2019 Doctoral Bios

Research Director, Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Dept. of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University

Career Highlights

Preetha Anna Abraham serves as Research Director and Scientific Advisor to research project management at the Consortium for Health and Military Performance (CHAMP), a Defense Center of Excellence, at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU), Bethesda, Maryland. She also serves as the Psychological Education Contributor for the Human Performance Resource Center, an online resource to help Warfighters and their families to achieve total fitness and optimal performance. Preetha received her Master of Arts Degree in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology from University of Kerala, India in 1999.

Preetha joined USU in 2004 and has since served in research management, student/staff scientific mentorship and personnel supervisory roles within the Department of Psychiatry and Department of Military and Emergency Medicine. In addition to clinical human studies, she has a deep understanding ranging from psychometric tools, quantitative psychological assessments and qualitative research skills to bench science biological techniques. She is the primary author and co-author on several publication emerging from CHAMP and has presented at many distinguished scientific conferences. Her research involvement at CHAMP has been primarily on holistic health and adjunctive modalities of therapeutic interventions that mitigate stress and enrich physical, mental and spiritual well-being.

Selected Peer Reviewed Publications (past 5 years)

C Contreras–Sesvold, PA Abraham, J Devaney, BT Harmon, and PA Deuster (2014); The Association of 5-HTTLPR XLL genotype with Higher Cortisol levels in African Americans. International Journal of Medical Genetics, Article ID 123159

Y Chen, A Islam, PA Abraham, and PA Deuster (2014); Single dose oral quercetin improves redox status but does not affect heat shock response in mice. Nutrition Research, doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2014.06.005

A Weinstein, A Termini, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, PA Abraham, and PA Deuster (2013); Racial provocation induces cortisol responses in African Americans. Open Journal of Medical Psychology, Article ID 2250051

PA Abraham, J B Kazman, SA Zeno, M Poth, and PA Deuster (2013); Age-related decline of Salivary Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and associated health risks among African Americans. Ethnicity and Disease; 23: 149 –154

PA Abraham, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, and PA Duester (2013); Obesity and African Americans: Physiological and Behavioral Pathways. ISRN Obesity, Article ID 314295

A Islam, PA Abraham, CD Hapner, PA Deuster, and Y Chen (2013); Tissue-specific up-regulation of HSP72 in mice following short-term administration of alcohol. Cell Stress and Chaperones, 18: 215–222

A Islam, PA Abraham, CD Hapner, B Andrews-Shigaki, PA Deuster, and Y Chen (2013); Heat exposure induces tissue stress in heat-intolerant, but not heat-tolerant mice. Stress 16 (2): 244–253

JB Kazman, PA Abraham, SA Zeno, M Poth, and PA Deuster (2012); Self-Reported Sleep Impairment and the Metabolic Syndrome among African Americans. Ethnicity and Disease, 22(4): 410–415

A Weinstein, PA Abraham, G Diao, SA Zeno, and PA Deuster (2011); Relationship between Depressive Symptoms and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Black Individuals. Cleve Clin J Med., Aug; 78 Suppl. 1:S103

Selected Scientific Poster Presentations (past 3 years)

PA Abraham, DW Russell, PA Deuster, and SW Gibbons, Process of Resilience: Positive Adaptation among US. Army Combat Medics, Military Health System Research Symposium, Kissimmee, FL, Aug. 16, 2016

SW Gibbons, PA Abraham, PA Deuster, DW Russell, Becoming a resilient Army Combat Medic: Identity through Loyalty, Military Health System Research Symposium, Kissimmee, FL, Aug. 16, 2016

PA Abraham, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, and PA Deuster, Social Support: Benefits to Stress Life Events, and Hardiness among African Americans, Research Day, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, May 13, 2015

PA Abraham, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, K Dennis, and PA Deuster, Association of Smoking-induced variations on HPA activity and Mental Health Stress in African Americans, Society for Neuroscience, Washington DC, Nov 15–19, 2014

JB Kazman, PA Abraham, SA Zeno, and PA Deuster, Topology of Stress-Buffers among Community- Recruited African Americans: A Cross-Sectional Study, Association for Psychological Science, San Francisco, CA, May 22–25, 2014

PA Abraham, S Attipoe, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, M Poth, and PA Deuster, Association of Circulating levels of Leptin with Metabolic Syndrome in African Americans, Research Day, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, May 14, 2014

DF Suarez, PA Abraham, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, and PA Deuster, The Impact of Sleep Quality on Physical Fitness and General Health Functioning, Research Day, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, May 14, 2014

JB Kazman, PA Abraham, SA Zeno, and PA Deuster, Psychometric Analysis of the Dispositional Resilience Scale in African Americans: Factor Structure and Psychosocial Correlates, Research Day, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, May 14, 2014

PA Abraham, S Attipoe, JB Kazman, SA Zeno, M Poth, and PA Deuster, Importance of Plasma Adiponectin and C-reactive protein in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes among African Americans, Research Day, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, May 14, 2013

Education

M.A., Applied Psychology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, India, 1999
B.A., Psychology, Economics and Sociology, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore University, India, 1997

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Center for Health and Military Performance
Human Performance Resource Center
Warrior Canine Connection
The Institute of Integrative Health

Personal and Professional Goals

I am very much committed to community services and actively participate in various integrative health, education and wellness programs conducted by the Department of Defense, church charities and other non-profit organizations. Additionally, for more than a decade, I have been working toward improving the health of military service members, specifically, in understanding how life stressors affect psychological, physiological, social and behavioral aspects of their health and well-being. My long-term goal is to provide excellence in assembling highly functioning and successful clinical research and educational teams to meet the mission and vision of an organization.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

With the comprehensive training from the doctoral program in organizational leadership, I will be best-equipped to assist clinical, research and educational teams by facilitating a critical thinking atmosphere, and to improve policies that may hinder an organization from accomplishing quality and effective outcomes.

Favorite Leadership Book

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Whatever you are, be a good one.” 
—Abraham Lincoln

Assistant Principal, Frederick County Public Schools

Career Highlights

Teacher Specialist for Early Childhood Education, 2010–2016

Author, “Empowering Math Teachers and Coaches to Provide Purposeful Pre-K Mathematics Experiences,” Journal of Mathematics Education Leadership, National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics, December 2015

Invited presenter, Maryland State Department of Education Early Learning Coordinators Briefing, fall 2015

Invited presenter, Western Maryland Association of Education of Young Children Conference, fall 2015

Invited presenter, Maryland State Department of Education Early Learning and Leadership Academies, summer 2015

Keynote speaker, Frederick Community College Early Childhood Conference, November 2013

Educator, Kindergarten–Grade 2, Frederick County Public Schools, 1998–2010

Educational Background

M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, Hood College, 2002
B.A. (cum laude), Early Childhood Education, Hood College, 1998

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

National Education Association
Maryland State Education Association
Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association
National Association for the Education of Young Children
Western Maryland Association for the Education of Young Children
National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
Elementary Mathematics Specialists and Teacher Leaders Project
Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Educational Leadership, Hood College, 2015
Administrator and Supervisor I/II, 2015
Early Childhood Education Pre-K–3
Special Education Pre-K–12

Personal and Professional Goals

As a lifelong learner my goal is to continue my own educational experiences, which will allow me to best support, serve, motivate and empower others. I aspire to lead teachers and schools at the district level through opportunities for professional learning in the areas of early childhood education, executive functioning and special education. I hope to also serve as a leader at the state and national levels by facilitating professional learning for teachers and administrators on the implementation of best practices that support students in experiencing school success and eliminating the achievement gap.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

Participating in a doctoral program at Hood has been a hope and goal of mine since I first walked across the stage at graduation in 1998. I believe strongly that the most effective leaders are first and foremost learners themselves, so it is crucial, as well as deeply rewarding, for me to continue my own educational experiences. I seek opportunities to challenge myself, and know that the accomplishment of completing a doctoral program will transform not only my ability to lead, but also who I am, both personally and professionally.

Favorite Leadership Book

Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times, by Donald T. Phillips

Favorite Leadership Quote

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

—John Quincy Adams

6th Grade Team Leader, 6th Grade English, 8th Grade Reading, Boys Soccer Coach, Sligo Middle School, Silver Spring, Maryland

Career Highlights

2012–Present 6th Grade Team Leader/English 6/Reading 8, Sligo Middle School, Silver Spring, Maryland

2011–2012 Reading 6/7/8, Ridgeview Middle School, Gaithersburg, Maryland

2009–2011 Reading Content Specialist, Argyle Middle School, Silver Spring, Maryland

1998–2009 Reading Specialist, Argyle Middle School, Silver Spring, Maryland

1997–1998 5th Grade Team Leader/Grade 5, Garnet-Patterson Middle School, Washington, DC

1987–1997 Grade 2/3/5, Harrison Elementary School, Washington, DC

1983–2003 United States Army 99th Reserve Support Command, Oakdale, Pennsylvania

Education

M.S., Educational Leadership, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2013

B.S., Elementary Education, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC, 1987

B.S., Consumer Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, 1983

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Alpha Kappa Phi
Maryland State Teachers Association
National Education Association
Montgomery County Council of the International Reading Association

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Administrator and Supervisor I and II certification, Hood College, 2013

Reading Specialist Certification, Trinity University, Washington, DC, 1990

Airborne qualification

Command and General Staff School Graduate

Army Achievement Medal (3)

Army Commendation Medal (2)

Army Meritorious Service Medal

Confidence Course Certification

School Union Representative

Personal and Professional Goals

My short term professional goal is to become an assistant principal in my current school system. After attainment of this goal, I hope to use my doctoral degree to help change the practices that are currently used to hire teachers and principals in school systems. I have an additional interest in helping new teachers better manage difficult classroom situations by providing the expertise that I have gained and exhibited over the years in classroom management.

My personal goals are to complete hiking all the trails in the purview of the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. I am also interested in finishing hiking all the trails in the northern half of the State of New Hampshire, which includes hiking the 48 mountains above 4,000 feet. Finally, I hope to begin and finish reading all the Harvard Classics.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

The doctoral program is important to me because lifelong learning is important to me. It is important to stay abreast of current theory and learning in your field so that you can grow and help be a change element in your chosen field. I am interested in helping to change the field of education by looking at systems that are failing children and coming up with ideas and changes to help move them forward in a better way than what we are currently doing. Children are our future and without some changes in our educational systems, we are destined to not grow as we should. We are not fully serving our young and changes must be made to see that they are learning to be educated and employed for the next century.

Favorite Leadership Book

Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” 
—Winston Churchill

Supervisor of Special Education, Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

Special Education Teacher, 14 years
Professional Development Teacher Specialist, 2 years
Middle School Instructional Coordinator, 2 years
Supervisor of Special Education, 5 years
Adjunct Professor, Educational Leadership Program, Hood College, 2 years

Educational Background

M.A., Educational Leadership, Hood College, 2008 
M.A., Special Education, James Madison University, 1996

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)

Awards, Honors and Certifications

National board certification: Exceptional Needs Specialist, 2007

Personal and Professional Goals

To collaboratively propel transformational change in any organization in which I participate.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

To broaden my education certification, be introspective as a leader and make authentic transformational change in the organization in which I work. To improve as a leader to secure a promotion in the future.

Favorite Leadership Book

Lead Like Jesus, by Ken Blanchard

Favorite Leadership Quote

“A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus.” 
—Martin Luther King, Jr.

Principal, Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

North Frederick Elementary School

2010–present Principal (Pre-K to 5th grade)

Twin Ridge Elementary School

2005–2010 Principal (Pre-K to 5th grade)

Hillcrest Elementary School

2001–2005 Assistant Principal (Pre-K to 5th grade)

Lincoln (South Frederick Elementary) School

2000–2001 School support/administrative intern
1998–2000 Fifth grade teacher
1993–1998 Third grade teacher
1993–2000 Super Camp summer school teacher (Grades 2, 3)

Mount Saint Mary’s College

2013–Present Adjunct professor for various courses: Weekend College 
2002–2011 Professor, Undergraduate Classroom Management
2002–2006 Professor, Undergraduate Human Growth and Development

Education

M.S., Educational Leadership, Hood College, 2001
B.S., Elementary Education, Mount Saint Mary’s College, 1993

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

National Association of Elementary Principals (NAESP) 
Maryland Association of Elementary Principals (MAESP) 
Mount Saint Mary’s College Education and Human Services Alumni Council

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Awards and Honors

Woman of Excellence Award, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, May 2010

Making an Impact Panel: Mount Saint Mary’s College, March 2014

Phenomenal Woman Award, The Faith Striders; the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Frederick Club and OUT40 Magazine organized the event in honor of Women’s History Month, March 2015

Dean’s Circle of Excellence, Mount Saint Mary’s College, May 2015

Certifications

Administrator I and II Certificate, Hood College, 2000

Advanced Professional Certificate, Maryland State Department of Education, 1997

Personal and Professional Goals

I aspire to be the best administrator that I can possibly be. Being a principal has been a wonderful experience and I thoroughly enjoy my career.

After being a principal, I hope to be a consultant for Title I schools and to teach at the college level. I would love to be a part of ensuring that college students are well-prepared to be exceptional teachers in our Title I schools every school.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

I have been on the search for a program since I received my master’s degree. Every program seemed to lack something that was a necessity for me to commit. I am a lifelong learner and am excited about the opportunity to get back into the academic arena. Two things I miss the most are discourse with colleagues and hearing about new cutting edge research. There are three requirements that I had for a program to which I wanted to commit: “doable,” high caliber of instruction, and intellectual discourse. From my research and discussions, I was pleased to discover that this program will offer all three.

The most important thing to me was to make sure that I could maintain a balance between school, home and my career. I have learned—the hard way—that balance is a necessity. When I commit to anything, I work to give it my all until the end. The 3-year course layout and the proximity to my work location and home all will help with achieving that balance. The cadre format also helps to ensure that I have a group of individuals that will be a support system through the program. Having that support system helps to ensure that even when it gets difficult, I will have a supportive team cheering me on.

Because Hood College is my alma mater, I am aware of the high quality of instruction and instructors at the college. Attending a smaller college with a faculty that is vested in seeing each student succeed is valuable and important to me.

Intellectual discourse is a necessity for a program. I miss the opportunity to debate and have intellectual discussion. A face-to-face program was a necessity to me, as I value the opportunity to discuss, debate, question and reflect upon other's ideas and thinking. Because this program has a combination of scholars with business and educational backgrounds, the conversations should be even richer, and I am sure will offer new perspectives on leadership and management.

It is appealing that this program also promotes commitment to service in the community. Ensuring that our community has the outreach from the business and educational professionals is very important. I believe fully that our daily decisions should be based on making sure that we are giving back to the community. This program will allow connections between business and education professionals that can lead to community outreach.

I have reflected long and hard about this decision, and feel confident that this is the program for me. If given the chance, I truly think I will enhance my leadership skill to be the type of leader that this program wants to cultivate: mindful, a resource steward, a systematic thinker and committed to community.

Favorite Leadership Book

Star Principals: Serving Children in Poverty, by Martin Haberman

Favorite Leadership Quote

“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits.” —Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”
—John Quincy Adams

Strategic Account Manager, 3M Healthcare Business Group, Government Operations

Career Highlights

In 1994, Richard was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Service Corps. Over the course of his 20-year military career, he served in multiple command and staff positions including:

Director of Materiel Fielding, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Agency, Fort Detrick, Maryland 
Rear Detachment Commander, Executive Officer, and Task Force Director of Logistics, 10th Combat Support Hospital, Fort Carson, Colorado; and Baghdad, Iraq
Director of Supply Chain Management, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington DC
Detachment Commander, Chief of Warehousing Operations, and Chief of Inventory Management, U.S. Army Medical Materiel Center, Europe, Pirmasens, Germany

In 2014, Richard joined the 3M Healthcare Business Group (HCBG) taking on responsibility for support to the Department of Defense. He is responsible for developing business strategies to support a complex and multifaceted DOD market for the 3M HCBG Government Operations team.

Education

M.H.A., Healthcare Administration, Baylor University
B.A., Political Science with a concentration in Public Administration, Ohio University

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Richard is affiliated with the Association of Healthcare Resource and Material Managers (AHRMM), the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), and the Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health (SDMPH).

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Richard is a Distinguished Military Graduate (DMG) at Ohio University, graduated with honors from Baylor University, and earned a myriad of awards throughout his military service culminating in a fourth Meritorious Service Medal upon his retirement. He is also credentialed as a Certified Material and Resource Professional (CMRP) through the Association of Healthcare Resource and Material Managers.

Personal and Professional Goals

Richard’s personal goals include establishing his family in Frederick, Maryland, through his involvement with All Saints’ Episcopal Church, Hood College, and the community as a whole. He also continues his lifelong endeavors of breaking 90 on the golf course and hiking the full length of the Appalachian Trail. Professionally, Richard aspires to lifelong learning, achieving Fellow status with the Association of Healthcare Resource and Material Managers, and attaining executive level leadership in the corporate sector.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

A doctoral program is important because there are questions unanswered, problems unsolved, and a great need for subject matter experts in our ever-changing, increasingly complex world.

Favorite Leadership Book

In 1996, the book How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie, gave me the insight I needed to develop a more democratic and coaching leadership style. I have been “making friends” ever since.

Favorite Leadership Quote

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.”
—Lao Tzu

Proposal Development Consultant

Career Highlights

Peggy Dufour’s professional experience includes work in the for-profit, not-for-profit, and government sectors. From 1987 to 1993, Peggy served in leadership positions on two presidential commissions, at the U.S. Department of Energy, where she created the National Science Bowl, and in the White House Office of Science, where she led a 17-agency committee on mathematics and science education overseeing $2 billion in funding. Following government service, Peggy started and managed a proposal development consulting firm, and joined Bechtel National, Inc., in 2004, where she managed proposal centers in Frederick, Md., and Reston, Va., that won $17 billion in government work. She is now an independent proposal development consultant.

Earlier in her career, Peggy worked at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center supporting leukemia/lymphoma research. This work led to her becoming a senior policy analyst on the first Presidential Commission on the HIV Epidemic, where she wrote the Interim Report to the President and chapters of the final report on the federal government’s role in HIV research and treatment.

A classically trained musician, Peggy has performed with orchestras and regional opera organizations on both coasts. In New York City, she served as director of marketing for Symphony Space and produced concerts and special events at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. While pursuing a doctorate at Columbia University, Peggy taught music courses at Columbia College and earned a Master of Fine Arts degree as a member of the first class in a unique program that included a year of courses in Columbia University's graduate business and law schools. She also supported the New York office of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival.

Peggy was among the first 100 people worldwide to achieve Professional-level certification from the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). She has a strong interest in American history and leaders, and in the history of Frederick County. She is the author or editor of 15 publications.

Education

B.A., Music, California State University, Sacramento
Graduate studies, Music, California State University, Sacramento
M.F.A., Arts Administration, business/law concentration, Columbia University
Doctoral studies, Historical Musicology, Columbia University

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Member, Association of Proposal Management Professionals 
President, Board of Directors, Celebrate Frederick, Inc., 2010–2012
Board member, Downtown Frederick Partnership, 2011–2012
Board advisor, Frederick Festival of the Arts, 2006–2007
Member, Leadership Frederick County Class of 2006–2007
Member, Senior Executive Service (U.S. government), 1989–1993
Former member, Busoni Foundation Board of Directors, New York, N.Y.

Awards, Honors and Certifications

John Elder Award for best APMP Journal article of 2014

Silver Medal, Meritorious Service, U.S. Department of Energy, for creation of National Science Bowl

Certificate of Appreciation, Mayor and Board of Aldermen, Frederick, Maryland, for community service

Six Sigma Champion

Certified Proposal Professional, APMP

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

The new doctoral program at Hood College offers an opportunity to study leadership as interpreted by many scholars and applied in many environments. I look forward to gaining new academic research skills and to applying them to a project that examines leadership in the setting of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Favorite Leadership Book

John Quincy Adams, Militant Spirit, by James Traub

Favorite Leadership Quote

"The supreme quality of leadership is integrity." 
—Dwight D. Eisenhower

“One man with courage is a majority.”
—Thomas Jefferson

Senior Contracting Officer, National Cancer Institute

Career Highlights

Quality Control Technician for Diagnostic Test Kits at BioWhittaker, Inc. During my time with BioWittaker, Inc., the company manufactured Complement Fixation, ELISA and FIAX test kits to diagnose immunoglobulin (IgG/IgM) levels in serum for certain viruses, i.e., measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chicken pox). I moved from there into Technical Services where I became a trainer and troubleshooter for issues that customers were having with the products.

Valley Graphic Service, Inc. Customer Services Manager. It was during my time here that I gained experience in preparing bids for state and federal government opportunities, thus my introduction to contracting.

In 2009, I was hired by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Office of Acquisitions and my federal contracting career began. I started in the Simplified Acquisitions Branch (not knowing any different) and have found a perfect training ground. I like the diversity each requirement brings. Questions we ask include, “How is this best purchased,” “Which mechanism would be best for the purchase?” and “Is a justification for sole source valid?”

I moved from the Simplified Acquisitions Branch to the Management and Operation Support Branch in October of 2015. This acquisitions office administers the contract for the government-owned contractor-operated (GOCO) Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC). The FFRDC provides rapid response capabilities and one-of-a-kind resources for the biomedical research community within NCI, NIH and other federal agencies. Located in Frederick, Md., the Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (FNLCR) is NCI’s FFRDC. The FNLCR is a GOCO research facility with a unique array of research support and advanced technologies, whose purpose is to bridge the gaps from discovery to healthcare delivery; to accelerate the development of new technologies and prototype treatments for patients; and to pave the way for new advances to enter clinical trials for testing, approval, and delivery to patients via the commercial sector. The FNLCR provides a unique biomedical resource for the development of new technologies and the translation of basic science discoveries into novel agents for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, AIDS, and other diseases.

Awards, Honors and Certifications

FAC-C Level III Certified Contracting Officer with an Unlimited Warrant, National Institutes of Health, 2015

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

It is a chance to see a lifelong dream come to conclusion.

Favorite Leadership Book

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Favorite Leadership Quote

“If you think you can do a thing or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.” 
—Henry Ford

Supervisor of English Language Arts and Social Studies, Washington County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

Developing programs in various schools that defy the traditional structures of schools by integrating content, course requirements and grade levels, yielding significant results in student achievement

Redesigning an urban school into multi-age learning academies

Redesigning the county’s essential curriculum to focus on student understanding and transfer, rather than on coverage of content and skills

Educational

M.S., Educational Leadership, Hood College, 2003
B.A., Early Childhood Education, Hood College, 1998

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

International Literacy Association
State of Maryland International Reading Association Council (SoMIRAC) 
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) 
Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals (MAESP)

Awards, Honors and Certifications

My greatest honors and awards are given to those I lead, to include school achievements for academic success and the number of educators that have assumed leadership positions under my administration. I hold administrative certification in Maryland and Pennsylvania, including Administrator and Supervisor I and II certification from Hood College (2003), as well as a Commission Letter of Eligibility for Superintendent in Pennsylvania.

Personal and Professional Goals

To become a leading expert in instructional design and organization in order to achieve the greatest impact to student achievement as measured by post-graduate success.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

Having the opportunity to commit time and effort to what is already my passion will allow me to grow in my own professional knowledge and potentially increase the impact of my efforts to a larger population. The doctorate will validate, challenge and extend my thinking, enabling me to better serve those that will inherit our communities.

Favorite Leadership Book

Good to Great, by Jim Collins

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Get the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats…and if you can’t get the wrong people off the bus, make sure they are not driving!” 
—Jim Collins

Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) Trainer and Specialist, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Rural Development

Career Highlights

2016–present Member, Ethics Commission, City of Frederick, Maryland

2014–present Adjunct Professor, Towson University, Computer and Information Sciences Department

2012–present United States Army Reserve (USAR) Officer, Military Police

2006–2012 Business Development Manager of That Dam Thing, Inc.

2005–present Towson University “The Associate” Alumni, Advisor and Student Mentor

2000–2005 Chief Financial Officer, Brothers and Sisters United (BASU) (501(c)(3))

Education

M.A., Business and Organizational Security Management, Webster University
B.S., Computer Information Sciences / Business Administration, Towson University 
B.A., Spanish Literature, Towson University

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

National Human Resources Association (NHRA)
College and University Professional Association for Human Resources (CUPA-HR)
Military Police Regimental Association (MPRA) 
International Association for Human Resource Information Management (IHRIM) 
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) 
IEEE Communications Society
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) 
Towson University’s Computer and Technology Club Faculty Sponsor
Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) 
The Washington, DC, Chapter of The Rocks, Inc. 
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Myriad U.S. Army awards, including a Bronze Star for Meritorious Service earned while serving in Parwan Province, Afghanistan

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Beat the Odds Program Award recipient, Children’s Defense Fund (CDF)

Gates Millennium Scholar Alumnus, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Personal and Professional Goals

My personal goals include being the best role model for my family, community and country. My professional goal is to be a transformational leader in the community while also serving as an influential and motivating change agent for his employer.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

A doctoral program is part of my continuing developmental process of being a transformational leader and while also growing as a subject matter expert in understanding what makes an organization valuable and how to grow it!

Favorite Leadership Book

5 years ago, my favorite leadership book was: Who Moved My Cheese?, by Dr. Spencer Johnson

Presently, my favorite leadership readings come from the Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania

5 years from now…who knows?

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Never allow your ambition to exceed your talent.” JLJ, III

Human Resource Director, WLR Automotive Group, Inc., Frederick, Maryland

Career Highlights

Early in John’s career, he worked for Aramark in Leesburg, Virginia. While working a line level food service position, John developed a training program as part of a college project. After the completion of the project, the company decided to adopt the training program for the location.

In 1992, John began working for Hospitality Partners, a Washington, DC–based hotel company, and continued with them for nearly 10 years. During his employment, John worked mostly in human resources, but also held leadership positions in marketing, food and beverage (F&B), and operations. While in marketing, John made a presentation at the American Hotel and Lodging Association conference in San Francisco. John was seen as an effective change manager and was frequently asked to handle unique projects. For example, John led one hotel’s F&B department during an important employee and menu transition, and then led a comprehensive renovation project for a large Georgetown hotel.

John began working for Gap Inc. in 2002, handling human resources, merchandising, and stockroom management responsibilities. Additionally, he was selected to participate in a project to streamline stock intake. As a result of the project’s success, John was designated as a district trainer for the purpose of implementing his improved stock management strategies.

In 2005, John began working at Charles Town Races & Slots (now Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races), where he oversaw the hiring of more than 800 new associates for the implementation of table games. Additionally, John participated in a number of other projects, including rolling out new human resource technology for the company’s employees.

In 2010, John began work for his current employer, WLR Automotive Group, Inc. As the Human Resources Director, John plays a crucial role in increasing human resource technology, developing corporate and company culture, improving employee retention and engagement, and managing numerous projects. John was instrumental in developing the company’s current leadership structure. In 2015, WLR Automotive Group was recognized with the Diversity and Inclusion Award for its company culture and inclusive employee programs.

Education

MBA, Business Administration, Shepherd University, 2009
B.A., Liberal Arts, Shepherd University, 2006

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Association for Talent Development (ATD) 
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) 
Member, Board of Directors, Frederick County Society for Human Resource Management (FCSHRM) 
Co-chairman, FCSHRM annual conference, 2015, 2016
Leadership Jefferson County, West Virginia, program member, 2007
Volunteer, United Way and American Red Cross in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia
Member, Board of Directors, Children First Child Development Center, a nonprofit child care facility
Delta Sigma Pi, professional business fraternity

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Outstanding Graduate Student Award, Shepherd University, 2009 
Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification – Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI) 
Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification – Society for Human Resource Management

Personal and Professional Goals

I have worked in human resources and business for more than 20 years. I believe that I have a lot of offer with the knowledge and experience I have gained. Over the next few years, I would like to expand my facilitation and communication skills to be able to train and develop others. I could do this training through speaking at conferences, consulting, and teaching.

I consider the opportunity to consult with other organizations another passion. I would enjoy working not only with businesses, but also with nonprofit organizations to help make our communities better. I believe that my background and education could help a variety of people.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

While I believe that having a doctorate provides credibility, I also feel that Hood’s doctoral program speaks specifically to my goals. By being a part of a cohort program with leaders from my community, I will grow from their experiences as well as from the evaluation of my own. A doctoral program will improve my research and writing skills. In turn, I will be seen as a reliable resource to those seeking my leadership and guidance.

Favorite Leadership Book

Developing the Leader Within You, by John C. Maxwell

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Leaders who fail are the ones who do it by themselves. Leaders who succeed are the ones who allow others to help them.” 
—Simon Sinek

Supervisor of Accelerating Achievement and Equity (Pre-K–12), Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

2016–present Supervisor of Accelerating Achievement and Equity, Pre-K–12, Frederick County Public Schools

2016–present Adjunct Professor, Social Studies Curriculum, Methods, Materials and Assessment, Hood College

2012–2016 Elementary Social Studies Curriculum Specialist, Frederick County Public Schools

2011–2012 Assistant Principal, Waverly Elementary School, Frederick County Public Schools

2004–2011 Teacher: 5th Grade (3 years); 6th Grade ELA (1 year); 6th/7th Grade Social Studies (2 years); STEM and 5th Grade Writing (1 year), Frederick County Public Schools

1998–2004 Teacher: 5th Grade (3 years); 6th Grade ELA and Science (1 year); 7th Grade Science (1 year); and 8th Grade Social Studies (1 year), Montgomery County Public Schools

Educational Background

M.A., Administration and Supervision, University of Phoenix, 2010
M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Specializing in Adult Education, University of Phoenix, 2009
B.S., Elementary Education, Morgan State University, 1998
Participant, Opening Doors Research Institute, Ohio State University, 1998

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Middle States Council for the Social Studies
Maryland Council for Social Studies
Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Awards and Honors

Frederick County Public Schools All Star Award, Frederick County Public Schools, 2016 Maryland Governor’s Citation for Frederick Mentors Program, 2015

Collins-Skinner Social Studies Leadership Award, Middle States Council for the Social Studies, 2014

Ultimate Rookie Cadet Award, West Frederick Middle School, 2007

Marvin T. Sampson Memorial Elementary Education Scholarship Award, Morgan State University, 1998

Certifications

Maryland Educator Certificate, Administrator I, 2010
Maryland Educator Certificate, Elementary Education 1–6 and Middle School, 1998

Personal and Professional Goals

My personal goal is to learn from my mistakes, freely forgive, be compassionate, and lead a life my family and I can be proud of. My professional goal is to continue building my competency to effectively serve Frederick County Public Schools’ students, staff and community.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

Teaching is my vocation and occupation. As a Bible teacher (personally) and public educator (professionally), I enjoy the privilege of imparting knowledge to others. Before one can impart knowledge, however, one must first be a student, something I enjoy immensely. My journey to earn a doctoral degree is a personal one; as someone who enjoys the process of being schooled, I’ll earn the highest academic degree possible—not for monetary gain, job advancement, or to be elevated in the eyes of some—but for me. It’s a personal goal that I know will increase my ability to serve effectively in my professional capacity, but it will also be the final piece of a “hobby” I enjoy: going to school.

Favorite Leadership Book

The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)

Favorite Leadership Quote

“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”
—Jim Rohn

“Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.”
—Sam Walton

Assistant Principal, Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

At Walkersville High School, I supervised a total gym renovation, complete with new gym floor, bleachers and repainting, and a track renovation.

During my tenure at Heather Ridge School, the Twilight Program attendance rate rose from 76% to 84%. This increase resulted from changing the focus of the program to have a stronger academic focus, and the structure of the program to allow students to have more choice over activities.

Education

M.A., Curriculum and Instruction, Shepherd University, 2007
B.A., Secondary Education, Shepherd University, 2004

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

National Association of School Principals (NASP)

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Administrator I and II Certification, Hood College, 2010

Personal and Professional Goals

My professional goal is to be a building level principal within Frederick County Public Schools and then work toward being a director within Frederick County Public Schools. My personal goals are to go scuba diving and run a Disney half marathon.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

I have always been a person who enjoys expanding my knowledge base. By expanding my knowledge on the doctoral level, not only will I have an impact on people within my organization, but I will also will have an impact on a more global scale.

Favorite Leadership Book

The Difference Maker, by John C. Maxwell

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Leaders know the way, show the way and go the way.”

Senior Manager, Quality at Fisher Bioservices, Rockville, Maryland

Career Highlights

Jonathan Spaans has a 20-year career in vaccine and biotherapeutics development and manufacturing. During this time, Jonathan developed, tested, and manufactured several successful small molecule and vaccine candidates and managed quality organizations responsible for compliance to several regulatory agencies. He developed and managed quality management systems ranging from product disposition, supplier qualification, equipment qualification, and document management. He also built and led departments in change management and commissioning, including business expansion.

Education

M.B.A., Business Administration, Hood College, 2001
B.S., Biology, Arizona State University, 1994

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

Parenteral Drug Association (PDA)
American Society of Quality (ASQ)

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Certified Quality Improvement Associate, American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Six Sigma Green Belt training
Member, Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society

Personal and Professional Goals

My goals include further strengthening my organizational leadership capabilities and leveraging my industry experience for a business development, analyst or quality assurance career. I am also interested in teaching as I have a broad range of experiences in the biotech community.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

This program will give me the opportunity to explore and test my ideas of leadership theory and practice in today’s biopharmaceutical community in a structured setting.

Favorite Leadership Book

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen R. Covey

Favorite Leadership Quote

“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.”
—Peter Drucker

Principal, Myersville Elementary, Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

Kathy’s 32-year education career began in 1983. After graduating from Hood College summa cum laude with a degree in special education, Kathy became a teacher at Rock Creek School. In 1993, Kathy was awarded her master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and moved to a second grade classroom at Spring Ridge Elementary. In 1998, Kathy became a science and math teacher specialist for Frederick County Public Schools, teaching teachers best practices in both content areas. After completing her certificate in Educational Leadership from Hood, Kathy became an assistant principal at Hillcrest Elementary and was then promoted to principal at Myersville Elementary School in 2013.

Education

M.A., Early Childhood Education, Hood College, 1993
B.A. (summa cum laude), Special Education, Hood College, 1983

Awards, Honors and Certifications

Certificate in Educational Leadership, Hood College, 2007
Outstanding Elementary School Mathematics Teacher, Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 2004
Outstanding Science Teacher, Maryland Science Center, 1998
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)
Maryland Council of Teachers of Mathematics (MCTM)
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

I want my students and my grandchildren to see that learning is a lifelong process. There is never a time when we aren’t learning, changing our thinking and giving back to those around us.

Favorite Leadership Book

Winning, by Jack Welch, Collins, 2005

Favorite Leadership Quote

“…every person in the world wants voice and dignity, and every person deserves them.”
—Jack Welch

Assistant Principal, Frederick County Public Schools, Maryland

Career Highlights

While attending Hood College to complete his B.A. in History, Josh Work enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. After completing military occupational specialty schools, Josh returned to Hood College to complete his degree. Following graduation, he was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During this time, Josh was a vehicle commander for a light armored vehicle mortar variant. He also served in several other billets in his reserve unit, including mortar section leader and weapons platoon sergeant.

Upon returning from Afghanistan, Josh was employed as a middle school history teacher by Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS). He had the opportunity to contribute as a pilot teacher for the FCPS Bring-Your-Own-Device and Technology Now! initiatives. Josh has served in several positions for FCPS, including a special education instructional aide, media specialist, technology coordinator, classroom teacher, and currently as a middle school assistant principal.

Education

M.S., Educational Leadership, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2015
B.A., History, Hood College, Frederick, Maryland, 2009

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

National Education Association (NEA)
Maryland State Education (Association MSEA)
Frederick County Administrative and Supervisory Association
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Contributing blogger for the George Lucas Education Foundation website, Edutopia

Awards, Honors and Certifications

First Class Employee Award, Frederick County Public Schools
Commendation Medal, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps
Achievement Medal U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps
Certificate of Commendation, U.S. Marine Corps
Meritorious Mast, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding Officer Letter of Appreciation, U.S. Marine Corps

Personal and Professional Goals

Personal Goals

To inspire my children to never give up on chasing their dreams, and to support my wife in all of her pursuits

To never stop being curious about the world and continually find joy in learning about something new.

Professional Goals

I aspire to empower students and staff to achieve their potential and have a positive impact on both local and global communities.

Why is a doctoral program important to you?

My experience in the field of education and the armed services has inspired me to lead a life of stewardship and service. The design of the Doctorate of Organizational Leadership at Hood College aligns seamlessly with my personal and professional goals. It is my hope to continue to serve the community of Frederick County as I progress throughout my professional career. I believe that the program’s emphasis on lifelong learning, reflection, evaluation, and mindful stewardship will spark opportunities for me to grow as an individual seeking to lead an organization in the future. I aspire to continue my professional career in the field of education knowing that the education and pillars of Hood College helped to shape me along the journey.

Favorite Leadership Book

Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

Favorite Leadership Quote

"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things."
—Ronald Reagan