ALD Doctoral Student Bios

Na

LinkedIn

 

妈

 

晶澳

 

Tory Candea is a speech-language pathologist at Georgia Southern University, where she facilitates clinical learning for future speech-language pathologists. She has her clinical doctorate in speech-language pathology from Valdosta State University, her master of science in speech-language pathology from Ithaca College, and her bachelor of science in speech and hearing science from State University of New York at Cortland. Tory has additional certifications as a Certified Brain Injury Specialist, a Certified Dementia Practitioner, a Certified Trauma Support Specialist, and a Certified End-of-Life Specialist. She is thrilled to be enrolled as a doctoral student in the Adult Learning & Development Education (Ed.D.) program.

 

Carolyn Clark is an Assistant Registrar at Middle Georgia State University, where she oversees the Veteran and Military Resource Center. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator. Carolyn is an author, teacher, playwright, director, and entrepreneur.
Carolyn has three degrees: an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Public Service, and a Master of Arts in Practical Studies with a Counseling track. She obtained a certificate in Rehabilitation Science from Mercer University. A graduate certificate in Technical Writing and Digital Communication from Middle Georgia State University.
Carolyn loves teaching and facilitating. She is excited to be enrolled as a doctoral student in the Adult Learning and Development Education program.

 

Ch

 

呃

 

英航

LinkedIn   

 

Na

 

Diana Hardin currently works as the reading and writing specialist managing the writing area and providing academic coaching in the Learning Commons at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, TN. She has a special spot in her heart for learning support writing students and has been a college/university English teacher for more than 20 years. In addition to English, she holds degrees in music and chemistry, and I also had an eight-year run teaching Pre-K - 12 music, middle school science, and high school chemistry. Diana chose this program for two reasons. First and foremost, there was an offering for a focus in adult learning and development, which Diana felt would serve her well in my current role of academic support.  Also, she wanted a program that would be fully online with no in-person requirement. Diana states she has enjoyed every moment of this program and counts herself blessed to have found Valdosta State University.

LinkedIn

 

Abbey Hooten has taught Culinary Arts at Camden County High School since 2019. They have a Master's of Adult and Career Education from Valdosta State University and a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences Education from the University of Georgia. Abbey has helped many students who have struggled with mental health issues throughout their career and hopes to research teacher education programs for student suicide prevention. Abbey is passionate about student mental health and believes empowering teachers to be agents of change is the key to helping students in crisis. Abbey chose this program because of their prior experience in Valdosta State's Masters program, where they felt supported and inspired by the faculty. 

LinkedIn

 

 

Quiana Howard Gordon is a Senior Program Advisor at the National Institute for Student Success at Georgia State University. Her main role is to assist higher education institutions to improve their student success outcomes. Before joining NISS, Quiana worked for the Georgia Career Information Center, where she helped implement a statewide college and career development initiative for more than 1.6 million secondary students in Georgia. She holds a B.B.A. in Business Management from Georgia State University and an M.Ed. in Adult and Career Education (ACED) from Valdosta State University. Currently, she is pursuing an Ed.D. in the same discipline. Although Quiana is originally from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, she has lived as an Army brat in many places. She now resides in Lilburn, Georgia, with her husband, Robert, their toddler, Nate, and their Dalmatian, Spotticus.

 

Kristen Kennedy is a seasoned educator with more than two decades of experience, holding a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Utah Valley University and a master's degree in educational leadership. Her teaching journey began in New Mexico, where she spent nine years honing her skills across 4th, 5th, and 6th grades while concurrently advancing her education. Transitioning to higher education, Kristen joined Western Governors University (WGU) in 2013 as a Senior Program Mentor, guiding graduate students in Curriculum & Instruction and Learning Experience Design. Her role essentially involves academic advising and fostering student success. Now, embarking on my doctoral studies at VSU, her focus is on enhancing strategies for adult learners, an area she has identified as crucial in her tenure at WGU. Kristen’s aim is to contribute significantly to the field and optimize learning experiences for this specific demographic.

 

Dave Lakly is a Public Service Associate at the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government. He works in the Governmental Training and Education Division out of an Atlanta office, where he trains government employees and elected officials on various financial topics. He delivers face-to-face, online, and hybrid training and moderates several regular webinar series each year. His typical students are adult learners working in government. Dave was hired into his position as a subject matter expert, not an experienced trainer. His work in the ACED Ed.D. program has allowed him to expand and develop his skills as an instructor.

Faculty Page Link

LinkedIn

 

Laura K. Lease serves as the Dean for Teaching, Learning, and Student Success and an Associate Professor of English at Wesleyan College in Macon, GA. She is especially passionate about helping students get off to a strong start with their college education, so she teaches primarily first-year academic writing and transition to college courses. She also oversees many of Wesleyan's student success initiatives and resources, including the Academic Resource Center, the Online Learning Program, and faculty development and instructional support. Laura earned a B.A. and an M.A. in English from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and has been working in higher ed for twenty-four years. She chose to pursue VSU's EdD in Adult Learning & Development to continue honing her knowledge and skills with an eye toward helping to create a more compassionate and inclusive higher ed landscape.

 

 

弗吉尼亚州

 

Elizabeth Maxwell is a dedicated advocate for children and families. With a Master of Arts degree in Social & Public Policy and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Advocacy, Elizabeth is passionate about improving educational outcomes and ensuring equitable access to quality education. Elizabeth has a proven track record of empowering parents through storytelling and advocacy. She has worked extensively with families to navigate complex educational systems and secure necessary supports for their children. Her expertise in early childhood education and special education policy has made her a valuable resource for parents and educators alike. She is excited to be enrolled in the Ed.D program at Valdosta State.

LinkedIn

 

Christy Parker is currently in her second semester of pursuing a doctoral degree in Adult Education. She previously earned a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Valdosta State University. Professionally, she balances her role as an equestrian judge, coach, and trainer with occasional part-time work in the AI industry. She is deeply involved in the educational aspects of the equine industry and hopes to expand her work in that area. Her educational experience includes ten years of teaching 6th and 7th grade at Glynn Middle School.

 

David Pomplas is a doctoral candidate in the Adult and Career Education program at Valdosta State University. His academic background includes a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Empire State, an MA in American History from SUNY College at Brockport, and an MA in Social and Public Policy from SUNY Empire State. He has been employed as a facilitator at Charter Communications for the past six years. His decision to pursue a doctoral degree at Valdosta State University was motivated by his desire to enhance his professional prospects, advance my career, and contribute to the academic community in his field by expanding the existing body of knowledge. Additionally, he was drawn to VSU by its supportive staff, knowledgeable professors, flexibility, and affordable tuition.

 

艾尔

 

 

上海

 

Rebecca Storey is a Lecturer in the Department of Teacher Education at Valdosta State University. Prior to VSU, Rebecca taught for Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, North Carolina in the Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Additionally, Rebecca has taught elementary school in both Georgia and North Carolina and been a supervisor for the Georgia TAPP program. Rebecca chose to enroll in the Adult Learning & Development Doctoral Program at VSU to further her education in research and adult learning.

 

Melanie Stout has been a Career and Technical Education (CTE) teacher for the past 14 years, with experience teaching in private schools, public schools, and correctional facilities. Her professional goal is to serve as a CTE Director and help normalize trade schools as a viable and valuable path for students. She is committed to ensuring that students are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in both their careers and post-secondary education. Melanie holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services and a master’s degree in Education. She is licensed to teach Cosmetology, Barbering, Trade and Industry, and Family Consumer Science. Having recently relocated from Denver to Texas, she currently teaches Family Consumer Science classes. Teaching is her passion, and helping others is her mission.

 

俄文

Faculty Page Link

 

Margie Woodhurst-Kersey is an experienced manager and educator with over ten years of expertise in curriculum development for the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), a global non-profit that trains Rotarians. She currently leads webinars, in-person workshops, online training programs, and moderates podcasts for RLI. Margie has also worked with Dale Carnegie Training and provided continuing education for registered nurses. She and her husband are self-employed as estate planners. Together, they offer personalized training to help clients navigate their financial options. Her work with clients ignited her passion for teaching. Margie holds a Master of Liberal Arts with a focus on English Writing and has been published multiple times. She is pursuing an EdD in Adult Learning and Development at Valdosta State University to further enhance her expertise and broaden her professional opportunities in education and training.