Distance Learning Conference 2026
Presenter Bios
Princess Agha
Instructional Coach
Maryland Public Schools
Princess Agha is currently an instructional coach in Maryland. She has taught in both elementary and middle schools. She began her education career in the rural south but has since made her to Maryland where her current school district is. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maryland and her Master of Education degree from Francis Marion University.
Tobe Attah
Associate Faculty of General Studies
University of Arizona Global Campus
Tobe Attah is an adjunct professor at the University of Arizona Global Campus. In this teaching position, Tobe helps students identify critical skills necessary for academic success, both personally and professionally. Tobe has gathered insights from his teaching experiences and different scholarly resources to provide higher education professionals with knowledge that helps students better understand how the initial steps of their academic journey are essential for long-term success. The lessons shared in Tobe's presentation can help empower the academic leaders of tomorrow!
Dr. Ieisha Beasley
Clinical Assistant Professor
University of Saint Mary
Ieisha Beasley is a seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work in the Master of Social Work program at the University of Saint Mary. In this role, Dr. Beasley contributes to curriculum development, teaching, student advising, and community building. Her teaching philosophy centers on advocacy, competence, community engagement, cultural humility, and the delivery of high-quality education and care in health and mental health. Dr. Beasley is an active participant in scholarship centering around the grand challenges in social work, social work education clinical social work, mental and behavioral health. With more than fifteen years of experience in mental and behavioral health, Dr. Beasley founded Journey Mental Health Services in 2018. Through this practice, she provides a wide range of services including psychotherapy, clinical supervision, mentorship, and professional training. Her mission is to address mental and behavioral health needs, break down systemic and psychosocial barriers, and enhance quality of life for all. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Doctor of Social Work from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Science in Social Work from the University of Louisville. Dr. Beasley resides in Louisville, KY. She enjoys gardening, traveling, line dancing and time with loved ones.
Dr. Quiana Bradshaw
Lead Professor of Data Science/
Artificial Intelligence
Campbellsville University
Dr. Quiana Bradshaw (DCS, MSIT, MBA, Lead Professor of Data Science & Artificial Intelligence) at Campbellsville University and I am one of the founders of a 3D, Artificial Intelligence/VR company! I am married with 3 children and I am originally from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but currently reside in Goldsboro, North Carolina. My research is on Learning Game Design and how games are applicable to academia.
Stacy Brice
Social Work Faculty
Grand Canyon University
Ms. Stacy A. Brice, LMSW, M.Ed. is a dedicated social worker and educator. She currently works as a full-time social work educator, teaching online courses to social work students at Grand Canyon University. This position allows her to give back and mentor the next generation of social workers. Stacy’s experience as a social worker spans almost two decades and includes working with many clients across the lifespan. She has worked with children and adolescents in both home and school settings. She has worked with the homeless population as well as seniors. In addition to Stacy’s experience as a social worker, she has several years of experience as an elementary school teacher, where she taught grades 2-4. Stacy earned her Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina and a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University. Stacy is currently enrolled in a Doctor of Social Work program at Spalding University. Her research interests are how mental health, wellness, and healing affect helping professionals. Stacy’s long-term professional goal is to continue working in higher education, where she plans to continue having a positive influence on students as a professor and then later transition into an administrator. She wants to influence policies and support systems for students and faculty. In addition to working in higher education, she intends to provide training, workshops, and seminars focusing on mental health and cultural awareness to adult learners, specifically those in the non-profit arena and corporate America.
Dr. Natasha Burnett
Business and Legal Studies Adjunct
Southwest Tennessee Community College
Dr. Natasha Burnett is a proud native of Memphis with a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor's, Master's, and Ph.D. in Criminal Justice. She has been teaching at Southwest Tennessee Community College since 2016, primarily delivering online courses since 2020. Dr. Burnett specializes in teaching all Criminal Justice courses and is dedicated to inspiring her students. In addition to her teaching career, she works full-time with the Shelby County District Attorney General's Office, bringing valuable real-world experience to her academic work.
Missy Carter
5th Grade Teacher/Lead Evaluator
Knox County Virtual School
Missy Carter is a seasoned educator and administrator with 30 years of experience in public education. She holds a Master’s and Ed.S in Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction. Over her career, she has taught grades 1-8, middle school talented and gifted, and served as an administrator for three different PK-8 schools across two districts. Currently, she is a LEAD teacher in evaluation measures, ELA and Social Studies teacher for Knox County Virtual School. She is also a member of Common Sense Educator & Ambassador Programs through Common Sense Media where she works with a team of nation-wide educators to review and implement better technology opportunities for students across the globe. Melissa has been recognized as Teacher of the Year four times in her career. As an administrator, she was recognized for her excelling in leadership in growth and achievement for her schools. Melissa resides in East Tennessee on a family farm with her husband, four sons, two daughters-in-laws, one granddaughter, three dogs, two cats, and other farm animals.
Charity Davenport
Instructional Technology Specialist (Accessibility)
Pellissippi State Community College
Charity Davenport (MS in TESOL; MS in Instructional Technology) is an instructional technology specialist for accessibility at Pellissippi State Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. She was recently awarded Pellissippi's Staff Excellence award. In her role at Pellissippi, she supports and trains faculty on how to make course content accessible and other technology tool training. She is the author of an OER textbook for advanced ESL students called “It’s All Greek to Me!” Before coming to PSCC, she was an ESL instructor for 13 years at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her areas of interest are open educational resources, open pedagogy, accessibility, Universal Design for Learning, generative AI, online course design, and online teaching and learning best practices.
Dr. Chelsie Dubay
Assistant Professor of Computing/ Director of Instructional Design
East Tennessee State University
Dr. Chelsie Dubay serves as an Assistant Professor and the Director of Instructional Design for the Department of Computing at East Tennessee State University. She holds an Ed.D. Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Instructional Design and Technology. Dr. Dubay brings a cross-disciplinary lens to her work, grounded in extensive experience in instructional design, software training, online education, and culturally responsive pedagogy. In her current role, Dr. Dubay teaches research methods and practical AI for students while leading curricular innovations to improve digital literacy, learner engagement, and assessment practices in the department and beyond. Her work focuses on student success and equity in computing courses, integrating principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), authentic assessment, and formative feedback. She is a frequent contributor to institutional and national conversations on continuous improvement, culturally responsive teaching, and instructional design in STEM education. Dr. Dubay’s recent efforts include the large-scale redesign of an introductory computing course reaching over 2,000 students annually across three modalities. Her session, From Rows to Relationships: Engagement by Design in Large-Enrollment Intro Computing, highlights the strategies and lessons learned from applying UDL in a high-impact course environment.
Dr. Challa Flemming
Professor, Department Chair, Curriculum Designer of Clinical Practice
Relay Graduate School of Education
Dr. Challa Flemming is a Connecticut native who has dedicated more than 20 years to the field of education. Dr. Flemming has served as a teacher, instructional coach, school administrator, and assistant professor. She currently serves as a professor, department chair and curriculum designer, leading the design and continuous improvement of Foundations of Education and Clinical Practice courses, while also serving as the Clinical Practice Director for Relay GSE's Connecticut campus, leading educator preparation for the state. Challa began her teaching career as a New York City Teaching Fellow and spent 5 years at her placement school in the Bronx. Following her time with the New York City Department of Education, Dr. Flemming returned home to Connecticut and became a founding teacher at a 5th - 8th grade public charter school in Bridgeport, CT. She remained at that school for a total of ten years, serving as a teacher, instructional coach, academic dean, and principal. In 2017, she transitioned to higher education and began her work as an assistant professor. Dr. Flemming earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Wesleyan University, a Master of Science in Elementary Education from Mercy College, and a Doctorate in Education from Alverno College. She holds elementary teacher certification in New York and Connecticut and a higher education teaching certificate from Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Dr. Joan Jean-Francois
Assistant Professor of Humanities and Fine Arts
Volunteer State Community College
Joan Jean-Francois is an Assistant Professor of English at Volunteer State Community College. She has been passionately working with college students for over 12 years. Throughout her decade-plus of teaching, Joan has found that collaborating with students is one of the most effective ways to foster a supportive learning community—one where diverse learners can thrive without fear.
Simphany Renee' Gillard
Student Engagement and Retention Coordinator
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Simphany Reneé Gillard is a proud first-generation college graduate from Memphis, Tennessee, and a two-time alumna of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and a Master of Science in Educational Administration with a focus on Higher Education Administration. With a deep commitment to advancing equity in education, Simphany currently serves as a student affairs professional dedicated to creating meaningful, inclusive, and empowering experiences for all students. Her work is grounded in a passion for mattering and belonging, ensuring that every student feels seen, supported, and celebrated. Simphany brings a dynamic background in program coordination, student engagement, and leadership development to her roles. Guided by her favorite quote—“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are” by Theodore Roosevelt—Simphany approaches each challenge with optimism, resourcefulness, and heart. Her dedication to educational access, community empowerment, and student success continues to drive her forward as a changemaker in higher education.
Misty Hayes
Assistant Professor of Education
Walter State Community College
Misty Hayes is an Assistant Professor of Education and Early Childhood Education at Walters State Community College. She holds a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction, along with graduate degrees in both Early Childhood Education and Special Education. Before coming to work in higher education, she spent 15 years in early childhood classrooms. Misty brings a wealth of practical and academic expertise to her teaching. At Walters State, Misty teaches courses in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and The College Experience, offering instruction in both in-person and online formats. She is deeply committed to creating meaningful learning experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom setting. Most recently, her Special Education students collaborated with Morristown East High School’s Work-Based Learning program and local workforce training to build a hands-on project: a tiny home. In addition to her work with college students, Misty is passionate about supporting early childhood educators through engaging and practical professional development. Her workshops have covered topics such as playful learning, art as a foundation for learning, STEM in the early childhood classroom, emergent literacy, family-school partnerships, and social-emotional development. Outside of her professional commitments, Misty volunteers with Serenity House, Friends of Hospice in Morristown, TN. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling and reading. She’s a devoted fan of author Debbie Macomber.
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Dr. Carolyn Gadsden Holliday
Department Chair, Licensure Exam Prep
Relay Graduate School of Education
Dr. Carolyn Gadsden Holliday is an accomplished educator with over 30 years of experience dedicated to advancing equity and excellence in education. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Elementary Education from Vassar College, an M.S. in Instructional Technology from the New York Institute of Technology, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Teaching from National (formerly Northcentral) University. Dr. Holliday is an expert in professional development, educator preparation, and curriculum and instruction design and implementation. Throughout her career, Dr. Holliday has served as a K-5 teacher, literacy interventionist, curriculum writer, and instructional coach. At Region 4 Education Service Center, she managed a TEA-funded grant to enhance teacher-student interactions in Pre-K classrooms and later worked as a K-5 Amplify Literacy Implementation Specialist. In 2022, she joined Relay Graduate School of Education as the Clinical Practice Director for Texas and, in 2024, became Department Chair of the Licensure Exam and Preparation team. Dr. Holliday is the Founder and CEO of Equity and Education Solutions, LLC. Dr. Holliday is passionate about equity, anti-racism, and culturally relevant pedagogy. She developed a research-based instructional coaching framework centered on culturally responsive teaching, published in English in Texas. Dr. Holliday has presented at numerous regional, state, and national conferences, including those hosted by the National Council of Teachers of English, Texas Council of Teachers of English Language Arts, SIBME, the Mind Your Coaching Institute and the Antiracist Education Conference. Committed to fostering inclusive educational environments, Dr. Holliday continues to lead professional development initiatives on literacy, social studies, equity, and instructional coaching.
Dr. Leona Johnson
Psychology Assistant Professor
Florida A&M University
Dr. Johnson earned a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Howard University, with a sub-specialty in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She also earned a Master’s in Business Administration from Strayer University. She has taught Psychology at various universities including Howard University, Grand Canyon University, Liberty University, and Hampton University. At Hampton University, she served in various administrative positions including Psychology Department Chair and Assistant Dean. Dr. Johnson’s appointment at Florida A&M Univeristy (FAMU) began in Fall 2019. In Fall 2020, she began serving as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator of the Psychology Department. Dr. Johnson is actively engaged in research and grant writing. She has authored various peer referred journal articles, a book, and a book chapter.
Rosie Lee
Instructional Designer
Chattanooga State Community College
Rosie has worked in the education field for over a decade and recently transitioned into the world of instructional design. Passionate about creating engaging and effective learning experiences, she enjoys diving into the programs and processes that support online education. She is always eager to keep learning and growing in the ever-evolving field of distance learning. Outside of work, Rosie enjoys spending time outdoors with her senior dog, Dino.
Dr. Deanne Michaelson
Accounting Professor
Pellissippi State Community College
Dr. Deanne Michaelson is a Professor of Accounting at Pellissippi State Community College. Dr. Michaelson has over 25 years of experience teaching online and serves as the faculty co-chair of the Online Leadership Team. In developing the Teaching Full Circle faculty training program at Pellissippi State, Dr. Michaelson studied the impact of stress and time management on student classroom performance.
Dr. Christin Monroe
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Landmark College
Dr. Christin Monroe is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry at Landmark College, one of the only institutions in the U.S. exclusively serving neurodivergent students. Her teaching and research focus on designing inclusive STEM learning environments that proactively support executive function, minimize accommodation requests, and empower students through strengths-based learning. She is the Principal Investigator on a National Science Foundation S-STEM grant exploring the intersection of neurodivergence and low-income status in undergraduate STEM education. Dr. Monroe frequently presents at national conferences and publishes on inclusive pedagogy, course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), and accessible curriculum development in the sciences.
Dr. Heather Moore
Business Instructor
McHenry County College
Dr. Heather Moore is an adjunct instructor at McHenry County College and the Department Chair of Health and Education at University of the People. Putting together her experience as an online student with her studies on effective online learning, her classrooms focus on creating dynamic, engaging learning experiences for online students. Heather's research interests include student engagement, employee engagement, and leadership development.
Latonya Motley
Faculty and Department Chair, Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support
Northland Pioneer College
LaTonya Shirelle Motley has worked in higher education for more than twenty years in areas related to instructional design, instructional technology, and faculty development. She holds a Master of Science degree in Instructional Design and Technology and an Education Specialist in Learning Design and Technology. She recently completed a doctorate degree in Educational Technology. She is a full-time Faculty member and Department Chair at Northland Pioneer College where she teaches Education courses and manages the Instructional Technology and Curriculum Support Department. Her research areas are focused on digital accessibility, open pedagogy, and universal design for learning.
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Dr. Danielle Olivier
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Relay Graduate School of Education
Dr. Danielle Olivier is the founder of Beacon Literacy Consulting, LLC., and a distinguished literacy expert with an extensive background in professional development design and delivery, instructional coaching, curriculum and instruction, dyslexia, DEI&B, and teaching in both general and special education settings across elementary and middle school grades. She has partnered with state education departments, university-based education preparation programs, school districts, and campuses to enhance the implementation of reading/language arts curricula, elevate teacher knowledge, and boost student achievement. Danielle holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&M University, an M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Special Education, and a B.S. in Psychology from Sam Houston State University.
Julie A. Pierce, MBA
Associate Professor of Business Administration
Northern Essex Community College
Julie A. Pierce, MBA serves as an Associate Professor of Business at Northern Essex Community College, where she leads The Center for Entrepreneurship and teaches courses ranging from Introduction to Business to Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Finance from Keller Graduate School of Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Spanish from Yale University. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Municipal Finance from Suffolk University. Pierce brings a unique blend of academic expertise and real-world leadership to her teaching and research. She previously served as Economic & Community Development Director for the Town of Acton, MA, where she secured over $3.4 million in grants, created the Acton Business Incubator, and established innovative public-private partnerships. Her extensive background includes 18 years with the Social Security Administration, where she developed over 100 training courses and served in multiple leadership roles related to internal audit. As an active scholar, Pierce has authored the textbook "Business Eco-Systems and Identity" and contributed to various peer-reviewed publications. Her research focuses on entrepreneurship, organizational resilience, and the intersection of entrepreneurship and education, with particular emphasis on creating equitable entrepreneurial ecosystems. She has been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2025 Graduate Adjunct Faculty of the Year at Fitchburg State University and the 2024 Black Excellence on the Hill citation from the Black and Latino Caucus of State Representatives. Pierce is a sought-after speaker who has presented at conferences ranging from the Massachusetts Planning Association to workforce development summits. She serves on multiple boards, including Ivy Child International, demonstrating her commitment to community development, education and economic development. Pierce is passionate about bridging the gap between academic theory and practical application, particularly in creating inclusive educational and economic opportunities that transform communities. She believes that entrepreneurship education should be accessible to all students, regardless of their background or traditional academic pathway.
Dr. Naimah Qwuarels
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
University of Arizona Global Campus
Dr. Naimah Qwuarels serves as an Assistant Professor and the Program Chair of the Bachelor of Arts and Associate of Arts in Business Administration Program with The University of Arizona Global Campus. She holds a Doctorate in Executive Leadership from the University of Charleston, along with a Master of Science in Management and Business from Argosy University, a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and Web Design from Full Sail University, and postgraduate qualifications in Accounting and Finance from the University of Phoenix. She has extensive experience teaching courses in Finance, Business, Management, and Business Communications. She has also held faculty positions at Delgado College, Vernon College, Everest University, and Herzing University, demonstrating her commitment to student engagement, academic rigor, and curriculum development. Dr. Qwuarels is an active contributor to academic and professional discussions, with research presentations at The University of Arizona Global Campus Teaching and Learning Conference and Culture of Care Summit. Her published works explore faculty mentorship, inclusive learning strategies, and student engagement in higher education. Dr. Qwuarels lives in south central Texas with her spouse and children. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and trying new cuisines, reading, starting home improvement projects, and spending quality time with her family. She believes that education extends beyond the classroom, encompassing lifelong learning, ethical values, and social responsibility.
Ciera Spady
Psychology Adjunct Professor
Morris Brown College
Ciera Spady serves as a school counselor at Clearview Middle School and an adjunct professor at Morris Brown College. Ciera completed her studies at Rowan University and is currently writing her dissertation on Exploring The Impact of Mentorship For Black Women Administrators at Historically Black Colleges And Universities. She presented on the importance of continuous mentorship for school counselors this past spring at the New Jersey School Counselor Association Conference. Ciera has studied abroad twice in Belize and has a passion for traveling for leisure as well. Ciera has a 3 year old son, a 11 year old dog, and is currently expecting a little girl.
Cary Staples
Graphic Design and Game Design Professor
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Cary Staples is a Professor of Graphic Design in the School of Design and Co-Founder of the APP.FARM, an interdisciplinary collaboration studio visualizing data, synthesizing design, content and technology. Her research areas include Game Design, Experience Design, Interactive data visualization, and Digital Storytelling. Working in Print, Web, App + XR design, the APP.FARM allows students + faculty to come together in a collaborative environment, to analyze and frame content to inspire participants and audiences. In addition to winning numerous design awards, Cary has presented her research internationally in a variety of venues including; Design, CHI, Game Design, Language Acquisition, Context + Culture. Current projects involve collaboration with: Modern + Foreign Languages + Literatures (French), the College of Education (Autistic Learners), Microbiology (Bio remediation), an NSF grant to develop outreach experiences with Ecology + Evolutionary Biology (Bio Diversity) using VR and game design and a collaboration between Computer Science + Design undergraduate students, Ag graduate students and faculty, Developing a game about BioPesticides. Current projects have been funded by the National Science Foundation. Cary is proud of generating 20+ years worth of students who are empowered to utilize design + technology to solve interesting problems and deliver innovative content.
Nia Taylor
Educator and Program Designer
Achieve with Purpose
Nia Taylor is a devoted sister, advocate, and policy enthusiast committed to advancing equity and joy in underrepresented communities and among youth. A recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s master’s program in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration, she envisions a liberated future where education is rooted in inclusivity and equity. As a community educator at Achieve with Purpose, her work is community-driven, centering educational justice and well-being. Nia shapes her approaches to pedagogy and research in collaboration with learners, centering their lived experiences and voices.
Allie Thomas
Instructional Designer
Chattanooga State Community College
Allie is an instructional designer at Chattanooga State Community College with three years of experience developing engaging, learner-centered courses for diverse modalities. She holds an undergraduate degree in Modern Humanities from Lee University and a master’s in Theology, Imagination, and the Arts from the University of St Andrews. For the past eight years, she has also taught foundational humanities courses as an adjunct instructor. Curious and creative by nature, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and diving into new subjects in her free time.
Hollyanna White
Instructional Designer
Chattanooga State Community College
Hollyanna White has worked in post-secondary education for twenty-five years and at Chattanooga State Community College for sixteen years.
Dr. Christel Young
Computing Assistant Professor and Site Director
East Tennessee State University
Dr. Christel Young is an educator, writer, and advocate who serves as the Site Director for the BlueSky Tennessee Institute at East Tennessee State University within the Department of Computing, where she is also an Assistant Professor. With a heart for students navigating complex life realities, she writes and speaks on faith, resilience, neurodivergence, and educational equity—often through the lens of her own journey as a wife of one, mother of seven, former non-traditional student, and mentor to many. Having experienced housing insecurity while completing both her master’s and doctoral degrees, Dr. Young is passionate about creating learning spaces that offer both grace and structure. She believes that even in virtual classrooms, community and compassion can change lives.