Psychology Faculty

Meleah M. Ackley is a full-time faculty member of the Psychology department at Purdue Global. Ackley teaches graduate courses within the Applied Behavior Analysis program. Ackley is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and a Licensed Behavior Analyst in Mississippi and North Carolina. Clinical expertise includes working with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and anxiety. She has specialized training in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and cognitive-behavioral approaches. Her educational expertise includes teacher development, conducting classroom observations, developing and implementing classroom management strategies, and tracking student progress.    

Education: PhD in School Psychology; Masters in Psychology with an emphasis in Applied Behavior Analysis    

Publications: Ackley, M., Subramanian, J. W., Moore, J. W., Litten, S., Lundy, M. P., & Bishop, S. K. (2019). A review of language development protocols for individuals with autism. Journal of Behavioral Education, 28(3), 362–388.

Layman, L. N., Dufrene, B. A., Ackley, M. M., et al. (2023). Interview-informed synthesized contingency analyses on challenging problem behavior: A single-case meta-analysis. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.

Murphy, A., Moore, J. W., Dart, E. H., Brewer, R. R., Ford, W. B., Lundy, M. P., & Ackley, M. (2019). Increasing conversation using restricted access and chain schedules of reinforcement. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 12(1), 182–187.

Taylor, C. N., Lovelace, R. W., Weaver, C. M., Wright-Harry, S., Cato, T. A., & Ackley, M. M. (2023). Addressing barriers to universal screening for social, emotional, and behavioral risk in elementary schools. Perspectives on Early Childhood Psychology and Education, 7(1), 163–186.

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)    

Memberships: Association for Behavior Analysis International, Behavior Analysis Association of Mississippi    

Research Interests: Assessments for behavior and diagnostic purposes, behavior analysis to support students in university and public school settings, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), compassionate care in Applied Behavior Analysis, ABA component analyses
 

Jenelle Bartlett teaches in the graduate applied behavior analysis (ABA) program, where she was an adjunct for several years before joining the team as a full time faculty member. Prior to starting at Purdue, she spent over a decade in clinical work for individuals with disabilities, supporting a variety of ages and disabilities. Bartlett has specialized in several areas, including international delivery of ABA services, serving Autistic adults, and using trauma-informed care to support individuals experiencing severe barrier behavior. Her experience includes working in homes, clinics, public and private schools, and community locations. Bartlett’s passion in teaching lies in supporting the next generation of practitioners in ABA to be compassionate, insightful, and powerful researchers.    

Education: PhD in Behavior Analysis, Capella University; MS in Psychology with specialization in ABA, Capella University; BS in Interdisciplinary Psychology, Arizona State University    

Publications: Bartlett, J. (2023). Effect of Participant Preference for Component Order in BST on Skill Acquisition (Order No. 30525551). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2825324279). https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/effect-participant-preference-component-order-bst/docview/2825324279/se-2

Blair, B., & Bartlett, J. (2021, Sept. 4). Language Development and Ableism: Recommendations for Behavior Analysts. Verbal Behavior Matters. https://science.abainternational.org/2021/09/04/language-development-and-ableism-recommendations-for-behavior-analysts/

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst; International Behavior Analyst; Licensed Behavior Analyst (WA and GA)

Honors and Achievements: Adult Services Committee Chair at WABA, 6/2020-5/2022    

Memberships: Association of Professional Behavior Analysts, member, 2023-present
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, member, 2019-present
Association for Behavior Analysis International, 2020-present
Washington Association for Behavior Analysis (WABA), member, 2013-present

Research Interests: Global dissemination of behavior analysis; desensitization to medically necessary interventions; best-practices in practicum supervision and mentorship in ABA
 

Ashley Cauley is a full-time faculty member, teaching undergraduate psychology courses at Purdue Global. After seven years as an educator, Cauley has now transitioned to a focus of online adult learning. Cauley is a founding partner of Cohort4Care, a coaching and consulting company dedicated to caring for those who care for others.

Education: MSIOP, Eastern Kentucky University; BA, Southern Adventist University           

Memberships: Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)

Research Interests: Psychological safety, compassion fatigue and burnout

Joanne Choy teaches several courses in the undergraduate psychology department focusing on applied behavior analysis. She joined Purdue Global as a part-time adjunct faculty member and was later promoted to a full-time faculty member. Choy has worked in the field of applied behavior analysis since 2014, and became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2018. She has experience in working with children and adults who have autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and other capacities in the home, community, and center-based settings.

Education: MS, The Sage Colleges; BA, University of California, Irvine

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Memberships: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI)

Research Interests: Applied behavior analysis, behavior assessments, autism, developmental disabilities, treatment in challenging and severe behaviors

Nelly Dixon began her career with Purdue Global in 2015, and serves as a full-time faculty in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences as a graduate professor of applied behavior analysis. Dixon has previously served as the verified course sequence coordinator for the ABA program, serves as course lead for multiple courses, and participates as a thesis committee member.  Dixon is a board certified behavior analyst, licensed behavior analyst in the state of New York, and certified clinical trauma specialist for individuals. Her experience includes teaching in special education, working as a behavior analyst in multiple school districts to support the professional development and training of staff, assessing and establishing interventions for students with behavioral challenges, and teaching behavior analysis at the graduate level.              

Education: EdD and MSEd, Walden University; BA, Rowan University       

Publications:

Dixon, N.A. (2017). Make america pay attention again: The behavior of the american voter. Behavior Analysis Quarterly (3)1, 20-25.

Dixon, N.A. (2018). An informal analysis of impostor phenomenon and psychological inflexibility: Getting your ACT together! Behavioral Science in the 21st Century.

Dixon, N.A. (2020) Beyond autism: The diversification of ABA interventions. Purdue Global .

Dixon, N.A. (2020). Views from the cliff: Raising your adult with special needs [audio podcast series]. https://anchor.fm/nelly-dixon.

Dixon, N.A., (2023) Acceptance and commitment training: New tools to help parents support autism treatment. Stages Learning Materials.

Certifications and Licensure: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA); Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA-NY); Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual (CCTS-I); Certified PFA/SBT Level 4 Implementer

Honors and Achievements: Honorary Member Inductee - Golden Key International Honour Society, 2019; Outstanding Full-Time Faculty, 2018; Outstanding Professor Nominee, 2017, 2018; Multiple “Up and Above” Awards, 2016-2020

Memberships: Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI); New York State Behavior Analysis (NYABA); Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)

Research Interests: Trauma informed behavior analysis; acceptance and commitment training (ACT); behavior analysis to support student engagement in higher education

Heather Dorn-Deasy began her journey at Purdue Global in 2023, joining the institution as an adjunct faculty member. In this role, she taught graduate-level courses in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), bringing her clinical experience in behavioral science to the classroom. Dorn-Deasy’s approach emphasized evidence-based practices, compassionate engagement with clients and families, and the development of practical skills for emerging behavior analysts.

Dorn-Deasy transitioned to a full-time faculty position in 2025 where she continues to teach graduate students while contributing to the ongoing advancement of best practices within the ABA curriculum at Purdue Global.

Education: MSHS, Capella University; BA in Psychology, University of Victoria      

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst; Licensed Behavior Analyst-AZ, MA, VA, WA

Memberships: ABAi APBA

Research Interests: Compassionate care, mentorship and effective leadership practices, organizational behavior management, and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Danielle Hadeed de Silva is a full-time faculty member in the undergraduate psychology program, teaching general psychology and addictions. Hadeed de Silva has been an online educator since 2013, teaching classes such as professional ethics, diversity, psychopathology, human growth and development, and foundations of counseling and psychology. She first joined Purdue Global as a part-time adjunct faculty member in 2020. For many years prior to becoming an online instructor, Hadeed de Silva worked in the area of student counseling, treating both undergraduate and graduate students. She is a licensed psychologist, and has experience in multiple areas of professional practice including family medical illness, adult anxiety, and depression. She regularly presents on stress management, self-care, and mindfulness.       

Education: PhD, University of Miami       

Publications: Mama, Find Your Power     

Certifications: Licensed Psychologist in Florida, Trained in Hypnotherapy 
Certified in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

Honors and Achievements: Stephen Shank Recognition Award, April 2016, Capella University

Memberships: American Psychological Association         

Research Interests: Mindfulness, the intersection of self-care and student wellness, international student issues

Lakieshia Jones teaches various undergraduate psychology department courses focusing on addictions. She joined Purdue Global as a part-time adjunct faculty member and later was promoted to full-time. Most recently, Jones was a substance use prevention practitioner with a focus in opioid and prescription misuse for a state college system in Georgia. She also has provided substance use counseling to clients in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Education: MS, Nova Southeastern University

Certifications: CADCI-II; ICADC; DOT-SAP

Memberships: The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)

Research Interests: Addiction psychology, motivational interviewing, consciousness and society psychology

Ken Martz instructs various graduate level courses in psychology with an emphasis on addictions. He first joined Purdue Global as a part-time adjunct faculty member and is now a full-time faculty member. With over a decade of teaching in higher education, Martz brings diverse experience to his teaching practice. Previously, Martz worked in multiple areas of professional practice including addictions, forensic treatment programs, state government, mental health, and graduate education. 

Publications: Martz has published 9 books including six best sellers, and has been translated into multiple languages. He is best known for Manage My Emotions: What I Wish I'd Learned in School About Anger, Fear, and Love. 

Certifications: Licensed psychologist; internationally certified gambling counselor

Honors and Achievements: Former policy director and special assistant to the Secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Drug and Alcohol programs.  

Memberships: President of the Pennsylvania Association of Addiction Providers and member of the national policy committee for addictions counselors with NAADAC.              

Research Interests: Men's issues, anxiety, emotions, and criminal justice issues

Lynda Mitton began her career with Purdue Global in 2009. She began as an adjunct faculty member and is now a full time faculty member in the undergraduate psychology department. Mitton has taught as an adjunct for three universities, served as a faculty mentor, and course lead. She has taught a wide range of courses in general and addiction psychology, developed and revised curriculum, mentored and trained new and experienced faculty, and presented at faculty training. Mitton’s experience in the addiction field began as a clinician including direct clinical work for 14 years in residential and outpatient settings, clinical supervision, administration supervision, and program development. 

Education: MS Psychology, specialization in addiction psychology, Capella University; BS in Organizational Management, Colorado Christian University

Research Interests: Co-occurring disorders, trauma informed care and ensuring care for poor and underserved populations

Jean Morrow joined Purdue Global in 2020, and enjoys serving in positions including instructor, course lead, and faculty mentor. Morrow has a passion for working with students and believes college provides an awesome opportunity to learn and grow. She enjoys providing insight and helping students learn more about the course content, and themselves. Morrow has recently presented at the Purdue Global Village Conference, Purdue Global General Education Conference, and the Southern Humanities Council Conference.   

Education: MS, Stetson University; BA, High Point University       

Certifications: Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1, PREPARE/ENRICH        

Memberships: American Counseling Association, Southern Humanities Council  

Research Interests: Higher education, student success, baseball

Jenna Odeh began her career at Purdue Global as an adjunct faculty member before transitioning to her role as full time faculty member in the Psychology Department. Prior to joining the team at Purdue Global, she had an accomplished career as a school-based behavior analyst and assistant principal specializing in working with K-12 students who displayed severe maladaptive behaviors. She is passionate about teaching learners in higher education the concepts and philosophies behind the science of applied behavior analysis. Odeh has seen first-hand the impact it has had on the clients/students whom she has served in both the school and home settings. She is passionate about instilling a love for learning in her learners at Purdue Global. Odeh believes that learning is a lifelong process and should be a balance of challenges and fun. She brings to the classroom not only experience, but unique teaching strategies that meet adult learners where they currently are.

Education: EdD and EdS in Educational Leadership, Liberty University; MEd in Special Education with Graduate Certificate in ABA, George Mason University; BA Psychology, Southern Virginia University; BA Family and Child Development, Southern Virginia University               

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA-VA)

Memberships: Virginia Association For Behavior Analysis (VABA), Association For Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)            

Research Interests: Applied Behavior Analysis, Online Education, Educational Leadership, Autism Spectrum Disorder

Lisa Phillips has been a professor at Purdue Global in the graduate Applied Behavior Analysis department since 2016 and serves as the Ethics Course Leader and Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Ethics and Performance Management. Phillips is a licensed behavior analyst at the doctoral level, and a clinical and inter-jurisdictional licensed psychologist who is also an EMDRIA-certified provider of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Prior to her academic career, her experience was in clinical services and leadership. Phillips was the Chief Program/Operations Officer of a large community mental health center where she developed clinical teams and services, and instituted an American Psychological Association (APA) approved doctoral internship program, and post-doctoral training for Psychology Residents. She is a telehealth practitioner, an Organizational Behavior Management, Strategic Planning, and Leadership consultant, and Board President of the Mental Health Association of Mercer County.

Education: PhD, Clinical Psychology, Duquesne University; BCBA-D, University of Massachusetts; MBA,  Purdue Global.

Publications: Authored a chapter in a handbook on diversity entitled, Privilege Through the Looking-Glass.

Certifications: Licensed clinical/inter-jurisdictional psychologist and behavior analyst; National Register of Health Service Psychologists, Telepsychology Competencies Credential, and Emdria-approved EMDR certification.     

Honors and Achievements:  Voted ‘Best Professor’, with nominations for the Best Course Leader and the Encouragement and Inspiration Award.  

Memberships: American Psychological Association, Pennsylvania Psychological Association, Association for Behavior Analysis International, and Society for Human Resource Management

Research Interests: First-generation students, online learning excellence, ethical leadership development, and the use of EMDR related to individuals with autism spectrum disorders and their families.

Shannon Pickett began her career with Purdue Global in 2021. Pickett has served in a variety of positions including professor of addictions and general psychology courses, mentorship, and Psi Chi faculty advisor. Her experience and specializations include advocacy for children and adolescent within the school system, dual-diagnosis care, and working with a diverse client population ranging from preschool-aged children through adulthood.      

Education: PhD, Walden University; MS, Walden University; and BS, Salem State University            

Publications: Work Commitment, Intrinsic Motivation, and Academic Achievement in Online Adult Learners.  

Certifications: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)              

Honors and Achievements: Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society, 2007; Psi Chi Honor Society, 2007; Chi Sigma Iota, 2009; Golden Key International, 2013; and the National Society of Leadership and Success, 2018.

Memberships: American Counseling Association (ACA) 

Research Interests: Factors contributing to the success of online adult learners, motivation, and work/life balance of students

Julee Poole teaches in the Graduate Psychology program and she provides service to the university by recruiting community organizations. Through the Purdue Global partnership program, these community organizations offer employment opportunities to students and alumni. Additionally, these organizations provide field experience opportunities for students. Finally, employees and their immediate family members of the community organizations qualify for tuition discounts at Purdue Global.

Education: PhD Psychology, Family Psychology concentration, Capella University; MS Mental Health Counseling, Austin Peay State University; BS Psychology/Sociology, Austin Peay State University; BS Criminal Justice, Forensic Psychology concentration, Purdue Global

Certifications: Board-certified life coach; International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP) Compassion Fatigue Professional

Publications: The Cryin’ House: A Story for Children Who Witness Family Violence; When Hitting Hits Home; articles in Family Guidance Journal and PsycCritiques

Presented at many national and international conferences, and has published in various journals, including the Family Guidance Journal and PsycCritiques
 

Honors and Achievements: Psi Chi Honor Society; Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society; Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society; Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society; Golden Key International Honor Society; The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement Alpha Betta Kappa; Alpha Phi Sigma; Austin Peay State University Outstanding Student Leader; Lily Welcome Back Lifetime Achievement Nomination; Kaplan Way Award; Purdue Global "Organization Builder" Award

Memberships: American Psychological Association Society for the Teaching of Psychology International Christian Coaching Association

Research Interests: Family violence, compassion fatigue for law enforcement officers, self-esteem and defense mechanisms, service-learning projects in the online classroom, best practices in online higher education programs, and the use of technology online classroom

Elia M. Santos began her academic career with Purdue University Global, where she currently serves as an instructor for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences within the Department of Psychology. With over 15 years of professional experience in human services and a multidisciplinary background spanning behavioral science, exceptional student education, and psychology, Santos has devoted more than a decade to the practice of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in Central Florida. Her clinical work includes providing comprehensive behavioral services to children across diverse educational and community settings. Santos’s scholarly and professional interests center on the mentorship and supervision of emerging behavior analysts. She is dedicated to fostering the personal and professional development of students–preparing them to become resilient leaders, educators, and practitioners capable of making meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader field of behavior analysis.    

Education: EdD, University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences; MA in Exceptional Student Education, University of West Florida; BS in Psychology, Liberty University

Publications: Santos, E., Penny, G., & Cale, C. (2025). Association of emotional intelligence, workplace stress, and burnout in behavior analysts. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 13(4), 71-92. http://dx.doi.org/10.11114/jets.v13i4.7753    

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst    

Memberships: Association Contextual Behavior Science (ACBS); Association of Professional Behavior Analysts (APBA); Florida Association for Behavior Analysis (FABA); Organizational Behavior Management (OBM); Women in Behavior Analysis (WIBA)

Research Interests: Workplace stress and burnout among behavior analysts; EI training to develop self and social relationship awareness and management skills; cultural competence; the application of Interprofessional Education and Training in the field of Applied Behavior Analysis
 

Olivia Steenbergh began working with Purdue Global in 2020. Steenbergh began teaching Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) courses as a part time adjunct instructor. She now serves as full time faculty teaching and leading undergraduate psychology and ABA courses. Steenbergh has worked in the field of pediatric ABA since 2015, became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2018, and enjoys bringing her experience to the classroom.

Education:  MEd, Wayne State University; BS, Rochester University          

Certifications:  Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Research Interests:  Autism Spectrum Disorder, Trauma-Informed Care, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

As a full-time faculty member at Purdue Global, Michael Toto’s role is shaping the next generation of behavior analysts through creative instruction and expertise in Applied Behavior Analysis. By teaching courses such as Ethics for Behavior Analysts, Principles of Applied Behavior Analysis, and Concepts of Measurement & Experimental Design, Toto supports students in developing both the technical precision and ethical grounding essential for effective, compassionate practice. His commitment to high-quality education and to advancing the field reflects a dedication to empowering learners and promoting meaningful, evidence-based impact in the communities they will serve.    

Education: PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis; MEd in Applied Behavior Analysis and Autism; BS in Human Development and Family Studies

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA); Licensed Behavior Analyst in the state of Connecticut

Research Interests: The intersection of behavioral science and real-world application, behavioral economics; how behavioral principles can inform political policy to promote socially beneficial outcomes; positive parenting practices for children with complex needs; effective teaching of functional and applied academics to enhance independence and quality of life
 

Marjorie Vandemark teaches a variety of courses in undergraduate psychology. She works with a team within the Psychology Department on initiatives to increase the success of first-time students, improve retention rates, and encourage degree completion. Currently, she is doing post-graduate work in co-occurring disorders and addiction at Purdue Global to advance her skills in clinical treatment. Prior to coming to Purdue Global, she taught psychology and sociology at several local colleges both in person and online. Vandemark has an extensive clinical background that includes outpatient and inpatient treatment, crisis intervention, and community-based behavioral health with populations ranging from early childhood to elderly adults. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Behavior Specialist in Pennsylvania.

Education: MA, West Chester University of Pennsylvania

Honors and Achievements: 2017 Outstanding Professor in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences; 2017 TIP Conference presentation on academic self-efficacy

Karen Watson is a full-time faculty member at Purdue Global while also teaching at Washtenaw Community College in Michigan. She has worked as a family development specialist, crisis counselor, home-based therapist, and individual and family therapist. Her experience and specializations include advocacy in the school system and juvenile/adult court programs, anger management, and substance abuse therapy.

Education: MS, California University of Pennsylvania; Graduate Certificate in Addictions, Kaplan University (now Purdue Global)

Honors and Achievements: 2016 and 2017 Outstanding Course Leader Award; presentation at 1st Annual Virtual Health and Wellness Fair (Kaplan University)

Shannon Weiss teaches courses in the applied behavior analysis program. Prior to her teaching career, she worked for over 8 years as a behavior analyst with children as young as 3 years old and adults over 80. Her work as a behavior analyst was done in a variety of settings including schools, private homes, group homes, residential facilities, and work settings. Previously, Weiss taught undergraduate courses in psychology for 6 years at several universities and a local community college. She is currently pursuing her PhD in general psychology.

Education: MS, BS, Southern Illinois University

Publications: Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst^®

Honors and Achievements: 2018 Outstanding Course Lead Award (Purdue Global)

Research Interests: Applied behavior analysis for severe and dangerous behavior problems, preference assessments, feeding/eating problems, online education

Susan Wilson has taught various courses in the applied behavior analysis and general psychology master's degree program since 2011.

Education: PhD, Walden University; MS, Rhode Island College

Publications: Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst; RI license in Behavior Analysis

Honors and Achievements: 2018 John DiMarco Leadership Award, West Bay Residential Services

Memberships: Association for Behavior Analysis International; RI Association for Behavior Analysis; CPNRI Best Practices Committee

Research Interests: Applied behavior analysis and psychiatric disorders