College of Education & Allied Professions

Human Services

Dr. Cathy Renee Andrews
Assitant Professor of Practice
Human Services
andrewsc@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Von Dohlen, H. B. (Presenter & Author), Andrews, C. R. (Presenter & Author), Newsome, T. (Presenter & Author), Virtue, E. (Presenter & Author), Jarrett, J. (Presenter Only), NC Principal and Assistant Principal Association Annual Conference, “Leading with Purpose through Hurricane Helene,” NC Principal and Assistant Principal Association, Carolina Inn, Pinehurst, NC.

McCarthy, K. (Presenter & Author), Andrews, C. R. (Presenter & Author), Von Dohlen, H. B. (Presenter & Author), Research, Remedy, and Repair: Toward [a] Just Education Renewal, “Leading Through Crisis: Unplanned School Leadership in the Wake of a Natural Disaster,” North Carolina Association for Research in Education, Greensboro, NC.

Dr. Derek Becker
Associate Professor
Human Services
drbecker@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Pedonti, Sarah, et al. “Adaptation and Testing of a New Measure of Early Childhood Educators’ STEM Values and Expectancies in Outdoor Learning Environments.” Research Topic: Rural STEMM Education Research: Bridging Between Uniqueness and Universality, Frontiers in Education, Jul. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1585593.

Morrison, Meredith, et al. A Focus on Healthy Living Between Natural Supports and Young Adults with Intellectual Disability in College. no. 2, Journal of Inclusive Postsecondary Education, Apr. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.13021/jipe.2024.4071.

Becker, Derek, et al. Connections Among Family Socioeconomic Status, Positive Childhood Outdoor Physical Activity, Aerobic Fitness, and Executive Function. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Feb. 2025.

Presentations

Pedonti, S. (Presenter & Author), Becker, D. (Presenter & Author), Harris, D. E. (Presenter & Author), DEC Annual Conference, “Disability Inclusion in Nature-Based Preschools,” Division of Early Childhood, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, OR.

Gangel, M. (Presenter & Author), Becker, D. (Author Only), Pedonti, S. (Author Only), Broomell, A. (Author Only), Society for Research in Child Development, “The Longitudinal Relationship between Early Childhood Executive Functioning and Adolescent Adiposity explained by Health Behaviors,” Minneapolis, MN.

Pedonti, S. (Presenter & Author), Becker, D. (Author Only), Broomell, A. (Author Only), Wofford, C. (Author Only), Grist, C. L. (Author Only), Watson, M. (Author Only), Society for Research in Child Development Biennial, “Associations among Parental Science and Nature Beliefs, Language Reciprocity & Child Physical Activity and Inhibitory Control,” SRCD, Minneapolis, MN.

Dr. Aarti Bellara
Assistant Professor
Human Services
abellara@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Bellara, Aarti, et al. Beliefs and Behaviors: Mind-Body Health Influences on Health Behaviors Amidst COVID-19. no. 10, MDPI Covid, Sep. 2025, p. 169.

Bellara, Aarti, and Nathan Stevenson. Reflections and Horizons: 50 Years of Assessment for Effective Intervention. 3rd ed., vol. 50, Assessment for Effective Intervention, 2025, pp. 111–12.

Emily, Winter, et al. Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions on Career in the Wake of a Pandemic. no. 7, MDPI Covid, May 2025, p. 101, https://doi.org/10.3390/covid5070101.

Stevenson, Nathan, and Aarti Bellara. Two New Types of Manuscripts Submissions: Registered Reports and Research to Practice.. Assessment for Effective Intervention, 2025.

Presentations

Weiner, J., Bellara, A., Gill, E., University Council for Educational Administration, “Profess(Her)ship: Tackling the mid-career a midlife: A women’s collective,” San Juan.

Jarrett, J. (Presenter & Author), Jones, K. A. (Presenter & Author), Bellara, A. (Presenter & Author), Virtue, E. (Presenter & Author), Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate, “Mentorship Matters: Supporting Faculty as Emerging Disquisition Chairs,” CPED, Philadelphia, PA.

Bellara, A., Gill, E., Guthrey, S., Potterton, A., Weiner, J., Wronowski, M., Women Leading Education Across Continents (WLE) Conference, “The ProfessHERS Network: A Collective for MidCareer Female Scholars,” Bogota, Colombia.

Virtue, E., Bellara, A. (Presenter & Author), North Carolina Association for Research in Education., “What do districts value? Public signals of equity work in North Carolina,” NCARE, Greensboro, NC.

Dr. Andrew Bobilya
Full Professor/Assistant Department Head
Human Services
ajbobilya@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Farrar, Sarah, and Andrew Jerome Bobilya. Challenge for Whom? Encouraging Ongoing Dialogue on Appropriate Challenge in Outdoor Adventure Education. no. 4, Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, Dec. 2025, pp. 78–84, doi:https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2025-12636.

Barnett, Frank, et al. Reintegration Experiences of Appalachian Trail Thru-hikers. no. 4, Journal of Experiential Education, Sep. 2025, pp. 627–48, doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259251374570.

Faircloth, W.B., et al. A Psychometric Investigation of the Biophilic Values Profile Indicator: A New Measure of Environmental Values. Journal of Outdoor and Environmental Education, Apr. 2025, p. 13, doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s42322-025-00202-x.

Fuesler, Abigail, et al. Alumni Perspectives of the Life Significance of Attending an Undergraduate Outdoor Academic Program. no. 1, Journal of Outdoor Recreation, Education and Leadership, Jan. 2025, pp. 1–15, doi:https://doi.org/10.18666/JOREL-2025-12571.

Presentations

Lindley, B. (Presenter & Author), Holman, T. (Presenter & Author), Bobilya, A. J., Davidson, C. (Presenter & Author), Goodwin, D. (Presenter & Author), Faircloth, B. (Presenter & Author), Smallwood, A. (Presenter & Author), Association for Experiential Education Annual International Conference, “14th annual trends and issues in outdoor education programs,” Association for Experiential Education, Pittsburgh, PA.

Stonehouse, P. (Presenter & Author), Andre, E. (Presenter & Author), Bobilya, A. J., Bettman-Shaefer, J. (Author Only), Poff, R. (Author Only), Martin, B. (Presenter & Author), Association for Experiential Education Annual International Conference, “Reviewing the “reviewer”: The undervalued, indispensable, yet thankless, role of the peer-reviewer. Will you serve?,” Association for Experiential Education, Pittsburgh, PA.

Sharma, D. (Presenter & Author), Bobilya, A. J. (Presenter & Author), Association for Experiential Education Annual International Conference: Symposium on Experiential Education Research, “Nature’s Classroom: An Exploration of the Bakkarwal Community’s Interaction with Natural Environment,” Association for Experiential Education, Pittsburgh, PA.

Fuesler, A. (Presenter & Author), Bobilya, A. J. (Presenter & Author), Daniel, B. (Presenter & Author), Hobbs, W. (Presenter & Author), The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference on Research and Teaching, “Exploring alumni perspectives of the significance of outdoor academic program components,” The Academy of Leisure Sciences, Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Russ Curtis
Full Professor
Human Services
curtis@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Ziomek-Daigle, Jolie, et al. “Future Directions and Trends in Counseling Children and Adolescents.” Counseling Children and Adolescents: Working in School and Clinical Mental Health Settings (2nd Ed.), 2nd ed., Routledge, 2025.

Mathias, Connor, et al. Navigating Trauma in Wilderness Therapy: A Narrative Therapy Approach. Leisure Sciences, Mar. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2025.2479610.

Dr. Marie-Line Germain
Full Professor
Human Services
mgermain@wcu.edu

Publications

Germain, Marie-Line. “Suicide in the Workplace: Coping Strategies for Employees.” Mental Health in the Workplace, edited by Marie-Line Germain, Springer Publishers, 2024.

Presentations

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “AI is the Recruiter’s Secret Weapon,” Washington D.C.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Caution: The Disruptive Impact of People Analytics on Management,” Washington DC.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Using AI for Training and Development in the U.S. Space Force: Equipping Guardians for the Future,” Washington DC.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Using Humans to Counter AI Recruiting Bias,” Washington DC.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Benefits of Utilizing Gamification in HRD,” Minneapolis, MN.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Investigating Lookism Within the Moroccan Hospitality Industry,” Minneapolis, MN.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Squid Game: Lessons Learned and Takeaways for HRD Leaders,” Minneapolis, MN.

Germain, M.-L., Academy of Human Resource Development conference, “Using HR Predictive Analytics in Talent Retention,” Minneapolis, MN.

Dr. Cathy Grist
Full Professor
Human Services
clgrist@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Watson, Myra, et al. Empowering Math Curriculum Success in Early Childhood Through Group Coaching. Journal of Research in Early Childhood Education, Feb. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-025-01865-3.

Becker, Derek, et al. Connections Among Family Socioeconomic Status, Positive Childhood Outdoor Physical Activity, Aerobic Fitness, and Executive Function. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Feb. 2025.

Presentations

Grist, C. L. (Presenter & Author), WNC Beginning Teacher Orientation, “Trauma-Informed Practices: Supporting Students with Behavioral Needs,” WCU, WRESA, Asheville, NC.

Geiser, P. (Presenter & Author), Asberg, K., Grist, C. L., 71st annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association (2025), “Parenting Practices and Child Behaviors in the Aftermath of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Watson, M., Grist, C. L., “Intentional Planning for Early Childhood,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Grist, C. L., Watson, M., “Professionalism in Early Childhood,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Watson, M., Grist, C. L., “Teaching the Whole Child in Early Childhood,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Dr. Yancey Gulley
Assistant Professor
Human Services
nygulley@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Gulley, N. Y., ACPA College Student Educators International 2025 Convention, “Can’t Present with You: The Work of Faculty in an Anti-DEI World,” ACPA College Student Educators International, Long Beach, CA.

Ms. Rebekah Henderson
Associate Instructor
Human Services
rhenderson@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Campbell, M. R. (Presenter & Author), Adventure Education Conference, “Mind and Body Wellness for the Long Haul: Sustaining a Field-Based Career.,” Montreat College, Montreat, NC.

Ms. Kelsey Jones
Associate Professor
Human Services
rhenderson@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Dr. Siham Lekchiri
Associate Professor
Human Services
slekchiri@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Lekchiri, Siham, and Barbara A. W. Eversole. “Chapter 30 – Push Back: Identifying and Handling Retaliation in Order to Stop a Leaky Pipeline.” Parenting While PhDying: Surviving and Improving the Working Conditions of Graduate Student Parents., Rutgers University Press, 2025, doi:https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/parenting-while-phding/9781978843752/.

Presentations

Lekchiri, S. (Presenter & Author), Hayes, D. (Author Only), Rih, N. (Author Only), Academy of Human Resources Development, “Empowering Moroccan Women: The Journey Toward Financial Independence, Work-Life Balance, and Entrepreneurial Readiness,” Academy of Human Resources Development, Washington, DC, USA.

Gray, S. (Author Only), Little, E. (Presenter & Author), Straythorn, T. (Author Only), Teague, H. (Author Only), Lekchiri, S. (Presenter & Author), Academy of Human Resources Development, “Optimizing E-Learning for Employee Development: Best Practices for HRD,” Academy of Human Resources Development, Washington, DC, DC.

Moats, J. B. (Author Only), Lekchiri, S. (Presenter & Author), Germain, M.-L. (Presenter & Author), Academy of Human Resources Development, “The Essential Roles of Organizational Identity and Leadership – A Case of an Organization’s Decline,” Academy of Human Resources Development, Washington, DC, DC.

Ammons, S. (Presenter & Author), Caudle, D. (Author Only), Mynster, M. (Presenter & Author), Lekchiri, S. (Presenter & Author), Academy of Human Resources Development, “The Gamification of E-Learning to Improve Employee Engagement,” Academy of Human Resources Development, Washington, DC, DC.

Dr. Kofi Lomotey
Full Professor
Human Services
klomotey@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Lomotey, K., Annual Meeting, “The Academic Job Market,” AERA, Hotel, Denver, CO.

Lomotey, K., Annual Meeting, “Conversation With Senior Scholars on Advancing Research and Professional Development Related to Black Education,” AERA, Hotel, Denver, CO.

Lomotey, K., Annual Meeting, “Looking Back/Looking Forward: Examining a Tipping Pointing the Politics of Educational Justice,” AERA, Hotel, Denver, CO.

Lomotey, K., Annual Meeting, “US Urban Education, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow: The Impact of Constance Clayton,” AERA, Hotel, Denver, CO.

Lomotey, K., “Landing Your First Job in Academia,” AERA, Hotel, DEnver, CO.

Dr. Melissa Mecadon-Mann
Assistant Professor
Human Services
mmecadonmann@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Mecadon-Mann, M., Chi Sigma Iota Professional Development, ““Advocacy And…” Comprehensive School Counseling and the Parents Bill of Rights,” WCU Chi Sigma Iota Chapter.

Mecadon-Mann, M., WCU Supervision Symposium, “Reimagining Supervision: Nurturing School Counselors in a Shifting Landscape of Parental Rights,” Western Carolina University.

Mecadon-Mann, M., Equity in Education Summit, “Microaffimations: A framework for implementing equity and advocacy work in the classroom,” Western Carolina University, Renaissance Hotel, Asheville, NC.

Dr. Sarah Minnis
Associate Professor
Human Services
sminnis@email.wcu.edu

Publications

MacKenzie, Cliodhna, and Sarah Minnis. Egg Freezing Corporate Benefits and Human Resource Development: Where Is the HR Scholarly Discourse on This Topic? – Nowhere Is Seems. Mar. 2025.

Dr. Tiffany Newsome
Assistant Professor
Human Services
tnewsome@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Dr. Sarah Pedonti
Assistant Professor
Human Services
spedonti@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Pedonti, Sarah, et al. Testing Rural Early Educators Attitudes Toward Children’s Outdoor Recreation in Nature and Science: A New Framework for Exploring Early Educators’ Situated Science Teaching. Frontiers in Education, Jul. 2025, doi:10.3389/feduc.2025.1585593.

Pedonti, Sarah, et al. “Adaptation and Testing of a New Measure of Early Childhood Educators’ STEM Values and Expectancies in Outdoor Learning Environments.” Research Topic: Rural STEMM Education Research: Bridging Between Uniqueness and Universality, Frontiers in Education, Jul. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1585593.

Leech, Kathryn A., et al. Evaluating the Usability of a Conversational Agent to Enhance Parent-child Shared Reading Interactions. International Journal of Child-Computer Interaction, Mar. 2025, p. 100720, doi:10.1016/j.ijcci.2024.100720.

Presentations

Pedonti, S. (Presenter & Author), Harris, D. E. (Presenter Only), International Early Childhood Inclusion Institute, “Integrating Inclusive STEM Learning in Coursework and Professional Development,” Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, United States.

Pedonti, S. (Presenter & Author), Hong, S. S. (Author Only), Bratsch-Hines, M. (Author Only), Society for Research in Child Development Biennial, “Reconceptualizing Quality for Hispanic DLLS in Head Start: Lessons from the FACES and MSHS Studies,” Minneapolis, MN.

Dr. Roslynn Arnesia Powell
Assistant Professor of Practice
Human Services
powellr@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Powell, R. A. (Panelist), Hawn, C. (Panelist), Wood, C. (Panelist), Rivers III, L. (Moderator), C3HE September Webinar: Environmental Justice – A Conversation with Thought Leaders, Carolinas Collaborative on Climate, Health, and Equity (C3HE), Zoom.

Jones, T., Schultz, C. S., Powell, R., Litwiller, F., The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference on Research and Teaching, “Between Two Worlds: An Exploratory Study of Outdoor Experiences of Black Trans People.”

Farrar, S., Schultz, C. S., Johnson, C. W., Powell, R., Pinckney IV, H., The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference on Research and Teaching, ““We Belong”: An Exploration of BIPOC Experiences in Outdoor Race-Based Affinity Groups.”

Dr. Lisen Roberts
Assistant Professor
Human Services
lroberts@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Presentations

Roberts, L. C., International Enneagram Association-Southeast USA, “Patterns and parts: Enneagram and Internal Family Systems.,” International Enneagram Association-Southeast USA, online.

Roberts, L. C., North Carolina Counseling Association, “Introduction to the Enneagram,” North Carolina Counseling Association, Charlotte, NC.

Dr. Callie Schultz
Associate Professor
Human Services
csschultz@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Knight, Jen, et al. How Nature Based Learning Impacts Teachers: Discoveries for Wellbeing in and with the Project EXPLORE Community. no. 1, Interdisciplinary Journal of Environmental Sciences in Education, Jan. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.29333/ijese/15813.

Mathias, Connor, et al. Navigating Trauma in Wilderness Therapy: A Narrative Therapy Approach. Leisure Sciences, Mar. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2025.2479610.

Schultz, Jeremy, et al. Poverty Simulations as a Tool for Advocacy: Challenging Students to Think Differently About the Role Poverty Plays in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation. no. 2, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, Feb. 2025, pp. 28–35, doi:http://doi.org/10.1080/07303084.2024.2437997.

Legg, Eric, et al. Imagining the Future of Sport Through Art: An A/r/t/ographic Inquiry. Feb. 2025.

Presentations

Ebert, K., Schultz, C. S., Schultz, J., Pinckney, H., Schmidt, A., The Academy of Leisure Sciences Conference on Research and Teaching, “Pathways for diversity in the outdoors: Alum memories from the PINES Fellowship,” PA.

Dr. Jeremy Schultz
Assistant Professor
Human Services
jschultz@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Mathias, Connor, et al. Navigating Trauma in Wilderness Therapy: A Narrative Therapy Approach. Leisure Sciences, Mar. 2025, pp. 1–22, doi:10.1080/01490400.2025.2479610.

Mathias, Connor, et al. Navigating Trauma in Wilderness Therapy: A Narrative Therapy Approach. Leisure Sciences, Mar. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/01490400.2025.2479610.

Schultz, Jeremy, et al. Poverty Simulations as a Tool for Advocacy: Challenging Students to Think Differently About the Role Poverty Plays in Physical Education, Health, and Recreation. no. 2, Journal of Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance, Feb. 2025, pp. 28–35, doi:10.1080/07303084.2024.2437997.

Presentations

Ms. Debby Singleton
Instructor
Human Services
singleton@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Hinton, J. L. (Author Only), Singleton, D. F. (Presenter & Author), Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium, “Using nature as therapy in RT settings,” Southeast Recreational Therapy Symposium, Greenville, SC.

Dr. Paul Stonehouse
Assistant Professor
Human Services
pstonehouse@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Barnett, Frank, et al. Reintegration Experiences of Appalachian Trail Thru-hikers. no. 4, Journal of Experiential Education, Sep. 2025, pp. 627–48, doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/10538259251374570.

Presentations

Dr. Nancy Valverde
Assistant Professor
Human Services
nvalverde@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Roberts, Lisen, et al. “Theory to Practice: Case Studies in Counselor Education.” North Carolina Counseling Journal, May 2025.

Dr. Emily Virtue
Assistant Professor
Human Services
evirtue@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Virtue, Emily, et al. Abbott Elementary’s Lessons for Student-teacher Relationships.. The Learning Professional, Apr. 2025.

Virtue, Emily, et al. Social-emotional Learning in a Week-long Theatre Camp for Youth. no. 1, Middle Level Education, Jul. 2025, p. Article 6, doi:10.20429/cimle.2025.29106.

Hooper, Jaime, et al. Building Teacher Capacity to Educate Students Living in Poverty. no. 2, Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, Apr. 2025, pp. 48–59, doi:https://impactinged.pitt.edu/ojs/ImpactingEd/article/view/423.

Presentations

Virtue, E., Hinnant-Crawford, B. N. (Presenter & Author), University Council on Educational Administration, “Growing warm demanders: school principal influence on teacher practices,” UCEA, Seattle, WA.

Virtue, E., North Carolina Association for Research in Education, “Understanding Criticality in the Classroom,” NCARE, Greensboro, NC.

Dr. Heidi Beth Von Dohlen
Associate Professor
Human Services
hbvondohlen@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Hooper, Jaime, et al. Building Teacher Capacity to Educate Students Living in Poverty. no. 2, Impacting Education: Journal on Transforming Professional Practice, Apr. 2025, pp. 48–59, doi:https://impactinged.pitt.edu/ojs/ImpactingEd/article/view/423.

Presentations

Myra Watson
Assistant Professor/DTPE Program Director
Human Services
mkwatson@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Becker, Derek R., et al. Connections Among Family Socioeconomic Status, Aerobic Fitness, Executive Function, and the Positive Experiences of Childhood Physical Activity. Journal of Experimental Child Psychology, Apr. 2025, p. 106147, doi:10.1016/j.jecp.2024.106147.

Presentations

Watson, M., Grist, C. L., “Intentional Planning for Early Childhood,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Watson, M., “Meaningful Routines and Procedures,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Grist, C. L., Watson, M., “Professionalism in Early Childhood,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Watson, M., Grist, C. L., “Teaching the Whole Child in Early Childhood,” Qualla Boundary HS/EHS, Cherokee, NC.

Dr. Jess Renee Weiler
Associate Professor
Human Services
jrweiler@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Stanley, Darrius, and Jessica Renee Weiler. Preparing to Lead: Exploring the Learning Ecosystem of School District Equity Directors. Studies in the Education of Adults, Feb. 2025, https://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&as_sdt=0%2C11&q=Preparing+to+Lead%3A+Exploring+the+Learning+Ecosystem+of+School+District+&btnG=.

Presentations

Weiler, J. R., American Education Research Association, “Reimagining Equity in Educational Leadership through District Partnerships, Micro Disruptions, and School Board Leadership,” Denver, CO.

Psychology

Dr. Kia Asberg
Associate Professor
Psychology
kasberg@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Geiser, P. (Presenter & Author), Asberg, K. K. T., Cwalina, J., 71st annual meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association (2025), “College Students’ Use of Substances to Cope: Exploring Gender Differences,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta.

Dr. Alleyne Broomell
Assistant Professor
Psychology
abroomell@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Broomell, Alleyne, et al. Neural Foundations of Joint Attention in Infancy. Cognitive Development, Apr. 2025.

Presentations

Glawe, N., Gangel, M., Broomell, A., Southeastern Psychological Association, “Associations between peer rejection and inhibitory control in adolescents,” Atlanta, GA.

De Soto, J., Broomell, A., Bell, M. A., Southeastern Psychological Association, “Executive function mediates intrusive parenting impact on internalizing symptoms,” Atlanta, GA.

Hamill, D. (Presenter & Author), Gangel, M., Balance, J. (Author Only), Bell, L. (Author Only), Glawe, N. (Author Only), Cleroux, A. (Author Only), Broomell, A. (Author Only), Society for Research in Child Development, “The Moderating Effect of Perceived Peer Exclusion on Weight Stigma and Physiological Arousal in Adolescents,” Minneapolis, MN.

Ballance, J. (Presenter & Author), Bell, L. (Presenter & Author), Gangel, M., Hamill, D. (Author Only), Glawe, N. (Author Only), Cleroux, A. (Author Only), Broomell, A. (Author Only), RASC, “The Use of Behavioral Coding to Understanding Emotional Reactivity of Adolescents During a Peer-Based Discussion.,” Western Carolina University.

Dr. Hannah Buala
Assistant Professor
Psychology
hbuala@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), White, C. (Author Only), Knorr, K. (Author Only), Pereira (Author Only), Stewart (Author Only), Smith (Author Only), Hurt (Author Only), Villagran (Author Only), Anastasi, J. (Author Only), Lee, J. (Author Only), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Southeastern Psychological Association, “Examining Out Group Bias for Asian Faces,” Atlanta, GA.

Reit, S. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Southeastern Psychological Association, “Improvisational Comedy and Student Wellness,” Atlanta, GA.

Crowell, M. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Southeastern Psychological Association, “Sexism on Social Media Platforms,” Atlanta, GA.

Bolt, C. (Presenter Only), Huddleston, H. (Presenter Only), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Southeastern Psychological Association, “The Social Media Sexist Content (SMSC) Database,” Atlanta, GA.

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Gruber, J. (Author Only), Knorr, K. (Author Only), Bolt, C. (Author Only), Johnson, P. (Author Only), Drew, C. (Author Only), Barnes, K. (Author Only), American Psychological Convention, “Examining the Underlying Neurological Processes Associated with Familiarity and Recollection-Based Memory Retrieval,” Washington, DC.

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Stewart (Presenter & Author), Pereira (Presenter & Author), Smith (Presenter & Author), Hurt (Presenter & Author), Nabors (Presenter & Author), White, C. (Author Only), Villigram (Author Only), Knorr, K. (Author Only), Anastassi, J. (Author Only), Lee, J. (Author Only), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), American Psychology–Law Society Conference, “Examining the own-race bias for AI-generated Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White faces,” San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Research and Scholarship Conference, “Examining the own-race bias for AI-generated Asian, Black, Hispanic, and White faces,” WCU, Cullowhee, NC.

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Research and Scholarship Conference, “Examining the Underlying Neurological Processes Associated with Familiarity and Recollection-Based Memory Retrieval,” WCU, Cullowhee, NC.

Daniels, J. (Presenter Only), Gruber, J. (Author Only), Addonisio, A. (Author Only), Roth, N. P. (Author Only), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Research and Scholarship Conference, “Gender and Race/Ethnic Identity Impact on “Bad” Dog Breed Therapeutic Qualities,” WCU, Cullowhee, NC.

Haas, W. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Research and Scholarship Conference, “How Does Presentation of Social Media Content Impact People’s Identification with ADHD Symptoms?,” WCU, Cullowhee, NC.

Gruber, J. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), Research and Scholarship Conference, “Perceptions of Dog Breeds in Animal Assisted Therapy,” WCU, Cullowhee, NC.

Bolt, C. (Presenter Only), Barnes, K. (Presenter Only), Daniels, J. (Presenter Only), Drew, C. (Presenter Only), Johnson, P. (Presenter Only), Knorr, K. (Presenter Only), White, C. (Presenter Only), Buala, H. S. B., Research and Scholarship Conference, “The Social Media Sexist Content (SMSC) Database,” Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC.

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Buala, H. S. B. (Author Only), SYNAPSE Conference, “Examining the Underlying Neurological Processes Associated with Familiarity and Recollection-Based Memory Retrieval,” UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC.

Buala, H. S. B., Bricker, P. L. (Author Only), Society for Personality and Social Psychology Conference, “Self-Regulation or Weaker Autonomic Associations? Biological Psychology as a Tool to Investigate Gender Bias in STEM,” Denver, CO.

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Stewart (Author Only), Pereira (Author Only), Smith (Author Only), Hurt (Author Only), Anastasi, J. (Author Only), Lee, J. (Author Only), Knorr, K. (Author Only), White, C. (Author Only), Buala, H. S. B., Society for Personality and Social Psychology Conference, “The effects of the own-race bias on Asian out-groups,” Denver, CO.

Bricker, P. L., Buala, H. S. B., Webster, E., ASTE 2025 International Conference: Fearless Science Education, “Self-Regulation or Weaker Autonomic Associations? Biological Psychology as a Tool to Investigate Gender Bias in STEM,” Association for Science Teacher Education, Long Beach.

Dr. David de Jong
Associate Professor
Psychology
ddejong@email.wcu.edu

Publications

de Jong, David, and Katie Adams. The Brief Attitudes Toward Solo Masturbation Scale: Development and Preliminary Validation. Archives of Sexual Behavior, Nov. 2025.

Presentations

Loredo Marquez, G. (Author Only), Ginn, C. (Presenter & Author), Townsend, V. (Author Only), Baker, A. (Author Only), de Jong, D. (Author Only), Adams, K. (Author Only), National Conference on Undergraduate Research, “The Brief Attitudes Toward Solo Masturbation Scale: Evidence of Convergent Validity,” Pittsburgh, PA.

Ginn, C. (Presenter & Author), Baker, A. (Author Only), Loredo Marquez, G. (Author Only), Townsend, V. (Author Only), de Jong, D. (Author Only), Adams, K. (Author Only), National Conference on Undergraduate Research, “The Brief Attitudes Toward Solo Masturbation Scale: Exploratory Factor Analysis,” Pittsburgh, PA.

Loredo Marquez, G. (Author Only), Ginn, C. (Presenter & Author), Townsend, V. (Author Only), Baker, A. (Author Only), de Jong, D. (Author Only), Adams, K. (Author Only), Western Carolina University Research and Scholarship Conference, “The Brief Attitudes Toward Solo Masturbation Scale: Evidence of Convergent Validity,” Cullowhee, NC.

Ginn, C. (Presenter & Author), Baker, A. (Author Only), Loredo Marquez, G. (Author Only), Townsend, V. (Author Only), de Jong, D. (Author Only), Adams, K. (Author Only), Western Carolina University Research and Scholarship Conference, “The Brief Attitudes Toward Solo Masturbation Scale: Exploratory Factor Analysis,” Cullowhee, NC.

Dr. Meghan Gangel
Assistant Professor
Psychology
mgangel@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Glawe, N., Gangel, M., Broomell, A., Southeastern Psychological Association, “Associations between peer rejection and inhibitory control in adolescents,” Atlanta, GA.

Weathers, M. (Presenter & Author), Gangel, M. (Author Only), National Communication Association Annual Conference, “Assessing College Students’ Perceptions of Digital Dating Abuse and Associated Correlates,” New Orleans, LA.

Weathers, M. (Presenter & Author), Gangel, M. (Author Only), International Conference on Social Media & Society, “Assessing College Students’ Perceptions of Digital Dating Abuse and Associated Correlates,” London, United Kingdom.

Gangel, M., Conway, L. (Presenter & Author), Research and Scholarship Conference Undergraduate Research Exposition at Western Carolina University, “Pubertal Timing and Sexual Education: Impact on Late Adolescent Well-being,” Western Carolina University, Cullowhee.

Gangel, M., Western Carolina University Three Minute Research Contest, “Don’t Say Period: The interaction of sexual education and pubertal timing on late adolescent well-being,” Western Carolina University, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, NC.

Weathers, M., Gangel, M., Elliott, A. (Author Only), Huddleston, H. (Author Only), D.C. Health Communication Conference, “Assessing College Students’ Perceptions of Digital Dating Abuse and Associated Correlates.,” Washington, DC.

Elliott, A. (Presenter & Author), Weathers, M., Gangel, M., Huddleston, H. (Author Only), RASC, “Assessing College Students’ Perceptions of Digital Dating Abuse and Associated Correlates: Worst Dating Experiences,” Western Carolina University.

Huddleston, H. (Presenter & Author), Gangel, M., Weathers, M. (Author Only), Elliott, A. (Author Only), RASC, “Assessing College Students’ Worst Experiences of Digital Dating Abuse.,” Western Carolina University.

Shore, A. (Presenter & Author), Gangel, M. (Author Only), RASC, “The Impact of Weight Stigma on Pelvic Floor Health in Adolescent Females,” Western Carolina University.

Ms. Alicia Grande
Associate Instructor
Psychology
agrande@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Hoffman, A. (Presenter & Author), Da Costa, J. (Presenter & Author), Grande, A. M. (Presenter & Author), Belcher, A. (Presenter & Author), SEPA Atlanta 2025, “Cultivating Resilience: The Impact of Play on Students’ Growth Mindset,” Southeastern Psychological Association (SEPA), The Crowne Plaza, Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Jane Lutken
Full Professor
Psychology
clutken@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Lutken, Carolyn Jane, and Geraldine Legendre. The Relationship Between Working Memory, Production, and Comprehension: Evidence from Children’s Errors in Complex Wh Questinos.. no. 13, Journal of Child Language, Jan. 2025, pp. 1–29, doi:10.1017/S0305000924000564.

Presentations

Lutken, C. J. (Presenter & Author), Stromswold, K. (Author Only), 71st Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, “Traces of the Past: The Impact of Early Linguistic Background on Question Comprehension,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Crowne Plaza Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia, Atlanta, GA.

Cheenath, S. (Presenter & Author), Bryant, S. (Author Only), Ergin, Y. (Author Only), Lutken, C. J., Knutsen, S. (Author Only), Vankadari, S. (Author Only), Stromswold, K. (Author Only), The 96th EPA Annual Meeting, “Early Language Exposure Affects Reflexive and Accusative Pronoun Processing,” Eastern Psychological Association, Marriott Marquis Hotel, New York, NY.

Dr. Alvin Malesky Jr
Full Professor
Psychology
malesky@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Walk, Mason, et al. “Hate Crimes.” The Expanding Continuum of Gender-based Violence: Trauma-Informed Care, edited by Paul T Clements et al., STM Learning, 2025.

Barton, Patrick, et al. “Law Enforcement and Legal Responses to Interpersonal Violence.” The Expanding Continuum of Gender-based Violence: Trauma-Informed Care, edited by Paul T Clements et al., STM Learning, 2025.

Dr. Erin Myers
Associate Professor
Psychology
emmyers@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Hinzman, L. (Presenter & Author), Myers, E. M., Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, “Internalized Sexism, Perfectionism, and Anxiety in Women,” Atlanta, GA.

Minieri, J. (Presenter & Author), Myers, E. M., Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, “Substance Outcomes and Social Support in Victims of Violence,” Atlanta, GA.

Chamberlain, H. (Presenter & Author), Myers, E. M., Annual Meeting of the Southeastern Psychological Association, “The Impact of Attachment Styles on Stress Response and Trauma Processing,” Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Courtney Rogers
Assistant Professor
Psychology
courtneyrogers@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Rogers, Courtney Bramblett, et al. A Content Analysis of #postpartumbody TikTok.. Body Image, Jul. 2025.

Webb, Jennifer B., et al. “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Yoga.” Yoga as Embodied Mindfulness: Research and Practice, Springer, 2025.

Presentations

Daniels, J., Rogers, C. B., Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “Increased understanding of positive body image across genders: Functionality appreciation.,” Atlanta, GA.

McGinnis, A., Dale, J., Rogers, C. B., Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “How self-compassion influences weight stigma and body appreciation.,” Atlanta, GA.

McIntyre, J., Rogers, C. B., Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “Learned eating behaviors: Expanding our understanding across genders.,” Atlanta, GA.

Hughes, C., Rogers, C. B., Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “Relationship of social media with body image of Latinx women.,” Atlanta, GA.

Mims, K., Rogers, C. B., Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “Self-diagnosis, social media use, and barriers to help-seeking.,” Atlanta, GA.

David Scales
Associate Instructor
Psychology
wdscales@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Kelly, C. M., Reid, S. D., Bahlmann Bollinger, C. M., Van Wig, A., Lemley, S. M., Smetana, L., Gardiner, W., Rowe, M. W., Scales, W. D., Scales, R. Q., Yang, S., Annual meeting of the Literacy Research Association, “What are teacher educators’ perceptions of the use of high-quality children’s literature in elementary preservice preparation and assignments?,” Literacy Research Association, Las Vegas, NV.

Dr. David Solomon
Associate Professor
Psychology
dsolomon@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Clements, Paul T, et al. Gender-Based Violence Across the Spectrum: A Trauma-informed Approach. Edited by Paul T Clements et al., STM Learning, 2025.

Solomon, David T, and Paul T Clements. “The Expanding Continuum of Gender-based Violence: Trauma-Informed Care.” Gender-Based Violence Across the Spectrum: A Trauma-informed Approach, edited by Paul T Clements et al., STM Learning, 2025.

Walk, Mason, et al. “Hate Crimes.” The Expanding Continuum of Gender-based Violence: Trauma-Informed Care, edited by Paul T Clements et al., STM Learning, 2025.

Solomon, David T, et al. “Misogyny, Transnegativity, and Homonegativity: Key Contributors to Gender-based Violence.” The Expanding Continuum of Gender-based Violence: Trauma-Informed Care, edited by Paul T Clements et al., STM Learning, 2025.

Presentations

Solomon, D. T. (Presenter & Author), Mims, K. (Author Only), Annual Conference of the Southeastern Psychological Association, “How Does Childhood Maltreatment History Influence Adult Personality Psychopathology?.,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Pilo, A. (Presenter & Author), Solomon, D. T. (Author Only), Mims, K. (Author Only), Annual Conference of the Southeastern Psychological Association, “Social Support and COVID-19 Health Behaviors in LGBTQ+ Populations.,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Mary Whatley
Assistant Professor
Psychology
mwhatley@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Alberts, Kylie O., et al. Associative Memory for Honest and Dishonest Faces in Younger and Older Adults. no. 6, Psychology and Aging, Sep. 2025, p. 610–27, doi:https://doi.org/10.1037/pag0000898.

Gan, Amber, et al. Prediction of Information Value Influences Memory: The Effect of Predicted and Assigned Value on Recognition Memory. no. 5, Memory, May 2025, p. 588–603, doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/09658211.2025.2502488.

Whatley, Mary Carolyn, et al. Curiosity Across the Adult Lifespan: Age-related Differences in State and Trait Curiosity. no. 5, PLOS One, May 2025, p. e0320600, doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320600.

Chen, Ashley, et al. Does Repetition Enhance Curiosity to Learn Trivia Question Answers? Implications for Memory and Motivated Learning. no. 4, Memory, Mar. 2025, pp. 447–60, doi:10.1080/09658211.2025.2471972.

Ichien, Nicholas, et al. Advancing with Age: Older Adults Excel in Comprehension of Novel Metaphors. no. 1, Psychology and Aging, Feb. 2025, pp. 6–16, doi:10.1037/pag0000836.

Presentations

Springs, R. (Presenter & Author), Whatley, M. C. (Author Only), Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting 2025, “Metacognitive associations with curiosity across the adult lifespan,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Dr. Annie Wilson
Assistant Professor
Psychology
amwilson@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Wilson, A. (Presenter & Author), Wood, C. (Author Only), Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “Academic psychological safety and burnout,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

Wilson, A. (Author Only), J. D. C. (Presenter & Author), Southeastern Psychological Association Annual Meeting, “Bridging skills for AI: A scoping review of workforce KSA development,” Southeastern Psychological Association, Atlanta, GA.

School of Teaching & Learning

Dr. Tammy Barron
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
tlbarron@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Pinter, Holly, et al. “Contributed to Pinter, Winter, & Kassel (2025). Chapter 6: Creating Inclusive Environments: Supporting Diverse Populations.” Contributor to Chapter in Book, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2025.

Presentations

Barron, T. L., Witzel, B., Owens, L., Lambert, T., Murphy, B., 2025 Council for Exceptional Children International Conference, “Co-teaching is complex: Lessons learned through implementation of co-teaching in a high school,” CEC, Baltimore, MD.

Friend, M., Witzel, B., Barron, T. L., 2025 Council for Exceptional Children International Conference, “Unlocking potential: Strategies for harnessing the power of co-teaching in secondary math education,” CEC, Baltimore, MD.

Dr. Bob Beaudet Jr.
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
rbeaudet@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Beaudet, R. J., Maddox, G. M., National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education, “New Professional Standards=New Challenges and New Opportunities,” National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education, Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Watterson, T. A. (Presenter & Author), Grube, D. P. (Presenter & Author), Wells, G. M. (Presenter & Author), Beaudet, R. J. (Presenter Only), The National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, “Taking a New Approach to Recruitment and Retainment of Health and Physical Education Students in the Changing University Setting,” San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Maddox, G. M. (Presenter & Author), Beaudet, R. J. (Presenter & Author), Watterson, T. A. (Presenter & Author), National Association of Kinesiology in Higher Education, “Shifting Student Attitudes on Obesity, Poverty, and Health: The Importance of Developing Empathy in Dealing with Complicated Health Issues in the 21st Century,” San Juan.

Dr. Patricia L. Bricker
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
bricker@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Dr. Resa Chandler
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
tmchandler@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Stringer, A. (Presenter & Author), Grube, D. P. (Presenter & Author), Chandler, R. (Presenter & Author), Little, S. (Author Only), National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education Annual Conference, “Behind the Decision: Why Some Teachers Opt Out of Health Education – Survey Results and Themes,” National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, Marriott Vanderbilt Hotel, Nashville, TN.

Chandler, R., 2025 National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education International Conference, “Over Mentored and Under Sponsored: The Mid Career Obstacle,” National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Dr. Karena Cooper-Duffy
Full Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
kcooper@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Cooper-Duffy, K. J., NC CEC 39th Annual Conference Spring 25, “Communication Styles Across Cultures,” NC CEC 39th Annual Conference Spring 25.

Cooper-Duffy, K. J., NC CEC 39th Annual Conference Spring 25, “Locating Specific Evidence Based Practices to Teach Academics to Students with Severe Disabilities ,” NC CEC 39th Annual Conference Spring 25.

Dr. Kristy Doss
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
kkdoss@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Doss, Kristy Kowalske, et al. “Student Choice in Higher Education Courses.” ABCs of Online Teaching and Learning, eLearn Magazine, Sep. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/3766883.3708894.

Doss, Kristy Kowalske, and Lisa A Bloom. Creativity for Learning: Tools, Strategies, and Environments for Nurturing Creative Thinking in the Classroom. Routledge / Prufrock Press, 2025, p. 274, https://www.routledge.com/Creativity-for-Learning-Tools-Strategies-and-Environments-for-Nurturing-Creative-Thinking-in-the-Classroom/Bloom-Doss/p/book/9781032557403?srsltid=AfmBOoptTk0CuboOajkLBV0Xna3dSmFBU-4Wr7iJ9E27wH1DjGMtTNI2.

Doss, Kristy Kowalske. Practitioner Reflections on Authentic Assignments in a Gifted Education Teacher Preparation Program. Gifted Education International, Sep. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/02614294251379169.

Presentations

Doss, K. K., National Association for Gifted Children, “Creativity For Learning,” NAGC, Pittsburgh, PA.

Doss, K. K., National Association for Gifted Children, “Creating Psychological Safety to Promote Productive Failure,” NAGC, Pittsburgh, PA.

Doss, K. K., North Carolina Association for Gifted & Creative, “Make it a Reality: Best Practices for 2E Learners.,” NCAGT, Concord, NC.

Doss, K. K., North Carolina Association for Gifted & Talented, “Personalized Learning Fueled by Creativity and AI,” NCAGT, Concord, NC.

Doss, K. K., North Carolina Association for Gifted & Talented, “Swift Connections: Crafting Friendship Bracelets in this Creative Affinity Session,” NCAGT, Concord, NC.

Doss, K. K., Durham County Schools Parent AIG Meeting, “Social and Emotional Issues of Gifted & Creative Learners,” Durham AIG Specialists, Online.

Dr. Larry Fisher
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
lfisher@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Randolph, Kathleen M., and Larry Fisher. Supporting Special Education Teachers Pursuing Board Certification in Behavior Analysis Through Quality Supervision. The Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners, Jun. 2025.

Dr. Dan Grube
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
dgrube@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Grube, D. P. (Presenter & Author), Colegio Bolivar Forum, “Using Adventure-Based Learning to Achieve Social & Emotional Learning Outcomes in Physical Education,” Colegio Bolivar, Colegio Bolivar, Cali, Colombia.

Stringer, A. (Presenter & Author), Grube, D. P. (Presenter & Author), Little, S. (Presenter & Author), National Association for Kinesiology in Higher Education annual Conference 2025, “Disconnected? The status of secondary health education,” NAKHE, Royal Sonesta, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Leigh J. Hilger
Instructor
School of Teaching and Learning
ljhilger@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Stringer, A. (Presenter & Author), Hilger, L. J. (Author Only), Sinyard, A. F. (Author Only), Menickelli, J. (Other), Blackwell, A. (Presenter & Author), Revis, F. A. (Presenter & Author), Melton, D. (Presenter & Author), Shepherd, K. (Presenter & Author), Kindley, K. (Presenter & Author), North Carolina Society for Health and Physical Educators Annual Convention (NC SHAPE 24), “More Mental and Emotional Health Classroom Activities for Secondary Teachers,” NC SHAPE, Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, NC.

Dr. Kelly Kelley
Full Professor/University Participant Coordinator
School of Teaching and Learning
kkelley@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Presentations

Mathis, A. R. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Roland, K. (Presenter Only), Rathbone, A. (Presenter Only), RISE West Conference, “College IS an option!,” NC Department of Public Instruction, Cherokee, NC.

Kelley, K. R., Mathis, A. R. (Presenter & Author), Hager, S. (Presenter & Author), Jones, E. (Presenter Only), Loggins, R. (Presenter Only), State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education, “A day in the life of students in inclusive college experiences,” Taishoff Center on Disabilities and Think College, Syracuse, NY.

Kelley, K. R., Mathis, A. R. (Presenter & Author), Hager, S. (Presenter & Author), Jones, E. (Presenter Only), Loggins, R. (Presenter Only), State of the Art Conference on Postsecondary Education, “Faculty and student perspectives and experiences: Inclusive practices at the college level,” Taishoff Center on Disabilities and Think College, Syracuse, NY.

Wall-Bassett, E., Kelley, K. R., 2025 Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) International Conference Bridging Resources to Build Stronger Communities, “Collaborative Cooking: Empowering Nutrition Through Inclusive Learning,” Engagement Scholarship Consortium, Roanoke, VA.

Kelley, K. R., Mathis, A. R. (Presenter & Author), Hager, S. (Presenter & Author), Loggins, R. (Presenter Only), Jones, E. (Presenter Only), North Carolina’s Parent Training and Information Center, “A day in the life of students in inclusive college experiences,” Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center, Pineville, NC.

Kelley, K. R., “Inclusive postsecondary education for college students with intellectual disability,” SAGE.

Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Mathis, A. R. (Presenter & Author), Logan, D. R. (Presenter & Author), Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), “Faculty perspectives and experiences: Inclusive practices at the college level,” Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), Asheville, NC.

Mock, M. (Presenter & Author), Judge, M. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R., Camden, J. (Presenter & Author), May, C. (Presenter & Author), Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), “Program accreditation in inclusive higher education: Hearing from program directors and peer reviewers,” Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), Asheville, NC.

Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Mathis, A. R. (Presenter & Author), Buchanan, S. (Presenter & Author), Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), “Sailing and navigating funding, staffing, and sustainability,” Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), Asheville, NC.

McMinn, C. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R., Ross, K. (Presenter & Author), Voegeli, E. (Presenter & Author), Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance (SEPSEA), “Social emotional skills training for young adults with intellectual disability,” Southeastern Postsecondary Education Alliance, Asheville, NC.

Kelley, K. R., Tool Time Tuesday webinar series, “What is inclusive postsecondary education?,” Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center, online.

Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Buchanan, S. (Presenter & Author), Oklahoma Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), “Establishing and maintaining employer partnerships and digital resume possibilities,” Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Virtual.

Voegeli, E. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Southeastern Psychological Association Annual (SEPA), “Social emotional skills training for young adults with intellectual disability,” Southeastern Psychological Association Annual (SEPA), Atlanta, GA.

Montgomery, Z. (Presenter & Author), Davis, A. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, “Building healthy connections and empowering communication,” North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, Greensboro, NC.

Holland, M. (Presenter & Author), Laughter, V. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, “Cooking and health literacy: Preparing students with disabilities for independent living,” North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, Greensboro, NC.

Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), McMinn, C. (Presenter & Author), Ross, K. (Presenter & Author), Voegeli, E. (Presenter & Author), North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, “Social emotional skills training for young adults with intellectual disability,” North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, Greensboro, NC.

Hasick, A. (Presenter & Author), Knox, N. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, “Wellness without limits,” North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, Greensboro, NC.

Ward, A. (Presenter & Author), Pluff, L. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Hedges, S. (Presenter & Author), Wennerlind, R. K. (Presenter & Author), White, T. (Presenter Only), North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, “What, who, how, and why of inclusive postsecondary education: What your students and families need to know,” North Carolina Division of Career Development and Transition, Greensboro, NC.

Kelley, K. R., Partners Coffee Chat Café-virtual, “Programs, supports, and strategies to promote independence and success for individuals living with I/DD,” Partners, Virtual.

Camden, J. (Presenter & Author), Kasa, C. (Presenter & Author), Kelley, K. R., Mock, M. (Presenter & Author), Weir, C. (Presenter & Author), Webinar series, “Accreditation insights: Strategies for accredited programs,” Think College, Virtual.

Kelley, K. R. (Presenter & Author), Medford, K. (Presenter & Author), Hepler, P. (Presenter & Author), Hepler, L. (Presenter & Author), Pathways to Success: Post-Secondary Transition Professional Developmental for Special Educators, “Preparing students with intellectual disability: Accessing the general curriculum for college success.,” Guilford County Schools, Virtual, NC.

Dr. Nancy C. Luke
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
ncluke@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Luke, N. C. (Presenter & Author), Chapman, A. B. (Presenter & Author), SITE 2025: 36th Annual International Meeting, “TechBuddies: Students Mentoring Students to Support 21st Century Learning, An Exploratory Study,” Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education, University of Central Florida: Rosen College Campus, Orlando, FL.

Luke, N. C. (Presenter & Author), Chapman, A. B. (Presenter & Author), NCTIES: Annual Conference, “The TechBuddies Initiative: Students Mentoring Students with Technology to Support 21st Century Learning,” ISTE/NCTIES, Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC.

Dr. Justin Menickelli
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
menickelli@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Lundberg, Tommy, and Justin Menickelli. Sex Differences in Disc Golf Performance: Implications for Eligibility Criteria for Women’s Competitions. Jul. 2025, doi:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ejsc.70008.

Menickelli, Justin. Watching Them Grow: PDGA Youth & Education Spotlight. Mar. 2025.

Presentations

Dr. Denise Morgan
Distinguished Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
dnmorgan@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Morgan, D. N. (Presenter & Author), Literacy Research Association, “Where Has All the Writing Gone?: Interrogating current practices in K-12 education and preservice teacher education ,” Las Vegas.

Morgan, D. N., Literacy Research Association, “Productive Action for Writing Teacher Preparation,” Las Vegas, NE.

Morgan, D. N., National Council of Teachers of English Annual Conference, “Sharing our dreams for teaching writing in public spaces.,” National Council of Teachers of English, Denver, CO.

Dr. Malinda Pennington
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
mpennington@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Pennington, M. L. T., NC 9th Annual Inclusion Summit, “Structuring the Standards for Students in Secondary Settings,” UNCC Cato College of Education, UNC-Charlotte, Charlotte, NC.

Pennington, M. L. T. (Presenter & Author), CEC Annual Convention and Expo, “Breakfast Buddies: Effects of Multi-sensory Literacy Intervention for At-risk Students,” Council of Exceptional Children, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD.

Pennington, M. L. T. (Presenter & Author), CEC Annual Convention and Expo, “Experiences of beginning teachers after training regarding inclusion and students with autism.,” Council of Exceptional Children, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD.

Pennington, M. L. T. (Presenter & Author), NC Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference, “Differentiation for behavior in inclusive classrooms.,” NC Council for Exceptional Children, McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC.

Pennington, M. L. T. (Presenter & Author), Marsden, L. (Presenter Only), NC Council for Exceptional Children Annual Conference, “Planning standards-based inclusive instruction for students on the adapted curriculum.,” NC Council for Exceptional Children, McKimmon Center, Raleigh, NC.

Dr. Holly Pinter
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
hhpinter@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Wall, Amanda, et al. A Tri-State Comparison of Middle Level Teacher Candidates’ Clinical Experiences. no. 2, Middle Grades Review, Dec. 2025, https://journals.uvm.edu/mgr/article/230/galley/339/view/.

Pinter, Holly Henderson, et al. Middle School Today: Current Best Practices for Adolescent Learners. Rowman & Littlefield, 2025.

Presentations

Rector, M., Pinter, H. H., ICME-15, “Middle school mathematics journaling effects on self efficacy, identity, and mathematical thinking,” International Congress of Mathematics Education, Sydney, Australia.

Pinter, H. H., Swartz, B., The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Joint session K-5/Elementary Literacy and Mathematics., “Using Cognitively Demanding Tasks to Foster Mathematical Reasoning through Mathematical Writing: Using Journals to Support K–12 Students,” The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), New Orleans, LA.

Swartz, B., Pinter, H. H., The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Joint session K-5/Elementary Literacy and Mathematics., “What Is a Mathematician? Using Children’s Literature to Build Positive Mathematical Identities,” The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), New Orleans, LA.

Kassel, K., Pinter, H. H., Davis, M., Fletcher, K., Elliot, H., Association of Middle Level Education, “Co-planning, Co-teaching, and Interdisciplinary Lesson Planning,” Association of Middle Level Education, National Harbor, MD.

Ruppert, N., Pinter, H. H., Rector, M., Johnson, D., NCMLE 2023 Reignite: Celebrating 50 years, “Culturally sustaining practices in math classrooms,” North Carolina Middle Level Association, Charlotte, NC.

Pinter, H. H., 2023 Annual Research Council on Mathematics Learning Conference, “Preservice Teachers Learning to Teach with Mediated Field Experiences,,” Research Council on Mathematics Learning, Las Vegas, NV.

Pinter, H. H., Moore, N., Association of Middle Level Education 2022, “Supporting Productive Struggle: Facilitating effective teaching practices in action,” Association of Middle Level Education, Orlando, FL.

Coleman, B., Diaz, C., Pinter, H. H., Rector, M., Ruppert, N., Association of Middle Level Education 2022, “How mathematics connects us: The call for culturally sustaining practices in the math classroom,” Association of Middle Level Education, Orlando, FL.

Pinter, H. H., Virtue, D., Winter, K., Moore, N., Association of Middle Level Education 2022, “Supporting edTPA across the Entirety of a Program: Teaching Skills Without Teaching to the Test,” Association of Middle Level Education, Orlando, FL.

Pinter, H. H., Henson, R., Sheets, N., Wilt, A., North Carolina Middle Level Association Annual Conference, “Learning to Teach: Preservice Teachers’ Reflections of Ways Mediated Field Experiences Impact their Knowledge for Teaching,” North Carolina Middle Level Association, Charlotte, NC, United States.

Wall, A., Williams, T., Miller, N., Pinter, H. H., AMLE 2025, “Innovative Clinical Experiences for Middle Level Teacher Candidates,” Association of Middle Level Educators, Indianapolis, IN.

Dr. Jasmin Poor
Instructor
School of Teaching and Learning
jpoor@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Doss, Kristy Kowalske, et al. “Student Choice in Higher Education Courses.” ABCs of Online Teaching and Learning, eLearn Magazine, Sep. 2025, doi:https://doi.org/10.1145/3766883.3708894.

Dr. Carrie Rogers
Assosciate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
cbrogers@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Rogers, C. B., Appalachian Studies Association, “Persistence through Authenticity: The case of two teachers from Southwest Appalachia,” Appalachian Studies Association, Cookeville, TN.

Dr. Roya Scales
Full Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
rqscales@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Barrett-Tatum, Jennifer Mynes, et al. The Micropolitics of Literacy Curricula Adoptions: Whose Choice Is It Anyway? an Exploratory Actor Network Theory Analysis of Curricula Adoption. no. 2, Current Issues in Education, Nov. 2025, pp. 1–19, https://cie.asu.edu/ojs/index.php/cieatasu/article/view/2308.

Hylton, Rhonda C., et al. Problematizing Intersecting Identities: How Diverse Women Faculty Make Sense of Our Roles Within Academia. no. 1, The Journal of Intersectionality, Mar. 2025, pp. 4–23, doi:10.13169/jinte.8.1.0002.

Presentations

Scales, R. Q., Tracy, K. N., Annual conference of the Literacy Research Association, “Journeys from junior teacher candidates through novice teaching: Developing as writing teachers,” Literacy Research Association, Las Vegas, NV.

Peltier, M., Van Wig, A., Scales, R. Q., Davis, S. G., Shimek, C., Bemiss, E., Annual meeting of the Literacy Research Association, “Problematizing core curriculum materials: Supporting teacher candidates’ development of curricular noticing,” Literacy Research Association, Las Vegas, NV.

Webb, T., Scales, R. Q., Annual Conference for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, “A step on the journey to becoming a reflective teacher: An interplay of belief and skepticism,” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Skirvin Hotel and Conference Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

La Croix, L., Rowe, M., McGeehan, C., Scales, R. Q., Annual Conference for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, “Comprehension: Now we see it – now we don’t,” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Skirvin Hotel and Conference Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Bemiss, E., Shimek, C., Scales, R. Q., Peltier, M., Van Wig, A., Davis, S. G., Annual Conference for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, “Engaging teacher candidates as critical readers: Considerations for their future teaching,” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Skirvin Hotel and Conference Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Wall, A., Barrett-Tatum, J. M., Yun, S., Brice, L., Scales, R. Q., Smetana, L., Stevens, E. Y., Annual Conference for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, “What is effective reading instruction? A current literature review of effective teaching practices in reading education,” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Skirvin Hotel and Conference Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Brice, L., Rowe, M., Scales, R. Q., Annual Conference for the Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers, “Where has all the reading gone? Findings from an analysis of a state-approved high-quality instructional material reading curriculum,” Association of Literacy Educators and Researchers (ALER), Skirvin Hotel and Conference Center, Oklahoma City, OK.

Mrs. Alyssa Ferrell Sinyard
Instructor
School of Teaching and Learning
afsinyard@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Dr. Amy Stringer
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
astringer@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Dr. Adrienne Stuckey
Associate Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
aastuckey@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Albritton, K. (Presenter & Author), Stuckey, A. (Presenter & Author), NASP 2025 Annual Convention, “Examining early literacy strengths in Black preschool-age children,” National Association of School Psychologists, Seattle, WA.

Dr. Kelly Tracy
Full Professor/Director, School of Teaching and Learning
School of Teaching and Learning
kntracy@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Zimmerman, E. P. (Presenter & Author), Tracy, K. N. (Presenter & Author), Senior Leadership Fellows Advanced Program 2025, “The Five Paths to Leadership,” Western Carolina University, Waynesville Inn & Golf Club, Waynesville, NC.

Dr. David Virtue
Taft B. Botner Distinguished Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
dvirtue@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Virtue, David Charles. Three Tools for Future Middle Grades Educators. AMLE Focus on the Middle, Mar. 2025, https://www.amle.org/three-tools-for-future-middle-grades-teachers/.

Dr. Thomas Watterson
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
tawatterson@email.wcu.edu

Presentations

Dr. Gayle Maddox
Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
gwells@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Maddox, Gayle M. “Research Professionalism.” Hopson, K., Bradshaw,The Basics: A Guide to Undergraduate Student Health & Wellness Research Success, 2026, doi:https://oercommons.org/courseware/lesson/136529/overview.

Presentations

Dr. Amelia Haynes Wheeler
Assistant Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
awheeler@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Wheeler, Amelia H. From Sacrifice to Shortage: Or How We Can Defend Public Education by Reconceptualizing Teachers’ Labor. no. 1, Workplace: A Journal for Academic Labor, Aug. 2025, pp. 73–86, doi:https://doi.org/10.14288/workplace.v36i1.187155.

Presentations

Wheeler, A. H., 2025 AERA Annual Meeting, “Care, Capital, & The Teacher Shortage: “If We Can’t See It, We Can’t Change It”,” American Educational Research Association, Denver, CO.

Dr. Kim Kristine Winter
Full Professor
School of Teaching and Learning
kkruebel@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Dr. Brad Witzel
Adelaide Worth Daniels Distinguished Professor of Education
School of Teaching and Learning
bwitzel@email.wcu.edu

Publications

Powell, Sarah R, et al. The NCTM/CEC Position Statement on Teaching Mathematics to Students with Disabilities: What’s in It and What’s Not.. Research in Special Education, Mar. 2025, https://riseopenjournal.org/article/id/2796/.

Myers, Jonte A, et al. Considerations for Intensifying Word-problem Interventions for Students with MD: A Qualitative Umbrella Review of Relevant Meta-analyses.. no. 2, Journal of Learning Disabilities, Mar. 2025, pp. 83–111, doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194241281293.

Witzel, Bradley, and Jonte Myers. Teaching Math: Secondary Math Strategies (Grades 6-12). National Publications Resources, 2025.

Presentations

Witzel, B., Powell, S., 2025 Council for Exceptional Children International Conference, “Developing the foundation for mathematics proficiency using evidence-based approaches,” CEC, Baltimore, MD.

Witzel, B., Myers, J., 2025 Council for Exceptional Children International Conference, “Increasing adolescents’ proficiency and motivation through evidence-based instruction,” CEC, Baltimore, MD.

Witzel, B., Dyscalculia Series, “Word problem solving,” North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Witzel, B., Dyscalculia Series, “Designing and delivering interventions to match core content,” North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Witzel, B., Kansas Math Project, “All students can learn math,” Kansas MTSS & Alignment, Topeka, KS.

Witzel, B., Kansas Math Project, “Progressions that lead to long-term proficiency,” Kansas MTSS & Alignment, Hays, KS.

Witzel, B., Kansas Math Project, “Progressions that lead to long-term proficiency,” Kansas MTSS & Alignment, Topeka, KS.

Witzel, B., Kansas Math Project, “Using data to drive instruction and intervention,” Kansas MTSS & Alignment, Hays, KS.

Witzel, B., Kansas Math Project, “Using data to drive instruction and intervention,” Kansas MTSS & Alignment, Topeka, KS.

Powell, S., Lembke, E., Witzel, B., National Center on Intensive Intervention Webinar Series, “From data to action: Individualizing math supports to meet student needs,” NCII.

Witzel, B., Myers, J., Mims, P., North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children, “How special is specially designed instruction: Implications from a review of states’ guidance,” CEC, Raleigh, NC.

Witzel, B., Dyscalculia Series, “Task analysis and mnemonics in math instruction,” North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Witzel, B., Math series on students with learning disabilities, “K-12 core math strategies to support inclusion,” Hill Center, Durham, NC.