51ºÚÁÏ

Elena is an associate professor of TESOL and coordinator of the TESOL and DREAM programs, teaching TESOL courses for pre-service and in-service teachers. Her research is focused on second language literacy, multilingual learners and multiliteracies, teacher education, and multilingual educators like herself. Her previous professional experience includes being an English as a Second Language teacher and ESL school coordinator in Charlotte, North Carolina, and English as a Foreign Language teacher in her native Romania. Her published work includes articles in journals such as TESOL Journal, TESOL Quarterly and The Reading Teacher.

Erin is an associate college lecturer in the Department of Chemistry. She teaches a variety of courses and is dedicated to creating engaging, interactive learning environments. Her research examines the implementation and evaluation of inclusive teaching practices to promote equity in STEM education.

Sebastian is an assistant professor of supply chain management in the Monte Ahuja College of Business. Sebastian also serves as the Faculty Graduate Director of the MBA program. He previously held faculty appointments at Weber State University (Utah) and John Carroll University. Sebastian holds a degree in business and economics from the University of Hamburg, Germany, and a Dr. rer. pol. degree from the Hamburg University of Technology, Germany. His research interests include supply chain sustainability, omnichannel distribution and supply chain collaboration.

Robin is 51ºÚÁÏ’s first full clinical professor and chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the College of Health. She is also the director of the Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program. She has been an occupational therapist in the gerontology area for almost 30 years, working in hospital, long-term care, assisted living and community settings. She completed her post-professional doctorate in OT at George Washington University, where her area of research was older adult sexual health and sexual activity. Robin joined 51ºÚÁÏ in 2004 and received the honor of being named 51ºÚÁÏ’s Distinguished Faculty Member for 2022.

Manuella is associate college lecturer and program director for the Master of Science in Health Sciences. Manuella has a Ph.D. in Health Education and Health Promotion, is a Certified Health Education Specialist and a Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach, with expertise in health promotion, health coaching and curriculum development. Manuella serves in leadership roles on University and college committees, including chairing the University Athletics Committee, the College of Health Nominating and Voting Committee, and the Dean’s Leadership Advisory Committee.

Maria, an associate professor of practice in the 51ºÚÁÏ School of Film & Media Arts, is an award-winning filmmaker, educator and curriculum strategist dedicated to nurturing the next generation of storytellers and media makers. Her work spans mission-driven film production and academic innovation. With a decade of experience across Chicago, New York and international markets, Maria has created compelling digital content for leading global brands and her storytelling prowess has garnered international acclaim, with her films screening at over 60 film festivals worldwide. Maria recently earned the 51ºÚÁÏ Teaching Enhancement Award for strategically revising curriculum to significantly improve first-year student retention and success, demonstrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of creative talent.

Matt is the director for Alumni Relations and Corporate Engagement in Alumni Affairs. He has been at 51ºÚÁÏ since 2018 and previously served as director of the Center for Student Activities and Involvement. Prior to 51ºÚÁÏ, Matt worked at Case Western Reserve University, Greater Cleveland YMCA and the Cleveland Browns Foundation. Matt moved to Cleveland in 2013 after working at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill. Matt is originally from Missouri, where he obtained his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He has many hobbies and interests but spends all of his time with his spouse, two children and dog.

Elizabeth is a Mandel Continuing Scholars academic advisor and program coordinator within the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Honors College. She received a B.A. in political science and a master’s in urban planning and is currently a doctoral student in the Urban Education program at 51ºÚÁÏ. She is an alumna of the Mandel Continuing Scholars and takes pride giving back to the program that opened up opportunities for her. Elizabeth is civically engaged as a volunteer for several organizations including being a Redcoat at Playhouse Square for over three years, working with Destination Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Foodstrong, the Westside Market, the Cleveland Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and Cleveland Leadership Center.

Marsha is the assistant director of the Michael Schwartz Library. She leads the Collections and Resource Management division, overseeing the management, preservation and accessibility of the library’s physical, digital and archival resources. Her research interests include digital collections and preservation, metadata and critical cataloging, and scholarly communication.

Matt joined 51ºÚÁÏ in 2013 and serves as the director of the Parking and Transportation Services Department. He has 30 years of facility management experience, overseeing multiple parking, valet and special event operations in the Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh markets. Matt is a member of the Cleveland Parking Association and has been elected to the new 51ºÚÁÏ Staff Senate.

As an associate college lecturer, Sarah is passionate about teaching nursing through evidence-based practice and application to practice. Sarah believes in creating student-centered, inclusive learning environments that inspire critical thinking and professional growth. She has taught over eight unique courses at 51ºÚÁÏ and currently serves as interim coordinator for the new online Accelerated BSN program, as well as the in-person Accelerated BSN, and online RN to BSN programs. Sarah is actively involved in the School of Nursing curriculum revision and has brought new clinical insights into the Online ABSN program.

Richard is a course and materials developer for 51ºÚÁÏ Online and an adjunct faculty member at Cleveland State. He brings expertise in digital learning and technology integration from leadership roles in K–12 education and county government. A PBS Digital Innovator and Betty Cope Award recipient, he advises Sigma Phi Epsilon and 51ºÚÁÏ-TV, hosts podcasts and serves on a nonprofit board advocating for autism support through The S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Approach (SM). His work reflects a deep commitment to lifelong learning, student success and innovation in education.

Nancy is senior director of Foundation and Corporate Relations at 51ºÚÁÏ, where she leads a University-wide strategy to build philanthropic partnerships that advance 51ºÚÁÏ’s academic, research and community mission. She brings more than 20 years of experience in philanthropy, higher education and nonprofit leadership, with previous roles at the Cleveland Institute of Music, The Cleveland Orchestra, Preterm and the ACLU of Ohio. She is passionate about collaboration, organizational learning and synthesizing large amounts of data into very tight parameters for funders. She holds an MBA in Policy and Strategy from Tulane University.

Aviva is a veterinary social worker and assistant professor in the School of Social Work in the College of Health. Her research projects include exploring music therapy within adaptive riding; surveying embedded veterinary social workers about their experiences providing mental health in veterinary medicine settings; and exploring perceptions and experience of DEI within Equine Assisted Service providers. Aviva works as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor at Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center and is co-owner and founder of Healing Paws LLC. She is on the board of trustees of PATH International and was among Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 40 Under 40 honorees in 2023.

Since 2012, Nate has served as a regional director of the Ohio SBDC Export Assistance Network office and director of the Global Business Center at 51ºÚÁÏ. He oversees a staff that provides export guidance and services to companies from a wide range of industries within a 33-county region of Northern Ohio. Nate has a decade of private sector international business experience in sales, logistics, marketing, pricing, research, and product development. In 2022, he received a designation from the Forum for International Trade as a FITT Certified International Trade Professional. Nate has also taught international business classes in India through the Fulbright Program and in Senegal for the U.S. Embassy. He is a regional coordinator for the Ohio Export Internship Program and has taught several graduate and undergraduate classes on global business topics at 51ºÚÁÏ.

Madalynn is a board-certified pediatric clinical specialist. She earned her B.S. in Physical Therapy from The Ohio State University (2001), a post-professional DPT from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (2013), and a Ph.D. from Youngstown State University (2022). She currently serves as associate dean for curriculum and operations in the College of Health. She cofounded the PLAAY on the Move program, which supports play and leisure activities for children of diverse abilities.