrived at Penn State, he worked in other types of libraries, including an elementary school, community college, and a Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) in his home state.

He was born in Yazoo City, MS, and earned his bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of Mississippi and his Master of Library Studies from the University of Southern Mississippi. Billie's research interest is the University Libraries' responsibility with marginalized students regarding retention and student success. He is also interested in ensuring college students become critical users of information with an emphasis on artificial intelligence. His professional goal is to become a HBCU Library Dean. 

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience, Stephanie Tobey is a community service advocate with strong clinical and administrative acumen. She is a key collaborator connecting at-risk children and youth to critical resources and mental health services. As a school social worker, she provides behavioral health services to children, offers assessment and referral services to children experiencing mental health crises, acts as a liaison between the school district and community resources, and evaluates the effectiveness of student support services within the school. Stephanie is an active member of the Bucks County Youth Suicide Prevention Task Force and provides training on trauma-informed practices in schools for educators.

Stephanie received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Susquehanna University and earned her master's degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. Through Penn State’s Doctoral program, Stephanie hopes to broaden the scope of her knowledge base and impact on how schools support students’ mental and relational wellness in a post-pandemic reality of learning loss, high anxiety among students, and social isolation. Stephanie lives in Yardley, PA with her husband, 14-year-old triplets, and beloved dog, Dumbledore.

Erik Kobs is a Department of the Air Force Civilian and currently works on the Joint Staff as the Deputy Chief, Counter-Violent Extremist Organizations (C-VEO) Division. Prior to becoming a federal employee, he served 22 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Logistics Officer. With 30 years of combined government service, Erik has leadership experience across a wide spectrum of business operations and planning.

Education has played a significant role in Erik’s success and his studies include graduate degrees from the Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy, the Naval War College, and Chapman University. In addition to his passion for learning, Erik has also been an instructor - developing curriculum and teaching two undergraduate military history courses at Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His current academic interests include organizational change leadership, innovation, and emerging technologies.

Erik currently lives in Alexandria, VA, with his wife Kasey, and dog Ozzie. The Kobs’ children (twins) are juniors at the University of San Diego.

With nearly three decades of hands-on technical teaching experience in the automotive field as an Associate Professor at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Chris's career is a testament to the possibilities of change and growth. He earned an Associate in Applied Science from North Metro Technical Institute/Floyd College (Acworth, Georgia), focusing on automotive technology. Chris was an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified bumper-to-bumper line technician for a high-line automotive manufacturer.

While still a technician, Chris returned to college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Kennesaw State University (Kennesaw, Georgia). He worked as a Novell and Windows network administrator and engineer. A fortuitous meeting with a former North Metro professor led to an interview and subsequent career as a college automotive professor, marking a significant transition in his career. 

After five years at North Metro Technical College and acquiring a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from Southern Polytechnic State University (Marietta, Georgia), Chris accepted a position at Pennsylvania College of Technology (Williamsport, Pennsylvania), an affiliate of Pennsylvania State University, with his primary instruction focusing on sophomore students in automotive air conditioning/heating and advanced vehicle electrical electronics classes. He also instructs two unique chassis dynamometer classes and a restoration automotive upholstery class. Lastly, Chris has helped develop several automotive courses taught at Penn College, provided mentorship to numerous first-year instructors, and is the college teacher’s union representative for the transportation department. 

Chris has published nearly five hundred articles in various automotive magazines, has an award-winning column, "Cooling Corner," in Mobile Air Climate Systems Association's ACtion magazine, and has received multiple teaching awards. With the push to electric vehicles (EVs), Chris has stayed current by becoming one of less than 100 EV PRO+ certified technicians in the United States. His teaching and field expertise have allowed him to testify before Congress about EV technician and first responder safety, personal protective equipment, and the country's infrastructure concerns. Chris will focus on adult and workforce education classes, helping forge a path in leadership, administration, and organizational change.

Natalie Cartwright serves as the Chief Data Officer at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). She leads the Advanced Data Analytics Shared Service team, collaborating with university staff and faculty to gather accurate, timely data for actionable research and reports. With nearly two decades of experience in higher education and institutional research, Natalie specializes in accreditation, enrollment management, strategic planning, data visualization, and data democratization. Natalie's contributions include significant advancements in data-driven decision-making within the PASSHE system. She is passionate about enhancing educational experiences through data analytics.

Natalie is a first-generation college student and holds a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology from Muhlenberg College and an M.Ed. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania.

Jimmy Alvarez is the Superintendent of the Belmar Elementary School District in New Jersey. He received his Master’s in Educational Leadership from Kean University and his undergraduate degree from York College of Pennsylvania. Looking back at his over 20 years of experience in public education it is clear that his first steps down this path started with a phone call from his uncle, an excellent teacher and mentor. Jimmy spent the first 11 years as a Spanish teacher, helping to build a nationally ranked magnet high school. He then served as a school principal in a military community for over eight years, dedicated to offering the highest quality education to the families who serve our nation.

Jimmy has a keen interest in equity and community leadership. He firmly believes that all students can learn at high levels and that it is the responsibility of educators to be bold enough to challenge the status quo to achieve this. He is passionate about connecting with others and working toward shared goals. Jimmy hopes to continue his work as an advocate for the underdog while pursuing a doctorate, the first in his Cuban-American family.

He is a proud father of two young children and a devoted husband, grateful to have found his incredibly supportive wife. Jimmy enjoys surfing, golfing, camping, and spending days at the beach with the people closest to him.

Adie Buchinsky is passionate about supporting inclusive experiences for public school students of all abilities.  She currently teaches at a full-inclusion charter school in Los Angeles, CA and is a lecturer in the Special Education Department at California State University – Northridge.  Adie graduated with Honors from Brown University in Education Studies with an emphasis on Human Development.  She possesses Master’s Degrees from both American University (Elementary Education) and New York University (Educating Students with Exceptionalities) and is eager to embark on this journey at Penn State!  Adie has worked in public, private, and charter schools since 2007 teaching students from Transitional Kindergarten through seventh grade.

She has also conducted professional development sessions and conference presentations at the state, national and international levels.  In all these capacities, Adie works to develop staff capacity to fully support students with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers.  She is excited to pursue research opportunities that encourage more districts to embrace full inclusion for students with disabilities.

Katrina Chapman currently serves as the Assistant Principal of Quaker Valley Middle School in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Prior to going into administration, she served as an elementary, middle and high school teacher for over sixteen years, in both private and public settings, across three different states. She took on this administrative role because she enjoys empowering students and teachers to develop their potential. With her varied background and experiences, she is able to mentor teachers and provide instructional coaching and strategies that have a direct impact on learning and achievement. Collaborating, brainstorming, thinking “outside of the box” and identifying solutions that are always in the best interest of the students are things she appreciates doing with her team. Building relationships and making personal connections is of utmost importance to her. She strives to create a positive and supportive climate and culture. 

Katy received her bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY. There she majored in mathematics and minored in elementary education. She then got her master’s degree in reading education from Binghamton University. More recently, she received a second master’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania in educational leadership.

Katy considers herself to be a lifelong learner and recognizes that continuing to build her knowledge of instructional effectiveness and staying current with evidence-based strategies will aid her in building a student-centered setting where each individual gets the personalized education they deserve.

In her free time, Katy enjoys spending time with her husband, three children, and two dogs. 

My name is Olivera Sokarda. I obtained both a B.A. in Russian and a Graduate Certificate in Children’s Literature K-12 from Pennsylvania State University. I earned my M.Ed. in TESL from Framingham State University. As a D.Ed. candidate-scholar, I am interested in educator training in best practices, particularly in the methods of a lesson that are most effective in engaging the student and honoring the student’s personhood among a diverse classroom population and a technologically-driven virtual reality school culture.

I delight in seeing others truly live a full and great life using their gifts and skills to bless others. I enjoy reading and discussing beautiful ideas in great books, learning languages, attending theatrical performances and classical concerts, spending time in nature, leisure biking, hiking, playing tennis, traveling to new places, and having inspiring and life-changing conversations in charming cafés.

Rochelle Harris currently resides in Murrieta, California. She has spent the last several years working within the K-12 school system, continuing as a Mental Health Therapist/Social Worker for the Murrieta Valley Unified School District. Rochelle has experience within nonprofits focused on providing resources for individuals with mental health comorbidity while experiencing chronic homelessness, adult subacute psychiatric facilities, and counseling within an opioid treatment program.

Rochelle gained her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a concentration in Life Science from Penn State and her Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma from the University of Denver. She received her Pupil Personnel Services Credential with a focus in Child Welfare and Attendance from San Jose State University. She is currently registered with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Clinical Social Worker and was previously registered as a Substance Use Disorder Registered Counselor with the California Association for DUI Treatment Programs.

Rochelle has interest in adolescent mental health/social emotional needs within academic settings, as well as teaching within the field of higher education. She wishes to further bridge the gap between adolescent mental health, understanding and ridding the stigma surrounding it, and available resources, particularly within educational environments.

Brett Powell has been a rural public high school physics teacher in Pennsylvania for the past 6 years. He is a teacher, leader, and coach in his district with a particular interest in STEM curriculum, instruction, and assessment. His passion for his students and their futures is his primary concern, leading him to be named his school's Teacher of the Year for 2023. He also designed and implemented new curricular materials for AP Physics 1 and 2.

Brett earned two bachelor's degrees from Lock Haven University in Physics and Education. He then earned a master's degree from Penn State in STEM Curriculum and Instruction. He has attended a Penn State research experience for teachers as well as modeling instruction workshops.

In addition, Brett is his school's varsity boys soccer head coach. He loves soccer and believes team sports and extra-curricular activities are invaluable as an educational tool.

Lauren is the Senior Associate Athletics Director at the University of Richmond and oversees Spider Performance and Development (SPD), Richmond's performance optimization and student-athlete development model that integrates Spider Athletics' efforts in eight critical areas: leadership and development, academic services, sport performance and analytics, career and alumni engagement, diversity and inclusion, nutrition, mental health and sports psychology, as well as sports medicine and well-being. Under her direction, the Spider Performance and Development team builds “champions for life,” that propels student-athletes to achieve their full academic, athletic, personal, and professional potential.

In addition, Wicklund serves as an adjunct faculty member at Richmond and VCU teaching leadership courses on personal leadership development and high-performance teams.  Her research interests reside in the fields of organizational climate, leadership and culture development, and the integration of education and sport.  Lauren is also a certified Personal Development Coach, Real Colors Leadership Facilitator, and Well-Being/Mindfulness Instructor.  She is a central PA native and currently resides in Midlothian, VA with her husband, 3 young kids, and 2 dogs.  Lauren received her BA in Communications and M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. 

Michele Duffey is an Associate Teaching Professor and Professor-in-Charge of the general education portion of the curriculum for the Kinesiology Department at Penn State University Park. She earned her B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science at Penn State University and her M.S. in Health & Sport Science (focused in Exercise Physiology and Biomechanics) at Wake Forest University.

During her career, she has been fortunate to engage in clinical, research, and educational arms of the field, primarily focused on working with clinical populations needing cardiac rehabilitation, military personnel and cadets involved in orthopaedic research, and teaching in higher education. She has been engaged in shared governance with University Faculty Senate for over a decade, currently serving as an officer and having served in leadership roles for multiple committees and working groups involved with curriculum, intra-university relations, and admissions. Michele is most motivated, fulfilled, and energized when in situations requiring collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership or advocacy.

In her free time, you will find her outside being active (perhaps running or walking her dog), spending time with friends, or traveling with her husband and daughter.

Gerrard D. Evans, born and raised in Stamford, CT, is an experienced educator who fosters dynamic and engaging learning environments. Currently serving as the Center Principal at Nanjing Senior High School of Jiangsu Province in Wuxi, China, he brings over a decade of diverse teaching experience across various educational institutions.

Gerrard, a highly educated individual, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Liberal Studies from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies from Manhattanville College. His academic prowess is complemented by his extensive experience in key educational roles, including six years as a History and Learning Support instructor at Winston Preparatory School, two years as an adjunct professor at the University of Bridgeport and Westchester Community College, and four years as the Academic Dean at St. Mary’s – Shanghai. He has also held positions as Senior Dean at Ningbo Hanvos Kent School, Center Principal at Suzhou Experimental High School, and Co-Head of the High School at Shanghai United International School – Wanyuan Campus in Shanghai, China.

His teaching philosophy emphasizes self-directed, lifelong learning, and he is dedicated to promoting critical thinking and active engagement among students. Gerrard believes in building rapport with students and fostering a classroom environment where learners feel comfortable sharing their experiences and participating in discussions. His approach includes using various teaching methods, including lectures, meetings, small-group activities, and flipped classrooms, tailored to meet the unique needs of his students.

Gerrard’s work has been heavily influenced by his passion for helping minority students bridge the educational gap, as demonstrated through his involvement with the Horizons Enrichment Program in New Canaan, CT, at New Canaan Country School. His dedication to education is further inspired by his ancestor, Edward Wilmot Blyden, a self-educated African who sought to bring appropriate education to African people in Liberia.

Beyond his formal teaching roles, Gerrard has also served as an Outdoor Education Coordinator, planning academic trips to enhance students' understanding of historical events. His focus on holistic and experiential learning aligns with his belief that a liberal arts education should equip students with essential skills for everyday life, including writing, public speaking, and technology.

Terri is the founder of Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Services in Kuwait. 

She provides counseling for clients with chronic physical and mental health disorders.

She is dedicated to advocating for policy changes to support individuals with severe disabilities and their families in Kuwait, fostering hope and helping them live to their fullest potential with dignity and respect. 

Terri's research focuses on the unmet needs of parents of adult children with autism spectrum disorder and associated comorbidities in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

She earned her bachelor's degree in Rehabilitation Human Services from Penn State University in 2019 and her master's in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling in 2022 from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. 

Terri, a mother of nine grown children and nine grandchildren, previously owned the first yoga studio in Kuwait in 2002. She continues to incorporate counseling with yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness to help her clients manage mental health, stress, and anxiety.

Amanda Morris is an Instructional Designer for the College of Health and Human Development at Penn State. She works remotely from Williamsburg, Virginia where she lives with her husband and their four children ages 8-16. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Master of Arts in Teaching.

Amanda has worked in higher education for almost five years. Before that, she spent eight years in K-12 education as a High School English teacher and a Technology Integration Specialist. She has always been passionate about creating innovative and meaningful experiences for students. Throughout her career in education, Amanda has actively participated in various committees focused on DEIB, project-based learning, curriculum and assessment, and event planning. Currently, she is involved in several groups at Penn State, including the Learning Design Liaisons, the Non-Credit Platforms working group, and the Learning Design Summer Camp planning committee.

Amanda’s areas of expertise and professional interest are microcredentials, skills validation, experiential learning, and workforce equity. She looks forward to exploring these areas further during her doctoral coursework and research.