Education & Training

2005   M.A., English, May 2005, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA

Master’s Project, Viewings: a Memoir

1996   M.S. Ed., Reading/Writing/Literacy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

1977   B.A., English, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA

Other training

• 2016 Certificate Applied Meditation Studies – Won Institute of Graduate Studies. 
• 2015 Summer Institute–Institute for Contemplative Practices in Higher Education at Smith College sponsored by ACMHE (The Association for Contemplative Mind in Higher Education)
• 2015 Spring – Completed MBSR training through Jefferson-Myrna Brind Center of Integrative Medicine

Professional Experience

Teaching and Administrative Experience in Higher Education

2000 – 2022

Assistant Dean – Academic Development, Arcadia University, Glenside, PA

• Provide direct services, including assessment and instruction of reading, learning, and study skills and strategies at the post-secondary level to students in academic difficulty, at-risk students and other graduate and undergraduate students seeking assistance or referred by faculty or staff.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations for the student learning center. This includes: managing fiscal and capital resources; supervising professional, administrative and student staff; and managing resources and technology.
• Coordinate all aspects of academic support for students. This includes: recruiting, training, hiring and assigning of peer tutors; and providing assessment and instruction in academic skills and strategies.
• Oversee provision of accommodations and services for students with disabilities and for at-risk students.
  • Supervise two professional disability staff members.
• Consult with the campus community, including faculty, Student Affairs, and Graduate and Professional Studies, concerning academic support, disability law and standards of practice for disability in higher education, decisions regarding appropriate academic adjustments for students with disabilities.
• Manage and supervise online tutoring and instruction over Zoom and through Canvas.

January 2006 – present

Instructor – Arcadia University, Glenside PA

• One class per semester through Arcadia University’s First-year seminar and University seminar programs as well as occasionally teaching the AU Blueprint course for students in academic difficulty.
• Fully versed in online tutoring, teaching, and, learning using Canvas and Blackboard learning management systems, both synchronous and asynchronous classes.
• Other courses include:
  • Department of English
    • Basic College Writing – A course in the process of writing and reading, with attention to special needs and problems that are addressed on an individual basis.
    • Thought and Expression I – In this course that involves practice in writing for various academic aims and audiences, students learn principles of argumentation, critical reading and thinking, in addition to writing for academic purposes. The class emphasizes drafting and re-drafting, encourages peer reviews, and includes a supervised process of intervention strategies in addition to at least one assignment in library research requiring the use of proper forms of documentation.
    • Interdisciplinary courses – AU Blueprint & Ways of Knowing and Learning for students in academic difficulty.

1998 – 2000

Academic Coordinator, Department of Academic Support Programs (DASP), University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

 • Administered program for assessment and provision of academic support for underprepared college students and students with learning differences/disabilities.

 • Supervised and trained learning instructors and tutors working with PENNCAP students.

 • Managed and supervised staff of student activity center and computer lab.

 • Responsibilities also included most of the below described for learning instructor.

1995 – 1998

Learning Instructor – Reading, Writing, and Study Skills, (DASP), University Of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

 • Provided assessment and instruction for underprepared college students, including students with learning differences/disabilities, ESL students, adult students, and graduate and professional students.

 • Conducted workshops in Writing, Reading Versatility, Note-taking, Time Management, Exam Preparation, Collaborative Learning, and Tutor Training.

 • Coordinated reading/study program and worked as Reading Specialist for Upward Bound Program for college- bound high school students and Veterans Upward Bound.

 • Coordinated the academic component and provided instruction for incoming freshmen in summer Pre-Freshman Program.

1995 – 1997

Adjunct Instructor – Fundamentals of Reading, Philadelphia University

•      This course included reading comprehension and note taking strategies, writing about topical issues, reflecting upon learning, application of reading and learning strategies.

1993 – 1994

Program Coordinator, LL.M. in Trial Advocacy, Temple University School of Law, Philadelphia, PA

 • Administered master’s degree program for attorneys – planned, coordinated, and hired participants for mock trials and other classes, recruited and advised students, coordinated admissions, prepared course syllabus and class assignments, scheduled faculty and special presenters, supervised work-study and other student workers.

 • Organized programs for Continuing Legal Education – registration, planning courses, and data management.

Other teaching experience

1996 Internship – Friends Select School

– Researched the writing processes of 12th grade students in Honors English.

1995 Internship – Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts

 -Taught English Literature and Expository Writing to tenth- and eleventh-grade classes.

 -Tutored students with learning disabilities in Reading.

1992 – 1995   Adjunct Instructor – Community College of Philadelphia

– Intro to PC’s and WordPerfect

1991 – 1993   Instructor – Data Processing Trainers

– Composition, Business Writing, Legal Procedures & Terminology.

1992 Instructor – Katharine Gibbs School

– Business Communications, WordPerfect, Computer Concepts.

1990-1991 Tutor – Center For Literacy

Professional Activities & Presentations

• College Reading & Learning Association, PA/NJ Chapter – Treasurer, 2004-2006.
• Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators – Board Member, 2004-2006.
• Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators, Hershey, PA – Co-Presenter, “Supplemental Instruction: Variations on a theme” 2005
• National Association of Developmental Educators, Conference, Albuquerque, NM – Co- Presenter “Supplemental Instruction: Variations on a theme” 2005. 
• College Reading & Learning Association, Albuquerque, NM – Presenter “DODG: A Strategy for Advanced Tutors” 2003
• College Reading & Learning Association, PA/NJ Chapter – Co-coordinator for chapter conferences, 1999-2003. 
• Pennsylvania Association of Developmental Educators – Co-presenter for “Using the Web for Research: Two workshops for college students” 1999.
• Conference on Ethnographic and Qualitative Research in Education, University of Massachusetts at Amherst – Presenter “Learning About Our Students = Learning About Ourselves: Using Reflective Conversation for Teaching & Learning” 1998.
• College Reading and Learning Association, Conference at American River College in Sacramento, CA. Co-presenter “Matching Tutoring and Learning Styles: A Workshop for Tutor Training” 1997.
• Act 101 Tutoring Seminar, Peirce Junior College, Philadelphia – Presenter “Matching Tutoring and Learning Styles: A Workshop for Tutor Training” 1997.

Other relevant experience and activities

Free-lance feature writing – Published articles in local publications, including the Philadelphia Weekly and the City Paper. 

Creative writing – Participated in and conducted creative writing workshops. Gave readings at public forums for poetry and fiction. Published poetry in little magazines and local newspapers. Chapbook of poetry, Breath of Clarity, published in 1991.

Film and Video – Co-wrote and co-produced video documentary, Jerre Mangione: From Mt.Allegro to La Storia, 1995.

Member and treasurer – Allegro, Inc., a non-profit organization to document and promote Italian-American cultural contributions from 1993-1996. 

OTHER PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Clarion Wordservices (home business), 1991-1993 – Writing for publications, businesses, and individuals, including: feature articles, press releases, marketing packages. Computer training consultant for individuals, small businesses, and non-profit organizations.

District Attorney’s Office, City of Philadelphia – Economic Crime Unit, Paralegal, 1986-1991 – Managed case load of over 200 cases through investigation, trial, and sentencing. Handled complaints involving Consumer Fraud and White Collar Crime. 

City Solicitor’s Office, City of Philadelphia – Tax Enforcement Division, Paralegal, 1981-986 – Wrote and prepared pleadings, motions, legal briefs, interrogatories and discovery. Legal and factual research.