Dr. David G. Bailey is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist who has, over a 20 year period, culminated a variety of experiences within public and human services, mental health, and higher education. Dr. Bailey has held positions that were integral in improving the lives of youth in foster care placement, providing permanency to children and youth through adoption, and advocating for individuals in mental health treatment. Dr. Bailey has served as an academic advisor and was instrumental in helping both traditional and non-traditional students achieve success in their academic programs. His doctoral manuscript was focused on identifying those mindfulness interventions that were beneficial to reducing job-related stress. Within his research, he recommends components that should be utilized in a program implemented to help those in high stress occupations more effectively handle high levels of stress and thus avoid burnout and turnover.

Dr. Marion Burke is a Licensed Applied Psychologist and a Board Certified Coach. She has been an Associate Faculty member within the College of Health, Human Services, and Sciences since 2007 where she has taught numerous courses for the BA and MA in Psychology programs. As a certified Peer and Master Reviewer for Quality Matters (QM), Dr. Burke is also engaged in course design reviews to evaluate the quality of online and blended courses.

Dr. Burke’s passion for teaching grows out of her genuine desire to assist others to promote their well-being and reach their full potential. Her approach to teaching builds on adult learning principles, focusing on each individual learner and his or her needs and characteristics. What she finds works best with her students are high expectations coupled with high levels of support. High expectations communicate her beliefs about students' capabilities, and genuine support ensures that these beliefs become a reality.

Dr. Burke’s professional interests center on advancing others’ well-being through person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and strength-based approaches. In her spare time, she operates her own consulting and psychological services practice, where she provides individual coaching and psychoeducational consultation to support her clients. Her research interests include the long-term consequences of early experiences, developmental psychopathology, as well as the promotion of health and well-being.

As a desire to be a life-long learner, Dr. Dallas’ academic preparation began with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Concordia College, a Masters of Education Degree in Educational Leadership & Supervision from University of West Alabama, a Masters of Education in Early Childhood Education from American College of Education, an Educational Specialist Degree in Curriculum & Instruction from, a Doctorate of Education Degree in Instructional Leadership both from Argosy University, post graduate studies Education Leadership Superintendence tract at Arkansas State University and ESOL at Henderson State University.

Dr. Angela Seay Dallas is a life-long learner, an author, presenter of National and International Conferences, and assistant professor. Her degree areas are Early Childhood Education, Educational Leadership & Supervision, Curriculum & Instruction, Instructional Leadership and TESOL with post graduate hours in District Level Administration/Superintendence track. Angela has twelve years of higher education experience in both online and face-to-face, working specifically with students who are identified as at-risk (at-potential) and non-traditional.  Dr. Dallas has obtained 18 years of Pre-K - twelve education experience, as a lead teacher, drop-out prevention specialist, teacher mentor, curriculum leader, liaison between school and district office,  education specialist, ESL coordinator, testing coordinator, Parent/Community facilitator, Extended Learning coordinator, 21st Century Program Director, and an Administrator; Angela has 12 years of experience of collegiate education as a Field Experience Director, Assessment Director, Intern Supervisor, Lead Professor, Course Development Advisor.

Angela has also developed, organized, and maintained professional learning communities in the K-12 arena and higher education, developed undergraduate and graduate level courses in the bachelors, and master’s programs, taught bachelor, master’s and doctoral courses, scored comprehensive exams, and conducted Praxis II preparation courses in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and she has served on Leadership, Curriculum and Assessment, Accreditation committees, Dissertation committees and as Chair of Dissertation committees .

She currently serves on College of Education and university level committees as well as host on-going effective professional learning community collaboration sessions. Dr. Dallas is also a Certified Health & Wellness Coach, Zumba, Strong by Zumba and Aqua Zumba Certified. Angela also facilitates dance fitness classes regularly.

Melaney Dees is an Honors College student here at Ashford. She graduates Fall 2019 with a BA in Applied Behavioral Science and volunteers as a mentor for Ashford's CHAMPS program. With 20+ years experience in the mental and physical health industry, she has served as a Patient Care Technician, mother, family member, friend and advocate for those striving for balanced health. Her life experiences have been wide, both fruitful and fruitless. She loves people for all their quirks and abilities. Her favorite activities and hobbies include dancing, singing, gardening, writing, organizing, and cooking. Melaney finds that her faith and optimism saves her sanity every day and the people she loves are her motivation.

Dr. Heather Frederick received her PhD in Social/Developmental Psychology from Brandies University, where her focus was lifespan development, successful aging, and quantitative statistical methods.

She has been in higher education for over 20 years, primarily teaching Research Methods, Statistics, and mentoring doctoral candidates. Her research interests are varied and include: Mindfulness practices, epigenetics, somatic therapy, energy psychology, and sound therapy.

When she’s not going down the rabbit hole with these topics, she spends her time creating memories with loved ones and designing online courses and experiential workshops and retreats that help people remember who they really are, giving them the freedom to live a more joyful life.

Crystal Galvan Mendez is a sophomore at Ashford University pursuing a double major in Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Health and Wellness.  After graduation she plans to obtain her master’s degree in Nursing and eventually become a Holistic Nurse Practitioner.  She is also the proud mother of seven wonderful children, six of whom are still at home.  Life is busy between her family, work, and school, but she always keeps a smile on her face.  Crystal is passionate about organic foods, reading, healthy living, and the great outdoors.  She believes that no one should ever stop learning throughout their lifetime. 

My name is Michelle Gill and I currently reside in New Jersey with my 14 year old son.   I have a Post Masters College Teaching Certificate and a Master’s Degree in Human Services both of which were obtained at Capella University. My bachelor’s degree is in Sociology and was obtained from William Paterson University. I am currently a PhD student here at Ashford University with a concentration in Human Services. For almost 15 years I have been employed with the Division of Child Protection and Permanency working in the adoption and permanency department. For the past 10 years I’ve been working as a Child Welfare Investigator alongside the County Prosecutors Office and local Police. On a regular basis, I am responsible for investigating severe cases of abuse and neglect. For example, these cases are often seen on the news and in the media. Although my job can get overwhelming at times, I find it rewarding to help children and their families.

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I am the CEO and Founder of Michelle’s Foundation Inc. a non-profit 501 c(3) organization firmly dedicated to providing social, educational support and services to the children of Essex County, New Jersey. I am currently working on the organizations 8th annual back to school drive where my associates and I provide underprivileged children with support to include much needed school supplies, over the past 8 years Michelle’s Foundation provided services and support to over 6000 children.  

In my spare time, I host a radio show in the Caribbean community where we discuss issues ranging from family, love, and relationships to name just a few. I like to hang out with my son, family, and friends.  Additionally, I love to read and listen to music. 

I believe that in life doing what you love is essentially important. So live in your passion.

Dr. Jayme Irene Hines is an Assistant Professor of Education at Keene State College in Keene, NH and an Associate Faculty at Ashford University.  She holds a BA in Elementary Education from St. Bonaventure University, M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education from the College of Charleston, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, NE. 

Dr. Hines has several research interests including social and emotional development of preschool children, teacher preparation, and faculty-student relationships.  Jayme teaches Early Childhood and Elementary courses and supervises and supports Early Childhood student teachers. 

Dr. Maureen K. Lienau is an Associate Professor in the College of Education at Ashford University.   She obtained her Ph.D. in Education with a minor in Student Development and a M.A. in Counseling from The University of Iowa.   Dr Lienau has over 25 years’ experience teaching at the college level, including teaching undergraduates at The University of Iowa, North Dakota State, Moorhead State, and Ashford Universities, and Elmhurst College.   In addition, she has extensive experience writing grants and fellowships to federal agencies and administering grants from the DOE, NEH, and NEA.   While working for Argosy University, Dr Lienau taught both masters and doctoral level courses and supervised doctoral student dissertations and masters’ capstones.   Her research interests focus on factors affecting college student retention and academic success, and faculty evaluation and is a member on the Institutional Review Board (IRB).  

Karin Parramore has been interested in herbal medicine her entire life and purchased her first book on herbal medicine at the age of seven. She obtained Chartered Herbalist status from Dominion Herbal College in 2001 and graduated from the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM) in 2012 with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. Karin is licensed to practice acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and currently serves as full-time faculty at Ashford University in the Bachelor of Arts in Complementary and Alternative Health (BACAH) program.
Karin’s interests include music and dance, traveling the world, and building tiny houses.

Ellie Parvin is a Communication Expert, Speaker, University Professor and Owner of www.ellieparvin.com. Ellie also helps people improve their communication skills using LIVE video so they can move their audience to action, and improve relationships in their business and personal lives! She is a university professor, speaker, course creator and owner of EllieParvin.com

Dr. Heather Pederson joined the Ashford University faculty in 2018 after serving as online faculty and administrator at various universities for over 14 years. Since coming to Ashford, she has served on over two dozen dissertation and ADP committees and has taught a variety of research courses. She currently teaches both qualitative and quantitative research.  Dr. Pederson has been an educator in several capacities for over 20 years and has served as Director of Curriculum and Instruction, contributing and FT faculty at both brick and mortar and online universities, Program and Course developer, Subject Matter Expert, Institutional Review Board member, Program Chair, Comprehensive Exam writer and scorer, Residency Professor and Lead, PhD and EdD Program Director, dissertation committee member, dissertation chair, and University Research Reviewer.

Her belief that all people have value motivates her to tap into the resources that our diverse society presents us.  As an educator, she promotes high expectations, excellence, collaboration, and accountability within her teaching and learning communities.

Her personal interests outside of academia include coaching youth sports, boating on Lake Michigan, traveling, and tending a hobby farm which includes pigs, chickens, horses, and rabbits.

An important aspect of her life is family -- her husband of 15 years, 13 year-old daughter, and 10 year old boy/girl twins, and Olive, their mini-Chihuahua.

A proud Charlotte, NC, native Phelicia currently resides in Greenville, North Carolina the home of her alma mater, East Carolina University. At ECU she earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Economics and currently teaches economics at Ashford University. Her love for teaching and yoga brought her to the 200-hour yoga teacher training program with Samantha Harrison Yoga. In April 2019 she completed a 30-day, 300-hour intensive advanced yoga teacher training with Authentic Movements in Uvita, Costa Rica.

Phelicia looked to yoga for both her mental and physical health when faced with dialysis in 2015 and after a successful kidney transplant in 2016. Her passion for yoga spilled right over into her desire to educate individuals on preventative care and self-care with chronic illness. She is passionate about yoga because it improves the capacity for healing and balancing. Phelicia continues to be an advocate in the community for continued education in these areas, knowing that those who practice yoga regularly are less likely to exhibit chronic mental and physical health problems. 

My name is Lisa Romo.  I am an instructional Support Specialist and Certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher from Fort Worth, Texas.  My passion lies in educating adults, children and their families in the area of social-emotional wellness, and mental health.  Through my doctoral studies at Ashford University, I will begin work as a professor and continue focusing on mental wellness of students and teachers in the public and private sectors of K-12 education, and post-secondary.

Dr. Rowley is an Associate Professor and Lead Faculty member in the Division of General Education.   She has been teaching Full-Time for Ashford University since 2012 and started as an Associate Faculty member in 2007.  Her professional and research interests are on the social-psychology of health and wellness in multi-cultural communities.  In her spare time, she enjoys exercise, eco-advocacy and supporting animal related causes.

Aisha Thomas is an impactful and energetic speaker with a passion to empower the youth through social and emotional facilitation. As a Confidence Creator and Mental Health Advocate, she aims to embed inclusion, self-love and motivation into the culture of each young person, which results to healthier homes, schools and community climates.

Her journey began when her family migrated to the United States, from Sierra Leone, Freetown, a country in West Africa. Soon after starting elementary school, she encountered bullying which followed her into high school. As an attempt to belong, she began to follow a bad crowd of friends which led to her having a 0.4 GPA, her first quarter, as well as being suspended. As time progressed, her self-esteem waned and she attempted suicide that freshman year of high school, at the age of 14.

With an unstoppable mindset, Aisha overcame many other challenges from dating violence and sexual assault and became an honor roll student. She also graduated in the first computer networking program, in her district, completed college and joined the United States Air Force (USAF), where she has been serving, for over 14 years.

Aisha's service did not stop once she joined the USAF. She embarked on a journey to raise community awareness on topics such as sexual assault, suicide and bystander intervention. Thousands have been impacted and inspired after hearing her words of encouragement. She joined the Speaker's Bureau for the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization, RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) and began speaking at universities, community organizations and churches. She also became a lead Facilitator for the Department of Defense, educating civilian and military members on suicide and interpersonal violence.

Aisha studies under the tutelage of World Renowned Motivational Speaker and Author, Dr. Eric Thomas. She is currently one of the lead mentors of a military team that supports local schools. She manages volunteer recruiting efforts, teacher/student feedback and creates programs and activities to create solid mentee/mentor relationships. Aisha’s personal triumph is the reason why she has embarked on this path to empower young men and women one speech at a time.

Dr. Dianne Weinstein is a Lead Faculty member of the College of Health, Human Services, and Science at Ashford University. She earned a Doctorate of Applied Organizational Psychology and an MBA from Hofstra University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University, and certificates from various programs in Human Resources Management, Coaching, Distance and Hybrid Learning, Behavioral Analysis, Motivational Analysis, among others. Dr. Weinstein is the president of an international assessment, coaching, and training organization that aligns professional performance with business objectives. As an Executive Coach, Dr. Weinstein draws on a wealth of business experiences within public and private companies, including service as Vice President - Human Resources, Chief Ethics Officer, Industrial/Organizational Psychologist, and Change Agent. As the designer and facilitator of a course on Workplace Values and Happiness, Dr. Dianne Weinstein writes about doors that can be opened to provide individual happiness at work.