Current Student Profiles - Leadership Studies Doctoral Program
Email: bagula@sandiego.edu |
M.A., Education, University of Phoenix Email: rbakken-14@sandiego.edu |
Email: aberk@sandiego.edu |
Jeff Bolster began the program in 2006 and has lived in San Diego since 1989. He has been working in higher education since 1993. Most of that time has been focused on co-curricular programs, including the mobilization of undergrads to do international, faith-based relief work. He has worked in over 20 different countries, and did his MA thesis work on the failure of organized religion before, during, and after the Rwandan genocide. Jeff is has been married to his wife Danielle for 7 years, and they have a two-year old daughter, Ana. They enjoy San Diego and just about anything outdoors. The USD program was a great fit for me, as I plan to continue to work in various capacities in higher education. The program will enhance my current administrative work, as well as give me the flexibility to pursue both teaching and administration. M.A., Theology, 2001, Point Loma Nazarene University
|
|
Heather has a passion for nonprofit operational excellence and has authored several practical nonprofit management toolkits. She currently serves as Director of the Jenna Druck Foundation and as Graduate Research Assistant in the Caster Family Center for Applied Nonprofit Research at USD. Heather blogs about nonprofit leadership at http://nonprofitleadership601.blogspot.com/ M.M., Management in Nonprofit Administration, 2003, North Park University, Chicago, Il Email: hcarpenter-11@sandiego.edu
|
Tom’s research interests include human development and human relations; group dynamics; moral elements of leadership; applied leadership in the nonprofit sector and in education; and the philosophical and psychological components of leadership theory. Within his Italian-community emphasis, Tom’s interests include the historical narrative of San Diego’s Italian immigrants, biculturalism and identity, and innovative, educational models for cultural and historical preservation and advancement. M.A., Nonprofit Leadership and Management, University of San Diego Publications: Quinney, K. M., & Cesarini, T. J. (2009). San Diego’s Fishing Industry. Quinney, K. M., & Cesarini, T. J. (2007). San Diego’s Little Italy. Email: tcesarini-08@sandiego.edu |
Sam has lived in Korea, Texas, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Florida, Washington, Zimbabwe, Germany, Georgia, and Nevada, but hopes to finally settle down in San Diego. He speaks Korean, German, and a tiny amount of Spanish. He likes to socialize, cook, exercise, watch TV, view movies, and study personal finance. Career profile & resume (LinkedIn):http://www.linkedin.com/in/samchung
|
M.A.,Leadership Studies, University of San Diego Email: jcramer-15@sandiego.edu |
Cynthia Davalos Email: cdavalos@sandiego.edu |
M.Ed., Higher Education Leadership, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville Email: edelgado-11@sandiego.edu |
Crystal Dujowich |
|
Email: davidf-13@sandiego.edu |
LaVonnya believes that an exemplary teacher must pledge to be a “lifelong learner” and a leader for students and the profession itself. While pursuing her Master’s Degree and Administrative Credential in Educational Administration, LaVonnya recognized this need for teacher leadership in San Diego schools. Setting the example, LaVonnya has been elected President of the School Governance Team, Chair of the School Site Council, Chair of the Bilingual Teacher’s Committee, Secretary of the School Climate Committee, President of the Social Committee and served as the first “official” teacher leader for the first grade team at Central Elementary. These accomplishments were acknowledged last year when LaVonnya received the “Teacher of the Year” award and was a district finalist for the San Diego Unified School District. In addition to attending classes, she continues to work at Central Elementary as the Director of Student Intervention. She also serves as a board trustee for the La Jolla Playhouse and is a member of the Red Cross Rose Society. Email: lavonnya.fisher-10@sandiego.edu
|
Ruben Fontes M.B.A., University of San Diego Email: rfontes-13@sandiego.edu |
B.A., Folklore & Mythology, Harvard University Email: jfraney-13@sandiego.edu |
|
Email: kgallagher-10@sandiego.edu |
|
Email: hgilbertson@sandiego.edu |
|
Email: jgonzales-12@sandiego.edu |
Paige Haber is originally from Telluride, Colorado, making her an avid outdoor enthusiast. Paige earned her MA in Counseling and Personnel Services with an emphasis in College Student Personnel from the University of Maryland, where she tailored her program to focus on college student leadership development. While pursuing her PhD in Leadership Studies, Paige is serving as a Graduate Assistant for the Department of Leadership Studies where she teaches courses for the Leadership Minor and is assessing the minor. She also co-chairs campus wide committees on undergraduate leadership initiatives. Paige's research interests include: college student leadership programs and development, women's leadership, emotional intelligence, and leadership as it relates to social justice ally development. Professionally Paige has authored a chapter on the structure and design of college student leadership programs in the "Handbook for Student Leadership Programs" and was on the original research team for the Multi-Institutional Study of Leadership (MSL). She is also involved in ACPA (College Student Educators International), the LeaderShape Institute, and the International Leadership Association. Paige's long-term professional goals include becoming a faculty member in a Leadership Studies or College Student Development program as well as developing a leadership and organizational development consulting business. Although quite new to San Diego, Paige has quickly found a strong liking to the city and calls it home. Paige lives in North Park and enjoys a variety of outdoor sports, travel, and time spent with Ike, her Portuguese Water Dog. M.A., Counseling and Personnel Services with an emphasis in College Student Personnel,University of Maryland Email: phaber@sandiego.edu |
|
Email: harrell@sandiego.edu |
Sara Henry Sara Henry is originally from Scottsdale, AZ and moved to San Diego after completing her Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Arizona State University (ASU). While enrolled at ASU, she participated in a four-year leadership development program and found her passion for working with college students on leadership and communication skill development. Sara currently serves as Director of the UCSD Express to Success Programs at the University of California San Diego, a co-curricular program that assists students in developing confidence in interpersonal communication, social interaction, public speaking and leadership skills. M.A., Postsecondary Educational Leadership/Student Affairs, 2005, San Diego State University Email: shenrysaraceno-10@sandiego.edu
|
|
Email: rhernandez@sandiego.edu |
|
Kimberly Hogelucht was born and raised in Iowa where she earned her B.A. degree. As part of her undergraduate education , Kim also received her teaching credential for grades 7-12 in areas of Speech, English and Drama. Her masters thesis centered on Communication in the Classroom. She has published work in the area of Discipline as a Negotiated Order between teachers and students. Currently, Kim is employed as an Assistant Professor in the School of Business at Point Loma Nazarene University. At PLNU, she instructs Business Communication and supervises the internship program for the School of Business. Kim has lived in San Diego since 1991. She resides with her family in the Torrey Hills area of San Diego. She is married to her husband, Terry, and has three children: Olivia (age 12), Hans (age 9), and Lars (age 7). M.A., Speech Communication, 1994, San Diego State University Email: khogelucht-11@sandiego.edu
|
Karen Kramer Horning Karen is also an educator, currently teaching both online and in the classroom. She serves as an Associate Professor of Business at MiraCosta College and as an Instructor in the HR Certificate Program through UCSD Extension. Karen is certified by the Human Resource Certification Institute as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). And has a Specialized Certificate in Online Teaching from UCSD Extension. In her doctoral studies, Karen plans to focus on executive leadership in organizations and higher education administration. M.B.A., San Diego State University Email: khorning-11@sandiego.edu
|
|
Lamont A. Jackson is in his first year as a doctoral student. Lamont has spent more than 20 years working in k-12 education, serving as a mentor, workshop presenter, educational consultant, teacher, site administrator, and district level administrator. In addition to his school site work, Lamont has facilitated learning as a presenter with California League of Middle School and has participated in the middle school reform work through the EDNA McConnell Clark Foundation.. Lamont also served as a keynote speaker for the NSDC conference in Washington DC in 2006.Mr. Jackson was featured on several national broadcasts including Making Schools Work and To The Contrary, for his efforts in improving student achievement through Professional Development. Lamont is in his tenth year as a secondary school administrator. Lamont would like to become a K-12 superintendent in order to support ALL students achieve at the highest level. M.A., Leadership Studies, University of San Diego |
After completing an MSW in public policy as well as social and economic development from Washington University in St. Louis, she worked as a Deputy Project Manager for a contractor for the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, DC. Developing software and building websites that addressed substance abuse prevention, Lan enabled community partnerships to reduce the high costs that are associated with the abuse of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs (i.e. car accidents, cancer treatments, etc.) in their communities by justifying that information and knowledge from prevention programs and services would not only benefit the community, but also cost it less. Leaving Washington, DC due to family circumstances, she moved to San Diego, California and began a life of actively representing and advocating for various groups, neighborhoods and communities. She has not only been a member on many community boards and committees, but she has held officer and chair positions as well. Some of these organizations include the North Park Planning Committee, North Park Project Area Committee, San Diego Urban League Young Professionals and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Lan happily resides in the North Park area with her husband Lawrence. She enjoys staying active and fit by running, hiking, biking, swimming and weightlifting. She also likes spending quality time with people whenever she has the opportunity and finds them fascinating! Email: ljefferson-12@sandiego.edu
|
Michael Kelley
Mike is originally from Clarksburg, West Virginia . Upon graduation from Miami University, he entered into the United States Marine Corps where he served twenty years as a supply/logistics officer. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Mike went back to school and received an MBA. He has spent the past eight years working for the Marine Corps on business/process reform and redesign within their supply chain.
Mike currently lives in Vista with his wife Nora and kids (Shawn, Shannon and Jennifer).
|
After earning his secondary English teaching certification at the University of Colorado-Boulder, Ron worked as a Language Arts teacher in Nederland, CO, coaching both girls’ and boys’ basketball and soccer. He is earning his PhD in Leadership with a focus in Literacy, and currently teaches 11th grade American Literature at Mission Bay High, mentoring young people in the classroom and on the basketball court. Besides his beloved high school students, Ron draws most of the inspiration in his doctoral study of Leadership from his Father, whom he calls his greatest teacher and friend. M.Ed., Curriculum and Teaching, University of San Diego Email: rlancia-12@sandiego.edu
|
|
Email: roxannel-15@sandiego.edu |
|
Email: elaine_lewis@sandiego.edu |
B.S., Business Administration, John Carroll University, Cleveland, Ohio Email: mlovettecolyer@sandiego.edu |
Email: jessicalu@sandiego.edu |
|
Stuart B. Markey was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and served in the USN for 27 years retiring at the grade of Captain. Stu served in various positions ashore and afloat. He lives in Poway California with wife Linda and their two children Robert and Allyson. He is currently employed by the San Diego Unified School District as the Executive Director of the Capital Improvement Bond Program. M.S., National Security Strategy, National Defense University, Washington D.C. Email: smarkey-11@sandiego.edu |
|
M.Ed., Postsecondary Administration in Student Affairs, University of Southern California Email: cynthiam-11@sandiego.edu |
M.P.A., Public Affairs, University of Missouri, Columbia B.A. Philosophy, University of Missouri, Columbia Email: emarx-12@sandiego.edu |
Lindsey McDougle received her Bachelors of Science degree from The Ohio State University in 2004 where she majored in Human Dimensions in Natural Resources specializing in Integrated Resources and Policy Planning. After graduating, she went on to complete her Masters degree at Duke University where she concentrated in Environmental Economics and Policy with a specialization in Business and the Environment. Her Masters thesis was a research project on environmental, economic and social sustainability in nonprofit organizations and the development of related nonprofit sustainability metrics. While completing her Masters degree she also worked at IBM in Research Triangle Park, NC as a pre-professional environmental engineer. Lindsey's research interests include: organizational social responsibility (among all sectors), nonprofit/corporate collaborations, and community/economic development. Lindsey began doctoral studies at the University of San Diego in the fall of 2006. She is focusing in Leadership Studies with a specialization in Nonprofit Management and is a doctoral research assistant for the Center for Applied Nonprofit Research. Lindsey blogs on philanthropy, leadership, and social change at: http://leadershipasafieldofstudy.blogspot.com/" Email: lmcdougle@sandiego.edu
|
Whitney McIntyre Miller is a first year doctoral student interested in studying international post-conflict community redevelopment. Whitney is a native San Diegan, but completed her prior studies at the University of Pittsburgh where she received master’s degrees in both social work and international development. During her studies Whitney traveled around the world and lived both in Moscow and Washington DC, and briefly worked in Bosnia. She has also worked with several community and international organizations focusing on community capacity building, refugee resettlement and return and youth violence prevention. Whitney was also a writer with the University of San Diego’s Institute for Peace and Justice’s Women’s PeaceMaker program where she worked closely with Christiana Thorpe from Sierra Leone to document her experiences building communities through girls' education. Whitney is very interested in how communities re-integrate and rebuild after conflict, and hopes to add to the knowledge base of this topic by completing her doctorate here at the University of San Diego.
|
Ms. Meza has served in various committees and task forces. Her current assignment is leading the Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force and WASC Theme #3, Improving First-Year Retention at Cal State San Marcos. M.A., Education/Multicultural Counseling, San Diego State University Email: lorename-11@sandiego.edu |
Cara grew up in San Diego and is elated to be moving back with her husband, Matt and their black pug, Dr. Pepper. M.Div., Princeton Theological Seminary Email: miller@sandiego.edu
|
|
Email: tmoriarty-11@sandiego.edu |
Cyrus Parsa Email: cyrusparsa-12@sandiego.edu |
Email: Francis-08@sandiego.edu
|
Pressley's undergraduate degree was in English with a concentration in Creative Writing. His writing helps him to express his creative side. He has written a novel which is in the editing process and he has published two academic papers in the field of counseling. Pressley is very excited to be entering the SOLES program the fall. His research interests involve the increased use of technology on university campuses and how that affects traditionally disenfranchised and underserved groups. B.A., English, North Carolina State University
|
Gloria Rhodes Email: gloriar-12@sandiego.edu
|
Email: rrice-15@sandiego.edu |
M.S., Industrial/Organizational Psychology, San Diego State University Email: tpeyton@sandiego.edu |
Karen Robinson is studying Higher Education Administration. Karen is originally from Walnut Creek, CA and currently resides in San Marcos with her husband Chris, her five year-old son, Owen, and assorted neurotic pets. Her Master’s thesis explored common law countries’ conflicting applications of automatism as a defense to violent crime. Karen has worked as a design engineer for the past eight years and currently interns as a Human Resources Analyst for Palomar College. A CCLDI Doctoral Fellow, Karen’s research interests focus on the strategic use of dissent as a leadership mechanism and conflict resolution in higher education administration, specifically within the community college setting. B.A., Psychology, University of California at Davis Email: krobinson-09@sandiego.edu
|
Mark is hoping to focus his research on the question of access and affordability in independent schools, with a particular emphasis on how independent schools can create sustainable financial models. Mark’s wife, Carla, is currently enrolled in the University of San Diego’s Non-Profit Management and Leadership Program. They have two children, Lily (5) and Jackson (2). M.A., History, Stanford University Email: dsilver-10@sandiego.edu
|
Lori has a passion for connecting business and education as evidenced by her recent work with Kaleidoscope, an innovative approach to service leadership development. Students in the Kaleidoscope leadership development workshop participate in team based business simulations that are observed by industry professionals. At the conclusion of two 6-hour simulations, participants receive one-on-one feedback regarding their leadership competencies. This unique approach has received attention from educators outside the United States, and Lori has traveled to three international conferences to present related research papers. Lori plans to continue to research leadership development methods as well as exploring the role of leadership in innovation while pursuing her doctorate at USD. She enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her husband, Allen, and children, Lindsay and Tristan. M.B.A., San Diego State University Email: lsipe-11@sandiego.edu
|
Owen Smith The USD doctoral program in Leadership Studies marks Owen Smith’s return to student life after a long absence. He has spent his career working in law libraries of all stripes: a state agency, a large law firm, a U.S. court of appeals, and a university law library. Owen’s favorite part of his job is assisting library patrons with their research and information needs. However, he is very excited about being a part of a Leadership Studies program that has such determined and intelligent students and faculty. Owen is very interested in administrative issues in all levels of higher education. He is also intrigued by the community college system and the promise it offers for so many students. M.L.S., Library Science, University of Kentucky Email: osmith-11@sandiego.edu
|
Steve is a first year PhD student in Leadership Studies focusing on Organizational Leadership and Consulting. His professional career includes being a Leadership and Executive Development Specialist, a small business owner, and a division manager for a top 5 insurance company. He is also been an adjunct professor for over 12 years in both Organizational and Business Management programs and will continue teaching while earning his doctorate. He moved to California in 2002 from Lexington Kentucky and has lived both in San Diego and the Bay Area. His goal is to become a full time professor within an Organizational Leadership program. M.B.A., Business Management, Xavier University in Cincinnati Email: stevensmith-13@sandiego.edu |
Email: osetnes-09@sandiego.edu
|
Denise Bethan Theunissen is a first year doc student who moved to San Diego from Burnaby, BC Canada in Fall 2008. She has been working as a minister within the United Church of Canada for the last 12 years. She is interested in how congregations moving from decline and 'survival' to being thriving communities who are changing the world for the better.
|
B.A., Philosophy, Saint John's Seminary College
|
Email: dtune@sandiego.edu |
Email: vtownsend@sandiego.edu |
M.A., Asian Civilizations, University of Iowa Email: alanjyu@sandiego.edu |
Fabiola Bagual
Rich Bakken has a wide background in education and
technology, and his work has included time as an adjunct professor in
communications, and serving as a Director of Media Services. He also
produced on-air at 620 WTMJ in Milwaukee for hosts including Bill Michaels
and Mark Reardon, and was part of the broadcast team for the Green Bay
Abigail Berk
Julie Cantillon is originally from Boston, Mass, but has lived in San Diego since 2002 where she has enjoyed teaching fifth grade at Stella Maris Academy in La Jolla. Julie is also the technology coordinator at her site, and serves on several school committees. In addition, Julie teaches technology integration courses to teachers and is training to become a facilitator in the Schools Attuned program. Her research interests include teacher preparation, metacognition, and curriculum and instruction. Julie enjoys training for marathons, working on her classroom website and spending time with friends and family. 
Heather Carpenter has served as a Nonprofit Manager, Consultant, Speaker and Trainer to nonprofit organizations in California and Illinois for over 6 years. She earned her ; and her Masters of 
Tom Cesarini is a research assistant at the school’s Caster Family Center for Nonprofit Research. Tom has served as a longtime proponent of the culture and history of San Diego’s Italian community; in this role, he continues to preserve and promote Italian culture and heritage through research and education. In 2004, noting an absence of a singular point of reference for the local Italian community, he founded Convivio Society for Italian Humanities as well as its auxiliary, the Italian Historical Society of San Diego, with the express goal of establishing a local Italian cultural and historical institute to serve the community. Tom currently serves as the organization’s executive director.
Julie Zoellin Cramer is currently working as a Research Associate for the Center for Education Policy and Law (CEPAL) at USD. Julie's research interests include K-12 public education reform and group relations.
Erika Delgado has worked in Student Affairs for the past six years in areas including undergraduate and graduate admissions, student activities, and residential life. She has worked at the University of Redlands, University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, the George Washington University and most recently Wright State University. Erika loves to travel and has lived in Texas, California, Arkansas, Washington, D.C., Ohio and studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain. She hopes to successfully complete the program and pursue a variety of faculty positions and continue growing her non-profit company and independent consulting practice. In her spare time Erika loves to be outdoors and writes poetry.
LaVonnya Fisher, a native San Diegan, is a bilingual teacher who has taught Spanish-speaking students in San Diego’s inner city for 10 years. She is a role model for children of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 
Ruben Fontes began his doctoral studies at USD in 2008. Born and raised in San Diego, he has operated an engineering and construction firm for the past 10 years in Tijuana, Mexico, working primarily in the industrial and commercial sectors and, more recently, with the United States Department of State in the construction of a new U.S. Consulate compound in Tijuana. He also co-founded an electrical contracting firm based in San Diego in 2005, which primarily operates in the commercial sector.
His primary research interests include organizational design, business ethics, strategic management, and cross-cultural leadership. Of particular interest are the unique leadership challenges presented by increasingly diverse, multi-cultural workforces. He hopes to eventually specialize in organizational management consulting and join a university faculty teaching international business and business ethics courses.
He resides in Bonita with his wife of 12 years (Anne) and two children, son Ruben (10) and daughter Anna (6). Any and all available free time is spent coaching and following the athletic careers of his children as well as remaining a faithful and loyal follower of his beloved Padres, Lakers and Chargers.
Holly Gilbertson
Melanie Hitchcock is a research assistant at the University of San Diego's Caster Family Center for Nonprofit Research, and is also enrolled as a doctoral student in Leadership Studies at USD. Prior to coming to USD, Melanie completed a 20 year career in the United States Navy.
Lan Jefferson is currently enrolled as a first year doctoral student, Lan Jefferson has a desire to empower women and children by protecting their human rights through policy. Born in Vietnam, but raised in St. Louis, Missouri, she was impacted at an early age by urban and community development issues.
Ronald Lancia, who originally hails from Lansdale, PA outside of Philadelphia, received his TV/R-Screenwriting degree from Ithaca College in upstate NY. His experience helped him design an enrichment program called NMTV, inner-city Denver youth telling stories through the medium of television at Neighborhood Ministries, a community action organization. The study focused on specific ways young people utilized storytelling to represent their perspectives on the complex contingencies of urban life. Based on the vernacular theory, stating literacy for a community is one which reflects its basic struggles, his study received a federal grant. 
Jessica Luchesi
Douglas Luffborough serves as the Executive Director of Turning the Hearts Center, a youth and family empowerment center serving the San Diego County communities. His academic areas of study include non-profit management, consulting, and teaching.
Cynthia A. Martinez has ten years of experience working in higher education as a student affairs administrator and was also a part-time instructor at USC before she began her Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at USD. Courses taught include the Politics of Difference, which explores strategies for restructuring institutions of higher education to improve student support and achievement among historically marginalized groups; and Theories of Career Development, which is an exploration into the theories, literature, and techniques in the field of career development and the impact of psychological, sociological, economic, and other variables on career decision-making. 
Lorena Meza currently works at CalState San Marcos as Associate Vice President for Student Academic Support Services. She provides leadership and oversight for ACE Scholar Services, Career Center, Disabled Student Services, Educational Opportunity Program, First-Year Academic Support, Language Learning Center, Math Lab, Student Support Services, Undergraduate Advising Services and Writing Center. Previously, Ms Meza worked as the Assistant Dean in the School of Education at the University of San Diego and has held positions in various areas in higher education: Assistant to the Director of Enrollment Services, Assistant to the Director of the Educational Opportunity Program, Summer Bridge Coordinator and Reading Instructor, Admissions Specialist, and Counselor/Instructor.
Cara Taylor Miller completed two years of doctoral coursework in the Sociology departments at Baylor University and UC Berkeley before coming to USD to begin working toward a PhD in Leadership Studies. Cara is looking to utilize her previous fields of study as frames for learning about Leadership in organizations and groups. Cara’s previous research questions have examined membership and attendance in religious congregations, as well as the behaviors and beliefs of leaders of new religious movements (e.g. cults, sects, communes, paranormal groups). Using theory and methods distinctive to the Sociology of Religion, Cara has investigated the beliefs, demographics, and characteristics of religious congregations, those who lead religious groups and those who join them. She has published peer-reviewed research on elite, professional leaders and their use of textual material to acquire human capital. At USD, Cara instructs EDLD undergraduate courses and supports and researches for The Leadership Institute. 
John Mosby has spent the last 13 years in higher education administration in the areas of academic & student affairs, and university advancement. Currently, John serves as the Associate Director of Graduate Admissions. John earned his M.A. in Educational Counseling and Psychology at the University of the Pacific, and his B.A. in English from Saint Mary’s College in California. John began his doctoral studies at USD in 2004. His primary research interests are in the areas of establishing equity and increasing access for African Americans college students. John strives to become a university president one day and loves tennis, movies, and spending time with friends and family. Email: 
Fran Przechacki resided in Lawrenceville, NJ. the majority of his life. He moved to Philadelphia, PA. in 2000, and relocated to San Diego in September, 2005. His move to San Diego was the direct result of his acceptance into the School of Leadership and Educational Science, Ph.D. program. His program focus is Organizational Leadership and Consulting. His current research involves the use of Positive Psychology and Appreciative Inquiry in relationship with strengths based leadership performance.
Fran is the past President and Chairman of the Board of an east coast manufacturing company. He is currently practicing in the field of Performance Consulting, specializing in leadership through behavioral change, identifying adaptive challenges, organizational interventions and the implementation of change initiatives. 
Pressley Robinson Rankin, I. V. comes to us from North Carolina. He has lived in San Diego since 2003 and graduated last year from San Diego State with a Masters of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. During his program he worked for the San Diego Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (GSDBA) as the Operations Administrator. Pressley did two internships during his masters program, one at San Diego Hospice and the other at the San Diego State Clinic. He has a strong passion for relationships and group dynamics. 
Rachel Homel Rice has been teaching for SDUSD for the past eight years. Rachel currently teaches high school advanced placement English courses and is a leader of student mentorship programs on her campus. During the pursuit of her Master’s Degree from SDSU, Rachel discovered a need for change not only in instructional methods/curriculum, but also educational policy for a technologically driven generation. Rachel sets an example in the classroom by continuing her pursuit for higher education while placing an importance on the democratic process. She aspires to use her Ph.D. to write educational policy at the state and federal levels. 
Taylor Peyton Roberts currently serves as a research assistant in The Caster Family
Center for Nonprofit Research. Prior to joining USD, Taylor worked as a
Research Analyst for Sempra Energy (SDG&E) where she partnered with company
leadership to progress selection initiatives and conduct surveys measuring
departmental performance, employee satisfaction, internal communications,
and reasons for turnover. Her research focuses on nonprofit effectiveness
and organizational leadership. Taylor’s previous research includes
papers and conference presentations on the following topics: work stress,
organizational citizenship behavior, perceptions of diversity climate and
discrimination, workplace ethnic composition, emotional labor, and
emotional deviance of service employees. Taylor earned her M.S. degree
in Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology from San Diego State
University (SDSU) in 2008. Throughout the course of the program, she
gained experience applying job analysis techniques, designing selection and
performance appraisal systems, constructing tests, analyzing organizational
culture, and creating training programs. Other coursework involved program
evaluation as well as advanced and multivariate statistics. As a teaching
assistant at SDSU, Taylor led undergraduate students in data analysis
classes. She serves on the Special Events committee of the SOLES Graduate
Students Association and on the Junior Board of a networking program
sponsored by After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles. Taylor remains involved
with the local I/O Psychology networking group, San Diego I/O Professionals
(SDIOP), where she was formerly elected to serve as SDIOP’s
Secretary/Webmaster for the ’08-’09 term. Outside of the classroom,
Taylor enjoys living in San Diego. You might find her hiking a mountain,
relaxing in a coffee shop, playing volleyball on the beach . . . or trying
to figure out how to do all of the above while reading a textbook. 
Mark Silver has spent his career in independent schools, working for eight years as a teacher, coach, and administrator at Crystal Springs Uplands School in the Bay Area and for the past two years as the Middle School Principal at Francis Parker School in San Diego. 
Lori J. Sipe worked at Sea World for more than 20 years, most recently as the director of business analysis and strategic planning, until she became one of the first instructors in the Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program at SDSU. Lori enjoys designing innovative curriculum, and she currently teaches service leadership development, strategy, and managerial accounting. 
Steven Smith
Don Trinh is from Los Angeles and earned undergraduate degrees in Philosophy and Theology at Saint John’s Seminary College in Camarillo, California. He obtained Bachelor’s (S.T.B), Licentiate (S.T.L.) and Master’s degrees (M.A., M.A.S.) in Theology and Religious Studies at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium. His thesis was titled: Deacons and Diakonia: The Spirituality and Ministry of Service – A Critical Study of the Permanent Diaconate. Don has worked for the international student magazine of Leuven and was the billing manager of Myrient Inc., an internet-DSL company in Aliso Viejo, CA. He joined the University of San Diego and the SOLES Development Office in January 2006 and is currently the dean’s assistant at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace. Don began the Leadership Studies doctoral program in September 2007 and his interests include higher education, Catholic universities and administration, history of leadership, city government, urban planning, and public service.
Darren Tune
Alan Yu is a first-year doctoral student in the Leadership Studies
program at University of San Diego. After having lived in Seattle for 9
years working as an accomplished graphic and user-interface designer for
