Psychology Faculty

Tom Alexander instructs various graduate level courses in psychology. He first joined Purdue Global as a part-time adjunct faculty member. Previously, Dr. Alexander worked in multiple areas of professional practice including addictions, forensic mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, residential substance use treatment, and managed care.

Education: PhD Psychology, Capella University

Publications: Multiple publications in progress related to clinical training initiatives

Certifications: Licensed professional counselor in Texas, trained clinician in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Honors and Achievements: 2019 Outstanding PT FT Adjunct Member, Graduate Psychology Department, Purdue University Global

Memberships: NAADAC

Research Interests: The intersection of trauma and addiction

Gabrielle Blackman teaches full time in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and serves as the course lead for various graduate courses. She has been teaching in higher education since 2004, and much of her professional experience is drawn from consulting and research-based projects aligned with her expertise in industrial and organization (I/O) psychology. She has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, including the American Psychological Association and Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

Education: PhD, George Mason University; MA, George Mason University; BA, Christopher Newport University

Publications: Presentations at numerous national and international conferences; published work in peer-reviewed journals, edited volumes, and technical reports

Honors and Achievements: 2015 Outstanding Faculty Member award in the Graduate Psychology Program (Kaplan University); numerous "Up and Beyond" service awards

Memberships: The Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP)

Research Interests: Ethical and positive leadership and organizational practices within the field of I/O psychology; prosocial and humanitarian practices, advocacy strategies, and conflict resolution within and outside of workplaces; pedagogical best practices and the use of technology in 21st century classrooms and online teaching environments

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

Salome Brañas Gonzalez is a full-time adjunct faculty member in the undergraduate psychology program teaching Applied Behavior Analysis. Gonzalez has been an educator since 2006, working with students with disabilities from preschool through 21 years old, and has taught psychology at the undergraduate level since 2016. She became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in 2012, and has since supervised several BCBA candidates; produced dozens of professional development sessions for teachers, administrators, and parents; and maintained a private practice. Gonzalez currently serves as a consulting district behavior analyst to a public school district in her home state of New Jersey.

Education: PhD, Grand Canyon University; MSEd, Mercy College; BS Empire State College of the State University of New York      

Publications: Exploring the Role of Community Cultural Wealth in How Minority First-Generation College Students Persevere in Graduate School

Certifications: Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Honors and Achievements: Educational Opportunity Fund Champion for Student Success, State of NJ, 2019; Outstanding Professor Award, Purdue University Global, 2021; Outstanding Service Award, Purdue University Global, 2021. 

Memberships: Association of Professional Behavior Analysts; The Association for Behavior Analysis International; New Jersey Association for Behavior Analysis        

Research Interests: First-generation college students; Applied Behavior Analysis in online learning

Joanne Choy teaches several courses in the undergraduate psychology department focusing on applied behavior analysis. She joined Purdue University 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

Connie Dolecki has worked in the Psychology Department at the University for nine years. She teaches undergraduate courses, and works to help entry-level students succeed. She previously worked as a behavior specialist consultant for children diagnosed with mental health issues, and as a mobile therapist for children with mental health issues in home, community, and school environments. In addition, she has worked as a substance abuse counselor.

Dolecki is the author of psychological and educational materials, including a book published through Adams Media, and collaborations on textbooks through Pearson and McGraw Hill. Connie owns a horse farm and has begun to develop programs for at-risk populations (children, veterans, people with autism and learning disabilities, etc.).

Connie earned her MS in Psychology, and is currently working on her PhD in Psychology with emphasis on Teaching and Course Development. Her dissertation explores online student retention through phone contact by instructors.

Education:   MS Psychology, Walden University
PhD Psychology, Walden University in progress

Memberships:  American Psychological Association

Research Interests:  Therapeutic horseback riding

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. 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 treament 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

Tara Matthews teaches various graduate psychology courses and specializes in addiction psychology at Purdue Global. She joined the University in 2016 as an adjunct professor and transitioned to full-time teaching in 2020. Trained in telehealth platforms, brick-and-mortar teaching, and online teaching, Matthews believes that creativity and meeting people where they are is key to growth and learning. Previously, she has worked as an addiction counselor, offered health coaching to colleagues, and provided supervision to graduate students and those seeking professional licensure. She has lectured in addiction, group work, ethics, and self-care for both clinical populations and professional organizations.

Education: PhD, Capella University; MA, Central Michigan University; Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Publications: Working on a textbook for co-occurring disorders

Certifications: Licensed professional counselor (LPC); Master Addiction Counselor (MAC); Integrative Nutrition and Health Coach

Honors and Achievements: Up and Above Award, 2020 (Purdue Global); Up and Above Award, 2019 (Purdue Global); Wampler-Caudill Distinguished Faculty Award, 2011

Memberships: NAADAC; American Counseling Association; Virginia Counselors Association; International Association for Health Coaches

Research Interests: Creative teaching activities, nutrition for co-occurring disorders, self-care, making ethics fun to learn and practice

Lynda Mitton began her career with Purdue Global (formerly Kaplan University) 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

Kristina Noriega is currently a full-time adjunct and teaches various undergraduate courses in psychology. She has worked for the federal government for over 20 years in various areas of education including liaison, policy, and education services. During her government work in adult education, Noriega supported bridging the gap between the military and civilian education sectors. She built credibility, establishing rapport and maintaining communication with all stakeholders at multiple levels, including those external to the organization.

Education: MS, Chaminade University

Publications: Army Transition Manual

Certifications: NISOD Excellence Award, Department of the Army Civilian Award, Pacific Command Outstanding Contributor award, the House of Representatives outstanding for contributions to the education community

Memberships: American Counseling Association

Research Interests: Self-leadership

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 University 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 2020. 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 MS, 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 University 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 University 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 University 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

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

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 adjunct 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 University 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