Meet the Moreland University Leadership Team
Our Team is Committed
to Shaping the Success
of Future Educators
A diverse team of innovative thinkers at the forefront of education and industry applies their distinct expertise to ensure Moreland’s unique approach and practical programs provide the relevance, quality, and value you need for long-term success.
Mission
Philosophy
Teaching teachers around the world to be resourceful problem solvers and tech-savvy educators through an online, collaborative, activity-based learning system designed for tomorrow’s students in a dynamic and diverse world.
Moreland University President – Inspiring Success
Dr. Susanne H. Thompson
Dr. Susanne H. Thompson is the president of Moreland University, a Colibri Group education brand. Susanne has been in the education industry for 32 years, serving as a public educator in Pennsylvania as a classroom teacher, building administrator, director of curriculum and instruction, and superintendent of schools.
She has extensive experience in the education industry and has held leadership and executive-level positions at organizations like Discovery Inc. and Discovery Education, Northwestern Lehigh School District, and the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit. In 2022, Susanne was selected as one of the “Most Inspiring Women in Business” by Aspioneer Magazine.
As a creative and decisive thinker, Susanne prioritizes people, performance, innovation, and active listening while building ownership and partnership within cross-functional teams both internally and externally to deliver customer and business results with a values-based, mission-driven spirit.
Moreland University’s Advisory Board
These leaders, drawn from education, business and industry, provide professional direction and support to ensure all of Moreland University’s academic programs emphasize best practices in education. Their insights strengthen our innovative approach to education and provide critical connections between successful practitioners and today’s students.
Dr. Emily Feistritzer
A Visionary Founder
Dr. Emily Feistritzer founded TeachNow Inc. in 2011. With over 50 years of experience in education, Dr. Feistritzer has been cited for her innovative approaches to teacher preparation.
A former high school math and science teacher — as well as an educator and director of teacher corps at the University of South Carolina — Dr. Feistritzer founded two education organizations that conducted and distributed the most up-to-date research in the field: the National Center for Education Information and the National Center for Alternative Certification.
In 2011, she re-imagined the existing model of teacher preparation through TEACH-NOW®. The program allows college graduates, veterans, and other career-switchers to earn teacher certification in the U.S. and overseas. Its success led to the creation of Moreland University, which enables students to earn master’s degrees in education, as well as obtain a teaching license recognized internationally.
Dr. James Edmond, Jr.
Empowering Students
Dr. Edmond is the director of partner engagement for the Modern Classrooms Project, an organization that empowers students to master key content and skills through a proprietary instructional model.
During Dr. Edmond’s 26-year career in public education, he was a middle school teacher, an elementary principal, and a district administrator. He also held positions as the president of the Association of Wisconsin School Administrators and was a board member for the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Dr. Edmond is a nationally recognized leader with a proven record of helping organizations grow and achieve high levels of success. He has a passion for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and equitable instructional practices in education. His mission is to ensure all learners, educators, and leaders have access to the necessary tools for achieving the highest personal and professional versions of themselves.
Dr. Kathy Bihr
Leading Today’s Entrepreneurs
Dr. Bihr serves as the vice president of programs at The First Tee of Los Angeles and is the co-founder and managing partner of Academic Solutions, a full-service tutoring and mentoring center.
With over 30 years in education —working in both K-12 public education and the non-profit sector — Kathy’s expertise ranges from program development to leadership to creating sustainable, equitable learning environments for youth. She also serves on the board of directors for Project Tomorrow, which supports the innovative uses of STEM resources in K-12 schools and communities; advises entrepreneurs through an EdTech accelerator; and provides coaching to non-profit leaders working in the sports and entertainment field. In addition, Dr. Bihr serves as adjunct faculty for the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Michael Q. Roth
Award-Winning Educator
Dr. Roth is an educational leader who has served in K-12 districts as a social studies teacher, principal, director of curriculum, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. He is currently chief academic officer/deputy superintendent of the Allentown School District, Pennsylvania’s third-largest urban district.
A notable career achievement, Dr. Roth leveraged grant funding to outfit 940+ classrooms with technology and professional development to support renewed pedagogical practices.
Previously, Dr. Roth worked at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and Discovery Education as the vice president of professional services and director of professional development, respectively. Currently, Dr. Roth is an adjunct professor for Delaware Valley and Buena Vista universities; he also serves as an instructor in the CLIU 21 School Superintendent Certification Program that he helped design. In 2019, Dr. Roth was awarded the Service to the Profession Award by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.
Dr. Beth Salyers
Reshaping Educational Results
Dr. Salyers is obsessed with the art and science of learning. A former middle school teacher who got frustrated with the promise of education versus the reality, Beth set out to harness the structures of learning in a way that didn’t perpetuate the status quo.
After earning her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, she began helping people build individual and collective agency within organizations. Her company, Custom Learning Atelier (CLA), helps stakeholder-focused businesses and organizations be more effective, sustainably, when it comes to how their people and audiences learn.
Since its founding in 2020, CLA has become a Certified B Corporation and a business member of One Percent for the Planet. Additionally, CLA regularly works with other Certified B Corporations, purpose-driven companies, NGOs, national associations, state and local agencies, and non-profits across several industries. Beth was born in Ohio, raised in North Carolina, and now lives in New Orleans.
Marla Wilson
Pioneering Improvements in Business and Education
Marla Wilson is New America’s vice president of development and partnerships. New America is a civic platform and think tank, primarily for public policy issues and advocacy.
Wilson is a powerful business driver whose entrepreneurial instincts and clarity of vision have carried multiple organizations through rapid and continuous financial growth. She has defined long-term organizational strategic goals and built key client relationships in a leadership capacity with Discovery Education, American Heart Association, March of Dimes and as an independent business consultant.
Wilson has dedicated her career to transformational initiatives that support equity, diversity, and inclusion for under-represented groups to advance socioeconomic equality. She strives to make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged communities and sectors globally.
Wilson holds a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Moreland University’s Academic Team
This team of accomplished individuals support your academic success by consistently strengthening Moreland University’s rigorous academic programs, world-class curriculum, proven online approach, and cohort model for innovative learning. Ongoing research and active leadership within the global educational community enable this team to update programs regularly with professional confidence.
Dr. Kerri Valencia
Chief Academic Officer
Dr. Kerri Valencia has been a leader and innovative thinker in education for more than 22 years. Throughout her career as a teacher in P-12 and higher education, she’s been recognized for challenging educational norms and initiating positive change. Dr. Valencia has been part of Moreland University’s success since 2017. She taught as part of Moreland University’s faculty before becoming Director of Clinical Practice and then Chief Academic Officer in 2022. A highly successful Moreland University graduate herself a decade ago, Dr. Valencia has a first-hand understanding of the need for academic excellence and practical, timely focus.
Before joining Moreland University, Dr. Valencia taught language with a focus on fostering socio- cultural competence in private and public schools in the U.S. and South America. Dr. Valencia earned her bachelor’s degree in Spanish from The University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her Master’s in Instructional Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She earned a Doctor of Education degree in Leadership for Change with an emphasis in dual language from Fielding Graduate University.
Dr. Valencia volunteers in several roles, including serving as a mentor in Youth Creating Change, an organization that empowers middle school and high school students to drive positive change in their communities and schools. She’s a member of Communities United Against Hate, a non-profit organization in the Washington, DC area focused on anti-discrimination work, and she is part of Maryland Reads, an organization that supports data-driven reading instruction in Maryland schools.
Dr. Lynn Beal
Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Lynn Beal is an accomplished education professional with a diverse background in higher education and K-12 settings. Holding an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University, where she graduated with Honorable Distinction in 2020.
Lynn’s expertise extends across various roles, including Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Moreland University and Lecturer at George Mason University and California State University Monterey Bay. With a commitment to inclusive education, Lynn has significantly contributed to curriculum development, faculty management, and professional development. Her extensive experience in K-12 education includes roles such as Curriculum Resources Teacher K-12 and Special Education Local Screening Chair and Literacy Coach at Fairfax County Public Schools.
Lynn’s dedication to improving education is further exemplified through her research endeavors, focusing on special education teacher burnout and the effects of verbal aggression on job satisfaction.
As a dynamic educator, administrator, and researcher, Dr.Beal continues to shape the field of education with her passion for innovative instructional practices and commitment to student success.
Dr. Daphne Moriel de Cedeno
Director of Research and Analysis
Dr. Daphne Moriel de Cedeno, the Director of Research and Data Analytics at Moreland University, is a seasoned education professional with a profound passion for teacher education. Armed with a PhD in Educational Leadership, specializing in research, measurements, and statistics, Dr. Moriel de Cedeno brings over a decade of experience in the field of education to her current role.
Dr. Moriel de Cedeno’s journey in education began as a high school Spanish teacher, where she discovered her affinity for shaping young minds and instilling knowledge. Building upon her teaching experience, she pursued a Master’s degree in Spanish language and literature after obtaining her undergraduate degrees in Philosophy, Political Science, and Spanish. Fueled by her relentless pursuit of knowledge and personal growth, Dr. Moriel de Cedeno expanded her educational horizons and assumed the position of high school assistant principal in Texas.
As the Director of Research and Data Analytics, Dr. Cedeno plays a pivotal role in molding the university’s strategies and optimizing its educational programs. Her deep understanding of research and data analytics equips her with the ability to provide valuable insights and data- driven solutions, fortifying the educational experience for candidates. Dr. Moriel de Cedeno possesses an exceptional leadership style characterized by her uncompromising dedication to innovation and continuous improvement. Leveraging research and data, she empowers the institution to adapt to the ever-evolving and multifaceted educational landscape of the future
Chanun Caine
Manager of Clinical Programs
Chanun Caine is a distinguished scholar- practitioner and educational leader. She is currently on the verge of completing her doctoral program at Northeastern University specializing in Curriculum, Learning, & Leadership and holds a Master’s in Education from the University of Washington. Inspired by the transformational work of bell hooks and a passion for Anti-Bias Education, she recently concluded her doctoral research at Moreland University. Her noteworthy study focused on empowering early childhood educators to develop tools and strategies that foster equitable education environments for young learners, showcasing her dedication to creating inclusive spaces for students.
Throughout her diverse education career, Chanun has demonstrated her commitment to social-emotional and culturally responsive teaching while working in various global settings including the United Arab Emirates, Taiwan, and the US on the Puyallup Tribe’s Indigenous Peoples’ Reservation. As a former early childhood educator and a devoted member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Chanun currently leads Moreland University’s Clinical Practice and Master’s in Early Childhood Education Programs.
Chanun’s innovative thinking, keen attention to detail, and consistent modeling of resourceful problem-solving have contributed to her proven record of successfully guiding candidates through program completion. She thrives as a fervently collaborative team member, administrator, and teacher leader, embodying her enthusiasm for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) work across all levels, from Pre-K to higher education. Her unwavering dedication to building a strong sense of belonging for all students and teachers reflects her commitment to transformational leadership in education.
Courtney Stoll
Librarian
Courtney Stoll is a dedicated professional in the field of education, currently serving as a Librarian at Moreland University since July 2020. Her journey with the institution began in 2016 when she joined as a faculty instructor, showcasing her versatility and commitment to academic excellence.
Courtney earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, complemented by a Social Studies teaching certification, earned from West Chester University. She also holds a secondary English teaching certification and a K-12 Library Science certification. Courtney furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Master of Science in Education in School Library and Information Technologies from Mansfield University.
With nearly two decades of experience in education, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role at Moreland University. She has transitioned between roles, starting as an instructor and eventually finding her niche as a Librarian.
Before joining Moreland University, Courtney accrued extensive experience as a secondary Social Studies and English teacher. Her passion for literature, information literacy, and the fusion of technology with education led her to spend time in K-12 libraries as well.
Lauren Donmoyer
Clinical Placement Coordinator
Lauren Donmoyer expresses a lifelong passion for teaching and working with students of diverse ages, ethnic backgrounds, and learning abilities. Her educational philosophy centers around the belief that learning is a continuous process for both students and teachers. She emphasizes that there are always opportunities for growth and advancement within one’s own learning abilities.
With over 10 years of experience in the education field, Lauren eagerly anticipates each new chapter in her educational career. She obtained her undergraduate degree at Saint Joseph’s University, where she achieved dual certification in General and Special Elementary Education, with a minor in Autistic Studies. Following her undergraduate studies, she dedicated several years to teaching across several elementary grade levels, engaging in coaching, curriculum development, and mentoring roles both within schools and at the collegiate level.
In 2019, Lauren earned her Master’s in Education as a Reading Specialist. Subsequently, she applied her skills and degree in higher education, working with young learning adults in various capacities over the following years. As the Clinical Placement Coordinator, Lauren assists adults from all over the world to prepare for Clinical Practice.
Candidate Support Team
Your professional and educational success is important to us, which is why we have a team dedicated to ensuring you have the information, resources, technology backup and support you need throughout every experience with Moreland University. These professionals provide program advice, personalized assistance, and career-focused strategies from your first contact with Moreland University through graduation and your successful career.
Jody Campbell
Program Advisor
Josh Lindgren
Program Advisor
Colleen Laeger
Student Records
Partnership Team
These specialists are dedicated to partnering with school districts to enrich and elevate the classroom experience for every educator the district supports and every student they serve. Team members work side-by-side with the district to assist teachers who are emergency certified and to develop customized, scalable programs tailored for other educator qualification needs.
Amanda Gaughan
Partner Success Coordinator
Joseph Pearson
Partnership Development Specialist
Fayth Buriff
Partnership Specialist
Christian Malarsie
Partnership Development Coordinator
Angel Clark
Partner Success Lead
Admissions Team
Our Admissions Team is here to help you begin or advance your career in education, from guiding you through the application process to assisting you in enrollment. Each Admission Representative is dedicated to your success and can provide insights you need into certifications, state licensing and professional opportunities in education today.
Shelbie Goodnow
General Manager
Jonathan Dickerson
Admissions Representative
Trevor Goyette
Admissions Representative
Simone Francis
Admissions Representative
Fadhil Mwanga
Admissions Representative
James Cornelson
Admissions Representative
Monika Markus
Admissions Representative
Marjorie Guadarrama
Admissions Coordinator