Faculty

Janet Morrison

Biography

Janet Morrison has been an adjunct instructor of interpersonal communication for most of her higher ed career, and an academic advisor at Champlain College, in the online division, since 2013. In September 2021, Morrison moved to the role of director for the General Education Program, where she oversees the curriculum and supports a team of instructors.

Her doctorate is in speech communication with a focus on instructional communication. Morrison’s research examined the ways in which teachers and students navigate classroom communication that is emotionally charged in response to an inclusive and diverse curriculum.

Publications & Abstracts

The Benefits of Online Learning Are Also Its Weaknesses. That’s Where Advisors Help

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Fiadhnait Moser-Hardy

Biography

Fiadhnait Moser-Hardy joined Champlain College as an adjunct professor in the CCM (Writing), SoSI (Elementary Education), and Core Divisions in 2022. She currently teaches Children’s Literature and the Expressive Arts, Creative Writing, Writing for the Workplace, Navigating Your Information Landscape, and Navigating Higher Education.

Moser received her M.F.A. in Writing with a specialization in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts in 2021. She is especially known for exploring difficult themes through fabulism and fantasy within her children’s books. Her publications include two middle grade novels, The Flourishing of Floralie Laurel and The Serendipity of Flightless Things, as well as an article discussing disability in publishing in Publishers Weekly.

In addition, Moser has extensive experience as an interdisciplinary artist and teacher, having previously worked as an elementary art and dance teacher. She is especially passionate about broadening her college students’ perspectives with new and creative ways of learning through interdisciplinary artistic study.

Distinctions & Awards

Featured Author at Denver Children’s Festival of Stories 2019

Publications & Abstracts

• The Flourishing of Floralie Laurel
• The Serendipity of Flightless Things
• It’s Not All About the Pub Date

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
• I Talk Like a River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith

Favorite Quote

“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.”

—Pablo Picasso

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Brian Mulhall

Biography

Brian is the Operations Manager for WCAX-TV in Burlington Vermont. He has been teaching the Multi Camera Studio production class at Champlain College since 2016.

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Tom Nash

Biography

Thomas Nash is a High-Tech Crime Specialist with the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C) providing high quality, industry leading training and technical assistance for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of economic and high-tech crimes. Prior to his current position, Thomas served as a full-time certified police officer with the Burlington (Vermont) Police Department holding the rank of Sergeant and assigned to the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations (SVU) as Director. Additionally, he served as an investigator with the US Department of Justice Internet Crimes against Children Task Force (ICAC) and as a computer forensic examiner with the US Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force (USSS-ECTF). Other assignments during his 21-year tenure at the Burlington Police Department (BPD) included the Uniform Services Bureau, Detective Services Bureau, and the BPD Administrative Bureau. Thomas was also on staff at the Vermont Police Academy as an instructor of Criminal Law, Criminal Investigations, and the Investigation of Computer Crimes. Prior to his work at BPD, he worked as a Special Education teacher in Burlington, VT and in Boston, MA. Thomas Nash received a master’s degree in Education from Boston University and an undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from Villanova University.

Distinctions & Awards

IADLEST Certified National and International Instructor

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Pamela Nash

Biography

Dr. Nash has been teaching at Champlain College Online since 2013, teaching both psychology and communications classes. She has also worked as a therapist/psychologist for 26 years and finds that each of these types of work enhances the other. She is dedicated to both her students and her patients and enjoys the interactions and perspectives from them all.

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Mira Niagolova

Biography

Mira Niagolova is an award-winning documentary filmmaker. Since her first documentary Trafficking Cinderella (1999), she has been committed to telling stories of global concern, portrayed with sensitivity and compassion. Mira has received numerous fellowships and awards, including the Sundance Documentary Grant. Her films have been screened in more than 30 countries around the world.

She has also worked nationally and internationally as a producer, programmer, distribution and festival manager with nonprofit film organizations and industry institutions, including The National Film Board of Canada.

In 2017, Mira received a Fulbright Scholarship to film and teach at the National Theater and Film School Sofia, Bulgaria, her original hometown. In 2020 in recognition for her valuable experience as a documentary filmmaker and educator, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the Institute of International Education’s Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) added Mira to its roster of Fulbright Specialists.

Mira is passionate about teaching filmmaking and making learning a meaningful endeavor. She believes in creating an environment for her students that is inspiring and challenging, encouraging them to generate new ideas and develop their own voices that can be heard and trusted.

Distinctions & Awards

Numerous awards in filmmaking and at various festivals around the world. Most recent – Fulbright Scholarship Recipient in 2017 and 2022

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

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Aimee Nolan

Biography

Aimee is a native Vermonter, and career law enforcement officer from 1995-2023. She has specialized in crime scene investigation and death investigation for the last 16 years of her career. She holds her Master of Forensic Science, a Bachelor of Art in Sociology/Criminal Justice and Psychology, as well as an Associate of Science in Business Administration. In retirement, Aimee is a Funeral Director, Advanced-EMT, and Medicolegal Death Investigator. She enjoys being outdoors hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.

Favorite Quote

“I see no more than you, but I have trained myself to notice what I see.”

—Sherlock Holmes

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Kerry Noonan

Biography

Kerry Noonan holds a Master’s Degree and a Ph.D. in Folklore & Mythology from UCLA, and her research focuses primarily on new religious movements, and women’s roles in various religions; she has published articles on Catholic Charismatic women, online religious communities, feminist witchcraft, Goddess spirituality, and New Age religious folk art, and is also a specialist in Celtic folklore, and Chinese vernacular religions. Kerry often incorporates these topics into her Core classes, and twice led a travel course about Harry Potter. She also co-teaches the FLM capstone. Kerry was a professional actor in theater, TV, & film in Los Angeles, appearing in Friday the 13th Part VI, The New Twilight Zone, China Beach, Knot’s Landing, Mr. Belvedere, Family Ties, and Taxi, plus on stage with the Los Angles Theater Center, South Coast Rep, Arizona Rep, the Grove Shakespeare Festival, and co-founded City Stage. She was part of the Irish traditional band The McGuffins. For Champlain Theatre, Kerry directed Rough Magic: A Shakespeare Compilation, Sweeney Todd, The Lion in Winter, and Blue Stockings, as well as appearing as Gertrude in Hamlet, and is now the adviser for The Champlayers. She has been a contestant on Jeopardy! and Win Ben Stein’s Money.

Distinctions & Awards

Champlain College Diversity Award: International 2013; Faculty Internationalization Initiative Grant (Champlain College) 2009

Publications & Abstracts

Publications & Abstracts

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

• American Folklore Society
• American Academy of Religion

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

One of my favorite books is The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin. I’m also a Tolkien nerd, and a Jane Austen fanatic. I could go on and on …
A movie that I love is Fanny & Alexander, directed by Ingmar Bergman.

Favorite Quote

“The idea is like grass. It craves light, likes crowds, thrives on crossbreeding, grows better for being stepped on.”

—Ursula LeGuin, The Dispossessed

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Elaine O’Reilly

Biography

Elaine O’Reilly began working at Champlain in November of 2022. She has 30 years of experience in higher education. Her career history includes having been a social worker, therapist, educational programmer, hiking guide, cook, writer, and mostly a lecturer in psychology. She is excited to be where her values in guiding students toward success is a true passion!

Elaine holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine, a Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Dance Movement Therapy from Antioch Graduate School, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has taught psychology classes in General Psychology, Psychology of Adjustment, Psychology Learning Communities, Psychology of Adolescence, Lifespan Development, and History and Systems. She served as the advisor to the Transfer Coalition in NC. She has also developed a side gig of consulting in higher education and wellness, and has written and published a guide for transfer students.

Elaine characterizes all of her work as assisting people to shift their perception so they can become the navigators of their path. She has a grown daughter and takes frequent trips to NC to hang out with her. She has lived in MA, Vermont, Maine, North Carolina, and currently lives in Colchester!

Distinctions & Awards

Faculty Member of the Year

What are your hobbies?

Reading, writing, paining, cooking, hiking and enjoying nature

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

I love the nature all around us in Vermont.

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Abi Oguntuase

Biography

Dr. Abi’s professional background is in Government and Public Administration. His Previous academic experience included: Adjunct Professor @ Liberty University and National University. He is also a senior officer @ Alameda County Public Guardian/Public Administrator/Public Conservator, Oakland, CA. Dr. Abi has occupied many other public service positions in Alameda County government and managerial positions at correctional institutions. His academic interests are in Urban and Regional administration, local government studies, public policy, qualitative research methods, public participation in governance, regulatory governance, intergovernmental relations/fiscal federalism, and ethics.
Dr. Abi Received his Doctor of Philosophy Degree from Northcentral University, AZ and earned his master’s degree from California State University of East Bay, Hayward, CA

Publications & Abstracts

Urban Sprawl: Exploring New Trends, Pervasiveness, Issues and Solutions in the United States

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Robert Olsen

Biography

Robb has a B.A. in Speech and Communications from Monmouth University (NJ), a J.D. from N.C. Central University (NC), and an M.S. in Mediation and Conflict Studies from Champlain College (VT). He joined the adjunct faculty of Champlain College in 2014. Robb Olsen spent more than twenty years in the newspaper and cable T.V. industry with roles in Greensboro, NC, Seattle, WA, Palm Beach, and Sarasota, FL. Robb retired from media in 2008 when he opened the first mediation and collaborative law center in western N.C. In 2017 Robb became a Master Trainer in Workplace Mediation for Eckerd College’s (FL) Mediation Training Institute. Robb is the founder of Conflict Disrupted, LLC, a firm that provides conflict intervention and resolution. Robb continues to practice mediation and arbitration on behalf of private, court-appointed, and state government clients.

Publications & Abstracts

Attachment Theory and Young Children of Divorce

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Stone, Douglas, et al. Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most. Penguin Books, 2010.
• Gladwell, Malcolm. Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. Back Bay Books, 2013.
• Wright, Lawrence. Thirteen Days in September: Carter, Begin, and Sadat at Camp David. Alfred A. Knopf, 2014.

Favorite Quote

“I am the master of my fate and captain of my destiny.”

—Nelson Mandela

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Keith Oppenheim

Biography

Keith Oppenheim is a former correspondent for CNN who has been teaching college since 2009, at Champlain since 2014. He is the program director for Broadcast Media Production and a content creator as well. His most recent documentary, Will It Live On; Growing Up in A Small-Town Jewish Community will air on public television stations and other venues.
At Champlain, Keith helps his students develop as non-fiction storytellers and producers. His students create award-winning documentaries, which have received recognition at the regional and national level. They shoot, write and edit content to succeed as journalists, social media managers and content creators for companies and non-profits. They develop show-creation skills, learning techniques in radio, podcasting and multi-camera studio production. (The college’s internet-radio station, sound studio and Sonic Arts programs enhance give students additional opportunities.) And they get internships and media employment during college, helping them bridge the gap to a marketplace seeking their talent.
Keith is also President of the Board of The Media Factory, a community media center that collaborates with Champlain College in broadcast courses and documentary production.

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Kaitlyn Opperman

Biography

Kaitlyn graduated from Clarkson University with a degree in Computer Engineering and has recently transitioned into an instructor role, taking on adjunct work for the first time in Spring 2023. Prior to this, she worked in the aerospace industry as an embedded software engineer.

Favorite Quote

“Be kind.”

—Anyone

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Michael Opperman

Biography

Michael completed his bachelors at Wagner College and has a PhD from Clarkson University, both in mathematics. Previously, he has worked as an instructor at Clarkson University, was a student teacher at Essex High School, ran the Math Lab at Colchester high school, and was an adjunct faculty member at Champlain College. Currently, he teaches a range of courses from introductory and applied statistics to a 3D math course that explores the mathematics behind game programming at Champlain College. Regardless of the course, the focus is always on the practical applications of mathematics and how students can expect to see it in their fields of study and everyday lives.

Michael has a strong interest in pedagogy and improving the student experience in the classroom. He is an active member of Champlain College’s Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SotL) group and has attended workshops focused on improving his teaching. Michael devotes a great amount of time to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion both inside and outside of the classroom. He is the current chair of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Gender in Information, Technology, and Sciences (DIGITS) and has attended multiple Digital Humanity Summer Institutes (DHSI).

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• I believe James Tanton does a tremendous job explaining mathematical ideas in a way that is both interesting and insightful. I find his teaching style informative and inspiring.
• I find 538 to be a valuable source of information and statistical modeling that explains their mathematical reasoning quite well.

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Douglas Orr

Biography

Douglas A. Orr is a 30-year law enforcement veteran who has served as a commissioned law enforcement officer in South Carolina, Idaho, and Washington. He is a native of Philadelphia, PA. Over the years, Dr. Orr has assumed various roles such as Collision Reconstructionist, Street Crimes, Truancy, Sexual Assault and Polygraph. He recently retired as a Detective in the Major Crimes Unit of the Spokane Police Department (SPD) in Spokane, Washington. During the last ten years of his tenure at SPD, Dr. Orr specialized in digital forensics, cybercrime, child exploitation, and sexual assault. He was also an adjunct professor for Gonzaga University teaching crime scene investigation.

Dr. Orr also holds membership in various organizations to include High Technology Crime Investigation Association (HTCIA), Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), the American Society of Criminologists (ASC), and the Homicide Research Working Group (HRWG). He is certified as an EnCase Certified Examiner (EnCE) computer forensic examiner; a Certified Cellebrite Mobile Examiner (CCME), and CompTIA Security+. He is proficient with SPSS.

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Washington State University.
M.S. in Cybersecurity, Saint Leo University.
MBA in Human Resource, Saint Leo University.
M.A. in Organizational Leadership, Gonzaga University.

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