The Academic Success Center (ASC) has knowledgeable staff who are excited to work with you and focus on your specific skill development needs and goals. Ask a Coach a question or schedule an appointment today!
Dr. Ramon Daines
Hello, everyone! My name is Dr. Ramon Daines, and I serve as the Director of the ASC. I earned a BA in Sociology, an MLS, and an Ed. D. specializing in ESOL. I am passionate about helping others achieve their educational goals. I hold my Learning Center Leadership certification through the International College Learning Center Association (ICLCA), SI Supervisor certification through the University of Missouri KC, as well as coaching and tutoring certifications with the College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) and the National Tutoring Association (NTA). I have over 15 years of experience in promoting a student-focused environment where coaches use technology and resources to assist students in becoming self-directed learners. I believe that it is my responsibility to help every student realize his or her potential as a student of academia and as a citizen of the world. When I am not busy with the Academic Success Center, I enjoy spending time with my family.
Shelley Baker MFA
My name is Shelley Gordon-Baker, and I serve as the Associate Director of Academic Coaching & Graduate Outreach in the ASC. I earned a BA in English from Florida State University and an MFA in creative writing from Chatham University. I have had the pleasure of assisting students at NU for almost 5 years, and I particularly enjoy helping students master APA Style and formatting their dissertations. A couple of my short stories have been published in online journals, and I co-authored a presentation on digital literacy for the 2017 International Conference on Learning. I enjoy visiting the happiest place on earth as often as I can with my husband and two daughters. When I have the opportunity, I enjoy making homemade body products, baking, traveling, and drinking coffee. I also enjoy a good book, and one of my favorites is Octavia Butler's Parable of the Sower. I look forward to working with you in the Academic Success Center. Happy learning!
Dr. Briana Nicholson
Greetings! My name is Dr. Briana Nicholson, and I serve as the Associate Director of Undergraduate Coaching & Outreach in the ASC. I have a bachelor’s and a master's degree in communications from Ohio State University and a doctoral degree in human services. I spent nearly ten years serving in my state’s department of higher education, holding various leadership and administrative positions. After serving my state for nearly 10 years, I made the decision to work with students directly at the university and college levels. I have chaired committees for doctorial students, taught courses in communications and human service disciplines, and volunteered extensively within my community. My goal as a coach is to provide each student with the tools they need to thrive and soar! My expertise is in qualitative methods and designs. In my coaching sessions, I focus on scholarly writing, flow and organization, and strategies to ensure rigor and quality in your work. I currently live in Dayton, Ohio with my family. I enjoy spending my downtime with family and friends, and I am an avid traveler, camper, and reader. I am also a classic movie fan, especially musicals!
Dr. Meg Roberts
Hello! My name is Dr. Meg Roberts, and I serve as the Proofreading Supervisor and an Academic Coach. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion, a Master of Arts in Higher Education, a Master of Arts in Biblical & Theological Studies, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education. Since my career has all been in higher education (including academic advising, adjunct teaching, and editing), I like to think of myself as a "Professional Nerd." My research interests include andragogy, service-learning, marginalized populations in higher education, and learning theory. Beyond all the books, I spend my time literally running in circles. I have completed one ultramarathon, 15 marathons, approximately 50 half marathons, and many other shorter races (so far...). My philosophy in academics and in running is encapsulated in a quote from John Bingham, "The miracle isn't that I finished; the miracle is that I had the courage to start." You had the courage to start a degree at NU; I am part of the team that will help in the journey to the finish line.
Alexander Sadeghipour
Greetings! My name is Alexander Sadeghipour, and I am close to completing my Master of Science in Computer Science at National University. I started here at the ASC when I began my Master’s program, and I’ve enjoyed my time here at National University. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from California State University San Marcos in 2022. Since then, I have been employed by multiple IT companies, and I most recently just earned my CompTIA A+ Certification. I am hoping to continue my studies in Computer Science and IT in the future. If you are a student here at National University, and have any questions related to IT or Computer Science, I would be happy to help you.
Alexandra Stephens B.A.
My name is Alexandra Stephens (you can call me Alex!). I’ve been a writing coach at National University for almost 20 years. I earned my bachelor’s degree in rhetoric at UC Berkeley, so composition and argumentative writing is my specialty, but in working with master’s students and doctoral students over the years, I have also gained an appreciation for and understanding of research writing and can be counted on to give writers at all levels the feedback and guidance they need to succeed! Like many of the adult learners I meet at the Writing Center, I love the flexible scheduling at NU. When I started coaching at NU in 2006, my youngest child was just beginning preschool. Being able to work mornings while he and his big sister were in school gave me more time to spend with them when they were home. Now that they’re grown up, my flexible schedule enables me to be an active volunteer in my community and still have time left over for creative endeavors like painting, making music, and gardening. I know from experience that juggling multiple schedules and responsibilities can be truly daunting, but having a strong support network can make all the difference. It’s really rewarding to be part of that network for the students who come to the Academic Success Center!
Amee Alagiri
Amee is thrilled to be a peer tutor at the Academic Success Center, bringing her decades of life experience to the role. She hails from the East Coast, with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Bentley University and a career that began in New York City. Amee has an extensive background in the nonprofit sector and was integral to numerous successful fundraising campaigns before segueing to her niche in event management. She found a fulfilling career in conceiving and executing small- and large-scale fundraising events for nonprofits.
She is pursuing a Master of Arts in Consciousness, Psychology, and Transformation. Amee emphasizes self-reliance, self-compassion, and mindfulness, believing these vital skills enhance academic and personal success. She is a long-time practitioner of meditation and mindfulness.
Outside of work and studies, Amee embraces her Indian heritage with spicy cooking experiments, custom jewelry design, and exploring slow fashion. An avid traveler, she is always planning her next escapade. She delights in talking to her houseplants and beloved dog, Mr. Bean. As a devoted mother, Amee derives untold joy from flooding her three grown children's phones with daily messages and silly memes.
Dr. Ashley Newby
My name is Dr. Ashley Newby and I am an Academic Coach in the ASC. I have an MA in Sociology of Education from New York University, and a Ph.D. in African and African American Studies with a certificate in urban education from Michigan State University. My current research focuses on Black Studies pedagogy, its traditions, and current iterations. I taught writing and rhetoric on the West Coast for five years before moving back east to be closer to family. I particularly enjoy helping students think about audience, organization, and clarity in their writing, and love working with dissertation students on developing their topics and ideas. In my current day job, I am a Senior Lecturer and Director of Undergraduate Studies in African American and Africana Studies. When not teaching, I'm usually watching WWE with my daughter, or planning our next big adventure.
Dr. Audrey Lapointe
My name is Audrey Lapointe, and I have enjoyed working as an online writing coach at National University since 2002. I hold a BA in English, an MFA in Creative Writing/Poetry, and a PhD in Rhetoric & Composition; additionally, I have certificates in Reading and Online Tutoring. My areas of expertise are in basic writing skills and essay development, particularly argumentative and inquiry research essays. I look forward to helping National University students improve their skills and confidence in the writing process!
Audrey Wolitarsky B.S.
Hello! My name is Audrey Wolitarsky, and I am an academic coach for math, undergraduate statistics, and science in the ASC. I have a degree in Physics from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. I have been a high school and community college tutor/coach since 2009, and at NU since 2017. I am passionate about helping students use their analytical skills to become critical thinkers and confident learners. When coaching, I aim to provide students with a safe, non-intimidating space to explore concepts, ask questions, make mistakes, and learn. Beyond academics, my interests are hiking, swimming, yoga, Canadian football, and fine tea.
Dr. Brian Aunkst
I am Dr. Brian Aunkst, and I am an academic coach for writing at the ASC. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Lehigh University and two master’s degrees from Liberty University. I received my doctorate in educational leadership, also from Liberty; the topic of my dissertation was the relationship between student help-seeking behavior and writing self-efficacy. I live in Colorado with my wife and our two dogs. I was an engineering manager for over 23 years until I retired after working for Uncle Sam for 31 years. I love helping students improve their writing, especially in the areas of paragraph development and organization. I enjoy traveling, listening to classic rock, watching old movies (especially film noire), reading mystery novels, and playing video games.
Dr. C. Bruce Gardner Sr.
Greetings! My name is Dr. C. Bruce Gardner, Sr. I am a native of the “Motor City” – Detroit and have footprints in Texas. Go Cowboys! Go Lions! I reside in Jacksonville, Florida, with my bride of 37 years, Delphine. We have four adult children and nine grandchildren. I've taught and participated as an online student/instructor for 30 years. I've guided, coached, and motivated thousands of students worldwide. I am also a 39-year proud member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
I earned my Ph.D. in Psychology (Northcentral University), Doctor of Christian Education (Andersonville Theological Seminary), M.A. in Religion (Liberty Theological Seminary), M.S. in Community Services (Michigan State University), and a B.S. in Biblical Studies/ Organizational Leadership (Grace University). My research areas of interest include religiosity, humility, servant leadership, self-regulation, spiritual readiness, and dispositional forgiveness. I enjoy exercising, reading, taking cruises, and coaching people to BETTER, i.e. "Stockdale Paradox": You must maintain unwavering faith that you can and will prevail in the end, regardless of the difficulties, and at the same time, have the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be. I stand ready to coach, mentor, challenge, and support you to your academic FINISH LINE!
Cheri Halvorson M.A.
Hello! I am Cheri Halvorson, and I have been a writing coach for National University for over eight years. I obtained my Master of Arts in English (Literature Option) from CSU, Fresno. I have taught college English and humanities for many years. I am also a professional editor with over a dozen years of experience, editing a fiction novel as well as master’s theses and doctoral dissertations in a wide variety of fields. I understand that word processing and formatting can sometimes be confusing or daunting tasks, so please see me for help in navigating dissertation/thesis templates, MS Word, PowerPoint, and/or Google Docs. I also thoroughly enjoy walking students through literary analysis, and I find British literature from the Middle Ages to the Victorian Period especially intriguing. (Yes, this includes Chaucer and Shakespeare!) I have an eye for nitty-gritty details, so if you need assistance with grammar, punctuation, or formatting and citation (i.e., APA 7, MLA, and Chicago/Turabian), I am here to help!
Dr. Christie A. Cruise
Christie A. Cruise, PhD is an educator, author, and social justice advocate with over 20 years of experience in higher education and student affairs. She has served at various types of institutions, including community colleges, state universities, research universities, and private liberal arts colleges. Her diverse roles have included academic advisor, director, assistant dean of students, associate dean of students, and affirmative action officer.
Dr. Cruise is also a poet and essayist, with her work published in numerous literary magazines, journals, and blogs. She is the author of a book of poetry and prose, as well as a poetry chapbook released in June 2024 by Finishing Line Press.
Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, Dr. Cruise earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, her Master of Science from Eastern Illinois University, and her Doctor of Philosophy from Bowling Green State University. When she isn’t working or writing poetry, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, and walking in the park.
Dr. Colleen Paeplow
Hi! My name is Dr. Colleen Paeplow, and I serve as an Academic Coach for writing and statistics in the ASC. Coaching students through their research process is my passion. I earned my doctoral degree in Educational Research from North Carolina State University in 2011. I have taught graduate courses related to statistical analyses and data-based decision-making and served on numerous doctoral committees. I currently lead a team of researchers who conduct a variety of program evaluations and research studies within the Wake County Public School System’s Data, Research, and Accountability Department, where I have worked for the past 20 years. Due to my varied experience conducting research and supporting students, I can help your learning of qualitative and quantitative methods and provide guidance as you strengthen your written communication skills. As a coach, I love working with graduate students to develop their research, guiding students to increase their understanding of research design and how best to communicate their work. When I am not helping others with their research, I enjoy traveling with my husband, spending time with my family, and practicing Taekwondo. I look forward to helping support your academic goals.
Diana Karr M.A.
Ms. Karr has over 20 years of teaching experience which includes instructing children and adults. She has a B.A. in Child Development from California State University, Fullerton, and an M.A. in Education from National University. Ms. Karr has experience mentoring college students and working in learning centers. She absolutely loves teaching and supporting her students as well as learning from them. When she is away from the classroom/University, she enjoys cooking, hiking, bike riding, and spending time with her family.
Drashawn Johnson B.A.
My career as a writing tutor began in 2020, and I can wholeheartedly say that I love my job and have a real passion for what I do. Here in the Academic Success Center, I serve as a writing coach, specializing in grammar, essay development, and the particularities of academic writing. What I enjoy most about being a writing coach is witnessing a student's development and helping them feel proud of themselves, as well as de-stigmatizing the writing process and reducing the intimidation around academic writing. I love it when students return to say thank you or to share that they've made an A on an essay. I've even had several students tell me they've scored 100s! It is such an affirming feeling to know that I can motivate students through their academic journey and witness their success.
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy being a student of life and learning about new things, particularly culture and history. A few of my favorite things include laughing, fine dining, splurging on skincare and nails, reading novels and short stories, listening to R&B and rock and roll – especially from the 80s, watching TV and movies from the 90s and 2000s, all shades of the color pink, and island getaways. When I have the time and the creative juices are flowing, I like to work on fan fiction and original fiction, as well as develop screenplays for my favorite books.
Dr. Fonda Na'Desh
Hello, I am Dr. Fonda Na'Desh, and I serve as an academic coach for proofreading at ASC. My graduate education includes an MBA and doctorate from Pepperdine University. My early professional work was in various roles in the computer technology field. Since leaving the technology field, I have gravitated to assisting individuals and businesses in reaching their goals by working in academia and organizational and personal development. I also believe in giving back to the community. I am currently on the board of the People's Diabetes Foundation. I have also served as a board member, mentor, and workshop presenter with SCORE Los Angeles. I enjoy learning about non-traditional coaching/development approaches and became certified as a Certified Professional Enneagram Teacher in 2023. When not involved in scholarly work, my leisure activities include watching international detective mysteries and classic or sci-fi movies, bicycling, hiking, or watching the sunset on the California coast.
Captain Gehrrie Bellamy Esq.
Howdy! My name is Gehrrie D. Bellamy, and I am the Legal Writing Coach for ASC. I hail from Houston, Texas, where I attended the University of Houston and received my BA in Political Science, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law, where I received my Juris Doctorate. I have been an attorney for almost 15 years, and I am licensed to practice in Texas and Washington, D.C. I enjoy helping students hone their legal writing and analysis skills, as well as provide guidance for tackling the bar exam. In my free time, I actively spoil two very adorable Bichon Frisé puppies, Linen and Brightyn, and volunteer at various puppy rescue groups.
Dr. Harpreet Kaur Dhir
Greetings! My name is Dr. Harpreet Kaur Dhir. I welcome you to the Academic Success Center where I proudly serve as an Academic Coach in writing. I am honored to be in the company of the best colleagues at the ASC center. While coaching students in writing at any level (elementary school to doctoral level) is my passion, I also enjoy writing and publishing educational research or writing poems to express difficult ideas. I have been an educator for the past 30 plus years in K-12 public schools and university settings. I have earned BA in multiple subjects from University of Redlands, MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Design-Based Learning from Cal Poly, Pomona, two additional teaching credentials from University of California, Riverside in Special Education and Single Subject English, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from American College of Education. I believe in learning forever and have recently completed a specialized study in Ethnic Studies from University of California, Riverside. Personally, I feel privileged to be a mom to my son and my daughter and being a part of a beautiful family. My first language is Panjabi and my favorite songs to listen and dance to, foods to enjoy, and attires to dress in are, of course, Panjabi. As a Sikh-American, Oneness, equality for all, justice, and community service are the central pillars guiding me in my work as an educator and as a board member of a local non-profit organization, California Sikhs. I look forward to working with students and being a small part of their educational journey.
Henry Schweichler M.A.
Hello, my name is Henry Schweichler, and I am a writing coach for the ASC here at National University. Originally from San Diego, CA, I have been helping students improve their writing skills for ten years. My areas of expertise include paragraph development, organization, paraphrasing, and oral communication. I LOVE witnessing students' "aha" moments when the light bulb goes off.
When I'm not working, I enjoy long walks on the beach, trying out new restaurants, and traveling the world. My favorite destinations are Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Boracay, Philippines. My goal is to visit all seven continents before I retire.
Dr. Jackie Lewis
Hello NU family! My name is Dr. Jackie Lewis. I serve as an Academic Writing Coach in the ASC. I graduated with a PhD at National University (NU) in 2023. I received an MEd specializing in curriculum and design from American InterContinental University and a BA in Social Work from the University of California at Berkeley. I have over seventeen years of experience working with students in tutoring, academic support, and training. My team article, Early Intervention for Struggling Online Graduate Students: Outcomes over Time, was published in the Learning Assistance Review (TLAR, #2) in 2021. As an NU graduate, I fully understand doctoral dissertation writing, and my experience has prepared me to support students throughout the dissertation writing and defense preparation process. I am excited to pass my doctoral experience on to other students. As a writing coach, I have a deep passion and commitment to supporting all students in developing scholarly writing skills. My goal in the ASC is to help students become confident, self-directed learners. I am an encourager, and I smile a lot while trying to maintain a positive outlook. I also try to pass positivity on to the students I coach. During my spare time, I have kitty rescue of over 31 cats and kittens, many of which are part of the Trap-Neuter-Release programs throughout the local area. I also enjoy listening to jazz music and horror movies. Halloween is a favorite time of year to binge-watch old horror movies.
Dr. Janice Cools Stephens
Hi, I’m Janice Cools Stephens and I am a Proofreading Specialist in the ASC. My B. A and PhD are in English and my MA is in Rhetoric and Professional Communication. I have certificates in Editing and Proofreading. I’ve always enjoyed teaching writing and writing about writing. My writing has been published in CEA forum and the Wisconsin English Journal and in books like Publishing in Rhetoric and Composition. Throughout my over 15 years in Higher-Ed, I’ve worked with both native and non-native speakers of English and have taught within the US as well as Internationally. My goal as a coach is to provide compassionate feedback and support, helping you to build confidence on your journey to becoming a better writerly version of yourself. When I’m not coaching, I’m reading, conducting research for scholarly writing, exercising, and spending quality time with family and two Australian Shepherds.
Dr. Jeffry L. White
Dr. Jeffry White is an Academic Coach in Statistics and Quantitative Methods in the Academic Success Center (ASC). He has been with the university since 2018. He is a retired associate professor (University of Louisiana, Lafayette, 2016) and author of numerous peer-reviewed publications and co-author of the Needs Assessment: Analysis and Prioritization, Vol. 4 of the Needs Assessment Kit (Sage, 2010). Dr. White provides individual coaching sessions in statistics as well as group sessions in SPSS, G*Power and Quantitative Research Design. Dr. White employs a coaching philosophy that deconstructs complex concepts into a sensible logic-based approach that fosters learning and creates a more conducive environment for learning statistics and quantitative methods.
Dr. Jessica Scott
Hello, I am Jessica Scott. I am an educator from St. Louis, Missouri. I have a Curriculum and Teaching doctorate from NCU and graduated in 2021. I am a PreK-12 curriculum director by day, an adjunct writing instructor, and an ASC writing coach by night. I also have four lovely children, spanning from 2 to 17. I enjoy hiking, nutrition, karaoke, and attending car shows and races with my husband. ❤️
John Johnson, MFA
Hello, I’m John Johnson, and I’ve been a writing tutor here at National since I graduated from NU with my MFA in 2014. Then, I specialized in Creative Non-Fiction and have written memoirs, youth fiction books, and multiple How-To books in my “other” field of family entertainment (I was one of the Ronald McDonalds of the world for over 20 years).
My specialties as a writing tutor are breaking down the writing process into manageable steps, interpreting assignments for students, explaining such things as thesis statements, the difference between an argumentative essay and a research paper, deciphering Literature Reviews, and, of course, APA and other forms of citation. My goal is to help my clients feel supported as writers, not through an expert-novice interaction, but through an interaction of peers where one just has more experience in academic writing. I love helping students to succeed here at National.
Dr. Jomo Merritt
My name is Dr. Jomo Merritt, and I serve as an Academic Coach for writing in the ASC. I earned my doctoral degree in Curriculum & Instruction from Oakland City University in 2020. I have a specialist degree in Counseling/Psychology with a concentration in mental health practices in schools, a master’s degree in school counseling from Albany State University, and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Georgia. I am an experienced counselor and curriculum developer with a demonstrated history working with grades K-12 and adult learner curriculum. I am also a part-time journalist for the online newspaper Guardian Liberty Voice. I love coaching students on clarity in writing, organization, and scholarly writing. In my spare time, I like to write screenplays and am in the process of working on my second novel.
Dr. Justin Geiger
My name is Justin Geiger, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, both from Liberty University. I hold a Doctor of Education in Community Counseling and Psychology, also from Liberty. I have a passion for seeing students succeed, and I believe that Socratic dialogue is the best way to learn. I believe that anyone can learn and develop a growth mindset, no matter what background someone comes from. Everyone has a different learning style and requires different levels of assistance at different times in their lives, so the role of the educator is to meet the student where they currently are. Some of my hobbies include hiking mountain trails, reviewing fiction books, and critiquing entertainment. My all-time favorite TV series is The Chosen.
Dr. Kathleen Covey
Hello, everyone! My name is Kathleen Covey, and I am a writing coach at ASC. Assisting students throughout their academic journey is a high priority for me. I earned a doctoral degree in e-Learning from National University. I have master's degrees and certifications in Instructional Technology, K-12 Administration, Elementary Education, and Special Education. I worked in higher education since 2009 as a professor, instructional designer, and curriculum developer for online programs at the graduate and doctoral levels. I served 23 years in public education as an instructional technology director, technology coach, elementary teacher, and special education teacher. I am passionate about creating a learning environment that empowers all types of learners to succeed. I live in Pennsylvania and enjoy spending time with my four children and two dogs. Life is always an adventure!.
Dr. Mathew Neil
My name is Dr. Matthew Neil, and I am a Proofreading Specialist in the ASC. I have been a consultant of academic writing in various institutional settings for over 7 years, specializing in doctorate support. I earned my Bachelor of Music in jazz studies from Temple University and then my PhD in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Riverside, where I wrote my qualitative research dissertation on the impact of higher education and non-profit institutions on the jazz scene in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. I have also written about retro sound chip technology and nostalgia in video game music, the life and works of film composer John Williams, and other topics. When not working with writing, I like to spend my time playing piano, (re)designing my island in Animal Crossing, or watching NBA basketball (go Nets!).
Dr. Pallavi Mittra
I hold an M.S. in Management, an M.Res. in Research Methodology, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of Strathclyde (U.K.). I have presented my research at several international conferences and received a Best Paper award from the prestigious British Academy of Management, and have been nominated for a Teaching Excellence Award. I have extensive experience in interdisciplinary research. My research interests include organizational behavior (from a psychoanalytical perspective), organizational learning, and change management. I also serve as a Diversity and Social Justice Chair in the Online Writing Centers Association (OWCA).
For the past 12 years, I have taught both undergraduate and graduate-level students and taken an inquiry-based approach to coaching school students in writing skills. I have developed multimodal learning content across diverse topics for varied audiences. As a coach, I am passionate about coaching graduate students in academic writing, specifically equipping them to craft strong and critical arguments, all aspects of qualitative research and data analysis, presenting qualitative data, and dynamically using NVivo.
Dr. Pamela Gary-Maple
Dr. Gary-Maple is a native of New Jersey. She has been an educator for over 20 years. She has a B.S. in Biology, M.ED in Education, M.ED in Administration & Supervision, and received her EDD in Education Leadership from NCU in September 2021. Dr. Gary-Maple successfully defended her dissertation on September 7, 2021. The title of her dissertation is “Comparing Differences in High School Algebra Achievement Based on the Use of Differentiated Instruction: An Archival Quasi-Experimental Study.” She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and creating precious memories with her husband and son. Her favorite quote is “Don’t Dream Your Life; Live Your DREAM!”.
Rachel Bruhn M.A.
Hello! My name is Rachel Bruhn, and I am an Academic Coach in the Academic Success Center. I specialize in helping students build their skills in statistical competencies. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Criminology from Butler University and a master’s degree in Psychology from Kaplan University. Since obtaining my master’s degree I bounced around the behavioral health field for a few years before changing tracks and finding a home in education. As a coach, I enjoy working with students on building confidence with statistics basics and moving into more advanced inferential stats. Outside the ASC, I am a stay-at-home mom of two, and (when I manage to sneak some “me time”) I enjoy reading, scrapbooking/crafting, singing, and dancing.
Raymond Chao J.D.
Greetings. My name is Ray Chao, and I am pleased to be joining the ASC team as a Legal Writing coach. I look forward to exploring IRAC, the Bluebook, and legal doctrine with you, as well as the occasional comment on dogs (and pets), reality TV, and Netflix. I am excited to be here and excited to be part of your journey because I know for many of you, law school is a dream - one that you share with family and friends. Keep up the good work! (I have a JD from Loyola Chicago and was a former prosecutor and defense attorney).
Dr. Samira Galvao
Dr. Galvao has been an educator for over 20 years. She started with NCU in July 2017. She has a B.A. in Early Childhood and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instructions, and she received her EDS in Leadership from NCU in August of 2018. Dr. Galvao successfully defended her dissertation on June 9th, 2020. The title of her dissertation is "Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners at the Secondary Level: A Qualitative Single-Case Study." She loves to travel with her family, and her favorite destination is Disney World. They go every year, and they are proud to be called Disney fanatics. “If you can Dream it, You can Do it!” -Walt Disney.
Dr. Sara Northern
I am Dr. Sara Northern, and as a certified teacher with over 20 years of teaching experience from elementary to graduate course appointments, my foremost commitment is advocating educational excellence by empowering students to become self-directed learners. I have a Bachelor of Science in Education, a Master of Teaching in Educational Technology, and a Doctor of Education in Teacher Leadership. I joined the Northcentral University Community as an Academic Writing Coach in the Academic Success Center at its launch in 2014. Working in the Academic Success Center is rewarding because I can support students’ unique needs. I enjoy traveling abroad (especially throughout Central and South America) with my husband and cat during my free time. I also enjoy reading about new education trends and best practices.
Dr. Sonya Sherrod
Hello! My name is Sonya Sherrod, and I am an Academic Coach for writing in the ASC. I have a B.S. and an M.A. in mathematics and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in mathematics education. In my doctoral program, I discovered my love for scholarly research and writing. I have conducted qualitative research on pre-service teachers’ development, middle school students’ learning, teacher immediacy, project-based learning, and doctoral students’ engagement in community-based research projects. I developed an instrument to measure middle school students’ understanding of lunar phases and participated in the development of a geometric special visualization tool. Prior to my time at National University, I was a dissertation coach at a college of education in Texas for 4 years. It was there that I developed a deep passion for helping others complete their dissertations. Helping doctoral students achieve their academic goals is what gives me purpose.
