Meet the Team
We are an interdisciplinary team of researchers, scientists, learning designers, and digital creatives committed to providing outstanding support. We’re here to partner with professionals who provide programs and services to military families. Our team is comprised of more than 50 full-time employees located within the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at Penn State.
Keith R. Aronson, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Keith R. Aronson, Ph.D., is the Associate Director of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. He is also a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Biobehavioral Health. He received his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Penn State, a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Ball State University, and a bachelor’s degree in economics and English from Rutgers University. Dr. Aronson’s research focuses on the impact of chronic daily stress on one’s health and well-being and examines how stress relates to health behaviors (e.g., smoking, drinking) and the experience of daily somatic symptoms.
Dr. Aronson has received external funding for his research from the National Cancer Institute, National Science Foundation, Center for Rural Pennsylvania, Department of Defense, United States Army, United States Air Force, and the United States Marine Corps. He also has a private practice in clinical psychology. Prior to his academic career, he worked for over a decade in sales, marketing, and management. His father was a WWII Army Veteran who saw heavy combat in North Africa and Italy.
Jennifer M. DiNallo, Ph.D.
Director of Research
Jennifer M. DiNallo, Ph.D., is the Director of Research at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. She has been a part of the Clearinghouse team since 2010. Over this time, Jen has had the opportunity to lead on the development, implementation, and evaluation of several programs and projects focused on serving military families including the THRIVE parenting initiative, and the Resource Center for Obesity Prevention. Jen’s research interests include the impact of health promotion behaviors on obesity outcomes, with an emphasis on parent-focused health promotion interventions. After earning a B.S. in Exercise Physiology from West Chester University in 1995, and before earning an M.E. in Exercise Physiology at East Carolina University in 2000, she worked for the U.S. Marine Corps as a civilian certified fitness instructor and personal trainer at Camp Lejeune, NC. This experience was priceless; as it motivated her passion and drive for applied research. In addition to her work, her love for physical activity is evident. Jen approaches each day in a balance of family time, work time, and physical activities including trail running, cycling, and/or group fitness instruction. For Jen, this is more than a job; she is on a mission to promote healthy behaviors by example and through her work at the Clearinghouse at Penn State.
Patrick A. McClelland, M.A., M.S.
Director of Administration
Patrick McClelland, M.A., M.S., is the Director of Administration for the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. He is a 28-year veteran of the United States Air Force with multiple command tours and policy experience at the Office of the Secretary of Defense level. His duties at the Clearinghouse include oversight of the Learning Design and Communications team; being the lead on all personnel issues; ensuring uniform administration of policies and procedures; assisting in the planning, development, and implementation of changes to provide sustained, efficient operation and delivery of Clearinghouse services; and overseeing daily operations.
Daniel F. Perkins, Ph.D.
Principal Scientist & Founder
Daniel F. Perkins, Ph.D., is the Principal Scientist and Founder of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, as well as a Professor of Family and Youth Resiliency and Policy at Penn State. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 1995. Dr. Perkins’ work involves teaching, research, and outreach through the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service. His scholarship involves the integration of research and practice in three focus areas: (1) Healthy Family Development – increase resiliency through evidence-based, strength-based educational programming; (2) Implementation Science – program evaluation and metric development; and (3) Community Collaboration – promote strategies for mobilizing communities in support of children, youth, and families.
His most recent effort is the development of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness, which is designed to build science-based practice for promoting principles of effectiveness in evidenced-based programming to enhance military family health, well-being, and readiness. Dr. Perkins has conducted numerous studies on the use of evidence-based programs designed to enhance child, youth, and family health and well-being and the prevention of problem behaviors in children and youth. His work has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, University of Arizona, Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, Wallace Foundation, United States Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, United States Air Force, United States Navy, and United States Marine Corps.
Research and Evaluation Scientists
Ryan Chesnut, Ph.D.
Ryan Chesnut, Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in Communication Arts & Sciences, with a specialization in family communication, from Penn State in 2014. His research focuses on how communication in the father-child dyad influences the well-being and development of both fathers and children, and he has presented his work at regional and national conferences. In addition, he has taught a variety of undergraduate courses such as communication theories and research methods. He is looking forward to the opportunity to work with military families and professionals to help promote military family readiness. In his free time, Ryan enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, and playing baseball with his wife and three kids.
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Erica Culler, Ph.D.
Erica Culler, Ph.D., earned her M.Ed. and Ph.D. in School Psychology from Penn State. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, she worked in a public school system and provided psycho-educational services. In addition, she has taught undergraduate courses in child development.
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Melina T. Czymoniewicz-Klippel, Ph.D.
Melina T. Czymoniewicz-Klippel, Ph.D., received her Ph.D. in public health from Monash University, Australia, in 2010. Melina’s research focuses on understanding and addressing the social and cultural determinants of health and the health risks and resilience of vulnerable and marginalized children and families. Her doctoral research examined the impact of globalization on the definition of childhood and, therein, the shape of children’s and families’ everyday lives in Cambodia. In 2001, she earned a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honors Class I) degree from The University of Queensland, Australia, and has worked as an applied child health researcher for government and non-governmental agencies in Southeast Asia and Australia. In 2004, she received a Master of Health Science degree in Community Child and Adolescent Health through The University of Queensland. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, she developed and managed an interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in global public health, including a three-country fieldwork program, for the Department of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State. Melina enjoys spending time with her husband, two boys, and two dogs; engaging in cultural activities; and cooking and eating her way around the world.
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Michael Hamel, Ph.D.
Michael Hamel, Ph.D., earned his MS in Psychological Science from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, and his Ph.D. in Applied Psychology from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Michael’s research interests include: 1) Applied research methods and statistics, 2) Health psychology (e.g., psychological barriers to health seeking behavior), 3) Organizational psychology (e.g., effective communication styles), and 4) Social psychology (e.g., influence of social norms and group membership on attitudes and behaviors). He has taught multiple undergraduate courses including research methods and statistics, organizational psychology, adolescent psychology, and I/O psychology. Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and twin girls, and reading a good book on a quiet day!
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Jennifer Karre, Ph.D.
Jennifer Karre, Ph.D., received her Ph.D. in developmental psychology from Northern Illinois University. Her research interests include father-child relationships, parenting, adolescence, and program evaluation. She has taught undergraduate psychology courses and has presented her research at several national conferences.
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Miranda Kaye, Ph.D.
Miranda Kaye, Ph.D., earned her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Cornell University and her M.S. in Kinesiology from Arizona State University. She received her Ph.D. in Kinesiology, with a focus in Sport Psychology, from Penn State. Prior to coming to the Clearinghouse, Miranda taught undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in research methods, statistics, sport and exercise psychology, and a variety of health and wellness education classes. Miranda’s research focuses on motivation and well-being in sport, exercise, health, and education settings; the development, refinement, and testing of health and well-being interventions; moral behavior in achievement contexts; and positive youth development. She has presented her research at several national conferences. Miranda is excited to be working to promote military family readiness.
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Brittny Mathies, Ph.D.
Brittny Mathies, Ph.D., is originally from New Orleans, Louisiana. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Mississippi State University, her M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from The University of Alabama, and her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Auburn University. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, Brittny worked as a director at a large non-profit organization where she oversaw research, strategic initiatives, and afterschool programming. She has also taught a number of undergraduate-level courses in child and adolescent development. Brittny is passionate about studying and serving children and families, especially those considered to be at risk.
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Jeremy D. Moeller, Ph.D.
Jeremy D. Moeller, Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in Special Education with an emphasis in Precision Teaching and Applied Behavior Analysis in 2016. Jeremy spent nine years in the United States Army where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6). He deployed to Iraq with the 4th Infantry Division in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Nicole Morgan, Ph.D.
Nicole R. Morgan, Ph.D., received her B.A. from the University of North Dakota in Psychology and her M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State. Her training includes prevention science, program evaluation, and several advanced statistics and methodology courses. Nicole has extensive experience in data management, measurement, program evaluation, and analysis. She managed the program evaluations for two public preschool programs. Utilizing propensity score matching, she examined the impact of one or two years of the program on children’s academic skills. Other professional experiences include: senior data analyst for the British Cohort Studies and the study director for the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism funded University Life Study at the Prevention Research Center. This web-based longitudinal measurement burst design study investigated the developmental changes and situational fluctuations in links between risk behaviors across contexts. Before entering college, Nicole served five years in the United States Air Force as an Air Traffic Control Radar Specialist and Quality Control Specialist.
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Denise Turso, Ph.D, CSEP
Denise Turso, Ph.D, CSEP, received her Ph.D in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State in 2017, her M.S. in Systems Engineering Management from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA in 2009. In addition, she is a Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). She also received her M.Ed. in Instructional Systems Design and B.S. in Elementary Education from Penn State. Her research interests include adaptive and innovative creative problem solving for teams and individuals, organizational process improvement and optimization through integration and interoperability, and instructional design based on the areas of cognitive and education psychology and problem solving. She has developed education programs; online training; and organization system processes for academia, museums, and the defense industry. In addition, she has presented related material at numerous conferences. Denise is excited to be working with service members and military families and is pleased to support and promote military family readiness.
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Cameron Richardson, Ph.D.
Cameron Richardson, Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in Human Development from the University of Maryland in 2011. His research interests include: (1) Positive family and youth development; (2) Moral development across the lifespan; and, (3) Inter- and intra-group relations. He has taught college-level courses in research methods, developmental psychology, and psychological theory and has presented his research at several national conferences. Cam is excited to be working with service members, military families, and support staff to promote military family readiness.
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Tara Saathoff-Wells, Ph.D., CFLE
Tara Saathoff-Wells, Ph.D., CFLE (Certified Family Life Educator) earned her M.S. in family relations and child development at Oklahoma State University, received her doctorate in organizational culture and family development from the University of Alabama in 2000, and became a certified family life educator in 2011. Her research focuses on strengths and challenges experienced by highly mobile families, early intervention, and parent education and home visitation programming. She recently co-authored a textbook on military families and taught a variety of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) courses including a course on military family life, during her time as a faculty member at both Central Michigan University and the University of Central Florida.
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Melissa Zack, Ph.D.
Melissa Zack, Ph.D., earned a B.A. in Sport and Exercise Science, an M.S. in Nutrition in Sport and Chronic Disease, and a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences. Melissa enjoys spending her free time walking, weight training, reading, and being with friends and family.
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Research and Evaluation Associates
Grejika Abram-Erby, M.S., M.P.H.
Grejika Abram-Erby, M.S., M.P.H. earned her B.S. in Biology from Tougaloo College and her M.S. in Forensic Science, with a concentration in Molecular Biology, from Drexel University. She received her M.P.H. in Community-Oriented Primary Care from George Washington University. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse family, Grejika evaluated projects with the D.C. Department of Health as well as the Leadership Council for Healthy Communities in Washington, D.C. and served as a mental health technician in Centre Hall, PA. Grejika’s research interests focus on improving the health and well-being of vulnerable communities through increased access to tools, resources, and services, while also engaging communities via collaborative partnerships with advocacy groups, researchers, and other professionals. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, watching movies, and laughing with her family and friends. Grejika is excited for the opportunity to help strengthen military families.
Brandon Balotti, M.S.
Brandon Balotti, M.S., received a B.S. in Psychology from Slippery Rock University and a M.S. in Psychological Science from Shippensburg University. He is interested in applied research—especially of education programs on the topics of health, nutrition, and well-being. Outside of the office, he enjoys traveling, hiking, and learning computer programming. He also enjoys a good book and cup (or more) of coffee.
Amy Bartholomew, M.L.S.
Amy Bartholomew, M.L.S., earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, and her Masters in Library Science from the University of Buffalo. Amy’s transferable skills in librarianship and project management provide a solid base for her work at the Clearinghouse—particularly in program implementation. She has been an Army National Guard spouse for ten years. Amy is excited to be involved in evidenced-based programs that have such a positive impact on military families.
814-863-1183
Julia Bleser, M.S., M.S.P.H.
Julia Bleser, M.S., M.S.P.H., received an M.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Penn State in 2015, an M.S. in Public Health in Health Education and Health Communication from Johns Hopkins University in 2011, and a B.S. in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Studies from the University of Southern California in 2009.
Katie E. Davenport, M.A.
Katie Davenport, M.A., received her M.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois Springfield in 2011. She earned her B.A. in French and Global Studies in 2009 from Winona State University.
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Jerah G. Griggs, M.Ed.
Jerah Griggs, M.Ed., majored in Social Science with a minor in Government at Campbell University, and received her M.Ed. in Community Counseling from Georgia Southern University. Having been an active-duty military spouse for over 20 years, and with a background in mental health, Jerah has worked to advocate for military service members and their families for many years.
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Kyle Hawkey, M.Ed.
Kyle R. Hawkey, M.Ed., received his B.S. in Psychology from Brigham Young University, and his M.Ed. in Human Relations from Northern Arizona University. In addition, he earned his Family Development Credential from the University of Connecticut. Before joining the Clearinghouse team, Kyle managed various federally funded research projects at the University of Arizona and the University of Minnesota. His research interests vary, but all focus on impacting families in a positive way by providing research, tools, and resources to individuals, policy makers, and professionals in similar fields. Kyle is excited to contribute to the team’s ability to further enhance military family readiness, resilience, and well-being.
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Renee Kotch, M.A.
Renee Kotch, M.A., received her B.A. in Psychology from Bloomsburg University and her M.A. in Counseling Psychology at the University of West Florida. Her research interests are driven by previous research experience at a military installation and her life as a military spouse. Renee’s interests, other than research, include exploring all that State College has to offer with her husband and two young children, volunteering, photography, and running.
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Lauren O'Donnell, M.A.
Lauren O’Donnell, M.A., earned her M.A. in Professional Communication, specializing in Organizational Development, from The University of Alaska – Fairbanks in 2003, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Television, Radio and Film from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School for Public Communication in 1990. Lauren is a proud Army spouse, with over 26 years of experience learning from and advocating for soldiers, spouses and Army families. Most recently, Lauren worked as a transition counselor for military service members across all branches preparing to transition from the service to civilian life. Lauren is excited to be combining her personal experience and knowledge as an Army spouse with her professional knowledge of military family programs and transition programs. She is eager to continue serving the military population, which she considers to be the bravest, most resilient, most resourceful, and most noble group on Earth! In her down time, Lauren enjoys volunteering in her community and spending time with her own awesome service member and their two children.
Holly Nusom, M.A.T.
Holly Nusom is received her M.A. in Teaching (M.A.T.) from Concordia University in Oregon in 2008 and a B.S.F.C.S. in Child, Family, and Consumer Studies from the University of Idaho in 2003. Holly has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of service members and their families through volunteer work on multiple installations for over 12 years. As an active-duty Army spouse and parent to military “brats,” she understands the unique challenges and opportunities provided by the military lifestyle.
Terri L. Rudy, M.P.A.
Terri L. Rudy, M.P.A., is a two-time graduate of Penn State and holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Public Administration. Terri is an avid mountain biker and enjoys volunteering her time to promote and improve the biking community in the Centre Region. Terri also volunteers as a committee member for the Special Olympics Pennsylvania.
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Lisa White, M.Ag.
Lisa White earned her B.A. in Anthropology and an M.Ag. in Horticulture from Penn State. She has 15 years of experience managing applied research in the natural and social sciences. Lisa enjoys managing complex research and evaluation projects from their launch and is very gratified to be working to help enhance the resilience and well-being of military families via her work at the Clearinghouse.
Kari Whitehead, M.S.
Kari Whitehead, M.S., RDN, is a two-time graduate of Penn State and holds a B.S. and M.S. in Nutritional Sciences and is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist. Kari is an experienced project manager in the marketing, social science, and nutrition research fields.
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Research and Evaluation Assistants
Kristi Brawley
Kristi Brawley is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Management. She is a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force and was deployed in support of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Being a military member, military spouse, and a parent, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing our military communities.
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Sean Gernon
Sean Gernon is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Applied Statistics. He is interested in applying qualitative and quantitative data analysis to support future research and program practices.
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Jamie Irvin
Jamie Irvin is a graduate of Penn State with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts & Sciences. She is interested in the counseling field and is taking graduate classes to earn a degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in Schools and Communities from Penn State. Jamie served in the United States Army for eight years and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
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Kimberly McCarthy
Kimberly McCarthy holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Policy and Administration and was certified as a health education specialist. Kimberly has extensive experience in the implementation, outcome measurement, and sustainability of evidence-based programming. She has been responsible for community mobilization, program coordination, and the provision of technical assistance to evidence-based program sites across Pennsylvania. She has been trained in multiple evidence-based programs and is currently a PA Master Trainer for SFP 10-14. She understands the science of prevention and translation and has served as a facilitation supervisor on a large randomized control trial funded by the National Institutes of Health. She has also developed educational programming for medical providers and promoted medical and dental care access for rural and underserved populations. Kimberly appreciates the unique experience of raising children in the context of military life, as her youngest son was born on a military base. She hopes to use her knowledge and experience to strengthen military families and bolster their health and well-being.
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Heather Roberts
Heather received her Bachelor of Science Degree from Lock Haven University in Elementary Education. Prior to her work at The Clearinghouse, Heather was a Prevention Coordinator, providing technical assistance in supporting the dissemination, quality implementation, impact assessment, and sustainability of several school based, evidence-based prevention programs. She has been trained in multiple evidence-based programs and is a Trainer in the Positive Action Program. Heather is passionate about improving outcomes for children and families, and is eager to promote military family readiness.
Jillian Rodgers
Jillian Rodgers is a Penn State graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies and a minor in Information Systems and Statistical Analysis. She is interested in prevention research and the dissemination, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based practices.
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Alison Turley
Alison Turley received her Bachelor of Science degree in Administration of Justice from Penn State in 2002. Prior to her work at the Clearinghouse, Alison was the Director of Prevention Services at a local non-profit agency and focused on training, implementing, and facilitating evidence-based prevention programming for kids and families.
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Brett Weldon
Brett Weldon is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth, and Community Sciences with a minor in Nonprofit Organizational Leadership. Brett is currently working on his Master’s degree in Public Administration at the Penn State. His current professional interests are concentrated on program design, development, and evaluation. Outside of the office his interests lie in golfing, fitness, and (when back home in Florida) getting to the beach. Happy to be in his new home at Penn State, Brett enjoys the prospect of helping to develop programs that will make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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Learning Design and Communications
Bryan Butler
Elise Dreibelbis
Elise F. Dreibelbis is a graduate of Penn State University and holds a B.A. in English – writing option. She has used her professional editing skills in the following disciplines: Business, Continuing and Distance Education, Education, Engineering, Environmental Science, Geology, History, and Political Science. She has served as Editorial Coordinator for two professional Journals: The Association of Continuing Higher Education and Journal of Experimental Psychology: Human Perception and Performance. Elise is very excited to be working in a field which positively impacts Military personnel and their families. She is married and has four children, three of whom have attended Penn State.
John Flude
John Flude is a graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds a B.S. in Communications Media. His background is in web development, design, brand management, brand creation, and creative direction.
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Tyler Greer
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Jaemie Gyurik
Jaemie Gyurik graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a B.A. in Communications and specialized in public relations and advertising. Previously, she has worked in web design/development and marketing.
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Michael Holzer
Mike Holzer graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Management Information Systems. He has nearly 15 years of professional experience as a web developer in such varied industries as telemedicine, weather, and education. In addition to his duties at the Clearinghouse, Mike sits on the board of several non-profit organizations and is the director of an annual Ukulele Festival.
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Brandon Lengyel
Brandon Lengyel is a multimedia specialist with a focus in digital film production. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where he obtained a B.S. in communications media. In the past, he has worked as a freelancer and with numerous production houses, agencies, and universities with a background in politics, education, narrative, documentary, and branded content.
Erin Long, M.Ed.
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Matt McGee, M.Ed.
Matt McGee, M.Ed., graduated with his B.S. in Psychology and his M.Ed. in Learning, Design, and Technology from Penn State. He is passionate about creating engaging learning materials and designing interactive learning experiences.
814-865-9610
Chris Nebgen
Christopher Nebgen graduated from South Hills School of Business and Technology with an associate’s degree in Information Technology. He is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus. He has spent many years doing freelance web development and design. Chris spends his off-hours playing the electric guitar, creating artwork, working out, and reading anything he can on a wide range of topics.
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Molly Riva M.A.
Molly Riva, M.A., received her M.A. from Duquesne University in Communication Rhetoric in 2000 and her B.A. from Westminster College in Broadcast Communications with minors in Speech and Theater in 1999. For 15 years, Molly taught courses in public speaking, mass media, interpersonal communications, and advertising and public relations at Penn State Altoona and Saint Francis University. She is excited to be able to combine her educational background and teaching with her love of theater and film for her role at the Clearinghouse.
Marissa Rojas
Marissa “MJ” Rojas graduated from the Academy of Art University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Computer Arts, New Media. Her professional background also includes fashion design, sewing, illustration, and photography, She also runs a small handmade business. When MJ is not glued to her computer or sewing machine, she enjoys working out, nature walks, cooking, and battling dark wizards (she IS a Hufflepuff, after all).
Pablo Lopez
Pablo Lopez holds a B.S. in Film and Video from the Pennsylvania State University. He has a passion to help others through the medium of film and story telling. His hobbies include cinematography and writing.
Stephenie Schroth, P.h.D.
Stephenie Schroth, Ph.D., graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Ph.D. in Learning, Design, and Technology; a M.Ed. in Instructional Systems and Educational Technology; and a B.S. in Elementary and Kindergarten Education. She also earned an Instructional Technology Specialist Certification. Stephenie is passionate about designing and developing engaging learning materials and impactful learning solutions. In addition to her role as a Multimedia Specialist, she has taught undergraduate education and technology courses. When Stephenie is not working, she enjoys biking, hiking, running, and coaching and playing basketball and soccer. She has been seen on the stage at local theatres and enjoys acting, dancing, and singing. Stephenie also volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Altoona Symphony Orchestra and the American Red Cross and as the Director of Education and Steering Committee Member for ArtsAltoona.
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Avery Urusow
Avery Urusow graduated from The Pennsylvania College of Technology with an A.A. in Advertising Art, and Temple University with a B.S. in Advertising. Although classified as a graphic designer, Avery also enjoys illustration, animation, and anything else art related.
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Frank Wilson, Ph.D.
Frank Wilson, Ph.D., received his B.A. in Theatre, Broadcasting, M.A. in Speech Communications, and a Ph.D. in Instructional Systems – all from Penn State. Before joining the Clearinghouse, Frank was an award-winning professional with many years of experience designing and developing video and multimedia learning products for education departments in PBS and NASA. Frank’s professional goal has been to continue researching, developing, and applying new theories and methods for creating innovative and effective programs and resources using emerging knowledge and technologies to engage and promote learning in others. He believes the Clearinghouse at Penn State provides a perfect environment to nurture that goal. Go Lions!
Sing Wong, M.Ed
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Dissemination and Implementation
Phillip L. Ealy, M.P.S.
Phillip L. Ealy, M.P.S., earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from West Virginia State University, and a Master’s degree in Organization Development and Change from The Pennsylvania State University. Phillip is a retired Army Officer who has spent time working with foreign military around the world including Korea, Czech Republic, Jordan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Romania to name a few. His interest includes leadership and organization development. Phillip is passionate about military families and the challenges they face on a daily basis.
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Tim Mazer
Timothy Mazer earned a B.S. in Secondary Education and History from Bloomsburg University. Prior to joining the Clearinghouse, he worked as a lead teacher for a cyber school and provided training and support services to other teachers. He is passionate about helping at-risk students—especially via distance learning.
814-867-4491
Jill A. Schulte, M.Ed.
Jill A. Schulte, M.Ed., earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Services in 2005 from the University of Northern Iowa and graduated with a M. Ed. in Youth and Family Education from the Pennsylvania State University in 2011. Prior to earning her Master’s degree, Jill worked as the Program Coordinator for the Department of Children and Youth Domestic Violence Program in Buchanan County, Iowa and as a Family Worker for Head Start, also in Iowa. Her research interests include programing that promotes well-being for families and youth, and research around frameworks and models that promote quality program implementation. She enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, running, and refinishing old furniture.
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Jennifer Smith, M.Ed.
Jennifer Smith, M.Ed., earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Communication Arts at Clarion University in 2000. She completed her graduate work in 2008 at Lancaster Bible College and earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling. Outside of her work with the Clearinghouse, Jennifer’s interests include being a group fitness instructor, running, theater and music performance, and being a mom of four children.
Administrative and IT Support
Russell A. Houtz
Russell attended Penn State University for a degree in International Relations with a focus on National Security and holds multiple computer industry certifications. Prior to working at Penn State, Russell was a Senior Technician for an Apple support provider and an IT Team Coordinator & Support Specialist for Nike.
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Sarah Jackson
Sarah Jackson earned a Bachelor of Arts with a minor in Information Technology from Brigham Young University – Idaho, and an Associate’s degree in Information Technology from South Hills School of Business and Technology.
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Lori A. Tricou
Lori A. Tricou graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Her professional background includes work in copywriting, proofreading, and design. She has also worked in church and non-profit settings as director and coordinator of numerous programs, volunteers, and events. Lori enjoys spending her free time hiking, cooking, and reading, but, most of all, she enjoys spending time with her two teenage children.
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Graduate Assistants
Kayla Bell
Kayla Bell is a Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program in the College of Education. She received her B.A. in Psychology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her research interests include the long-term effects of adverse childhood experiences and the impact these experiences have on education.
814-867-4762
Rebecca Bertuccio
Rebecca Bertuccio is a Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program in the College of Education at Penn State. Rebecca received her B.A. in Psychology, Spanish, and English from Manhattan College.
814-865-9646
Carly Doucette
Amanda Ferrara
Amanda Ferrara is a Graduate Assistant. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in educational psychology at Penn State.
814-867-4524
Alicia Fischer
Alicia Fischer is a doctoral candidate in the School Psychology within the College of Education. She has worked with the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State since fall of 2014. Her research interests involve attitudes and emotions regarding different high-stakes testing situations (e.g., final exams or standardized exams, anxiety, hopefulness), and parent involvement and its effect on child outcomes such as emotional symptoms (e.g., anxiety) or behavioral symptoms (e.g., aggression).
814-865-4760
Kellie Forziat, M.S.
Kellie Forziat is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision Program at the Pennsylvania State University. She received her Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Crime, Law, and Justice from The Pennsylvania State University. She received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania with an emphasis on working with the military population. In addition, she is recognized as a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Her main professional interests in research related to counseling are: military related issues, suicide prevention, self-care, addiction, and ecotherapy.
814-865-4794
Molly Kaufman
Molly Kaufman is a second-year Ph.D. student in the School Psychology Program in the College of Education at Penn State. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Rutgers University. Her current research interests include the assessment of teacher-student interactions and school climate.
814-865-7418
Ashley Marinez
Ashley Marinez is a Ph.D. student in the School Psychology program in the College of Education at Penn State. Ashley received her B.A. in Psychology from CUNY Queens College. Her research interests include the enhancement of internal student motivation and its effects on student outcomes.
814-865-4777
Megan Runion, M.Ed.
Megan Runion is a doctoral candidate in the School Psychology program at Penn State, where she received her M.Ed in 2016. Megan graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a B.A. in Psychology in 2012. She is interested in researching trauma informed practices and implementation science in school settings.
814-865-7406
Colleen Unroe, M.S.
Colleen Unroe received her B.A. from Allegheny College in Environmental Studies with minors in Biology and Ethics and Dynamics of Social Action. She received her M.S. from Penn State in Rural Sociology. She is currently a doctoral candidate in Adult Education at Penn State. Her research interests consist of informal and non-formal learning in social movements.
814-867-4524
Affiliated
Cristin Hall, Ph.D.
Cristin Hall, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the School Psychology Program at Penn State and a faculty affiliate of the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness. She received her B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Penn State in 2000 and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2003. Cristin received her doctoral training from the Penn State School Psychology Program (graduated 2011). She has many clinical and school-based experiences with children and adults in a variety of settings including residential treatment, community mental health, corrections, and private practice. Her previous work as a research scientist for the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness and the Child Study Centers at Penn State sparked her interest in the dissemination of evidence-based practice using the internet and other technology-assisted platforms. She is committed to assisting with Clearinghouse projects that utilize technology-assisted delivery platforms to help serve remote and under-served families.
814-863-2414