Education
PhD - Grand Canyon University
MAEd - Ottawa University
BA - Ottawa University

Instructor Alma Arce, PhD has been teaching for Ottawa University since 2006.  Dr. Arce (pronounced “RC”) earned her doctorate in Psychology with an emphasis in Cognition and Instruction at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr. Arce began her teaching career in the public education system and a few years later transitioned into higher education.  As adjunct faculty for Ottawa, she teaches courses in education, sociology and psychology and has served on committees to enhance the curriculum design and syllabi for the professional education program. Dr. Arce enjoys working with the adult population since her dissertation focused on the academic motivation and degree attainment of the non-traditional student population.  Dr. Arce’s interests lie in animal welfare and volunteer work with several humanitarian organizations.  In her free time, Dr. Arce loves to travel, spend time by the ocean, and read travel narratives.

Education
JD - Arizona Summit Law School
BSS - Ohio University
 

Instructor Denise Atwood JD, RN, CPHRM  is an Adjunct Professor for Ottawa University’s online campus.  Denise earned her Juris Doctor in Law from Arizona Summit Law School in Phoenix, Arizona, and her nursing degree from Moorpark College.  She is licensed in Arizona as a lawyer and a registered nurse.  She has worked in healthcare since the 1990's and has served as adjunct professor at Ottawa for several years.  She enjoys teaching Health Care Law and Ethics!  In her free time, Denise loves to travel, practice yoga and spend time in the mountains or at the beach.

Education
PhD - University of Missouri, Kansas City
MA - University of Missouri, Kansas City
BA - Syracuse University

Dr. Nicole Baker grew up in Kansas City, MO and completed her undergraduate degree in English at Syracuse University. She spent the first part of her career teaching K-12 in the suburbs of Kansas City.  While teaching high school, she completed her doctoral studies at UMKC with a focus in literacy.  Upon completion of her PhD, she decided to make a career change and moved from K-12 to higher education.  She has taught with Ottawa University since 2013.

Education
MSP - University of Phoenix
BA - Ottawa University

Lea Bastin grew up in Phoenix, Arizona and spent her first 20 years traveling as much as possible, experiencing as many cultures as she could. After settling down with her family, she completed her undergraduate degree at Ottawa University studying Psychology and Human Services. Wanting to continue to work with multiple cultures, Lea took a job in social services working with families on child safety. While working with the Department of Child Safety, Lea pursued her graduate degree, completing a Master’s of Science in Psychology.  Upon completion of her MSP, she chose to make a career change and enter higher education.  Currently working as a counselor and trainer at a local university, Lea is also pursuing her PhD in Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction.

Education
MAEd - University of Phoenix
BS - Emporia State University

Kate Bayne grew up in Kansas and completed her undergraduate degree at Emporia State University.  She has been teaching since twelve years of age when she taught swim lessons for the American Red Cross.  Along with swim instruction and coaching, she also worked in the book industry as a corporate trainer. After completing her MAEd, she taught for Bryman School of Arizona and Ottawa University. She has taught with Ottawa University since 2016 and enjoys integrating her background in poetry and literature into Composition courses.

Education
MA - Marquette University
BA - Montreat College

Marci Bigler grew up in Louisville, KY and Jacksonville, FL and completed her undergraduate degree in British and American Literature at Montreat College (NC).  Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Marci began teaching Middle/High School English, where she taught in Milwaukee, WI and at her alma mater in Jacksonville, FL.  She then moved back to the Milwaukee area to attend Marquette University for her graduate work in British and American Literature.  Marci has taught at Marquette University, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and Concordia University (WI); she's taught writing and literature courses at Ottawa University since 2011. In her free time, Marci enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids playing or watching basketball, baseball, football and soccer.  She also loves cheering on her favorite team, the Green Bay Packers.

Education
PhD - University of North Texas
MA - University of North Texas
BA - University of Texas

Dr. Ken Bridges grew up in the Dallas, Texas area and completed his undergraduate degree in history at the University of Texas and completed his MA and PhD at the University of North Texas.  He lives in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he teaches, writes, and lives with his wife and six children.  Dr. Bridges is the author of the "History Minute" columns which appear in more than 65 newspapers in two states.  He is the author of several books.  He has taught with Ottawa University since 2011 and enjoys integrating his experience in history for students within the classroom.

Education
MS - Missouri State University
BS - Wartburg College

Upon graduation in 1987 from Wartburg College as a 3 time 1st Team all American Off Tackle, Roger signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears in 1987, making the team, but was released the next season 1988 at last cut. He then took a job as the DC and strength coach teaching autism kids at Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Roger spent a semester as a strength coach G.A. at the University of Missouri. Where he later took a job at Northwest Mo. St in Maryville as the Defensive line and Head Strength coach for the university; the first person to have such responsibility. At Northwest he finished his Masters in Exercise Physiology and Physical Education. In Aug 1992 Roger returned to his Alma mater, Wartburg College, to be the Defensive Coordinator and Head Strength coach for the school. During his 5 years as Defensive Coordinator, Wartburg was in the NCAA Division 3 Playoffs four times and won the NCAA Collegiate Powerlifting championships twice. In July 1998, he then headed to Phoenix to be the Head Football coach at Moon Valley High; where in 10 years he won two state 4A state football titles and three consecutive National High School Powerlifting Championships. While Roger was at Wartburg College, he spent 3 summers in Europe as the Head Coach of the Franken Knights in Frankfurt Germany, a level 1 Bundesliga team. In the late 90’s Roger made the finals of the World’s strongest Man competition as well. For a 20-year period from 1985 to 2005 Roger finished in the top 5 of the USA nationals Powerlifting competition as well as many state titles. Roger is married to Kathy Gilboy of Phoenix in 2012 and lives in North Peoria.

Education
MA - Northern Arizona University
MEd - University of Phoenix
BA - St. Norbert College

Instructor Heather Brown is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin.  She attended St. Norbert College and completed her undergraduate degree in Education.  In 1999, she moved to Phoenix, AZ and worked 15 years as a middle school and high school English teacher. As an English teacher, she worked with a diverse population of students – ELL, Gifted, and Special Education students.  She started the Writer’s Club and worked on this program in conjunction with the community colleges.  In 2004, she obtained a MA in Educational Counseling from the University of Phoenix and in 2009, she obtained a MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is a qualified Reading Specialist and is ELL certified. In 2012, Instructor Brown decided to use her MA in Educational Counseling and served as a high school guidance counselor. She continues to serve as a high school guidance counselor but her passion for teaching continues.  She coaches the freshmen girls’ basketball team at her high school and she teaches at multiple community colleges throughout the state.  She has over 10 years of experience teaching English and Counseling as adjunct faculty. She has recently pursued another MA in Professional Writing:  English.  Upon completion of this degree, she began working with Ottawa University as an English instructor. In her free time, she loves traveling and spending time with her family.

Education
MS - Eastern Washington University
BS - Eastern Washington University

Kevin grew up in the pacific northwest and attended Eastern Washington University for both his undergraduate and graduate studies.  Upon graduation Kevin moved to Phoenix, Arizona where he has been practicing as a school psychologist since 1997.  Additionally, Kevin serves as adjunct faculty for both Ottawa University (since 2012) and Grand Canyon University (since 2009), as well as being a practicum and internship supervisor of school psychology candidates from a variety of universities.  Kevin received the Grand Canyon University excellence in teaching award in 2010 and 2012 as well as the Lamp of Learning Award (2017) from Washington Elementary School District and Educator of the Year award from the Arizona Middle Level Association (2016).  Kevin has served as the counseling coordinator for Washington Elementary School District’s 32 schools, represented professional service staff with employment dispute resolution, salary and benefits and working condition concerns, and has developed, wrote and implemented district wide programs for dealing with challenging student behaviors.  Kevin's various memberships include the Washington District Education Association, Arizona Education Association, Arizona Association of School Psychologists, National Association of School Psychologists and PsiChi, National Honor Society for Psychology.

Education
JD - University of Arizona
BA - University of Utah

Judge Bryant is an Administrative Law Judge for the State of Arizona. He started his legal career as a Law Clerk at the Arizona Court of Appeals and then as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Arizona. He was an ALJ with the Arizona Office of Administrative Hearings and heard a wide variety of cases from 1997 to 2014. One of his areas of specialty is Special Education Law, as he was one of only two ALJs who heard and decided Special Education cases for the entire State over a fifteen-year period. He is currently an ALJ for the Arizona Board of Fingerprinting. He has taught Legal Assisting classes in almost every area of law for over 20 years. He started teaching Special Education Law at Ottawa in 2014. Judge Bryant also teaches Education Law and US Constitution.

Education

MACc - Auburn University
BACc - Auburn University

Professor Kimberly Byrd is a Full Time Instructor in the School of Business at Ottawa University.   She was born in the Republic of Panama and lived there until she was 18 years old.  Her family owns several businesses including a construction company, a property management company, and a landscaping company.  She is very involved in the PTA at the local schools and work with the teachers and children every week.   She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting with honors.  She then tackled the Certified Public Accountant exam and passed.  She worked for several years in the business world and decided to take on the challenge of a Master’s Degree in accounting.  She felt the best option for her to accomplish this goal was online classes due to her workload, family schedule, and many responsibilities.  She knows personally what a sacrifice it is to make the commitment to attend college while having so many other obligations. She also graduated with honors from her Master’s program. Professor Byrd has been in the accounting profession for many years.  She has worked in private, public, governmental and non-profit organizations.  She has also worked for several accounting firms.

Education
PhD - University of California at LosAngeles (UCLA)
MS - University of California at LosAngeles (UCLA)
BA - California State University

Dr. Carlson spent her formative years in Denver Colorado where she enjoyed skiing, camping, biking and tae kwon do. She left Colorado to go out of state to California for her education. During her undergraduate years she worked as a chemist for American McGaw Pharmaceuticals. After earning a doctorate at UCLA (in the Mental Retardation Research Center) she did post-doctoral research for 6 years at University of California Irvine, California State University Fullerton and University of Colorado School of Medicine. During this time, she was inspired by conversations with Hugh Ross who went on to found “Reasons to Believe”, and Francis Collins, then head of the Human Genome Project. Dr. Carlson went on to become an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at University of Colorado at Denver where she developed an interest in the biochemisty of nutrition and did research on the iron storage protein ferritin. She had a heart to integrate faith and learning and this lead her to a position at Colorado Christian University as an Associate Professor of Chemistry. Dr. Carlson has also enjoyed teaching AP and IB biology and chemistry in high school for many years. She lives in Surprise and enjoys golf, camping, biking scuba diving, worshiping God, spending time with family and friends and teaching chemistry!

Education
PSYD - Capella University
MBA - Troy State University
BA - Valdosta State University

Dr. Vicki Carter currently works at Community Health Center where she started in 2008. She is the Behavioral Health Director and Clinician for New London County. Dr. Carter is also the Clinical Coordinator and Trainer on SBIRT within an integrated care environment.  Dr. Carter is a licensed clinician and is a clinical consultant for the Office of Public Defenders.  Dr. Carter is the proud mother is a nineteen year old son, college sophomore. Dr. Carter’s teaching philosophy is one scholar-practitioner. This philosophy embraces the integration of academia and work practices as both allow for continued curiosity on education and human behavior.

Education
MSW - University of Kansas
BA - University of Missouri, Kansas City

Instructor Mark Cederburg grew up in Kansas City and obtained degrees in psychology, sociology, and social work. These degrees prepared him for work in the fields of child welfare, family services, mental health, and disabilities. For the past 15 years, Mr. Cederburg has focused on academia, teaching ground and online classes at several universities. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences with budding human service workers.

Education
PhD - University of Kansas
MA - University of Kansas
BA - University of Califormia, Berkeley

Instructor Clarke, PhD, grew up in California and completed his undergraduate degree at The University of California, Berkeley.  He spent three years in the San Francisco area working for a software company and an advertising agency, before receiving his MA and PhD in Philosophy from The University of Kansas.  He works on issues in metaphysics, epistemology and metaethics, and his work has appeared in scholarly journals such as the Southwestern Philosophy Review and Philosophia. Justin has taught at Ottawa since 2015, and lives with his wife and family in Lawrence.  He loves to surf, and misses the ocean, but he loves talking about philosophy more.

Education
EdD - Argosy University
MSW - Adelphi University
BS - St. Joseph's College

Dr. Patricia Coccoma is an adjunct instructor at Ottawa University. Originally from New York and now residing in Southwest Florida, her career has included multiple positions from Staff Social Worker to Assistant Executive Director at a mental health agency. She has been an Associate Professor in Social Work programs at two univiersities.  She maintains a private clinical social work practice assisting adults, families and couples. Her research interest is in trauma and has co-published a book as well as multiple journal articles.

Education
MSW - University of Illinois
BS - University of Illinois

Sue Cohen earned a BS degree in Psychology and an MSW in Social Work from the University of Illinois. She worked as a therapist for the first ten years of her career and then served as a Program Administrator in a large non-profit organization in Northeast Wisconsin overseeing a variety of services in the areas of crisis intervention, sexual assault, youth prevention, and treatment programs and services for runaway and homeless youth. She has been teaching in undergraduate and graduate programs in Wisconsin for the past 25 years. Currently, she serves as a Supervisor of Initial Assessment Specialists for the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families. Sue enjoys doing federal grant reviews and spending time with her grandchildren.

Education
MSW - New York University
BA - Long Island University

Instructor Jayme A. Delano was raised in New York, completed her BA degree in Criminal Justice at Long Island University, C.W. Post Campus and holds a Master of Social Work from New York University.  In 2004, Ms. Delano moved to the Washington, DC area to work at the University of Maryland, and then in 2010, she joined the Federal Government to work as a policy analyst for the Executive Office of the President, Office of National Drug Control Policy, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.  Her experience spans years working in public health and public safety, and she enjoys sharing these experience with students.  She is characterized in multiple areas to include oversight of Federal grant programs; subject matter expert; led daily operations of alternative to incarceration programs for substance use disorder population; hired and supervised management teams that worked with organizations to affect the culture and climate necessary for programmatic success; development and oversight of research activities; provided technical assistance and training to a variety of criminal justice agencies; therapist in community-based clinics; and owned a private practice treating people with varied mental health diagnoses.  In her free time, Ms. Delano loves to travel and cook.  She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and two dogs (Tibby and Lucy).

Education
PhD - Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
MA - Southern Illinois University, Carbondale
BS - Iowa State University

Ron Evans grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa and got his BS in History and Psychology at Iowa State.  He then moved on to Southern Illinois where he got his MA in Clinical Psychology and began to focus on an academic career.  He did a one year clinical internship at Central Louisiana State Hospital and completed his Ph.D. work in 1976. He joined the faculty at Washburn University, Topeka, KS and achieved the rank of Professor in 1985.  He began teaching online in 1999 and retired from Washburn in 2005.  Since then, he has been a freelance online instructor and consultant for several universities. He devotes his free time to gardening, playing guitar and piano, reading, and cycling.

Education
MA - Northern Arizona University
BA - University of Arizona

Instructor Amy Feliciano grew up in Tempe, Arizona and completed her undergraduate degree in humanities at the University of Arizona.  She earned a graduate degree in English from Northern Arizona University.  She has been an educator for 23 years and has taught junior high language arts as well as freshman through senior high school English.  She has been an adjunct professor with Ottawa University since 2012 and is currently teaching junior English and Advanced Placement English Language in the Phoenix Union High School District.  She loves to read and looks forward to discussing literary works with future students.

Education
MA - Northern Arizona University
BS - Brigham Young University

Michelle Flory taught in the inner city elementary schools in Phoenix, Arizona before becoming a reading specialist with her master's degree from NAU.  She then went on to teach as an adjunct faculty member for seven colleges in Arizona before relocating to Utah with her family.  She currently is an adjunct faculty member for five colleges and is completing her PhD with Utah State University in Instructional Leadership with an emphasis in Literacy.  Her specialties are curriculum, literacy and reading coursework, and children's literature.

Education
PhD - Capella University
MA - San Jose State University
BS - San Jose State University
 

Dr. Audra Gardner was born, raised and currently lives in Silicon Valley.  She taught her first chronic disease self-management class on campus for Stanford back in 1995 and fell in love with the online formate after teaching the first online version of this course in 1998. She completed her PhD coursework online, so she understands what it's like to be an online student as well as online professor. Dr. Gardner has a passion for teaching in the online environment and helping students achieve their academic and professional goals. She has taught students with a wide range of academic goals from those wishing to pursue a certificate to resident MD's. Dr. Gardner has also trained many distance educators. She currently teaches various classes at several universities and serves on about a dozen dissertation committees at any given time - and loves every minute of it!

Education
MSW - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
BSW - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Judy Grady, MSW, is an adjunct professor at Ottawa University's Wisconsin campus.  She has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 30 years and currently maintains a private practice in addition to teaching.  Judy's current area of interest is in the area of neurobiology as it applies to mental wellness, and the use of mindfulness meditation and yoga as healing tools. Judy is a Wisconsin native.  When not in the classroom or therapy office, she can be found wandering the globe, sewing in her studio, experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen, or on the yoga mat.

Education
PhD - Saint Louis University
MA - Saint Louis University
BS - University of Wisconsin

Dr. Eric Habrel is an adjunct instructor at Ottawa University and teaches courses in the Master of Arts in Counseling program. Dr. Habrel taught at the graduate level in the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee for over 20 years and has been an adjunct faculty member at Ottawa University - Wisconsin since 2012.  He has also served as a faculty member and approved supervisor with the Family Therapy Training Institute since 1988 and provides consultation services to Aurora Family Service and Recovery Point. Dr. Habrel has been in private practice as a Psychologist in Southeastern Wisconsin since 1986. His expertise in marital and family therapy is used in his clinical work, consulting and seminar presentations as well as in the teaching, supervising and training of other mental health professionals throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.

Education
MFA - Spalding University
MA - University of Iowa
BA - University of Chicago
 

Instructor Amy Hanridge was born and raised in Nebraska and completed her BA degree in Anthropology from the University of Chicago and her MA degree in Anthropology from the University of Iowa. She completed Master’s field research in a neonatal nursery in New Delhi, India, comparing crisis medical decision-making there with similar decision-making in hospitals in the United States. As a cultural anthropologist, Instructor Hanridge has worked as a cross-cultural consultant with police departments and in teacher-training programs. She has assisted with research on immigrant expert scholars in the United States. Instructor Hanridge completed her MFA in Writing at Spalding University. As a writer, she has published short stories, essays, editorials and book reviews. Her short story, “Starter,” was published in 2014 in the anthology, Living in the Land of Limbo: Fiction and Poetry about Family Caregiving, printed by Vanderbilt University Press and edited by Carol Levine. Instructor Hanridge has taught online for Ottawa University since 2012 and she teaches a broad variety of liberal arts and writing courses.

Education
JD - University of Tulsa
MA - Texas Tech University
BA - Texas Tech University
BS - University of Colorado

Rich Hardy grew up in Texas and served with the Navy right out of high school.  Then he earned two degrees in Comparative Literature from Texas Tech and taught for a while.  Then he earned a degree in Physics and Geophysics from the University of Colorado and served as a Research Geophysicist for an oil company.   While working full time in the oil business, he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in Law from the University of Tulsa and then he practiced Health Law in Oklahoma for a number of years.  In 2001, his wife and he went to an MD Medical School to teach and take courses; she took the courses for real and he took most of them as a hobby; he also completed a Masters program in Hyperbaric Medicine.   Then he began teaching for Ottawa in 2004.  His wife practices Hospital Medicine and Clinical Medicine.  They live in Grove, Oklahoma.

Education
MM - Michigan State University
BSE - Missouri Western State College

Robert “Bob” Harvey was raised in Independence, MO, and completed his BS degree in Music Education at Missouri Western State College.  He attended Michigan State University, earning a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance.  Mr. Harvey splits his time between music education and music performance.  He taught for 29 years in the Lee’s Summit (MO) R-7 School District, working primarily with elementary band students.  He has taught at MWSU in the trumpet studio, and maintains a private studio at home.  He holds the position of Principal Trumpet in the St. Joseph Symphony.  As a member of the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra he splits the Lead Trumpet duties in addition to being one of many soloists in the group.  Bob also works extensively in Kansas City and the surrounding region as a free-lance trumpeter.

Education
EdD - Nova Southeastern University
MA - Ohio University
BS - Ohio State University, Athens

Instructor Diane Hobson, Ed. D, was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and moved to Athens, OH to complete her BS degree in Secondary Education (English, Speech, Journalism, Reading) and her MA in Educational Technology. For her doctorate work, she opted for a combined online and face-to-face format and earned an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Distance Education. Her dissertation work focused on learning styles and learning preferences of low socioeconomic students in a technology setting. She continues to be interested in research that deals with determining factors that improve online education, instructional design that compliments the learning styles of online students, and the globalization of education due to virtual learning. She has several articles published in Distance Learning magazine regarding quality in online instruction. She has been involved in education since 1992 and has taught English and reading to middle school students, reading and math to gifted students, educational technology courses, and serves as the director of curriculum and testing for a local school district.  She has also worked as an adjunct instructor for Ottawa University since 2009 teaching courses for the Master of Arts in Education program.

Education
MA - Pepperdine University
BA - University of California

Micheal earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from UCLA and his Master's Degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University. He teaches several different psychology courses at Ottawa University. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he currently works with adolescents at a high school in a counseling and teaching capacity. He is interested in the way gender influences behavior and his emphasis is in counseling and diagnosing mental disorders as well as human sexuality. He also has a Certificate in College Counseling from UCLA to aid his students in their future academic goals. In Michael’s free time he enjoys cooking, bowling, spending time with his family, and of course, talking about psychology!

Education
PhD - Syracuse University
MA - Penn State University
BA - Brigham Young University

W. Kesler Jackson has taught American history, international relations, Western civilization, world history, Asian history, South Asian religion-and-politics, Middle East history, 19th-century European imperialism, and historiography at multiple colleges and universities. Among other things, his research focuses on a major religio-political schism within South Asian revivalist Islam and its impact on the making of modern India and Pakistan. Before his graduate studies, he worked as a South Asia analyst in the Washington, DC area. The author of multiple books and articles, he is currently working on two monographs:  a history of the Deobandi-Barelvi rivalry in Pakistan and a history of the weeks leading up to the U.S. war in Afghanistan.

Education
PhD - University of South Florida
EdS - University of South Florida
MA - University of South Florida
BA - Arizona State University

Dr. Jennifer Johnson is an Adjunct Instructor within Ottawa University's Arizona-based School Psychology program.  Dr. Johnson, a recipient of Arizona State University's Leadership Scholarship, earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology in 1992 and, from there, relocated to Florida.  While in Florida, she earned her masters, specialist and doctoral degrees in Curriculum & Instruction with an emphasis in School Psychology from the University of South Florida. Following the completion of her program, she returned to Arizona to be closer to family.  She has now been a practitioner for over 20 years and currently serves as the Director of Psychological Services for Edkey, Inc./Sequoia Charter schools which maintains sites throughout the state of Arizona.  Dr. Johnson is a former president of the Arizona Association of School Psychologists and remains an active member in both her state and national professional organizations.  Her professional interests include consultation, special education law and program development.   In her free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys reading, exercising, writing, and spending time with her family and pets.

Education
MM - University of Maryland, College Park
BM - Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music

Michael Keelan is music director at Kansas Public Radio, a news/classical NPR network in the greater Kansas City area. He hosts recordings, interviews, and live performances weekdays from 9 AM-noon. Previously he hosted Nebraska Concerts on NET Radio in Lincoln.   Keelan began his career as a violinist with the Lincoln Symphony and his own musical family. He attended Baldwin Wallace Conservatory near Cleveland, and was a member of the Fairfax (VA) Symphony outside Washington, D.C., while earning a master’s degree at the University of Maryland-College Park. He served as full-time artist/instructor of upper strings at the Wausau (WI) Conservatory of Music from 2004-08, also conducting the Wausau Area Youth Symphony. In 2004 he began playing as concertmaster of the Green Bay Symphony, continuing until 2013, where he worked with numerous international soloists. While there, he conducted for the symphony’s youth orchestra program. In the summers of 2010 and 2011 he taught and conducted at Baldwin Wallace’s Summer Music Institute, and he returned in 2014 as recitalist for the university’s nationally known festival of J.S. Bach’s music.  In 2011, he was soloist with the Sioux City (IA) Symphony in John Corigliano's Red Violin Chaconne, and in 2012 served as guest concertmaster of Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra for the convention of the International Clarinet Association. From 2011-15 he played extensively for the Omaha Symphony and became a member, concurrently teaching strings at Concordia University-Nebraska. He worked regularly as a coach and adjudicator with Omaha and Nebraska all-state youth orchestras.

Education
MA - Minnesota State University, Mankato
BA - Bethany College

Kent Kessinger grew up in Lindsborg, KS and completed his undergraduate degree at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS.  His teaching career and coaching career has taken him from Kansas, to Minnesota, to South Dakota and back to Kansas.  While at Minnesota State University Mr. Kessinger obtained a master’s degree in the MSUM Department of Human Performance in Physical Education with a concentration in Preventative and Rehabilitative Cardiovascular Health.  The majority of his teaching experience has been at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD and Ottawa University.  While at both institutions he has taught a number of courses in the Physical Education and Exercise Science majors.  Mr. Kessinger’s teaching experience includes: Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Introduction to Stress Management, Psychology and Sociology of Sport, and Sports Nutrition.  Mr. Kessinger is currently pursuing his Ph.D in Exercise Science at Concordia University in Chicago.

Education
PhD - Texas Tech University
PhD - University of Iowa
MSEd - University of Nebraska, Kearney
BA - University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Anna Koch, PhD is an adjunct instructor at Ottawa University teaching online Addiction Counseling courses.  She is a licensed independent counselor in Texas and New Mexico. Dr. Koch’s research focuses on addictions, counselor supervision, veterans, and rehabilitation. Dr. Koch loves to travel, go fishing, go hiking with her family and two dogs, and crossfit.

Education
JD - Thomas M. Cooley Law School
MS - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
BS - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Aaron grew up in West Allis, Wisconsin and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He completed his law degree at Thomas M. Cooley Law School while living in Lansing, Michigan. Upon returning to Wisconsin, he worked as legal counsel for Milwaukee County's Child Support Enforcement Division. Aaron left the County to pursue dual masters programs, obtaining an MS in Health Care Management and an LLM in Health Law simultaneously at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Graduate School of Business and at DePaul University's College of Law. Upon completion of these degrees, Aaron worked in the private sector as a litigation attorney in various areas, including, but not limited to:  health care law, insurance defense, plaintiff's personal injury, and employment law. Aaron left the private sector to work as a prosecuting attorney with a Wisconsin state agency pursuing complaints against physicians, nurses and other various health care professionals on behalf of their respective licensing boards. For the past four years, Aaron has been working as an administrative law judge (ALJ) hearing cases with a high volume calendar resolving disputes between applicants, respondents and insurance carriers. Aaron also proudly serves his country as a Captain in the Wisconsin Air National Guard, serving as a JAG officer. Aaron has taught at a number of Universities for the past 12 years and has been an instructor with Ottawa since 2009. Aaron enjoys bringing his experience in both the private and public sectors to his students in a practical manner.

Education
MSW - University of Iowa
BA - Ottawa University

Elizabeth Lemp is an Adjunct Instructor of Human Services at Ottawa University.  She graduated from Ottawa University with a double major in Human Services and Sociology in 1998, and has nearly 20 years’ experience in serving children and families.  Her service has included work in community mental health, early care and education, medical social work, non-profit management and community development in Kansas and Iowa.  While in Iowa, Elizabeth completed a Master of Social Work degree with an emphasis in Family Centered Practice from the University of Iowa.  During this time, she conducted primary research on the relationship between mindfulness and empathy in the helping profession and contributed to academic research on postsecondary social work education and social work policy.  Elizabeth is a Licensed Master of Social Work in Kansas and serves as a staff clinician and member of the Trauma Informed Care Team at Family Service and Guidance Center in Topeka, KS.  She is also a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the International Association of Trauma Professionals.  As a practitioner, Elizabeth’s approach is authentic, client-centered and strength based.   She brings these same traits to the classroom along with a focus on best practice, high ethical standards and cultural humility as she helps to prepare students to serve in our changing world.

Education
MLS - Arizona State University
BA - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Aline Lindemann divides her time between Phoenix, Arizona and Cape Cod, Massachusets. She teaches for Ottawa University Online, and for the Masters of Liberal Studies program at Arizona State University. Aline is also a freelance writer; her work appears within Harvard Divinity School's Religious Literacy Project website, and in various magazines. Current research focuses on the intersection of spirituality and natural environments. When she isn't writing or teaching, Aline is happiest traveling or spending time outdoors hiking, gardening or standup paddling.

Education
MM; MA, University of Missouri - Kansas City Conservatory
BM - Bethel College
 
Aaron Linscheid is a trumpet performer and educator based in Kansas City and a music faculty member at Ottawa University, where he teaches applied trumpet. He has also directed the Braves Pep Band and taught the course Jazz in America at OU. In addition to his work as an educator, Aaron is also an accomplished performer.  Recent performances include with his own trio, the Diamond Empire Band and performances of original works with Clint Ashlock’s New Jazz Order.  He has also played in the Michael Pagán Big Band. Aaron enjoys teaching younger students in his role as a faculty member at the Village Music Academy in Prairie Village, KS. 

Aaron earned a Bachelor’s in Music at Bethel College before completing two Master’s degrees–one in Trumpet Performance and the other in Jazz Studies –at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.  Before moving to Kansas City, Aaron spent several summers in the Education Department of the New York Philharmonic. In his free time, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons and two dogs.  He loves the vibrant musical community that he has found in Kansas City and is excited to share his passion for music with the student, faculty and alumni of Ottawa University.

Education
PhD - Oklahoma State University
MS - Pittsburg State University
BS - Pittsburg State University

Dr. Luttrell has taught as an Ottawa University adjunct since 2010.  He earned BS and MS degrees in Biology (Aquatic Emphasis) from Pittsburg State University and a PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Ecology from Oklahoma State University.  Dr. Luttrell has spent most of his career researching fish ecology in midwestern aquatic ecosystems and enjoys integrating his extensive ecological consulting experience into biology classroom and laboratory activities.

Education
PhD - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
MS - Springfield College
BS - Upper Iowa University

Dr. Magnuson has been a lifelong resident of Wisconsin and earned his baccalaureate in Psychology at Upper Iowa University. He earned his Master's degree in Community Psychology with a focus on Medicine, Society and Culture at Springfield University. After earning his Master’s degree, Dr. Magnuson began teaching psychology and statistics for the social science courses. He has taught with Ottawa University since 2005. Dr. Magnuson earned his Doctoral degree in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Christopher enjoys working with people who have a vested interest in changing the world through education. His teaching techniques may best be summed up as “outside of the box” and he loves learning from new experiences. He believes that you should enjoy your work and that work should be interesting and challenging.

Education
MS - University of Maryland
BS - Spelman College

Education
PhD - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
MA - Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
BA - Henderson State University

Dr. Meek earned a BA in History and Spanish from Henderson State University, an MA in Biblical Languages from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a PhD in Biblical Studies (Old Testament) from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has authored, co-authored and edited numerous books, journal articles and essays. His primary research interest is in Old Testament Wisdom literature, particularly the book of Ecclesiastes.

Education
MA - Regent University
BA - Howard University

Instructor Arian Moore was raised in Atlanta, GA. She completed her undergraduate studies at Howard University's School of Communication in Washington, DC and later completed graduate school, receiving a Masters of Arts in Journalism from Regent University. She is both an entrepreneur and a writer.  She has experience in print, radio and television having worked for organizations such as FOX 5 in Atlanta and WHUR 96.3 in Washington, DC. She has written and published two books and is Editor for a fitness magazine. Additionally, she owns a media company that helps small businesses with their unique marketing needs. Professor Moore is passionate about teaching and preparing the next generation of communication professionals.

Education
MEd - Northern Arizona University
MA - Northern Arizona University
MA - Ottawa University
BA - Norfolk State University

Instructor Morris, a son of an Army Veteran, was raised in Sierra Vista Arizona and completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from Norfolk State University in Virginia. While at Norfolk State, Michael was a NCAA National Champion in Track and Field during the 1991 season. After sports Michael began his career in education, where he has served as an elementary and middle school teacher for nearly 10 years in the Phoenix, metropolitan area. In 2003 he obtained his Master Degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. In 2007 he obtained a Masters in Guidance Counseling from Ottawa University, upon which he began serving as a Guidance Counselor in Phoenix, Arizona.  During the past 10 years, Michael has worked as an adjunct instructor at several Community Colleges and Technical Colleges. His passion for education and community empowerment, led Michael to complete a Masters in Professional Writing from Northern Arizona University in 2017. Upon completion of his degree, Michael began working with Ottawa University as an English instructor. His love for working with students motivated him to continue coaching high school girls varsity basketball and a volunteer with high school track and field. Michael has a strong connection to his community and to his students. He possess the passion and dedication to help all students become successful.

Education
PhD - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
MA - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
BS - University of Wisconsin, Platteville

Instructor Dr. Rebecca Mullane grew up in Necedah, Wisconsin and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville.  After graduation, she worked in the Marketing Department for an insurance company before starting in Admissions and Recruitment at the University of Wisconsin - Waukesha. While workinig at UW-Waukesha, she returned to school in the evenings and online to complete her Master's Degree in Communication from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Shortly after, she transferred to the University of Wisconsin - Sheboygan to work as a Student Success Coordinator with at-risk students. During this time, she returned to school again in the evenings and online to complete her Doctorate in Communication from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. For the past five years she has taught Communication courses full-time at Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. She has taught as an adjunct for Ottawa University since early 2016 and enjoys working with students taking online courses.

Education
MS - Pittsburg State University
BS - Missouri Southern State University

Rachel Nally was born in Miami, Oklahoma and raised in Parsons, Kansas. She started her teaching career in Coffeyville, Kansas at Field Kindley High School in 1996. She taught at Independence High School for two years before moving to the Goddard School District in 2001. After nine years in the classroom, Rachel completed her Master's Degree and received her license in Library Science from PSU. She moved from the classroom to the library in the fall of 2005. Rachel opened the new Eisenhower High School Library in 2011. In her free time, she loves to read and spend time with family. She has been an adjunct instructor with Ottawa University since 2010.

Education
BS - University of Kansas

Jon Niccum is an award-winning journalist, author and screenwriter. Since 2011, he has been an entertainment writer and critic for the Kansas City Star. Prior to that he spent 10 years as an editor at the Lawrence Journal-World and its website Lawrence.com, and seven years as an editor at The Pitch, the Kansas City alt-weekly newspaper.   He is the author of “The Worst Gig: From Psycho Fans to Stage Riots, Famous Musicians Tell All.”   He graduated KU’s film department in 1989. He has taught journalism and film at KU since 2013 and at Ottawa University since 2015.

Education
MAED - Colorado State University
BS - Colorado State University

Kristi Piccone grew up in Wray, Colorado and Ft. Collins, Colorado and completed both undergraduate and graduate degrees at Colorado State University in Ft. Collins, Colorado. She spent the majority of her career teaching high school students Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, and Forensic Science. She also spent much of her career coaching Women's Gymnastics and Women's Diving. After retiring from a successful and rewarding teaching career, she made her way to Ottawa University, where she can now devote her time and passion for teaching to their wonderful students. Kristi loves being outside in the warm Arizona sun and golfing.

Education
MSP - University of Phoenix
BA - Ottawa University

Instructor Romero grew up in Phoenix, AZ; however, was born in Springfield, MO. She carries a Dual BA in both Psychology and Management. During this period and while in pursuit of her MSP (Master of Science of Psychology) she spent over 20 years working in the Behavioral Health field. Amber spent the majority of her time working with highly acute populations within the Maricopa County Community as well as partnered with several government agencies (FBI, CIA, Governor's office, etc) working with their Priority Populations. At this time Amber teaches both online and ground Psychology and Liberal Arts Courses for Ottawa University and absolutely loves it! On her off time she is comfortably consumed by her beautiful family consisting of three children (a set of young twins and a teenager), a spectacular husband and there might be a few animals running around too.

Education

MM - DePaul University
BM - University of Kansas

 

Brian Scarborough has been steadily developing his own voice and style as a trombonist, composer, improviser, and educator.  Born in a suburb of Chicago and raised in Kansas City, his career has led him to work and studies in both cities.  He can be seen performing around Kansas City with his own ensemble, the Brian Scarborough Quintet, and with the People’s Liberation Big Band of Greater Kansas City and the Boulevard Big Band.  Additionally, Brian can be seen working with musical theatre companies throughout the metropolitan area, having performed for 36 different productions with New Theatre Restaurant, Owen/Cox Dance Group, Spinning Tree Theatre, Musical Theatre Heritage, The Chestnut Theatre, and Music Theater Kansas City, among others.  Brian also served as the lead trombonist for the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California. 
 
Brian was recently named one of three finalists for the International Trombone Association’s J.J. Johnson Jazz Trombone Competition.  This June he will travel to Redlands, California to participate in the live finals round at the 2017 International Trombone Festival.  Brian also performed at the 2015 American Trombone Workshop hosted by the U.S. Army Band at Ft. Myer, VA and won the National Solo Jazz Competition.  In addition, Brian was named a Luminarts Fellow of Jazz Improvisation in 2014 through the Luminarts Cultural Foundation at The Union League Club of Chicago.  During his undergraduate studies, he was a finalist for the Gilberto Gagliardi competition at the International Trombone Festival and received two Outstanding Performance awards in Downbeat Magazine’s Student Music Awards.
 
As an educator, Brian has presented workshops and masterclasses at the University of Kansas and Johnson County Community College, and has worked with public schools throughout the area.  He served as an Artist-in-Residence at Washburn University in 2016, performing as a member of the faculty brass quintet.  Additionally, he has served on the faculty for the University of Kansas Jazz Workshop, the Kansas City Jazz Camp, and as a Teaching Assistant for the 2015 Brevard Jazz Institute. 
 
Brian has studied jazz with Tim Coffman, Tom Matta, Dana Hall, Matt Otto, Danny Embrey, and Dan Gailey, and has studied trombone with Dr. Michael Davidson and Dave Cooper.  He has received additional coaching from Bill Reichenbach, Michael Dease, Andy Martin, Alex Iles, John Fedchock, Elliot Mason, Ingrid Jensen, Luis Bonilla, and Peter Epstein. 
 
In addition to tenor trombone, Brian also teaches bass trombone, euphonium, and tuba.
 
For more information, visit www.brianscarboroughmusic.com. 

Education
PhD - Capella University
MSN - University of Phoenix
BSN - University of Phoenix

Adjunct instructor Margi Schultz, PhD, RN, earned her PhD from Capella University with a specialty in online education and is excited to work with students in the nursing program at Ottawa University. Dr. Schultz is the Administrator for MaricopaNursing a consortium of eight community colleges in Phoenix, AZ. Ottawa University partners with MaricopaNursing for the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP), providing the Bachelor's degree components along with the prelicensure RN program for MaricopaNursing students. Dr. Schultz worked in  ICU and neurotrauma nursing for several years before moving into higher education. Her passions (other than her family and the White Mountains of Arizona!) include nursing research, promoting  culturally sensitive care, and nursing leadership topics.

Education
PhD - University of California, Davis
MA - University of California, Davis
BA - University of Wisconsin, Madison

Elizabeth Skwiot earned her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature with a Designated Emphasis in Feminist Theory and Research from the University of California-Davis. She teaches a variety of literature courses at Ottawa University and wrote the online course on Literary Criticism. Having performed in the circus between getting her M.A. and Ph.D., Dr. Skwiot's research interests include the intersections between art and performance in all areas of society.

Education
MA - Emporia State University
BA - Ottawa University

Instructor Smith grew up near Denver, Colorado and in Winfield, Kansas.  He completed his undergraduate degree in History at Ottawa University.  Upon graduation, he worked as an Ottawa University Admissions Counselor and Assistant Football Coach before teaching and coaching at Paola (KS) High School for seven years.  In 2006, Smith returned to work full time at his alma mater as an Assistant Football Coach and Head Golf Coach.  Smith completed his MA in History at Emporia State in 2009.  He has taught American Government and American Experience II at Ottawa University since the fall of 2014.  He loves to travel with his family, often exploring hiking trails in the mountains of Colorado.

Education
EdD - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
MA - Boston College
BA - Clark University

Dr. Margaret Smith earned her BA in Psychology and certificate in Gerontology from Clark University, her MA in Counseling Psychology from Boston College,  and her EdD in Education (focusing on alcohol and other drugs in higher education) from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.  Her research focuses on high risk drinking among college students with a focus on college women.  She has worked as a case manager for elders, an alcohol and other drug counselor in a hospital based clinic (while also serving as an addiction consultant on the psychiatric center), Coordinator of GLBT programming at Dartmouth College, an alcohol and other drug educator at Dartmouth College, and now a tenured, full professor at Keene State College in Health Science/Addictions. She earned her MLADC in alcohol and drug counseling in New Hampshire and is a presenter at national and regional conferences.  She is the President of INCASE (International Coalition of Addiction Studies) and an active member of NAADAC (the Association for Addiction Professionals).  Her areas of expertise include addiction, GLBT counseling and culture, co-occurring disorders, gerontology, and women.  Dr. Smith loves camping, fireflies on a hot summer's night, reading, learning, and working with students!

Education
DBH - Arizona State University
MA - Webster University
BS - University of Central Missouri

Instructor Kendra Stewart-Nelson is an adjunct faculty member that teaches in the Master of Arts in Professional Counseling program. Dr. Stewart-Nelson earned her doctorate degree in Behavioral Health at Arizona State University. She has worked in the behavioral health field for over 20 years. She brings private practice and clinical setting expertise into her classrooms. She has taught with Ottawa University since 2016. With each teaching moment, Dr. Stewart-Nelson looks forward to integrating innovation and creativity with her students. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, writing and being outdoors.

Education
MSW - Washington University

Instructor Carla Vause, LSCSW, LCSW was raised in the Kansas City area and completed her undergraduate degree at Mid-America Nazarene College.  After completing her MSW at Washington University, she spent two years in supervision working on the eating disorder unit at Baptist Hospital in Kansas City to earn her clinical degree.  Since the year 2000, she has enjoyed her private practice in Overland Park, KS with a specialty in Families in Crisis.  In 1995 she taught her first class at Ottawa University.  She is excited to be a part of the Human and Social Services team.

Education
PhD - American University
MA - Goddard College
BS - University of Utah

Karly Way Schauwecker, Ph.D. describes herself as a lifelong learner, and this love was instilled early on, growing up in the small ski town of Killington, Vermont. In addition to skiing, her family nurtured a wide range of creative interests, from arts and crafts, to music and drama while volunteering in the local summer playhouse. Her academic interests are wide-ranging as well, with degrees in three fields: Communication, Psychology & Counseling, and Sociology. Karly is also a certified yoga instructor and trainer, and continues to take classes of all types (you may even find her in a few at Ottawa). An online adjunct instructor since 2015, she teaches undergrad and graduate classes in Sociology, Psychology and Counseling.

Education
MA - University of North Dakota
BA - University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Instructor Lisa Weiss earned her Master of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology in 2007 from the University of North Dakota and further completed all PhD coursework in the program. She has four years of counseling experience, five years of research experience and six years of teaching experience. She has counseled a wide range of individuals from diverse economic and cultural backgrounds, as well as military, grade school-aged and community populations. Lisa has held several advocacy positions working with traditionally underserved populations and completed several undergraduate programs of this type in her educational endeavors. Currently, Lisa teaches psychology and human services courses as well as research methods, statistics and physiology for the social sciences at Ottawa University and Upper Iowa University, where she has also been a subject matter expert (SME) for senior projects for Psychology and Human Services majors.  In addition to teaching, Lisa is a graduate writing tutor for online students at Herzing University.