The University Alumni Navigators are here to assist scholars with any questions or concerns on how to navigate their way around NU. The Navigators will assist and support you with the following:
Check out this calendar for upcoming Navigator events for class-based students.
Chat Hours
Sunday 12 pm - 7 pm
Monday 3 pm - 8 pm
Tuesday 3 pm - 8 pm
Wednesday 3 pm - 8 pm
Thursday 4 pm - 8 pm
Friday 4:30 pm -8 pm
Saturday 8 am - 2 pm
Chat hours are in Pacific time.
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. Calvin Gardner
Dr. Gardner is a native of Detroit, MI. He has been married for 34 years. He is the father of four adult children and a grandfather of eight. He has spent the last 36 years in Active-Duty Service (21 in the U.S. Marine Corps; 15 as a Navy Chaplain Corps). Interesting facts about Dr. Gardner, as a lifelong learner, he has earned seven undergraduate/graduate degrees. His last earned degree was his Ph.D. in Psychology. The title of his dissertation is “A Quantitative Correlational Study: Exploring the Relationship Between Religiosity, Humility, and Dispositional Forgiveness.” As a hobby, he enjoys educational coaching and mentoring. Dr. Gardner is interested in researching the following: Disposition Forgiveness, Humility, Religiosity, Spirituality, Leadership, Implicit Bias, and Neuropsychology. He enjoys reading and writing about bridge builders between Theology and Psychology communities.
Dr. Kertrenia Wright
Dr. Wright has been an educator for over 24 years. She started with NCU in May 2018. She has a B.A. in Biology, an M.A. in Educational Leadership, and received her Ed. D in Educational Leadership from NCU in November of 2021. Dr. Wright successfully defended her dissertation on November 8, 2021. The title of her dissertation is "Academic Achievement of Middle School English Language Learners Based on Participation in an English as a Second Language Program." She loves to spend time with her family, paint, and create crafts. Her educational philosophy is centered around the 5G’s and 3Ds. She continues to grow academically in order to give the knowledge gained to others to guide them to greatness all through grace. Her commitment to this philosophy is completed through determination, dependability, and dedication. Her favorite quote is, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” -Lao Tzu.
Diana Karr
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.
Sara Parker-Aiken
Ms. Parker-Aiken has been an educator for the past 25 years. One of the things she is passionate about is helping others in reaching their goals. She has a B.A. in Human Services from California State University, Dominguez Hills, an M.A. in Educational Counseling for National University, and she is currently enrolled in the Doctorate of Marriage and Family Therapy program. Ms. Parker-Aiken believes that everyone can achieve academic success, however, the path is different for each person. Her goal is to be a guide to help students successfully navigate their academic journey.
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, and M.ED in Administration & Supervision, and she 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!”
Start a chat or submit a ticket to get connected with a Navigator. Alumni Navigators are all recent NU graduates and can use their experience as students to support you in your educational journey.
There is No Place Like Home first Wednesday of the month. 4:30-6:00 pm PT
Join a Navigator for a 1.5-hour navigational workshop on all of the exciting resources that are just a click or two away from the NCUOne homepage. (This workshop is designed for one-to-one students using NCUOne)
Join us https://nu.zoom.us/j/7610593335
Power Hour Sessions every Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Dr. Galvao and Dr. Wright lead study sessions for support, guidance, and accountability to complete your assignment or reading! This is an open Zoom session where you can come and complete your coursework without interruption with an accountability buddy or two!
Join us https://nu.zoom.us/j/7610593335
Military Power Hour Sessions every 4th Sunday. 4:00-5:00 pm PT.
Dr. Gardner leads a study session for support, guidance, and accountability to complete your assignment or reading!
Join us https://nu.zoom.us/j/7610593335
