ALD Doctoral Student Bios

Nakita Afaha has spent more than 10 years supporting HR, training, and administrative functions in various corporate roles. Her experience as an adult learner, in an online degree program, was the catalyst for pursuing a career as a student advocate and success coach, specifically for adult learners in online programs. Nakita earned her B.S. in Business Education from James Madison University (Virginia), an M.S. in Adult Education from Troy University (Alabama), and an Ed.S. in Instructional Technology from the University of West Georgia. Nakita’s passion and expertise for student success continue to evolve with prior experience including academic coaching as an Academic Advisor at Georgia Piedmont Technical College, developing and managing online student success initiatives at the University of West Georgia as an Online Student Success Advisor, and Academic Instructional Support Specialist, designing and developing eLearning courses with USG eCampus as an Instructional Designer, supporting online degree programs initiatives at Georgia State University as an Online Program Coordinator, and now, managing a state-funded Open Educational Resource (OER) grant program as Program Manager for Affordable Learning Georgia, an initiative of the University System of Georgia. Pursuing a terminal degree in this discipline is critical to synthesizing years of experience and expertise in student success, online learning pedagogy, adult learning theory and practice, and instructional design to continue making an impact on the academic success of all students.

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Margaret Blagg is an assistant professor at Augusta University. In 2004, she graduated from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. She then went on to physical therapy school and earned a doctorate in physical therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in 2005. After some years of clinical practice, she began teaching as adjunct faculty and quickly accepted a full-time position teaching neuroscience and neurologic physical therapy in 2016. She knew that she wanted to pursue a terminal academic degree but struggled to find the right program for various reasons. She applied to the EdD program at Valdosta State University because of the university’s strong reputation in education, and because the program emphasized adult learning. As someone who specializes in neurology, Margaret has always been intrigued by how the brain works. The longer she has taught in higher education, the more interested she has become in how adults learn and how that is different from younger learners. With the program’s focus on adult learning and development, she says she knows she made the right choice in Valdosta State.

 

Jasmine Brown is the Director of Clinical Education (DCE) and Associate Professor of Respiratory Therapy at Middle Georgia State University (MGA). She is pursuing a doctoral degree in adult learning and development and is currently taking her first formal adult learning course in the first semester of this program. In 2015, Jasmine earned a Master of Science degree from Georgia State University where she took her only research course. After completing her M.S., she was hired into the DCE position at MGA while working as a critical care registered respiratory therapist (RRT). After 14 years, Jasmine completely transitioned from bedside care to academia. In her professional role as DCE and Associate professor (tenured), she instructs adult learners in respiratory practice and simulation-based education (SBE). In 2018, Jasmine earned her certified health educator credential (CHSE) followed by the advanced credential (CHSE-A) in 2022 by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH). In addition, Jasmine has published original research in simulation and a few other scholarly pieces. To support her efforts to become an effective teacher, she would like to learn new strategies to teach adult learners. Transitioning from bedside to the classroom is a daunting task and requires formal training to tackle successfully, but Jasmine remains dedicated to promoting successful learning in her classroom.

 

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.

 

Charles "Cam" Coburn is currently the Assistant Director for Training and Development for the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles since May of 2023. Prior to this, he retired April 2023 from local government with over 30 years of creditable service. During his time, he served in law enforcement and the Director of Transportation. He holds 2 associate degrees from Pitt Community College, a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Fayetteville State University and a Master of Justice Administration from Methodist University, graduating with honors. Cam is a graduate of the Law Enforcement Executive Program at N.C. State University, the West Point Leadership Program, the 378th School of Police Command and Staff at Northwestern University and is a 2017 graduate of the School of Government Administration Program at UNC Chapel Hill. He holds a master's certificate as a Graduate of the Community Preparedness and Disaster Management Program at the Gillings School of Global Public Health at UNC-Chapel Hill, also graduating with honors. On November 5, 2019, Cam was awarded the Executive Level Emergency Management Certification by the State of North Carolina’s Division of Emergency Management at the Fall Emergency Management Conference.
Cam was named Pitt Community College’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni, the highest alumni recognition at the college. In June of 2016, Cam and Pitt Community College partnered to establish the Charles R. Coburn Memorial Scholarship for the children/grandchildren of veterans who attend Pitt Community College in memory of his father, a decorated disabled war veteran who founded Pitt Community College Athletics. He serves as an adjunct instructor for PCC, teaching various law and public safety courses. He also teaches adjunct curriculum courses for Wilson Community College.
Cam has received awards and commendations throughout his career and for his work with youth. He is an ordained minister and serves two rural Presbyterian Churches in North Carolina. He is a scout leader and a youth coach. He is married to Lori, the Early Childhood Program Coordinator at Wilson Community College, and has three children.

 

Eric Fanz is a first year Ed.D student in the Adult Learning & Development program. His research interest is focused on the interdisciplinarity of food systems including culinary arts, food science, and human nutrition. He believes that formal and informal food system education presented using a transdisciplinary approach yields thoughtful and effective practitioners and scholars that will directly shape the ongoing quality, safety and palatability of our world's food supply. He currently lives in St. Louis, Missouri with his husband, son, and dogs.
Prior to joining the Ed.D program at VSU, Eric worked for 12 years in various food industry roles as a senior food scientist, director of food product development, and production supervisor with small, medium and large sized organizations. These organizations included a healthy snack manufacturer, meat processor, and international grocery wholesaler. He holds an M.S of Food Science & Human Nutrition from the University of Maine, a B.S of Culinology® from Southwest Minnesota State University, and an A.A.S of Culinary Arts from Trident Technical College.

 

Barbara Fernandez is dually certified in HR and have been in the HR field for more than 20 years.  She also is a registered nurse with a background in home health, hospice, and public health. She holds an associate's degree is in nursing, bachelor's degree is in healthcare management, and master's degree is in legal studies.  Today, she is a doctoral candidate in the VSU ACED program.  She has a passion for connecting adults with their potential and in today's environment it is critical for employers to invest in the continued development of their current workforce; to develop and reskill their existing talent as interactions between humans and technology becomes more sophisticated. This degree will provide Barb an added competitive edge and allow her to carve a path where she can work on my own terms as a consultant or talent development facilitator. Currently, she is the Vice President of Human Resources and Security for a large healthcare supply chain company in Southwest Florida.  Barb says she balances her work life with the joy of being a wife to her love of more than 30 years and being the mom of two grown young women.  Barb also enjoys photography and art in all mediums. 

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Nancy Guyse is an assistant professor of Respiratory Therapy at Middle Georgia State University (MGA) in Macon, GA. She earned a Bachelor of Art in Biology from the University of Northern Colorado and later earned her Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Therapy from Bellarmine University. As a respiratory therapist she started her career at the largest children’s hospital in Kentucky. When she moved to Georgia, she work at a local hospital caring for adults and educating patients on COPD and asthma. In 2017 she joined MGA’s respiratory therapy department as a clinical instructor. After completing her Master of Science in Respiratory Care Leadership with a focus on adult and organizational learning from Northeastern University, she stepped into her current role. In 2022-2023 she was accepted to be part of the Governor’s Teaching Fellow Program where she discovered her passion for learning more about course design and promotion of adult learning, which led her to the adult learning and development program. She is excited to continue to grow her knowledge to become a better educator.

 

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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

 

 

Vanessa Madden is currently in her fifth year as a high school Algebra and Geometry teacher with DeKalb County School District in Metro Atlanta. Prior to joining DCSD, she had over 30 years of experience in accounting, marketing communications, project & operations management, and executive-level administration in industries including Hospitality & Food Service, Banking, Manufacturing, Higher Education, Accounting, Information Technology, HR Consulting, Staffing and Nonprofit. While working in the corporate realm, Vanessa fed her passion for education as an adjunct instructor for over 10 years, teaching subjects including career development, computer software, business math and standardized test preparation and as a private math tutor to a robust clientele of students in grades 3-12. A native of Canton, Ohio (Football Hall of Fame city!) but growing up in Buffalo, New York (Blizzard capital of the world!), Vanessa attended the State University of NY at Buffalo, for her undergraduate studies and returned to Ohio to complete her MBA at the University of Akron. She currently lives in the metro Atlanta area with her husband and the two youngest of her three children and when she is not teaching, Vanessa enjoys creative writing, reading and being active in her church. Vanessa explains her gifts by saying “For teaching...God has blessed me with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and consequently the desire to share all I know with others. As for writing...God wants to write but when He writes, mountains are formed. So as with the scribes of old, He inspired a hand small enough and a heart willing enough to hold the pen.”

 

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.

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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.

 

Alexis Pope started her career as a respiratory therapist in 2007 when she was accepted into respiratory therapy school at the former Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, GA. It was her curiosity as a child that led her to what she thought was just a career dedicated to helping patients breathe better. After graduating in May 2009 with a bachelor of science degree in respiratory therapy, Alexis began working and making a difference for the patients she served. Little did she know, her career would lead her down a path of education for both patients and aspiring respiratory therapist.
Alexis moved back to central GA in 2012, to continue her educational pathway in hopes of one day becoming a physician assistant. During her time as a working student, Alexis discovered a love for educating aspiring respiratory therapist that were doing their clinical rotations at the facility she worked. It was at this time she decided to pursue higher education in respiratory therapy. Because she wanted all of her classes taken to count towards a goal, Alexis obtained a bachelor of science degree in Psychology in December 2015 from Middle Georgia State University. In January 2017, Alexis started the coursework for a master of science degree in health sciences with a concentration in Respiratory Therapy. She graduated in May of 2018 from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. During the time period between the bachelors in psychology and masters of health science degree, Alexis was a pulmonary disease educator, a pulmonary function technician, a night shift supervisor for a local healthcare system, as well as a clinical instructor for Middle Georgia State University.
Alexis’ career as a respiratory therapist and love for education has led her to now being a full-time professor of respiratory therapy at Middle Georgia State University. Alexis continues to work as a bedside respiratory therapist to maintain her skills and knowledge base and also to impact the lives of those with difficulties breathing. She is also getting involved with the respiratory therapy profession organizations on a state and national level, participating in professional development offered by the university, and applying to advance her degree so she can be the best educator to her students and respiratory therapist to her patients.

 

 

Shantel Seevaratnam is the Director of Teaching and Learning at Dalat International School in Penang, Malaysia. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Oral Roberts University (2000) and a Master's in Education (2004). Born and raised in the USA, her international education career began in 2001 as a language specialist with the British Council. In 2008, Shantel joined Dalat International School as a Kindergarten teacher, later becoming Elementary Principal. In her eight years as principal, Shantel led initiatives in innovative curriculum design and holistic child development, significantly enhancing student retention, engagement, and academic performance.
To prepare further for her leadership responsibilities, she completed a post-master's certificate in Educational Leadership from George Washington University in 2020. This training equipped her to take on her current role as Director of Teaching and Learning, where she is passionate about fostering a culture of continual growth and student-centered learning.
Understanding the complexities of K-12 Education, Shantel empowers educators with the knowledge and tools to cultivate lifelong learners. She is pursuing an EdD from Valdosta State University to deepen her understanding of adult learning and to enhance her impact on teacher development. Valdosta's EdD program aligns closely with her commitment to supporting educators through research-backed, practical strategies. Shantel is honored to be part of this dynamic and well-supported learning community.

 

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.

 

Rudyard Watson is a speech-language pathologist and clinical instructor with expertise in Adult Autism, Executive Function Skills, and Adult Acquired Language Disorders. With more than 17 years of experience in the field of speech-language Pathology, Rud has established himself as a knowledgeable and dedicated professional. As a clinical instructor at Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston, IL, he has been dedicated to one-on-one clinical-based instruction of graduate and undergraduate students in the Communication Disorders and Sciences Department. Prior to working at EIU, he gained experience in several settings, including acute and in-patient rehabilitation, skilled nursing geriatric speech-pathology, and public schools. Rud holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from Eastern Illinois University, where he developed a strong foundation in clinical application and professional practice. Rud is deeply committed to the adult population and working to ensure they receive professional and quality intervention, and he continuously seek opportunities for growth and development. The decision to pursue my educational doctorate through the Valdosta State University Adult Career and Educational Development program was informed by the program's esteemed and flexible online design, as well as its emphasis on adult learning theory and its applicability to diverse educational settings. Through this program, Rud has gained invaluable insights into instructional strategies, curriculum design, and educational leadership, all of which have enhanced his ability to train future speech-language pathologists effectively and to provide quality care to adult clients. His multidisciplinary approach integrates the principles of adult learning with the specialized knowledge of speech pathology, allowing him to deliver comprehensive and client-centered services while nurturing the growth and development of aspiring professionals in the field.

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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.