Faculty

Jennifer Ferrara

Biography

Gin considers herself a “multimediator” — a person who helps folks use media to tell their own stories and connect to their communities. She has taught video-making to young people and community members for most of her life. Gin co-founded Baltimore’s Wide Angle Youth Media and was the Executive Director for 10 years, building an organization from the ground up. In Vermont since 2011, she was the host of The Upside VT radio show and co-founded the Burlington story community Storytelling VT. Currently Gin is the Community Engagement Manager at Media Factory, a community media center. She is also a visual artist and

Distinctions & Awards

UVM Community-Engaged Learning Award 2022
Wide Angle Youth Media Leadership Award 2010
OSI Baltimore Community Fellowship 2002

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Scott McCloud, “Understanding Comics” —My film teacher at UMBC suggested I read this, and I still look at wall outlets and see little surprised faces in them. A great breakdown of the elements of sequential storytelling.
• Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone, “This Is How You Lose the Time War” —A story told in letters, each chapter is its own little world.

Curriculum Vitae

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Jessica Fischer

Biography

Jessica Fischer teaches a section of Biology of Nutrition & Fitness. She attended University of Rhode Island for Nutrition & Dietetics with a focus on Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems. She then attended UVM to complete her graduate studies in Dietetics. She is also a Clinical Dietitian at UVM Medical Center where she counsels a variety of adult populations with chronic diseases. She is passionate about nutrition and overall wellness through movement and time spent connecting with nature. In her free time she is an avid gardener, skier, and trail walker accompanied by her dog.

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Scott Fleishman

Biography

Scott Fleishman is a seasoned professional in the broadcasting industry with over 20 years of experience behind and in front of the camera. He spent 11 years as a multimedia journalist and anchor at WCAX-TV in Burlington. With his versatile skill set, he has excelled in producing, anchoring, live reporting, and award-winning feature photography, covering all aspects of the newsroom.

In 2021, he embarked on a career transition, delving into the field of marketing. Initially serving as a Communications Specialist for Gifford Health Care in Randolph, Scott effectively utilized his extensive background to enhance the organization’s communication strategies.

Currently, he holds the position of Director of Social Media at DCD Automotive, overseeing the social media accounts of more than 25 prestigious auto dealerships. Demonstrating a deep understanding of digital marketing trends, Scott employs his creativity to engage audiences and spearhead impactful online campaigns.

Scott has showcased an exceptional ability to adapt to diverse professional environments throughout his career. His wealth of experience in broadcasting and marketing grants him a unique perspective, enabling him to create compelling narratives and deliver targeted messages that resonate with audiences.

Scott’s unwavering commitment to excellence continues to leave an indelible mark on the industries he explores. His passion for storytelling, nurtured through years in broadcasting and his innovative marketing acumen, positions him at the forefront of his field.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Scott remains dedicated to staying abreast of industry trends, exploring new technologies, and embracing creative challenges. His pursuit of personal growth and unwavering commitment to excellence fuel his continued success.

Scott Fleishman is an exceptional professional with an unparalleled skill set, leaving a lasting impact on both the broadcasting and marketing industries.

Distinctions & Awards

New England Emmy Award/5 Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards

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Tarn Foerg

Biography

Tarn Foerg’s identity is as a Social Worker. She holds a BSW, MSW, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Tarn is an Associate Professor and the Social Work Program Field Education Coordinator at Champlain College. Tarn began her full-time appointment in 2011 after serving as an adjunct for 4 years. Her professional practice experience spanned 12 years prior to teaching. Tarn’s clinical practice experience included extensive case-management and clinical support for children, youth and families as a direct service clinician in school social work with The Baird Center for Children and Families.

In addition to her active memberships in BPDonline, CSWE and NASW-VT. Tarn has provided many years of volunteer service including as a Executive Board member of the National Association of Social Workers-VT Chapter, the Nominations Committee of the Baccalaureate Program Directors, as a crisis volunteer for the Women’s Rape Crisis Center, fundraising efforts for the Committee on Temporary Shelter, and as an event coordinator for Lake Champlain Waldorf School. She was a Board president and volunteer for the Women’s Rape Crisis Center, served the older adult population at the Champlain Valley Agency on Aging, as community outreach educator regarding access to benefits and services, was co-director of a state-wide Senior Help-line and a quarterly columnist for local papers regarding issues for seniors and those who qualify for disability benefits. She has supervised MSW level interns as a field instructor for the University of Vermont and was a supervisor of school social work clinicians working in the largest mental health agency in Vermont. Tarn co-developed the Trauma Response Protocol for children and families to be implemented in crisis events in the largest county in Vermont and was a consultant to a local school district regarding anti-bullying and pro-social skills development for elementary aged children and held teacher in-services regarding implementation. Tarn has served as a Research Fellow for the Center for Community and Social Justice at Champlain College in 2021 and is currently embarking on a new project in 2023.

She has taught Ethics in Human Services, Practicum I and II and the accompanying seminars, Crisis Intervention, Survey of Community Agency, Community Experience, Social Welfare Policy, and Human Sexuality, and Practice II. Tarn has been active in her service to the college and in strengthening the Social Work Program. She has held positions on the College’s Women and Gender Center and the Student Conduct Review Board, Curriculum Committee, Library and Academic Resources Committee, United Way Fundraising Committee, Service Learning Planning Committee, Faculty Club advisor for YarnForGood and the Social Work Phi Alpha Honor Society. Tarn is also engaged in collaborative work with co-conspirators of NEW (Naming Educational Whiteness a group of colleagues whose guiding philosophy centers our work toward more equitable systems within education broadly, and within our individual disciplines more specifically.

Publications & Abstracts

Exploration of an alternative emergency response system: Vermont

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

Check out the various Social Work Associations to learn more about social work:

• IFSW
• NASW
• NABSW
• Demystifying Social Work: Dr. Geetanjali Ted Talk
• The Danger of A Single Story-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi Ted Talk, Listen to this TedTalk to inspire you too think more deeply about how you see, truly see others as whole beings and how you to want to be seen.
• (divorcing) White Supremacy Culture-Coming Home to Who We Really Are by Tema Okun, Understanding the pervasive systemic behaviors, policies and practices that are imbedded in our institutional settings provides insights to disrupt and make necessary changes to achieve justice.

Favorite Quote

“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.”

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Jonathan Fowler

Biography

He has been in the data/analytics field since 2007. His background in the humanities gives him a unique perspective on data analytics as narrative, and experience in education as a teacher and counselor help bring a nurturing mindset to the business.

He has served as sole or lead analytics developer in the fields of consumer product goods, manufacturing, banking, law, human resources, and IT managed services. He has worked at both the team lead and individual contributor role in data engineering, data integration, predictive analytics, and data visualization. He has acted as an outsourced Chief Data Officer for implementing company data strategies.

Always an educator, Dr. Fowler has taught at the graduate level for analytics and data science, and has published multiple papers in the field. Dr. Fowler holds a D.C.Sc. in Big Data Analytics from Colorado Technical University, M.Ed., and B.A. in English from Clemson University. His doctoral research was the early core of the LDIS+™ Analytics Impact Framework.

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Andrew Frost

Biography

Andrew Frost is a photographer, printer, bookmaker, and educator with over a decade of professional book and print experience.

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Thomas Funk

Biography

Thomas Funk is a lifelong digital marketer and ecommerce business manager who joined Champlain College as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Marketing in 2020. He is currently an Adjunct Instructor teaching digital marketing and analytics.

His business background includes stints as Ecommerce Director at Ann Clark Ltd, Marketing Director at Gardener’s Supply Company, and Senior Manager of Keurig and Green Mountain Coffee where he led email marketing, paid search, SEO, the loyalty program and a 165K-member subscription business. As VP of Marketing at Timberline Interactive, he performed online marketing for Wine of the Month Club, Terry Precision Cycling, Lake Champlain Chocolates, VBT Bicycle Vacations, Garrett Wade, Dakin Farms and Liberty Orchards. Prior to Timberline, he helped build and manage the websites of Vermont Teddy Bear Company and PajamaGram.

Funk is frequent conference speaker and the author of three business books: Advanced Social Media Marketing (Apress), Social Media Playbook for Business (ABC-CLIO) and Web 2.0 and Beyond (Praeger).

Publications & Abstracts

Advanced Social Media Marketing: How to Lead, Launch, and Manage a Successful Social Media Program

Social Media Playbook for Business: Reaching Your Online Community with Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and More

Web 2.0 and Beyond: Understanding the New Online Business Models, Trends, and Technologies

Curriculum Vitae

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Jessie Leigh Gagnon (Hough)

Biography

Jessie is a passionate writer, producer, and anthropologist who lives for games, film, and interactive media. Her creative side has melted over and fused to her project management side, and she thrives on opportunities to solve problems, hit milestones, mentor others, and make a positive impact in the lives of people and projects. With over eleven years in the game industry, Jessie has worked on AAA titles like League of Legends and volunteers time for organizations like Women in Games. She has a track record of happy, healthy, interdisciplinary teams and successful projects that shipped with clarity of vision, data-informed decision making, and an empathetic, people-driven focus. A specialist in crunch prevention and conflict resolution, she dedicates much of her spare time these days to helping developers with traditionally marginalized identities learn to thrive in game development.

Distinctions & Awards

Lambda Alpha Anthropological Honors Society, Global Citizenship Certificate,

Publications & Abstracts

“Cosplay,” World Book Encyclopedia; 2014
“Escape from the Mainstream: The Japanese Cosplay Youth Subculture,” Franklin Pierce University; 2008, Temple University Japan; 2010

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

American Anthropological Association

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, by Jesse Schell
• Agile Game Development, Clinton Keith
• The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking

Favorite Quote

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

—Margaret Mead

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Tegan Garon

Biography

Tegan Garon is a Vermont native who is a full-time high school math teacher, in addition to teaching part-time mathematics courses at Champlain.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
• Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

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Sarah George

Biography

Sarah George is the Chittenden County State’s Attorney. She has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Connecticut, a Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology from Castleton State College, and a Law Degree from Vermont Law School. For over six years, Sarah was a Deputy State’s Attorney in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, and in January 2017, Sarah became the Chittenden County State’s Attorney. Chittenden County houses nearly one third of Vermont’s population, is the most diverse county in the State, and prides themselves on their progressive approach to public safety efforts. Since being State’s Attorney, Sarah has focused on ways to overhaul the criminal legal system by finding innovative ways to serve her community. From significantly reducing the number of cases charged and increasing diversion eligibility, to eliminating cash bail and decreasing supervision and incarcerative sentences, Sarah is dedicated to providing opportunity, intervention and wholistic support to victims, families and folks who commit crimes; holding individuals accountable, and implementing smart strategies and innovations that promote safe, healthy, and strong communities.

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Stephan Giles

Biography

Steve Giles is an Adjunct Professor at Champlain College where he has been a faculty member since 2015.

Steve completed his Master’s in computer science from Colorado Technical University and has Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Colorado.

His expertise lies in applying emerging technologies and computer science to extend and improve the quality of life for individuals. Steve spent twenty-five years developing software to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, with a specialization in breast cancer. He is a lifelong athlete having completed ten Ironman Triathlons and numerous ultra marathons.
He believes through hard work and dedication we can accomplish anything.

Distinctions & Awards

– Ironman Triathlon, All World Athlete. Ranked in the top 10 percent of finishers. This triathlon distance requires a 2.4 mile swim (3.9K), 112 mile bike (180.2K), and 26.2 mile run (42.2K).

Publications & Abstracts

Patent, Methods and system to identify exams with significant findings (Issued Feb. 4, 2014)

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

Association for Computing Machinery

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Lindsey Godwin

Biography

Lindsey Godwin, Ph.D. is a professor, practitioner, and possibilitizer who has a passion for creating transformational learning spaces for individuals and organizations. She holds a Master of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution George Mason University, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, where she studied with the founding thought leaders in Appreciative Inquiry. She currently holds the Robert P. Stiller Endowed Chair of Management in the Stiller School of Business at Champlain College (Vermont, USA), where she also serves as the Academic Director of the David L. Cooperrider Center for Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and the lead faculty for the MS in Leadership and MS in Organization Development & Human Relations programs. An acclaimed instructor, she earned the Edward Lyman Phelps Professorship, Champlain College’s highest recognition for a faculty member. A sought-after international speaker, consultant, facilitator, and author, her article on “Earthshot OD” was recently named one of the most impactful articles of all time for the field of Organization Development. Learn more about Lindsey’s work at lindseygodwin.com.

Distinctions & Awards

Edward Lyman Phelps Professorship

Publications & Abstracts

View my work.

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

Favorite Quote

“Anyone can slay a dragon, but try waking up every morning & loving the world all over again. That’s what takes a real hero.”

—Brian Andreas

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Adam Goldstein

Biography

Adam Goldstein is an Associate Professor and an Academic Program Director in Cybersecurity at Champlain College. He also serves as Academic Director of the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity at Champlain where he helps oversee undergraduate students working on a wide range of projects. Adam has vast industry experience as an information security officer having previously established cybersecurity operation programs at Dartmouth College and Villanova University. With over 20 years’ experience in information security at institutions of higher education and a background in systems and network engineering, he has a thorough understanding of the unique security challenges in the modern enterprise. Adam received his BA from Rutgers University, a Master of Science in Information Assurance from Norwich University, and a Graduate Certificate in Digital Forensic Science from Champlain College. He is a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA), and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Outside of work, Adam is an avid distance runner and greatly enjoys living and exploring the Green Mountains of Vermont with his family.

Distinctions & Awards

Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA)
RRCA – Road Runners Club of America: Certified Distance Running Coach

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

Favorite Quote

“Cybersecurity is not just about protecting your data, it’s about protecting your freedom.”

—Laura Galante

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Neil Groberg

Biography

Neil Groberg has transformed his legal career and now dedicates himself exclusively to teaching, mediation, arbitration, training, and facilitation throughout the Northeast.

Neil has been teaching at Champlain since 2016. He teaches Health Care Law and the Senior Capstone to students seeking the B.S. in Health Care Administration with Champlain College Online. He has also taught the CCO Masters Health Care law course and Employment Law for Champlain’s traditional residential students. He has also successfully mentored students to finish in first or second place in Champlain’s renowned Elevator Speech contest.

His law firm, Neil Groberg Attorney at Law LLC, was established in 1998. He has over thirty years’ experience as an employment and benefits attorney in for-profit, government, and non-profit institutional settings. He moved to Burlington Vermont from Connecticut in 2008 and is admitted to practice law in Connecticut, New York, and Vermont.

Invaluable to his teaching , Attorney Groberg’s experience also includes a broad range of legal issues including employment, health care, general corporate, commercial real estate, computer, contracts, employee benefits, insurance, real estate and tax law. This array of experience allows a special sensitivity to the impact of the law on overall business decisions and results.

Neil received a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. In addition, Attorney Groberg also has taken three separate leadership skills programs and intensive mediation and arbitration courses. He has completed all six separate Improvisation intensive 6-week courses available, a MOTH Story telling program and belongs to an independent improv group, thus improving his creativity, listening, and communication skills, as well as sharpening his wit.

Professor Groberg has also taught online master’s level courses at Quinnipiac University and online undergraduate courses at Goodwin College.

Distinctions & Awards

I have received merit recognition awards in a number of semesters for “exemplary teaching and real dedication to providing a high-quality education experience.”

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

• Vermont Bar Association, Co-Chair, Dispute Resolution Section
• American Bar Association, Member

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Murat Gungor

Biography

Dr. Gungor holds a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Computer and Information Science, which he obtained in 2006 and 2001 respectively, from Syracuse University in New York. He also holds a B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering from Sakarya University in Turkey, which he completed in 1997.

Dr. Gungor brings a wealth of experience to his current position at Champlain College, having previously taught Software Engineering courses at both Bilkent University and TOBB University in Ankara, Turkey. In addition to his academic background, he has also held various positions in the industry, ranging from researcher and software engineer to project manager and director.

His primary areas of expertise include object-oriented programming, software architecture, design and development, structural analysis, and quality improvement.

Favorite Quote

“If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?”

—Rumi

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