Our faculty are eager to share their expertise as well as their commitment to collaboration, innovation, and servant leadership through Concordia’s uncompromising Christian mission.
Sara Clemm von Hohenberg
Ph.D.
Program Director - Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with Elementary and Secondary Teacher Certification, Associate Professor
Office: Krieger K125
Phone: (734) 995-7326
Bio
Dr. Sara Clemm von Hohenberg serves as the Director of the Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with Elementary and Secondary Teacher Certification Program. While coordinating all aspects of the Masters program, Dr. Clemm von Hohenberg also oversees all student teachers and serves as an Associate Professor of Education teaching courses in the program.
Education
- Ph D - Instructional Leadership, Northcentral University (2018)
- MA - Educational Leadership, Oakland University (2005)
- BA - Secondary Education, Western Michigan University (2002)
Research Interests
- Teacher Preparation Candidate Dispositions
- Professional Semester Experiences
Teaching Interests
- Differentiated Instruction
- Teaching and Learning
Erin Laverick
Ph.D.
Associate Vice President - Academic and Student Success, Professor
Office: Kreft 235
Phone: (734) 995-7391
Bio
Erin Laverick teaches classes for the English department and the School of Education. As an educator, she strives to create a safe and active learning environment in which students learn by doing. Her research focuses on first-year writing theory, visual literacy, and student success.
Education
- Ph D - English, Bowling Green State University (2008)
- MA - English, Illinois State University (2002)
- BA - English, University Wisconsin-Green Bay (2000)
Contributions
- Laverick, E. (2020). ""Welcome, Share, Celebrate: Creating a Safe and Inclusive Classroom for ELs"." The New Teacher's Guide to Overcoming Common Challenges: Curated Advice from Award-winning Teachers".
- Laverick, E. (2018). Project-Based Learning to Promote Language Skill Development: A Sample Reflection. In Tomiko Breland (Ed.), TESOL Press. http://blog.tesol...
- Laverick, E. (2018). Project-Based Learning. In Thomas Farrell (Ed.), (1st ed.,pp. 42). Annapolis Junction, MD: TESOL Press. https://sites.tes...
- Laverick, E. (2018). Quick Tip: 4 Steps for Designing and Implementing Project-Based Learning. In Tomiko Breland (Ed.), Alexandria, VA: TESOL Connection. http://newsmanage...
Presentations
- Laverick, E. (2022). "Using a Common Rubric to Assess Visual Literacy". Oral Presentation. Image Resources Interest Group of the International Visual Literacy Association. Virtual.
- Laverick, E. (2021). Diving into the Digital Humanities: Blending Visual Literacy with Rhetorical Analysis. Oral Presentation. International VIsual Literacy Association. Virtual.
- Laverick, E. (2021). Using the Musical Hamilton to Scaffold to Academic Literacy. Oral Presentation. Midwest SoTL. Virtual.
- Laverick, E. & (2020). Two Parents' Preceptions of Remote Learning during COVID-19. Oral Presentation. Tech & Trek. Hiram, OH.
- Laverick, E. (2019). Bridging Cultures through the Digital Humanities. Oral Presentation. Interchanges. Tully Cross, Ireland.
Research Interests
- Culturally relevant teaching practices
- Visual literacy and multimodal composing practices
Teaching Interests
- First year writing
- Rhetorical theory and history
Adjunct Faculty
Michael Alley
EdS, MA
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (810) 300-1693
Education
- EdS - Educational Leadership, Saginaw Valley (1995)
- MA - Secondary Administration, Central Michigan (1990)
Teaching Interests
- Mathematics
Michele Anderson
MA History, Secondary Certification
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Michele Anderson joined Concordia University Ann Arbor in 2021 after an accomplished high school teaching career. As a high school teacher she was selected by the Gilder Lehman Institute of American History, History®, and Preserve America as the 2014 National History Teacher of the Year. She enjoys working on assessment and teacher preparation standards development with the Michigan Department of Education, and engaging in historical research.
Education
- MA - History, Eastern Michigan University (2001)
- BA - History , Eastern Michigan University (1990)
Research Interests
- Veteran Experiences
- Educational Improvement
- Assessment Development
Teaching Interests
- Teacher Preparation
- United States History
- Assessment Development
Anthony David Berthiaume
Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (517) 285-7823
Education
- Ph D - K-12 Educational Administration, Michigan State University (2015)
Cammie Dudek
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (248) 342-4856
Bio
I have dedicated my life to education and family. God's gift to us is our life. How we live our life is our gift to God. I try to live my life well. I have been a teacher for over forty years and an adjunct professor for twelve years. Teaching continues to bring such joy to my life. Each day, I learn something new and valuable from my students, and hopefully, they have learned something new and valuable, as well.
Education
- MA - Special Education Learning Disabilities, Oakland University (1983)
- MS - Educational Psychology, Wayne State University (1975)
Teaching Interests
- Special Education Learning Disabilities
- Teaching Struggling Readers
- Curriculum Development and Instructional Strategies
Brian Fitzgerald
Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 368-1861
Bio
I have over 35 years in higher education management and leadership experience. This service encompasses housing and residence life, student conduct administration, sports administration, and facility management.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (2016)
- MS - Criminal Justice, Michigan State University (1990)
Research Interests
- Policy
- Student Retention
Teaching Interests
- Law and Policy
- Organizational Development
- History of Higher Education
Phillip Francis
E.d.S.
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Mr. Francis has been an adjunct with the School of Education at Concordia Ann Arbor since January 2007. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, a Master's Degree in Special Education from Wayne State University, and an Education Specialist Degree from Oakland University. He is currently the Assistant Superintendent with Livonia Public Schools in Livonia, Michigan.
Education
- EdS - Educational Leadershlp, Oakland University (2003)
Beverly M. Griffor
PhD, JD, MBA, MS
Director of Clinical Services, Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 922-5251
Education
- JD - Ave Maria School of Law (2007)
- Ph D - Clinical Psychology concentration in neuropsychology & forensic psychology, Fielding Graduate University (2020)
Contributions
- Griffor, B. & Vasquez, S. (2022). "Probability and Statistics for Lawyers." In Lorandos, D (Ed.), The Litigators Handbook of Forensic Medicine, Psychiatry and Psychology. Eagan, MN: Thomson Reuters.
- Griffor, B. (2020). Empathy Influences the Relationship Between Predicted Risk and Offense Severity for First Time Sex Offenders. Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, CA: ProQuest.
- Griffor, B. (2015). "Manifestations and Outcomes of Pediatric mTBI." Psychotherapy Bulletin. (vol. 50.2). The Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy.
Presentations
- Griffor, B. (2018). Telemental Health in Correctional Settings. Lecture. Michigan Sheriff's Association: 2018 Summer Conference. Lansing, MI.
- Griffor, B. (2017). Preparing for Expert Witnesses in Cases with Mental Health Implications. Lecture. Western Michigan Cooley, Mental Health: A Michigan Perspective. Lansing, MI.
- Lorandos, D., Campbell, T., Vasquez, S. & Griffor, B., (2013). Consultation and treatment in high conflict and parental alienation cases. Lecture. Presentation and Panel Discussion at the 29th Annual Symposium of the American College of Forensic Psychology. San Diego, CA.
Research Interests
- Offender Rehabilitation
- Trauma recovery
- Mental health access
Teaching Interests
- Law & Family Policy
- Research Methods
- Statistics
Lori A. Haven
Ed.D.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (517) 230-0085
Bio
I began my career in education as a secondary level Spanish teacher. After serving in a variety of administrator roles at the secondary, elementary and district level, I became the superintendent in a rural community in the greater Lansing area. I am passionate about serving others and giving back to the educational community. I look forward to working with aspiring educational leaders.
Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership, Michigan State University (2016)
- MS - Educational Leadership, University of Cincinnati (2008)
Research Interests
- Improving professional development through networked improvement communities
- Supporting educators to support their learners
Teaching Interests
- Instructional Leadership
- Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment
- Educating the whole child
Elizabeth Hopkins
Secondary Education Coordinator, Adjunct Professor
Office: Krieger 124
Phone: (734) 995-7458
Bio
I was a high school math teacher for eight years, before moving to Michigan. I spent a few years as a stay at home mom, during that time I tutored individuals in math, SAT and ACT prep, and in study skills. In 2019, I joined the School of Education at Concordia University and I have been teaching courses in both the undergraduate and graduate programs since 2020.
Education
- MA - Education, Lindenwood University (2010)
Stephanie Howay
Ed.S.
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Our household currently consists of myself, my husband, my daughter, and our two cats (Autumn and Solo)! When I am not teaching, I LOVE to be outside - running, biking, gardening, and just hanging out with my family. I have been working with students pursuing a degree in education since 2016, and it is what God placed me on earth to do!
Education
- EdS - Educational Leadership, Oakland University (2019)
- MA - Reading and Language Arts - K-12, Oakland University (2011)
Brian Jensen
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (906) 399-0649
Education
- EdS - K-12 Administration, Wayne State University (2020)
- MA - Teaching and Curriculum, Michigan State University (2016)
Teaching Interests
- Personnel Management and Professional Development
- Curriculum Development and Instructional Supervision
- Professional Learning Communities
Kendra Katnik
Ed.D.
Adjunct Professor
Bio
I am a practicing educator who is passionate about teaching and advocating for culturally and linguistically diverse students. I love working with educators and future educators who want to improve their practice in creating a welcoming environment and meeting the needs of all students in their classrooms. My favorite part about teaching in higher ed. is learning together with students: each class brings so much rich and varied experience!
Education
- EDD - Doctor of Education, University of Michigan-Flint (2022)
- EdS - Educational Leadership, University of Michigan-Flint (2020)
- MA - Curriculum & Instruction: ESL, Concordia University - Portland (2015)
Marion Nicholaou Killebrew-Sexton
MA
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 765-2796
Bio
Hello! My name is Marion Sexton and my background is in language. I have taught French and English at the middle and high school level and am also certified in English as a Second Language. Language acquisition has always been near to my heart as I grew up with a Japanese mother and a Greek father who was also a language teacher. I am also a mother to four adult children and a grandmother to four (and counting!).
Education
- MA - Education, University of Michigan-Dearborn (2008)
- BA - English, University of Michigan-Dearborn (2003)
Research Interests
- Language acquisition
Teaching Interests
- Language acquisition
- Secondary Education
- English
Lisa Meyers
EdD
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (989) 324-0666
Bio
I have been serving at Concordia as an adjunct instructor since 2014 in the area of Graduate Education. I also have been serving as Academic Dean at Valley Lutheran High School in Saginaw, MI since 2001 where I also taught math and music for 15 years prior to joining the administration. I live in Saginaw Township with my husband, Dwight, and have 3 step-children (two are military and one works locally) and three wonderful grandchildren.
Education
- EDD - Educational Leadership - Curriculum & Instruction, Central Michigan University (2008)
- MA - Master of Arts in Teaching - Curriculum & Instruction, Saginaw Valley State University (1998)
Contributions
- Meyers, L. (2016). "Technology: The driver for twenty-first century skills." In Sparapani and Ross-McClain editors (Ed.), Teaching in a Globally-Connected World. Lanham, MD: Hamilton Books.
- Meyers, L. (2005). "Time for a tune-up: Comprehensive curriculum evaluation." Principal Leadership. (6(1) ed.,pp. 27-30).
- Meyers, L. (1997). "Teaching all four R's." Michigan Middle School Journal. (21(2) ed.,pp. 17-19).
Research Interests
- Instructional Strategies
- Professional Learning Communities
- Administration Styles and Strategies
Teaching Interests
- Graduation Education - Curriculum & Instruction
- Graduate Education - Educational Administration
- Teacher Education - Elementary and Secondary
Kristin Morsehead
Ed.D
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Kristin currently serves as a Teacher Consultant in the public schools. She has a doctorate in educational administration and has background in K-12 special education, adjunct, administration, and urban education.
Education
- EDD - Educational Administration, Gwynedd Mercy University (2020)
- MA - Special Education L.D., Chestnut Hill College (2006)
Research Interests
- MTSS
- Data to Inform Instruction
- Educational Practices
Teaching Interests
- Special Education
- Assessment and Instruction
- Special Education Law
Kevin Andrew Mowrer
Ph.D.
K-12 Educational Administration, Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 385-6022
Bio
I grew up in Adrian, Mich. I spent the first part of my career in urban education, starting with student teaching in Detroit and then teaching and coaching basketball for six years in the Chicago Public Schools In 2004, I returned to Michigan in 2004, taking a teaching job in the Manchester Community Schools. I moved into the HS Principal Role in 2006. I currently lead three early colleges on the southside of Indianapolis.
Education
- Ph D - K-12 Educational Administration, Michigan State University (2014)
- MA - Educational Leadership, Northeastern Illinois University (2003)
Research Interests
- Local Implementation of State/Federal Policy
- Development of State and Local Education Policy
Teaching Interests
- Action Research Process
- State and Local Policy
- School Law
Aaron Shinn
Ed. Sp.
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Thank you for being a part of an outstanding University experience. I have been blessed to be in education for nearly two decades as a teacher and now an administrator. I look forward to working with you all and sharing my knowledge as you move throughout your career.
Education
- EdS - Educational Leadership, Eastern Michigan University (2021)
- MA - K-12 Leadership, Michigan State University (2012)
Teaching Interests
- Educational Leadership
- Curriculum Design
- Data Driven Decision Making
Wayne Russell Stitt
PhD
Adjunct Professor
Bio
Dr. Stitt is a retired K-12 administrator serving as a teacher, principal and superintendent. He was recognized as a distinguished alumni at Western Michigan University as a Golden Apple recipient in 2019 for his positive impact as a practitioner in leading his districts through systemic reform and having a positive impact on students and staff. He has been an adjunct at CUAA for over 10 years and currently teaches at WMU full-time.
Education
- Ph D - Educational Leadership, Western Michigan University (2010)
- MA - Ed. Leadership, Western Michigan University (1999)
Research Interests
- Best Practices in School Districts, High-Performing Culture, Instructional Leadership
Teaching Interests
- Educational Leadership (Aspiring Principals and Superintendents)
Michael Stewart Zabriskie
Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 646-4959
Bio
Michael has been serving students in postsecondary education for over 25 years in a variety of student-focused roles, including student housing, student activities, Greek life, leadership development, and student organization advising. He has taught graduate level courses at the University of Michigan and Concordia. He has developed and taught seminars for the Association of College and University Housing Officers-International.
Education
- Ph D - Higher Education, University of Michigan (2005)
- MS - College Student Personnel Administration, Indiana University (1996)
Teaching Interests
- Higher Education Administration
- Assessment
- History of Higher Education
Stephen M. Zielinski
Ed.S.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (586) 610-4686
Bio
Hi everyone, I have been in education now for 23 years- 7 as an elementary teacher, a year as Data and Assessment Director, and 15 years as a building administrator- currently in Allen Park Public Schools. My experience at Concordia started in this program in 2007, and has included many courses in Professional Learning Communities, Principalship, Curriculum, Funding and Finance, and other courses. It has been my pleasure to serve all students!
Education
- EdS - School Administration, Wayne State University (2003)
- MA - Elementary Education, Wayne State University (2001)
- BA - Arts - French, Wayne State University (1995)
Research Interests
- Literacy in the elementary classroom
- School Funding models
- Building principal support networks
Teaching Interests
- School leadership
- Best educational practices
- Helping all students to succeed
Connie Zucker
Ph.D.
Adjunct Professor
Phone: (734) 812-5881
Bio
I grew up in a German Lutheran culture in the Saginaw area. At Concordia University, I am the ESL Coordinator in addition to teaching courses in the teacher endorsement program for English as a Second Language. In my free time I enjoy playing the piano, working in the yard, reading mystery novels, traveling, and spending time with my husband and my children.
Education
- Ph D - Language Education, Wayne State University (2005)
- BA - English and Spanish, University of Michigan (1972)
Presentations
- Zucker, C. (1970). Teaching grammar in the foreign language classroom . Fourth International Conference on Language Teacher Education. University of Minnesota.
Research Interests
- Second Language Acquisition
- English Linquistics
- Language Teaching Games
Teaching Interests
- Second Language Teaching Methods
- English Linguistics
- English Literacy