Distance Education Team
Vice Presidents
Dr. Jennifer Cartier, Executive Vice President of Distance Education, was previously the Director of Teacher Education and a Science Education faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh where she was recognized with the Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Teaching and the Carnegie Science Foundation Excellence Award for University/Post-Secondary Education. Dr. Cartier has published research exploring the relationships between science teachers’ professional identities, instructional materials, school contexts, and the enacted curriculum. Her work has been published in a variety of professional journals, including School Science and Mathematics, Science and Children, and Science and Education. Dr. Cartier co-authored the chapter Developing Understanding Through Model-Based Inquiry in the seminal NRC publication How Students Learn (2005) and Five Practices for Orchestrating Productive Task-Based Discussions in Science (2013). Throughout her career, she has been awarded more than $7M in grants to support science education research and curriculum development. Since joining the faculty at Unity in 2014, Dr. Cartier has enjoyed teaching a variety of courses related to pedagogy, learning, the socio-politics of education, and sustainability. Dr. Cartier is thankful that her career has brought her back to her native state of Maine after more than two decades of work in academia in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and enjoys spending time with her extended family and searching for sea glass on beach walks whenever she can.
Dr. Cartier received her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction and MS in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her BA in Chemistry with a concentration in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Williams College.
Denise Young, Executive Vice President of Distance Education, is a Maine native with a Master’s in Education with a dual focus in Instructional Technology and Educational Leadership and BS in Business Administration, Management Concentration from the University of Maine. She is mastery level certified by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) in prior learning assessment.
Denise has been instrumental in transforming the landscape of online enrollment management with a specific focus on student persistence at the national level. Her leadership has resulted in the recruitment and retention of Unity’s largest student population. With over 20 years of experience in education at all levels, she specializes in finding pragmatic data driven solutions to complex problems and coaching teams to their maximum potential in a results oriented culture.
Graduate Deans
Dr. Kelly Boyer Ontl, Dean of Graduate Studies, has been working in the field of primatology and wildlife conservation for 20 years. Her diverse background includes working as a primate keeper at the Houston Zoo, caring for orphaned chimpanzees at a West African sanctuary, researching wild chimpanzees in Senegal, and serving in faculty roles at Michigan Technological University and Ball State University. Her time in West Africa fueled her to pursue her graduate degrees and to establish the Falémé Chimpanzee Conservation project, an outreach program that promoted chimpanzee conservation through education, stakeholder collaboration, and ecological research. Her area of expertise focuses on the ecology and behavior of chimpanzees in southeastern Senegal using indirect and non-invasive methods. Her research has explored how chimpanzees adapt to the hot savanna environment by using caves as microrefugia to escape the heat, as well as studying the impacts of human activities, specifically small-scale gold mining, on chimpanzees and their behavior. Her research has been featured in the New York Times Science section and on Smithsonian.com. She received her PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and MA in Anthropology from Iowa State University, and a BA in Animal Behavior from Franklin and Marshall College.
Dr. Kimberly M Post, Associate Dean of Environmental Graduate Studies, is a multidisciplinary academic who served as an assistant professor and department chair prior to coming to Unity. She has extensive experience in collaborative and project-based learning and has supported faculty and students with community-based learning and research across multiple institutions. Her peer-reviewed work has been published in various academic journals, including Sustainability: The Journal of Record and Sustainability and Climate Change. She also authored the seminal curriculum guide A Settled Mind and several book chapters, including Decolonizing Post-Secondary Sustainability Education in the Anthropocene in 2024’s Sustainable Universities and Colleges.
She received her PhD in Post-Secondary Sustainability Education with a specialization in Social Ecology and an MEd in Interdisciplinary Inquiry from Lesley University, and a BFA from the Atlanta College of Art. Her research interests include decolonizing practices for sustainability education, trans-systemic knowledge systems, human-nature relational values, and ecopedagogy.
Baccalaureate Deans
Dr. Michaeleen Gerken Golay, Dean of Baccalaureate Programs, is passionate about student success and collaborative learning, working to support students and fellow educators. She joined Unity after teaching in higher education for more than a decade. She earned baccalaureate degrees in English and Environmental Science at the University of Iowa and received her Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Forest Biology at Iowa State University. Her research in forest biology spans several levels of ecology including molecular, organismal, community, and ecosystem scales with a focus on forest understory plants. Dr. Golay has worked with students and peers as well as private and public land managers on studies that ranged across field, lab, greenhouse, and digital data sets to understand and restore plant function in nutrient cycling and other ecosystem services in response to human disturbance from agriculture, urbanization, and climate change.
Dr. Golay has also served in several leadership roles within and outside of academic settings. She has served in local government, as a member of community organizations, and with non-profit organizations to help further goals of natural resource conservation. As avid outdoors folk, she and her husband and their dogs are enjoying learning about and experiencing the beauty of Maine and New England.
Dr. Jessica MH Young, Associate Dean of Baccalaureate Programs, holds a PhD and MA in Anthropology specializing in Historical Archaeology from the College of William and Mary and a BA from Cornell University with majors in Anthropology, Archaeology, and History as well as a concentration in American Indian Studies. Dr. Young’s research pertains to historical ecology or past and present human-environmental relationships, food and diet, taskscapes, and landscape, and she utilizes archaeology and paleoethnobotany (the study of ancient plants) to explore these subjects. She has worked in distinct archaeological contexts, but her work is primarily focused on Indigenous sites as well as shell midden sites in North America.
Dr. Michele Villinski, Associate Dean of Baccalaureate Programs, was previously Professor of Economics and Management and Director of the Management Fellows and Environmental Fellows Programs at DePauw University where she taught, chaired faculty committees, advised students, and was an administrator for more than 20 years. She received her Doctoral degree in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota and her Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Her doctoral and master’s degree research explored water supply financing and pricing in Indonesia and Texas, and her career has focused on identifying interdisciplinary approaches to complex environmental issues. She earned her baccalaureate degree in political science at Carleton College, and she is a certified Project Management Professional.
Dr. Villinski has received multiple awards for her teaching innovation and attention to student learning. In 2009 she was a Fulbright Fellow at Surabaya University in Indonesia. Her experience and passion for understanding global perspectives and analyzing environmental issues led her to Unity, where she is excited to be part of the innovative distance education team. Having lived in Africa and Asia for much of her early life, Dr. Villinski fell in love with Maine many years ago and is thrilled that it is now her home.
Dr. Meghan Martin, Associate Dean of Baccalaureate Programs, has been working in the field of behavioral ecology and wildlife conservation for 15 years. Her background includes working as a primate keeper at Oregon Health and Science University’s Oregon Primate Center, a postdoctoral position with the San Diego Wildlife Alliance (San Diego Zoo) on conservation breeding in giant pandas, researching mate choice in conservation breeding programs with the American Zoo Association, and serving as faculty for Animal Behavior at Washington State University. Her time in China lead to her doctoral degree and the founding of PDXWildlife, a non-profit that works with conservation breeding programs worldwide to optimize breeding success in managed care settings. Her area of expertise focuses on the ecology and behavior of giant pandas, African painted dogs, and American river otters. Her research has explored how species adapt to managed care environments and utilizing the knowledge of a species’ natural ecology (e.g., social, and mating systems) to improve reproductive success. Her research has been featured in Nature, Reuters, The Washington Post, Discover Magazine, ILFScience, and National Geographic. She received her Ph.D. and M.S. in Biology from Portland State University, and a B.A. in Biology from Reed College.
Full-time Faculty
Dr. Brent Bibles, Graduate Professor of Wildlife Biology, received a PhD and MS in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from the University of Arizona and BS in Fisheries and Wildlife from Utah State. Brent has been involved in wildlife management since the 1980’s and is a well-respected expert in the field. Besides working in academia, he has worked for state wildlife and federal land management agencies. He is primarily an ornithologist but works with all taxa. He has worked with several threatened or endangered species, most recently the Mexican Spotted Owls and black-footed ferrets.
Dr. Bibles is an excellent teacher and works at delivering courses using question-driven instruction. His contribution to the Sustainable Natural Resource Management track of the MS in Professional Science is to add his management experience, quantitative abilities, and student-focused teaching style to the curriculum.
Dr. Bruce Brazell, Baccalaureate Associate Professor of Practice of Mathematics, recounts childhood memories of the Apollo moon landings that influenced his career path, leading him into the sciences. He earned a BS and MS in physics and an EdD in Higher Education, with a focus on math and science education. After a brief stint working in an observatory, Dr. Brazell followed the educational path, initially working as a high school physics teacher and then progressing into the role of a college physics and astronomy professor. Subsequently, he served in various university administrative roles for many years.
Dr. Brazell’s publication experience includes writing physics preparation books for Kaplan, creating teaching certification materials for ABCTE, developing study guides and test items for state science standards exams, writing book reviews, and contributing to the Astronomy Education Review. Outside the classroom, he enjoys activities such as stargazing with his telescopes, engaging in amateur archaeology, and fishing.
Zachary Falcon, Esq., Professor of Conservation Law and Policy, holds a BA in Anthropology from Columbia University, a JD from the University of Michigan Law School, and an MFA in Fiction from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa. Prior to his appointment as Vice President for Hybrid Learning, he served Unity as the faculty moderator and as Chair for the Conservation Law Enforcement program.
Zach came to Unity from University of Iowa College of Law, where he was the Associate Director of the Writing Resource Center. During his legal career, he served in the State of Alaska Department of Law as an Assistant Attorney General, where he represented the state in civil litigation, administrative hearings, and permit appeals. He has also worked as a public defender in Juneau, Alaska, and as associate oversight counsel for the Resources Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C.
Dr. Tanya Lubansky, Baccalaureate Assistant Professor of Marine Biology and Sustainable Aquaculture, holds a BS in Environmental Sciences at Wheaton College and has professional experiences working with universities, national parks, and environmental nonprofits. Tanya completed her PhD in Ecology and Evolution in 2015 in the Federated Department of Biology of New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University, with research quantifying individual movement behavior and social networks of humpback whales within the Gulf of Maine. Tanya is currently a Research Associate with Allied Whale, a nonprofit organization within College of the Atlantic of Bar Harbor, ME. She has worked with Allied Whale for over a decade completing marine mammal research and coordinating intern programming. Tanya also has extensive experience in managing the logistics and operation of a remote offshore research station. Through her experiences, Tanya developed a clear passion for education. She has focused much of her professional career on bringing her enthusiasm and skillset to diverse learning platforms, from working with tourists on whale watch vessels to mentoring high school student research and now to the new frontier of online learning. Beyond research and education, the ocean is also a major part of Tanya’s personal life— she is a competitive offshore rower and has spent years living aboard her sailboat along coastal Maine.
Dr. Megan O’Connell, Baccalaureate Assistant Professor of Environmental Communications and Information, is an ecologist, conservationist, and science communicator based out of Albuquerque, New Mexico. She received her PhD from the University of Texas at Austin where her research focused on plant-pollinator interactions in the face of climate and land-use change. After leading the Texas Plant Conservation Program at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, she acted as the Director of Education at the Quivira Coalition, where she focused on improving communications between conservationists and agricultural producers in the Southwest. With a background in photojournalism and storytelling, Dr. O’Connell has extensive experience in the field of environmental communication from working with educators, to environmental filmmaking and media production, graphic and web design, social media and marketing, as well as interdisciplinary communications research. Currently, Dr. O’Connell’s research pertains to environmental communications efficacy, community-integrated research and conservation models, and improving conservation outcomes through best communications practices.
Dr. Kristyn Vitale, Assistant Professor in Animal Health and Behavior, received a PhD in Animal Science with a focus in Experimental Psychology from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Environmental Science from Miami University. She holds a BS in Zoology and a BA in Social Geography from Kent State University. Her areas of specialization are animal behavior, animal cognition, and human-animal interaction. Her research focuses specifically on domestic cat behavior and the cat-human relationship. During her graduate career she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and a Visiting Research Fellow at Kyoto University in Japan, where she conducted cross-cultural research into cat-human social interaction. Her research on cat behavior and human-animal interaction has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals. Her innovative research has generated significant international attention from media outlets including Science, National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Times of London. She has taught a variety of in-person and online courses on animal behavior and welfare, including courses focused on enrichment, learning, behavior modification, and cat training. She is also an active public speaker and is frequently invited to present at professional associations and to the general public. It is Dr. Vitale’s vision to provide high-quality distance education experiences that foster critical thinking and empower students to become leaders in the field of animal health and behavior.
Recruitment
Perceval Inkpen, Digital Experience Analyst, uses data to understand and advocate for the student experience at Unity. He has an MS in Higher Education Administration from SNHU, focusing on non-traditional student success. As someone who graduated with a distance education degree while working full-time, he understands where our students are coming from as they achieve their educational and career outcomes at Unity. He has worked on a farm in Hawaii, managed a café in Boston, recruited college students in New England, and taught life skills in Pennsylvania; settling in Maine and working at Unity has helped him combine all of these experiences into a role where his number one goal is to represent the student voice and help our employees better serve our students from initial interest through graduation.
Jake MacGillivary, E-Recruitment Content Specialist, joins the Unity Distance Education team with over 15 years of experience in higher education marketing. He holds a BFA in Graphic Design and New Media from the Maine College of Art, and his previous roles include designer, art director, and marketing director. Jake is excited to leverage his expertise to help promote distance learning at Unity. When he steps away from work, he’s often exploring his home state of Maine and finds happiness in every adventure.
Den Suehiro, Associate Director of Graduate Recruitment, joins the Unity Distance Education team with over 5 years of experience in higher education enrollment, including both recruitment and advising roles. As a proud alumnus of Unity, he earned a BS in Sustainable Agriculture before completing his MBA at Lakeland University. Den remains dedicated to his passion for assisting students who aim to make a difference in the environmental field, helping them discover Unity as a place to pursue a quality and flexible environmental education. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and playing volleyball throughout New England.
Brianna Garza, Assistant Director of Recruitment, joins the Unity Distance Education Team with over 7 years working for Purdue University Global as a Student Success Manager and with 6 ½ years in Public School Education in Lewiston and Auburn Maine schools. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2012 with her Bachelor’s in Social and Behavioral Sciences minoring in Early Childhood Education with a concentration in Counseling. She went on to attain her Master’s in Education from Southern New Hampshire University with a certificate in leadership and attained an additional certificate through the Lewiston Auburn Chamber of Commerce in Leadership with a focus on Nonprofit. She is passionate about student experience, success, and getting students to graduation. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and spending quality time with her family.
Jacob Adams-Cheney, Recruitment Specialist, joins Distance Education after spending over a year recruiting for Unity’s Hybrid Learning SEBU. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Thomas College. During his time at Thomas, Jacob served as a Student Ambassador in Admissions as well as leadership roles in multiple clubs on campus. His time in admissions helped him discover his passion for recruitment in higher education and meeting new students from all over the country. In his free time, Jacob enjoys fishing, particularly for bass, as well as the occasional deep sea fishing trip off the coast. He currently resides in Waterville with his wife.
Aislinn Forbes, Director of New Student Onboarding, is a TRIO and AmeriCorps alumna, which informed her interest in Distance Education as a tool to improve access to higher education. She holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Hampshire and a Bachelor’s of General History from the University of Maine at Farmington. These degrees support 6+ years of experience working with students across all levels of education as a tutor, teaching assistant, academic advisor, and career coach. Throughout her experience, Aislinn has developed the ability to provide excellent one-on-one support while navigating systemic change and pushing for continued improvement for student experience at every level of the college experience.
Student Success
Dr. Doreen Rogan, Dean of Retention and Completion, is committed to providing students with educational experiences that support their academic and career goals. She has held a variety of administrative and instructional positions in both academic and student success throughout her long career in higher education. Doreen holds a doctorate in Leadership Studies, a master’s degree in American and New England Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Management.
Dan Sullivan, Assistant Dean of Student Success, joins the Unity Distance Education team with over 5 years of experience working in various levels of elementary and secondary education. He received his BS in Mathematics, with a second major in Economics, from the University of Massachusetts. Originally from the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Dan is excited to call upon his variety of experience working with virtual learners to help students to get the most out of their experience at Unity. Dan is excited to work together with students to ignite (or re-ignite) their passion for learning. When Dan is not working you can find him on the golf course, the tennis courts, or exploring the beautiful trails and mountains of Southern Maine.
Megann Kroenert, Assistant Dean of Student Success, is a Texas native with a diverse and distinguished educational and professional background. She earned her undergraduate degree from Texas State University, an MBA from Western Governors University, and is currently completing a Master of Professional Studies in Wildlife Conservation and Management at Unity Environmental University. Megann offers substantial leadership experience across various fields, including business, finance, human and animal medicine, and post-secondary education. As a Wilderness First Responder, she integrates her passion for wildlife conservation with practical expertise, traveling globally to collaborate with marine wildlife researchers, environmental specialists, and conservation experts.
Advisors
Wendy Berube, Graduate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team with over 15 years of experience in higher education and career training. Her work has focused on student services, advising, admissions, career development, and campus management. She also worked for 7 years in the nonprofit world, fundraising and marketing, and holds a BA in History from the University of Southern Maine. As an Academic Advisor, Wendy is dedicated to ensuring that all students are successful.
Hayley Holzhacker, Graduate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team with a drive and passion for helping others succeed. In December 2022, Hayley achieved her Master’s in Non-Governmental Organization Management from Johns Hopkins University. Hayley’s work focuses on inspiring student success and positively impacting the community. She previously worked in residence and student life in New Jersey. Hayley graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a minor in Psychology from Saint Elizabeth University in Morristown, New Jersey. As a Graduate Advisor, Hayley is passionate about ensuring all students are supported and inspired to achieve their goals. When not working with students, Hayley is typically at the barn with her horses, walking her dog, or adventuring outside. She enjoys staying active within the community and supports volunteerism, encouraging students to engage and share their talents.
John “Tyler” Snowe, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team with over 15 years of experience in secondary education working in admissions, coaching and student development. Tyler has a BS in Leadership and Organizational Studies from University of Southern Maine. Throughout his career Tyler has enjoyed helping many students find their avenues of success in achieving their academic, athletic, and personal goals and is excited to bring that passion to Unity. In his free time Tyler can be found sharing his passions of skiing and other outdoor adventures with his wife and two young kids.
Allyson Gill, Baccalaureate Advisor, has worked with students ranging from elementary grade level to adult learners. In her role at Unity, she will help students have a meaningful experience by ensuring they always feel supported as they pursue their academic and professional goals. Allyson is from Madison, New Jersey and is new to Maine, an area she visited often during her many years living in Boston. She graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts and Political Science and earned a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Montclair State University. Outside of advising students, Allyson loves exploring Maine, interior design, and searching for vintage art.
Alexis Rog, Baccalaureate Advisor, has over 20 years of experience in various levels of education. She received her BS in Education from the University of Maine; her MEd in School Counseling from the University of Phoenix; and earned her Certification as a Master Level Life Coach. Alexis’ work in life coaching and advising within the K-12 school setting affords her the necessary insight to navigate her work here with students at Unity. Alexis is passionate about supporting and advocating for her students, helping them achieve their academic, professional and personal goals. As an Academic Advisor for Distance Education undergraduate students, Alexis is committed to maximizing student success. A Maine native, Alexis enjoys spending as much time as possible outside, hiking and biking, and indoors, riding (dancing on) a stationary bike to the beat of music.
Emerson Zoltko, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team with 5 years of experience working in higher education, specifically collegiate athletics. He received his BSin Athletic Training in 2017 from the University of New England, where he later served as an Assistant Athletic Trainer for the Women’s Rugby and Women’s Ice Hockey teams. It was during this time Emerson learned of his passion for creating a positive student experience for his athletes. He is eager to advocate for and support his students to help them achieve all of their academic, professional, and personal goals. Originally from Southern New Hampshire, Emerson and his family now call Wells, Maine home. Outside of advising, Emerson enjoys fishing and exploring Pop Culture with his son.
Minori Stefon, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education advising team with several years’ experience as an advisor, tutor, and teacher to learners of all ages in the U.S. and her native Japan. She earned a BA in psychology from UMass-Boston, pursued coursework in mental health counseling and psychological evaluation before earning an MS in human development and family studies with a concentration in adolescent development from the University of New Hampshire, where she is finishing a doctorate in education with a “Child, Youth, and Communities” concentration. In her native Japan, she worked in a cram school, teaching and advising students who were preparing to take school or college entrance exams. In the U.S., she has most recently taught courses in psychology, education, and human development at Clark University, Merrimack College, and Emmanuel College, and served as an educational/instructional support specialist in a program for at-risk adolescents at Tewksbury Hospital and Tewksbury Public Schools with the Collaborative for Educational Services. Minori is excited to join Unity and both meet and support students in their progress toward success. In her spare time, she enjoys playing with her toy poodle, Ichie.
Jess Lockhart, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins Unity with 3 years of experience managing and navigating Customer Relationship Management databases. She received a BS in Public Health from Kent State University and is pursuing an MS in Information Technology at Southern New Hampshire University. Her overall goal is to work within the intersection of technology and public health, which is what draws her to Distance Education at Unity Environmental University. She is excited to help students follow their passion in the environmental sector. When she isn’t working you can find her disc golfing, biking, playing board games, or taking a yoga class.
Sage WhiteCloud, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins Unity Distance Education team with experience in various levels of education. They have a BS in Environmental, Social Justice and Place-Based Education from the University of Vermont. Sage is excited to join the Unity team and support students on their academic journey. In their spare time, they enjoy hiking, art and playing board games.
Ceilya Cooley, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity team with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington. During her time at UMF, she held an advising role assisting first-year students. With over three years of experience in financial services and supporting individuals with diverse backgrounds and demographics, Ceilya brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the Distance Education program. In her free time, she enjoys exploring national parks and spending quality time with her two feline companions.
Ahmed Mohammed, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins Unity Environmental University with over four years of experience in higher education. His previous role as Logistics Manager and Apprenticeship Navigator has enriched his ability to support multiple levels of operations with varying requirements simultaneously. Ahmed’s strengths include simplifying complexity and handling one-on-one scenarios, providing unique and effective solutions for students’ specific needs. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in human communications and political science from Arizona State University (ASU). With international experience in advanced cultural exchange, Ahmed has visited over 21 countries and is proficient in speaking, reading, and writing in three languages. Driven by a passion to enhance academic and life success, he shares his knowledge and academic experience with students through the effective enlightened advice method.
Alex Beaze, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team with a degree in Political Science and Sustainability from Miami University. With previous experience as a Teaching Assistant and a background working in environmental science, Alex is excited to leverage their passion for sustainability in guiding students toward academic and professional success. Inspired by a love for nature, Alex looks forward to utilizing their experiences to support and empower students on their educational journey. Outside of advising, you can find Alex exploring the beauty of Maine’s landscapes and embracing outdoor adventures with their wife.
Nichelle Gorman, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team with several years of experience in higher education and college counseling. Originally from New Jersey, she received her BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Rutgers University and her MS in Applied Psychology from Sacred Heart University. She has a background in college admissions and advising, as well as college counseling in secondary education. She has spent the last four years working with international students providing holistic advising services at a community college in Massachusetts. Before this, she worked at a non-profit organization providing college counseling and advising to students within underrepresented and underserved communities. Her ambition and passion for not only education but also nature and exploration brought her to Maine, where she would vacation often. She enjoys spending as much time as possible outside either snowboarding, hiking, running, or rock climbing.
Ashleigh Gordon, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education Team with nearly two years of experience advising students in Unity’s Hybrid Learning programs. Prior to starting her career in higher education, Ashleigh spent a decade working in the mental health field and has experience ranging from crisis intervention to community integration and support. Ashleigh has an AAS in Mental Health from Kennebec Valley Community College, a BS in Nutrition from Purdue University Global, and is currently pursuing an MS in Instructional Design and Technology through Purdue University Global. With experience as an adult learner in an online setting herself, Ashleigh is passionate about helping students navigate the college landscape and adjust to the online learning environment. In her free time, Ashleigh can be found spending time with her partner, 3 cats, and 2 rescue dogs.
Nikki Fisher, Baccalaureate Advisor, was born and raised in New Gloucester, Maine. No stranger to distance education, she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Criminology from SNHU while living in interior Alaska, and her Master’s degree in Education from the University of Alaska. Both degrees have supported her more than seven years of classroom education experience, ranging from the elementary to the college level, as well as her involvement in curriculum development. She also spent four years teaching near Nashville, Tennessee, before recently moving back home to Maine. In her free time, she can be found hiking in the Maine woods with her son, Ryan, and her dog, Remy.
Morgan Rogers, Baccalaureate Advisor, received his BS in Education with a concentration in English from the University of Maine at Farmington. Before that, he served for six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Originally from Maine, he has lived all over the state, gaining experience in numerous occupations. As an Academic Advisor for the Distance Education program, he is eager to utilize what he has learned to guide others along their paths. Outside of the office, Morgan is either sword fighting at Renaissance faires, reading books, or playing games with his family.
Elizabeth Torrey, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education Team, holding a BA in Psychology and a minor in Holistic and Integrative Health from the University of Southern Maine. Through her education, Elizabeth developed a deeper understanding of how to help people achieve goals aligned with their desires. She incorporates and utilizes a holistic approach in her daily life and to support individuals through conflict. With over six years of experience working with individuals in various settings, she has developed compassionate communication and listening skills, which she now uses to support students at Unity. In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys practicing yoga and Pilates, watching sunsets, and spending time outdoors in nature.
André van de Putte, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins Distance Education having worked almost exclusively in higher education. He received an MFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BA from Stony Brook University. As a trained fine artist, he initially taught studio art and design courses before making a transition into enrollment management. As a leader in professional art school admissions, he has guided thousands of students successfully through the application process. Having served on both faculty and staff supplies him with a long-term educational vision, as well as the ability to identify students’ individual day-to-day curricular needs. André is fully committed to lifelong learning and instills curiosity and passion for self-discovery in the students he works with. He looks forward to serving Unity students with academic and personal support as they embark on the next step towards achieving their professional goals in fields that have a positive environmental impact. Outside of advising, André enjoys analog and digital photography, ceramic sculpture, creating new mixed media works, exploring local galleries, studios, and museums, as well as documenting and promoting exhibitions and projects by Maine’s contemporary artists. He also enjoys morning beach walks with his young (and very active) English Springer Spaniel.
Samantha Sudol, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team after several years of experience assisting collegiate students achieve their academic and personal goals. Previously Samantha worked in Student Life at the University of Maine, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English and a minor in Education while partaking in Division I track and field. Samantha recently achieved her Master’s in English Literary Studies from the University of Exeter and published her first novel. As an advisor, Samantha is passionate about advocating and supporting her students and looks forward to helping students follow their passions. Besides advising students, Samantha enjoys hiking around Maine, trying new recipes, and curling up with a good book.
Ethan Hirsch, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education Team with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of Southern Maine and a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Colorado. He has experience working in various levels of education, primarily as an OT working with faculty and students of all ages. Originally from New York, Ethan likes to spend as much time as possible exploring the vast Maine outdoors with his daughter, including skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Kaitlyn Considine, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity team with over 10 years of educational experience, including secondary special education and early childhood nature-based education. She holds a BS in Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maine at Farmington. Kaitlyn is excited to share her love of learning and support students on their higher education journey. She hopes to inspire students to be the absolute best they can be and to never give up on their potential. When she’s not in the office, you can find Kaitlyn outside enjoying the beautiful landscapes that Maine has to offer, at the hockey rink, or spending time with her loved ones.
Sharon DeWitt, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Distance Education team with over 19 years of experience working in elementary and secondary education as a math teacher and specialist, teaching students with emotional and learning differences. Her experience coaching high school Special Olympics Unified Sports soccer, basketball, and track and field teams has inspired her to recognize the potential that everyone holds. Sharon earned a BS in Psychology and Education from Western Connecticut State University and a MS in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University. Sharon is excited to share her love of learning, and support students as they work towards and achieve their goals. Outside of advising, Sharon enjoys hiking, running, kayaking, backpacking, skiing, and outdoor adventures.
Megan (Meg) Lavin, Baccalaureate Advisor, comes to Unity with 10 years of experience in secondary education and instructional technology. Originally from New York, Meg earned a BS in English and Adolescence Education from SUNY Oneonta and an MS in Technological Systems Management and an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership from Stony Brook University. With a strong background in teaching, coaching, and integrating technology into the classroom, she has spent the last several years working to enhance student learning through innovative methods and digital tools. In addition to her professional experience, she enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and exploring new places.
Kristin Schuler, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education team after 26 years teaching in the South Portland school department teaching kindergarten, second grade and Reading Recovery. Kristin has a BS in Medical Rehabilitation from Springfield College and a K-8 teaching certificate from the University of New England. Throughout her teaching career Kristin has loved helping students succeed and making their learning environment as enjoyable as possible in the classroom. In addition to teaching, Kristin was a swim coach, coaching swimmers aged 8 through high school. In her free time you will find her with her family and friends enjoying all that Maine has to offer.
Kathleen (Kat) Reheuser, Baccalaureate Advisor, joins the Unity Distance Education advising team after spending time as a financial educator where she developed strategies to connect with clients remotely while building strong working relationships. Kathleen holds a Secondary Education degree from the University of Maine and has a deep love for education on all levels. In her spare time, she can be found reading, hiking with her family, or baking.
Learning Experience Design
Chris Malmberg, Director of Educational Product Development, has a background in the humanities. He received his MFA and MA in Creative Writing and Literary Studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, where he taught Composition and Creative Writing for several years. He is interested in the application of narrative in learning design, the evolving interface between humans and technology, and the ways in which education must evolve to serve peoples’ needs in a world that is constantly changing.
Hannah Sirois, Assistant Director of Learning Design, has a background in place-based education, experiential learning, and curriculum development. She holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine in Education with a minor in English. She attended the University of Idaho’s McCall Outdoor Science School, earning a Master’s degree in Natural Resources with Environmental Education and Science Communication certificates. Hannah is passionate about designing immersive and experiential instruction, preparing students with the skills to make a difference in their careers, environment, and communities.
David Stahl, Learning Experience Designer, has served as a public-school teacher, student-teacher mentor, and adjunct professor over the last 20 years while living in the Pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania. He holds a BA in History and an MEd from the University of Pittsburgh, along with e-learning and instructional design coursework at the University of California, Irvine. With his recent relocation to Maine, he has decided to take his dedication to education in a new direction, becoming an Instructional Designer at Unity. He is interested in bringing experiential learning and distance education together, as well as designing high-quality, dynamic courses that engage students. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, kayaking, and photography.
Kerrie Tisdale, Learning Experience Designer, comes to Unity with a BA in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MS in Literacy Education from USM. She spent many years working with English language learners in the US and Canada. Her background includes teaching and developing curriculum in the K-12 system in Maine, Wisconsin, and Ohio. As well, Kerrie was an instructor and curriculum designer in higher education in Wisconsin and Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
After living in various locations, Kerrie and her husband decided to return to Maine to be closer to family and to enjoy the many activities Maine has to offer. In her spare time, she likes to downhill ski, hike, bike, fish, and travel, to name a few.
Michael Trombley, Learning Experience Designer, has a background in online learning design for higher ed and K-12. He holds an undergraduate degree in English and Secondary Education from St. Joseph’s College, as well as an MEd in Instructional Design from Western Governors University. He enjoys the challenge to make online education relevant to the lives of all learners, tapping into their intrinsic motivation and personal curiosity about the world around them. In his free time, Mike loves playing video games with his family, listening to jazz, and birding.
Allie Miller, Learning Experience Designer, comes to Unity with a BA in Classical Languages from Davidson College and an MEd from Lesley University. She spent many years working in wilderness instruction and program management in California and Maine before transitioning to classroom teaching. During her time in K-12 education, she coached, mentored new teachers, ran professional learning groups, and developed curriculum. She is excited to develop high-quality, relevant, experiential courses for all Unity students.
Madison Harvey, Learning Experience Designer, had a background in hospitality & training management before transitioning to K-12 education. She comes to Unity with an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education, as well as an MEd in Instructional Design & Educational Technology. Outside of work, Madison enjoys paddleboarding, reading, and traveling. Madison brings a passion for creating engaging, technology-driven courses.
Greg Siekman, Learning Technology Support Specialist, earned his AS in Information Technology from Southern New Hampshire University. He brings a background in technology support and education technologies from his previous work in public school classrooms and technology departments in the Western Mountains of Maine. In his free time, Greg enjoys playing music, nature photography and coaching baseball.
Liam Eagle, Learning Technology Support Specialist, graduated from Unity Environmental University with a BS in Wildlife Conservation. With a strong foundation in environmental science and technology, Liam combines his expertise in conservation with his passion for supporting innovative educational tools. He is committed to enhancing the learning experience through technology, ensuring that students and faculty have the resources they need to succeed in a digital learning environment. Outside of work, Liam enjoys grey, rainy days and savoring good food.
Jennifer Bateman, Creative Media Developer, recently earned her BS in Communication, Media & Design / Innovation & Entrepreneurship from Clarkson University. She has a background in communications, graphic design, learning technology and business development through various internships and previous positions. In her free time, she enjoys reading fiction novels and playing with her cat, Scout!
Hallie Larsson, Integration and Automation Solutioneer, is an educator, software developer, and interactive designer who has done a little bit of everything from teaching in the classroom to making video games for a living.
Donovan Montoya, XR Simulation Developer, graduated from Boise State University with a BS in Games, Interactive Media, and Mobile Technology. His academic pursuits led him to a career dedicated to crafting immersive XR simulations. Donovan’s work centers around enhancing the learning experience through tangible, interactive, and accessible technologies. In his free time he enjoys gaming photography and playing the saxophone. Donovan is committed to pushing the boundaries of educational technology through his work in XR.
Enterprise dedicated to Distance Education
Joy Light, Assistant Registrar, worked for 3 years in Software Quality Assurance before moving to Maine from Ohio. An alumna of the University of Cincinnati, she is committed to assisting DE students and staff. In her free time, she enjoys Star Wars (particularly Andor and The Mandalorian), hiking, reading, and playing board games remotely with her family.
Yenny Pratt, Student Records Specialist, is a transplant from Medan, Indonesia. She has a background in accounting and has worked as tax consultant for multinational corporations in the past. She is passionate about nature and helping people. She is also the Charter Secretary of the Lions Club in her hometown of Medan.
Patrick Mashburn, Marketing Specialist and Content Developer, is a former radio talent hailing from Tennessee who recently moved to Maine to take on a new role. With a degree from the University of Tennessee, Patrick is eager to use his expertise to expand the brand and tell the story of his new employer. In his free time, Patrick is a fan of SEC football, BBQ, and Marvel movies. He is poised to bring a unique perspective and energy to his new position. He is excited to continue his career journey in Maine and is looking forward to helping share the Unity story.
