Doctoral Writing Center
Dissertation Chairs for Ed.D.
Please see the available dissertation chairs for the Ed.D. program.
For advice on what to consider when selecting a chair, Click here (access with your @Westcliff.edu email).
Note: You will select two (2) options for chairs when completing the Dissertation Chair Selection Form.
Dr. Tatiana Andrienko-Genin
Educational background: – Doctor of Philological Sciences, Translation/ Intercultural Communication, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine (Evaluated in the U.S. by Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. as a PhD degree from the U.S. Regionally Accredited University)
– PhD, Germanic Languages/ Language Communication Studies, Kharkiv National University, Ukraine (Evaluated in the U.S. by Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. as a PhD degree from the U.S. Regionally Accredited University)
– M.A., Journalism, Kyiv International University, Ukraine
– M.B.A., Kyiv International University, Ukraine
– M.A., B.A., Education, Gorlovka, State Pedagogical Institute of Foreign Languages, Ukraine
Subject matter expertise: Innovative Methods of TESOL, Intercultural Communication, Business and Leadership Communication, Cognitive and Communicative Linguistics.
Dissertation title: Translation Strategy in Cognitive-Communicative Paradigm of Translation
Research Interests: International Educational Leadership, Innovative Methods of TESOL, Intercultural Communication
Previous Publications
– Andrienko-Genin, T. (2024). Towards Global Citizenship with COIL – In: Whalen, D. J., & Drehmer, C. Cavanaugh, A. Seeing the Future of Business Communication. Business and Professional Communication Quarterly. 87(1). 194-216.
– Andrienko-Genin, T., Consten, J., Money, J., Broding, M., Dorman, L., Shepard, S., & Mousavi, O. (2023). The Benefits of Community Building and Participatory Leadership in an Interdisciplinary Virtual Professional Learning Community in Higher Education during COVID-19 and Post-Pandemic Times. Philosophy of Education, 29(1), 66–91. https://doi.org/10.31874/2309-1606-2023-29-1-4
– Andrienko-Genin, T. (2023). New philosophy for teaching business communication in participatory culture. National Identity in Language and Culture. — Kyiv, Talcom. — pp. 151 – 160.
– Andrienko-Genin, T. (2022). Inclusivity in an Online Class Through Teamwork and Role Play. Proceedings of the 87th Annual International Conference of the Association for Business Communication, 119-127.
– Parscale, S., Reams, L. C., & Andrienko-Genin, T. (2022). US Accreditation as a World-Class Education Quality Indicator. Philosophy of Education, 28(1), 86–118. https://doi.org/10.31874/2309-1606-2022-28-1-6
– Andrienko, T., Genin, V., & Nino, M. (2021). Gains and losses in online learning of public and business administration students during COVID 19 pandemic: The educators’ perspective. International Scientific Journal of Universities and Leadership, (12), 170-185. https://doi.org/10.31874/2520-6702-2021-12-2-170-185
– Andrienko, T., Genin, V., & Kozubska, I. (2021). Developing intercultural business competence via team learning in post-pandemic era. Advanced Education, 8(18), 53–69. https://doi.org/10.20535/2410-8286.214627
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Brittney Clinton
Educational background: Capella University-Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), 2015
Strayer University- Master of Education (M.Ed), 2012
Winston-Salem State University- Bachelor Arts Sociology/Elementary Education (BA), 2009
Subject matter expertise: Qualitative Research, Academic Writing, Artificial Intelligence in Education, Trauma-Informed Teaching, Curriculum Development, and Educational Leadership
Dissertation Title: Incorporating Democratic Leadership for Career Center Instructors and Staff: An Action Research Study
Research Interests: Emotional Transitions of Adult Children Caring for Terminally Ill Parents: A Study of Grief Stages and Caregiving Burden
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
As a CORE Lead Faculty member, I take a direct role in fostering instructional effectiveness among my colleagues. This involved conducting annual observations utilizing a detailed rubric to provide constructive feedback and guidance, ultimately contributing to the continuous improvement of teaching methodologies across the department. My own instructional approach favored a case-study methodology for assigned courses each quarter, allowing students to engage deeply with real-world scenarios and develop critical problem-solving skills. Beyond the classroom, I actively championed an innovative and collaborative approach to faculty engagement. This was evidenced by my consistent participation in a diverse array of professional development opportunities and trainings, ensuring that I not only advanced my own pedagogical skills but also brought fresh perspectives and best practices back to my team.
Dr. Armando Delfino
Educational background: Doctor of Education in School Administration, Master of Education in Instructional and Technology, Master of Arts in Education in Administration and Supervision, Bachelor of Education
Subject matter expertise: Student Engagement, School Leadership, Technology Integration, Learning Theory
Dissertation title: Spiritual Leadership and Organizational Performance of Catholic Universities in Bicol
Research Interests: Leadership, technology integration, migration, learning theory, and student engagement
Previous Publications
Asian Journal of University Education, Vol 15 No 1 (June, 2019)
Spiritual Leadership and Job Satisfaction of Teaching and Non-Teaching Personnel of Partido State University
PEOPLE: International Journal of Social Sciences Vol 5 No 2 (July, 2019)”
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Alaina Desjardin
Educational background: Doctorate of Business Administration
Subject matter expertise: Business Administration and Development, Educational – Assessment and Steering, Educational Research, Business Practices
Dissertation title: A Correlational Study of Economic Factors of Urban Crime within U.S. Metropolitan Cities.
Research Interests: Student Engagement, Educational Development, At-Risk Populations, Business Administration and Practices
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Tiffany George
Educational background: Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology
Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics
B.S. in Psychology and Spanish and Hispanic Studies
Subject matter expertise: Program Evaluation and Institutional Research
Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
Survey Design and Psychometric Evaluation
Educational Equity and Student Outcomes
Organizational Climate and Workforce Research
Dissertation title: The Perfect Storm of Educational Experiences: Impacts on Psychological Safety, Sense of Belonging and Subjective Well-Being for Graduate Students at PWIs
Research interests: psychological processes, institutional outcomes, academic outcomes, educational equity, student well-being, pedagogical effectiveness, inclusive pedagogy, organizational development, climate, retention, diversity and inclusion
Previous Publications
Research Reports
George, T. (2024). Long-Term Impact of Innovative School Calendar at Arcola Elementary School: Outcome Evaluation 2023-2024. Montgomery County Public Schools. Retrieved from
https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/2024/ISC%202023-2024%20Final.pdf
Addison, K.L., George, T., Price, K.D., Samuels, M. (2024). Superintendent search summary report. Montgomery County Public Schools. Retrieved from https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/siteassets/district/boe/superintendent-search/2024/superintendent-search-summary-report-osa-5-16-24.pdf
George, T., Bojczyk, K.E. (2024). Reliability Analysis of 2022-2023 Staff Climate Survey. Montgomery County Public Schools. Retrieved from https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/sharedaccountability/reports/2024/Staff%20Climate%20Survey%20Research%20Brief_Final.pdf
Peer-reviewed Publications
Lench, H.C., Reed, N.T., George, T., & Kaiser, K.A. (2023) Anger Has Benefits for Overcoming Obstacles to Attain Goals. Journal: Journal of Personality and Social Psychology: Attitudes and Social Cognition
Rholes, W. S., Paetzold, R.L., & George, T. (2021). Stability of Attachment Security in Adulthood. In Thompson, R.A., Simpson, J. A., & Berlin, L (Eds.) Attachment: The Fundamental Questions. New York, Guilford.
George, T., Hart, J., & Rholes, W.S. (2020). Remaining in Unhappy Relationships: The Roles of Attachment Anxiety and Fear of Change. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships
Prior Work Experience
Dr. George earned a Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Statistics. She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Spanish and Hispanic Studies. Her doctoral training emphasized advanced quantitative and qualitative methodologies, statistical modeling, psychometrics, and the use of psychological theory to understand educational and organizational experiences.
Dr. George currently serves as an educational researcher. In this role, she designs and leads district-wide program evaluations and has supported graduate-level researchers by reviewing proposals, and overseeing institutional research requirements. Her work encompasses the design and administration of surveys, facilitation of focus groups and interviews, and the rigorous analysis of large-scale qualitative and quantitative data to support evidence-based decision-making.
Prior to her role in education, Dr. George worked as a Researcher and Instructor where she independently led funded research projects, published peer-reviewed journal articles, and presented at national and international conferences. She taught courses in psychology, research methods, and statistics, with an emphasis on mentoring students and building confidence in research.
Dr. Katherine Grisham
Educational background: PhD in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), currently enrolled in the Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program at Florida International University, MBA in Management, BA in Education and Applied Linguistics
Subject matter expertise: Business Communication, Business Management, International Business, Cross-Cultural Management, Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, Leadership, Academic & Business Operations, Marketing Strategy, Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Dissertation title: Strategic management and development of a non-profit educational organization
Research interests: Business Strategy, Marketing Strategy
Research Background: Quantiative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods Research
Previous Publications
N/A
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Katherine Grisham is a professional business administrator and a certified educator with more than 20 years of experience in the in education industry to include higher education, private sector and K-12 education system. Dr. Grisham currently serves as the Director of Articulation and Academic Agreements at Barry University (Miami, FL). In this rope she is responsible for strategy planning, implementation and leadership for the ongoing development of mutually beneficial academic agreements between Barry University and educational organizations and other entities on the local, national and international level that result in undergraduate and graduate enrollment. She had previously worked for the world largest private education international company as an Academic Manager and then the Interim Academic Director where she oversaw all aspects of academic programs and managed a team of 20 instructors and administrative personnel, including hiring, onboarding, professional development and evaluation, academic budget including instructional space renovations, resource procurement and payroll. She was also responsible for admission, induction, and placement of approximately 500 international students. Dr. Grisham earned her Master of Business Administration in Management degree with her thesis devoted to strategic development of a private not-for-profit educational organization where she served as a Director of Studies. The organization provided services in corporate education for hospitality and tourism industry, ecological safety and teacher continuing education and certification, certified translation and notarization, website development and optimization. Dr. Grisham administered all aspects of academic programs including hiring and management of the faculty and staff and their performance. Throughout her career, Dr. Grisham served as an Associate Professor for private and public state universities abroad for more than 10 years and currently is an Adjunct Faculty both for the College of Business and College of Education at Westcliff University.
Dr. Raelene Haugen
Educational background: EdD in Organizational Leadership, MA in Multiple Subject / Curriculum and Instruction, and BS in Business Education
Subject matter expertise: Educational Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, Remote Learning, Educational Policies & Funding, Effective Instructional Strategies
Dissertation title: Remote Learning – The Future of Education: Effective Instructional Strategies Used by Parent Educators and Recommendations for Building Capacity” (Click here)
Research interests: Educational Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Organizational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, Remote Learning, Educational Policies & Funding, Effective Instructional Strategies
Previous Publications
N/A
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Raelene Haugen has a love for learning and a passion to ignite growth. With 30 years as a leader in K-College education, she is experienced in areas such as classroom instruction, curriculum design, international education, research, remote learning, project based learning, experiential learning, and STEAM. Currently, Dr. Haugen is a professor for the Department of Education with Westcliff University. She is also the president of an educational consultancy. In addition, her desire to contribute to educational success has manifested in roles such as assistant principal, school accreditation chairperson, school newspaper editor, yearbook photography editor, and marketing/fundraising coordinator.
Dr. Brittney Hill
Educational background: Educational Leadership and Management
Subject matter expertise: Dr. Hill graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015
Dissertation title: Incorporating Democratic Leadership for Career Center Instructors and Staff: An Action Research Study
(Click here)
Research interests: Education leadership, Personal development, Effective coaching practices
Previous Publications
N/A
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Brittney C. Hill is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an educational practitioner, author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to impact the lives of others. Previously, Dr. Hill served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Hill currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board.
Dr. Kathleen C. Irwin
Educational background: Postdoctoral work in Accounting and Finance
PhD in Organization & Management with focus in Electronic Commerce
MBA in Finance
Subject matter expertise: Dr. Irwin is a SME in the following areas based on course credits (18 hour blocks at the graduate level), course development experience, and program management experience: Accounting (graduate and undergraduate levels–all but taxation); Finance (graduate and undergraduate levels–corporate not personal); Electronic Commerce; Management/Leadership; Operations; Microsoft Applications
Research interests: My primary area of research in the past 10 years has been online education creation and delivery.
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Shelley Spessard
Educational background: Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, CSU Stanislaus; M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction, CSU Stanislaus; B.A. in Liberal Studies, CSU Stanislaus
Subject matter expertise: Educational Leadership, Curriculum Design, Strategic Communications, Crisis Management, Stakeholder Engagement
Dissertation title: An Exploration of the Dynamics and Collaboration within Individualized Educational Program (IEP) Teams
Research Interests: AI, Education, MTSS, Communication
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
Before that, I was the Director of Marketing, Communications, Family Engagement, and Education at Stockton Unified, where I led the district’s communication efforts during the pandemic and created a Family Engagement Office to support students and their families. I also developed a student internship program in digital communications.
As Principal of Primary Years Academy, I oversaw school operations, budget management, and community relations. Earlier in my career, I served as Assistant Principal and Administrative Designee, where I focused on improving student engagement, managing daily operations, and coordinating state testing.
Each of these roles has helped me develop a deep understanding of the education system, from classroom to district level, with a focus on improving student outcomes and supporting staff.
Dr. Leslie Wheaton
Educational background: UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, Los Angeles, CA
Ed.D. Organizational Change and Leadership
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, Seattle, WA
M.A. Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
The Danforth Educational Leadership Program Certification and Administrative Certification
SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY, San Francisco, CA
M.A. Education, Concentration in Language and Literacy
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL, Chapel Hill, NC
B.A. Child Development and Family Studies
Subject matter expertise: Organizational Change and Leadership; Organizational Transformation; Systems Development; Corporate Training; Gap Analysis; Educational Leadership; K-12 Education; Higher Education; Curriculum Design and Instruction; Underserved Student and Family Populations; English Language Learner Populations
Dissertation title: Achieving High Levels of Employee Engagement: A Promising Practice Study.
Research Interests: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods in:
Organizational Change and Leadership; Organizational Transformation; Systems Development; Educational Leadership; K-12 Education; Higher Education; Underserved Student and Family Populations
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
With my educational, personal, and professional experiences throughout the United States and abroad, I continue to teach and present on national and international stages on various topics including but not limited to engagement, learning theory, alignment, and self-realization. My experiences with different ethnicities, cultures, and perspectives have influenced my understanding of how to authentically benefit those I serve. I am currently an Adjunct Professor and work with doctoral level students at the University of Southern California and at Westcliff University. I am passionate about brain research and the science of learning, which I incorporate into all my work in both the educational and private and public sectors with the goal of developing, supporting, and educating individuals, teams, and leaders with the resources and systems needed to create a better, more informed, and healthier, more fulfilled, workforce.
Dr. Cynthia Worthen
Educational background: EdD Educational Leadership
Subject matter expertise: Organizational Leadership, Adult Learning, Leadership Development
Dissertation title: Executive Women Public Administrators and Leadership Development
Research Interests: Organizational development, organizational leadership, leadership development, strategic management
Previous Publications
Prior Work Experience
Dr. Cynthia Worthen is a Consultant and Adjunct Associate Professor. As a higher education administrator, she has served in the roles of Vice President Academic Affairs at Argosy University, Hawaii and Washington DC and Dean of Academic Affairs at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She has presented at conferences in student academic success, diversity, and leadership.
