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
Robert (Bob) Abraham: Visionary Leader in Transformative Education
Moreland University President Robert Abraham is a passionate advocate for transformative education and lifelong learning. Bob is also President of Teacher Education at Colibri Group, the parent company of Moreland, where he brings energy and curiosity to everything he does. His career is defined by his commitment to empowering students, educators, and organizations to reach their fullest potential.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Bob has extensive experience across education and edtech, telecommunications, venture capital, and manufacturing. As a leader in teacher education, he prioritizes learner-centric programs, mission-aligned partnerships, and a culture of innovation and inclusivity.
Bob believes in the power of education to change lives. He is committed to equipping teachers with the skills and certifications needed to inspire students and positively shape education and learning for generations to come.
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.
Dr. Matthew Woods
Deputy Superintendent of Instruction and Leadership at the Berkley County Schools, WV
Dr. Matthew Woods has served for roughly 15 years assisting students, educators, and schools in a variety of roles. His professional experience includes being a high school social studies teacher, middle and high school assistant principal, middle school principal, director of student support services, assistant superintendent of student services, adjunct professor, and field instructor for student-teachers. Additionally, Dr. Woods hosts an education podcast, Leading Out The Woods, and is the author of several leadership and children’s books.
Dr. Woods has earned a B.S. in History and Social Studies from Ferrum College, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administration from Virginia Tech, a graduate certificate in Education Law and Policy and an Educational Specialist in Middle Grades Education from the University of Georgia, and an Ed.D. in Education from Radford University.
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.
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.
Fayth Buriff
Curriculum Manager
Fayth Buriff is a seasoned educator and leader with experience in public, private, and charter schools. As a servant leader, she takes great joy in collaborating with school leaders and teachers in her role as the partnership specialist at Moreland University. Fayth’s background includes teaching, school-level leadership, and charter-level leadership. She has earned Education Specialist degrees in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction and is currently working on the final chapters of her dissertation for her educational doctorate in curriculum and instruction. Since joining the Moreland family in early 2019, she has been dedicated to fostering educational excellence and innovation.
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
Amanda Gaughan
Program Advisor
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.
Angel Clark
Area Partnership Manager
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
Patricia Young-Boseman
Admissions Representative
Fadhil Mwanga
Admissions Representative
James Cornelson
Admissions Representative
Marjorie Guadarrama
Admissions Coordinator