Faculty and Staff

Jackson has spent seven years working in college admissions at various institutions and earned his M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University, where he conducted qualitative research on state and federal education policies to determine the effects they have on college-bound students. He has read thousands of college applications, has a strong background in education policy, and is passionate about creating an easier path to college for all students.

Dr. Adam J. Pyecha graduated with a B.S. in Communication from Old Dominion University in 2018. He continued his ODU journey, earning a graduate certificate in Health and Humanities while completing his M.A. in Lifespan & Digital Communication in 2020. In 2025, he graduated from Wilmington University with a Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science.

Dr. Naomi Cortez is an educator and leader dedicated to promoting inclusive learning and empowering students. She holds a Doctor of Education in General Education from Northcentral University, a Master of Arts in English with a minor in Women's Studies from New Mexico State University, and a dual bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy. With over a decade of experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dr. Cortez brings a supportive, engaging, and inclusive approach to working with students. Her research focuses on the experiences of non-traditional, marginalized students, and she is currently investigating the impact of virtual education on their sense of belonging and mental health.

Dr. Salem is an experienced educator and academic leader with over twenty years of expertise spanning K12 and higher education. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Instructional Curriculum from Northcentral University and advanced degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Salem has served in diverse leadership roles, including Dean, Instructional Coach, Trauma-Informed Education Specialist, and Science Chair. Her background bridges educational leadership and health sciences, with a focus on trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching practices.

Dr. John Q. Belt has been a Global Online Educator for 16 years that includes being a Visiting Remote Adjunct Professor at Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as a domestic university instructor. He possesses a very multidisciplinary education holding a BS in Geology from Lamar University, MS in Physical Sciences from the University of Houston, MS in Human Relations/Business Psychology and MA in Professional Development/Counseling from Amberton University, MBA in International Business from Dallas Baptist University, MBAs in Finance and Project Management from Aspen University, and PsyD in Psychology from California Southern University.

Danelle Bernten is an accomplished and published art historian, art critic, and attorney. A PhD Candidate in the field of Art History, Bernten focuses on the image of the Black and white child during the eighteenth century in Great Britain, France, and the US-American South. She encourages her students to study traditional narratives and the contributions of underrepresented artists, including the disabled. Her teaching encompasses a range of topics from art history surveys, humanities, and legal disputes in cultural heritage and preservation. Ms. Bernten is the 2026 recipient of the American Law Institute Legal Issues in Museum Studies Scholarship.

Dr. Tony Schellenberger is an adjunct faculty member in the Behavioral and Social Sciences department, bringing clinical and academic expertise in behavioral sciences to his courses. With a background spanning psychological theory, assessment, and applied counseling, Dr. Schellenberger is committed to equipping students with a strong foundation in human behavior and mental health principles.

Dr. Heather Gelhart holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology, a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, and a Bachelor's degree in English. Her educational experience includes teaching at the community college level as well as teaching graduate students. She has served as a chair of student dissertations, guiding them through research design, proposal writing, and defense, balancing academic expertise with supportive leadership. As a professor of Psychology, she has taught courses including Psychopathology, General Psychology, Child Growth and Development, Child and Adolescent Therapy, History and Systems of Psychology, and Advanced Theories of Personality.

Dr. Michael Fienberg is a passionate educator committed to helping students succeed. He spent 5 years as a mathematics teacher at Calabasas High School before earning his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Southern California in 2024. He currently does policy research as an analyst for the United States Government Accountability Office and tutors students in Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and ACT/SAT test prep.

Amanda Walker-Pethick, Ph.D., is an adjunct faculty member in Communications with over 23 years of experience as an educator, skills trainer, and advocate for diverse learners. She specializes in fostering effective communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning. Her career includes direct college-level teaching as an Adjunct Special Education Professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, alongside roles as Special Education Coordinator and Director of Student Support Services. She has designed inclusive curricula, led SEL programs, and delivered numerous presentations on social-emotional learning, executive functioning, and inclusive practices.

Debra Ann Matthews is an educator, workforce development professional, entrepreneur, and career transition coach with more than two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations strengthen career readiness, workforce engagement, and professional advancement. Since 2009, she has served Middle Tennessee through her consulting and career services business, assisting job seekers, military veterans, transitioning service members, and small businesses with career development strategies, résumé and cover letter preparation, LinkedIn branding, job search support, and workforce positioning.