School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education

My beliefs about the purpose of education, the role of schools and teachers, and best teaching practices have evolved throughout my 30-year career in education but have always been grounded in my belief in the dignity of every living being. This belief is what calls me to advocate for a more just and equitable educational system for all students. I believe that education is a vehicle through which learners can become who they were created to be, and that education is essential to individual happiness and to democratic community. I believe in education that shows us the creative power of hope and teaches us the peace that comes from justice. Through such education, students become engaged citizens, actively participating in society as we work together for social justice.

My areas of research include: courageous conversations about race in classrooms and in schools; conversations about race in online learning environments; the sociology of education; beginning teacher socialization; and teachers as transformative intellectuals, who have a sense of moral and political responsibility that they pass on to their students. 

I attended SUNY Cobleskill College where I earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and then went on to Canisius College, where I earned the baccalaureate degree in Psychology. My undergraduate work in Psychology sparked an interest in brain science and learning theory. Understanding how different brains work and finding new ways to teach the same content to different learners inspired me to become a professor of special education. I continued my education at Notre Dame of Maryland University where I received my Master’s in Teaching Leadership and the Ph.D. in Changing Education for the Changing Population with a focus in Special Education. As a teacher in Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools, I worked in both self-contained and inclusion classrooms for grades k-8, teaching students with a wide range of disabilities and disadvantages. I taught as an adjunct professor at both the Community College of Baltimore County and Notre Dame of Maryland University. My professional interests include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities and reading comprehension.

Devon joins the Neumann community after practicing as a social worker in Philadelphia for over 10 years. She began her career supporting children and families impacted by parental substance use before moving on to interdisciplinary practice in child welfare. She trained and worked with social workers and attorneys to represent children who had experienced abuse and neglect. She also taught as an adjunct professor, where she learned she loves supporting students as they consider social work or other career paths. Devon strives to bring the same supportive, trauma-sensitive approach to teaching that she employed in practice. Social work students, regardless of their interests and fields of practice, will be most effective when they have an understanding of how trauma impacts the lives of the individuals they seek to help. Devon is excited to teach and guide students as they embark on the rewarding career path of social work.

Cynthia Ferraro was drawn to Neumann University in 2002 because of its mission, vision, and core values in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. Cynthia feels blessed to be part of Neumann’s community and faculty.

Cynthia Ferraro’s professional experience includes 25 plus years in the profession of education, of which 13 years were in the classroom as a 6th, 7th, and 8th grade teacher of social studies. Cynthia took an early retirement from the public school system to pursue the adoption of two sons from Guatemala. At this time, Cynthia joined the Neumann family as an adjunct instructor teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses within the Department of Education and Human Services, serves as supervisor of student teachers, and is also Student Teacher Placement Specialist. As of 2005, Cynthia became a full-time instructor at Neumann University.

Ms. Ferraro holds an M.S.Ed. with special emphasis on elementary education, as well as two teaching certificates in social studies and elementary education. In December, 2008, she earned a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from TUI University.

As an educator, Cynthia believes in active participation as a foundation to learning. Cynthia’s teaching philosophy is based on constructivism, in which students relate their experiences and perspectives to coursework, essentially creating their own unique understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. In terms of teaching style, she sees herself more as a facilitator than a lecturer. Her goal is to help ALL students explore and understand 21st century education, and more importantly, to hone practical applications of the many concepts and theories as they relate to profession of education.

Dr. Timothy S. Hanna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of South Florida. He then attended Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, MA, where he earned a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree. Seeking to integrate psychology and theology with a practical outlet of service, he attended Loyola University Maryland, where he first earned a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling before subsequently earning his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

During his time in Maryland, Dr. Hanna gained both teaching and clinical experience at local community colleges. He is now a clinically licensed (LCPC), nationally certified counselor (NCC.), with continued interest in promoting spiritually-integrated mental health care at community levels. His research interests include social justice and liberation, personality and ideology, and religious and spiritual integration in counseling and mental healthcare. He remains an engaged member of the ACA, with particular attention to the ACES and ASERVIC subdivisions, as well as the APA, AAPC, and NAMI.

Dr. Hanna is committed to promoting spiritually-integrated, personal and professional formation through his work with students in the MS and PhD programs of Pastoral Counseling. He views such integration as an essential pathway to fostering holistic well-being in ourselves and in others.

Dr. Johnson has been teaching undergraduates in some capacity for the last 25 years. He has taught courses ranging from Russian grammar and conversation, Psychology and Literature, The Art of the Short Story, and innumerable sections of first-year writing and composition. He believes that if one stops learning, one stops living. His interests outside of academics include watercolor painting and pen and ink, reading, spending time with his two children, and serves as a course rater for Golfweek magazine.

I am thrilled to be part of the Neumann faculty as a Qualitative Methodologist in the EdD program. After graduating with a BA in English and MFA in Creative Writing, I started my career as an Academic Writing and Global Literature teacher in a public high school in Brooklyn, NY, and completed my MAT in Secondary Education as a New York City Teaching Fellow. After four years in the classroom, I relocated to rural Wabash, Indiana, where I served as a Community Educator for a domestic violence agency, working with local high school students to create a peer leadership program. I also taught writing at Ivy Tech Community College and joined the Education Department at Manchester University as a student teacher and field site supervisor. Continuing my work in education beyond the classroom, I developed academic programs for the local YMCA, including a county-wide college savings initiative. Its success led to a partnership with the Indiana State Treasurer’s office to expand to additional counties around the state. These experiences sparked my return to graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, where I completed an MSEd in Education Policy and a PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education. My research interests include cultural discourses and institutional change in education and qualitative methods. I live in Philadelphia with my husband, who is also an educator, and in my free time, I enjoy running, live music, and baseball.

Dr. Kelly earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology, a master's in General Counseling, and a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Louisiana Tech University. He did a pre-doctoral internship at Montana State University Counseling Center and St. Peter’s Hospital.

He is a licensed professional counselor (LPC). His clinical background includes working with adults using both psychoanalytic and humanistic approaches. He has specialized training in providing psychodynamic psychotherapy. Dr. Kelly is a member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams and the Pennsylvania Counseling Association.

Dr. Kelly’s research interests include nightmares, psychometrics, and psychodynamic perspectives on personality.

Former dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kovach serves as Executive Director of the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Scholastic Honor Society DESNational@neumann.edu. She has published and presented internationally on writers such as Isabel Allende, Margery Kemp, Voltaire, and Amy Tan; she accords special attention to the medieval (and timeless) Tristan legend and its possibilities in tandem with contemporary literary theory. Her avocations include Chinese folk dance, competitive figure skating and ice dancing, and Tang Soo Do karate.

Reverend Philip J. Lowe, Ed.D., M.Div. was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He majored in philosophy during his baccalaureate studies, in pastoral theology during his graduate studies, in educational administration during his doctoral studies, and his doctoral dissertation is titled: Clinical Supervision Practices of the Secondary School Principals of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Father Lowe’s areas of professional interest are Catholic School Education and Leadership, Supervision of Instruction, Staff Development, and School Administration.

As a Sister of the Immaculate Heart, I am proud to say I have had a long-standing history with Neumann University and have found a home in its Franciscan spirit. Having received my master’s from Neumann’s pastoral counseling program, I went on for my doctorate from Loyola in MD. I started here as an adjunct in 1993, moved into full time and 15 years ago took on direction of the pastoral programs. In every role, in every year, I have discovered more creative, giving, caring people – in the faculty and staff and, even more, in the students. As I always say, “The students are the best part of this program.” Along with Neumann, I have also taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Immaculata University and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. In my “free time” I work as a pastoral counselor, primarily with members of religious orders, and as a consultant, lecturer and retreat director with groups of religious across the United States, especially those in formative stages.

Currently, along with my teaching and advising I love spending time giving lectures, retreats and days of recollection and writing for publication in areas such as development and growth, women's roles and issues, the integration of spirituality and psychology and formation for religious growth. I have been published as a poet and hold a special interest in writing and teaching about forgiveness and the areas of trauma and crisis.

I am excited and honored to be a part of the Neumann faculty. Neumann is a special place and I look forward to joining and contributing to this community. I began my career in education teaching young children ages 3 to 6 years old. During this time, I saw a strong need for teacher support in the field of early childhood. I became a professional development consultant and began training early childhood educators. This experience prepared me to teach at local community colleges as an adjunct professor and then an Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director of an early childhood program, and most recently Director of the Center for Faculty Development. My research and topics of interest are culturally responsive teaching, faculty development, educational technology, and assessment.

One concept I try to portray when I am teaching is the importance of building a classroom community. I consider myself a facilitator in the classroom and I learn from my students every time I teach. I am always looking for new things to try out in the classroom and am open to ideas. I believe and value lifelong learning and continual improvement. In the classroom, I will share stories with my students about my three children who I am always learning from as well: Kevin, Sarah, and Vinny.

Dr. McMonagle, also known as "Doc" by many of his students, served as Deputy Legislative Director for a US Congressman on Capitol Hill before running for Congress and later for Delaware County Council. Dr. McMonagle earned his PhD in Political Science from Temple University and his MPP in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago. An expert in American Government and Public Policy, this educator brings a wealth of practical and scholarly experience into the classroom -- preparing students for a variety of skill-based careers or for graduate studies starting in their freshman year at Neumann. His book, Caribou and Conoco, explains the political and social variables that have been driving important public policy debates on energy and the environment.

Mr. Miller has taught at Neumann since 2000 and been the full-time History instructor since 2013. A native of Delaware County, Mr. Miller attended college at Villanova University and earned teacher certification from Widener University. He started his professional career as a newspaper reporter. He also has worked at West Virginia University, Messiah College, Widener, and Delaware County Community College. Mr. Miller has published a novel on the Civil War (2004) and a history of Williamson College of the Trades (2017). He is a volunteer interpreter at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, and an associate member of the Marine Corps League.

This semi-professional musician writes in the areas of metaethics, evolution and ethics, and environmental ethics. He is the author of five books, and his work has appeared in a wide variety of scholarly journals. He teaches a broad range of philosophy courses, including the Philosophy of Music. About one of his courses, a student recently wrote: “Before I took his class, I was just like ‘the sky is blue and it’s blue because I see blue,’ and now after taking his class I’m like, ‘the sky is blue, but why and what is blue?’

I am passionate about teaching theology and counseling theories of Pastoral Counseling where diverse images of God are reflected through the multi-cultural communities in which we live. In the current milieu of diversity, where more families are embodying multi-cultural and multi-ethnic relations, locally and globally, the skills to engage in inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogues are essential to being competent leaders as pastors, chaplain, and mental health therapists.

Having lived in seven countries on five continents during my formative years, I have developed the ability to see and engage cultures and their people from both subjective and objective perspectives. By engaging theologies and theories of human living through multiple vantage points, I hope to impart not mere “sensitivity” to other cultures, but a reverence for the complex and exhaustive nature of God’s creations as a reflection of the diversity of God.

I joined Neumann faculty as Assistant Professor in fall, 2014 and am now the Clinical Coordinator for the Neumann Clinical Master’s Programs. Prior to joining Neumann, I worked in various clinical, pastoral, and academic positions including hospital chaplaincy in medical and mental health/addiction fields, director of youth and children’s ministry, pastor of congregational care, and adjunct teaching positions in graduate schools and seminaries. Additionally, I have extensive experience as a marriage and family therapist (LMFT) working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Currently, I am serving on the board of Culture-In-Motion, Institute of Collective Trauma and Growth (ICTG), and Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.

After completing his undergraduate degree Dr. Pegan worked for some years in a L’Arche community for people with developmental disabilities. While he found this work immensely fulfilling he had a strong desire to continue his education and become a teacher. Though his dissertation was in the philosophy of language he has long had a deep interest in many of life’s big questions, such as questions about human nature, freedom and moral responsibility, ethics and morality, and the existence of God and an afterlife. He enjoys thinking and writing about these questions, and exploring them with students both in and outside of the classroom.

Marisa A. Rauscher joined Neumann University as a faculty member with the Division of Education and Human Services in 2004. Formerly, Marisa was a high school teacher in Philadelphia for nine years and a long time cross country/track and field coach.

Marisa completed a bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education and a master’s degree in Special Education at Shippensburg University. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Temple University. Marisa’s academic interests include human development, adolescent egocentrism, risk-taking behaviors, teacher quality and gender theory.

While completing her master’s program in Special Education, Marisa had the opportunity to work in an extended year program at Olde Forge School in Lima, PA. It is in this capacity that Marisa had the opportunity to work with students with a variety of exceptionalities. This experience galvanized Marisa’s spirit of advocacy for the rights and needs of all students.

As a certified English and special educator, Marisa considers the craft of teaching to be a vocation – one in which accountability and passion are paramount. She strives to model excellence with compassion and diligence. As a former collegiate athlete, Marisa balances her work life with morning runs and the beautiful and inspiring gift of family.

I am thrilled to have joined the Neumann University family. While in college, my passion for teaching and service developed; I was a RA, TA, Treasurer of Circle K, summer swim coach, and member and captain of my varsity cross country and track and field teams. Prior to becoming a college professor, I worked as a Speech and Language Therapist, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coach in the public schools. I spent two years working in the Massachusetts schools, two years with IU 13, and 10 years with the School District of Lancaster in PA.

I have experience working with children from birth to age 18 with a variety of needs and abilities, including those with speech and language impairments, autism, emotional/behavioral needs, reading difficulties, and giftedness as well as English Language Learners. I also served in a leadership role in which I supervised and mentored teachers, facilitated professional development, coordinated interventions, and presented at the state & national levels. In addition to my Speech and Language Impairment and Reading Specialist certifications, I have my Supervisory Certification in Curriculum and Instruction and my doctoral degree in Educational Leadership: Curriculum Instruction, and Staff Development. I continue to work part-time as a Speech and Language Therapist and adjunct professor at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC). I have a wonderful husband, Dave, and three children, Jake, Kara, and Brady, who keep me hopping! I still enjoy running and reading and have found a new love in watching my own children play sports.

I truly believe that all children can learn, and that teaching is one of the most rewarding professions. My advice for becoming an effective teacher is “Work Smarter, Not Harder” and always engage in reflection.

I am happy and thankful to be teaching at Neumann and to be working with such an important part of the teacher education journey- the clinical field placements for the Neumann University education students. I feel excited every time I step into the classroom and want to share my excitement about the classroom experience with students and what we as educators can learn by both observing and being active practitioners in the field.

In my role, I support the processes that surround Clinical Field Experience starting in our students’ freshman year. In addition, I help students to connect and reflect on what they see and do during their field work back to what they are learning here at Neumann. Finally, I strive to make connections and constantly take the pulse of our partnering schools so that we are meeting their needs.

I am a graduate of Drexel University, with B.S. degrees in Literature & Corporate Communications, an M.S. degree in Instruction, with PA certifications in Elementary Education and Environmental Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Development and Learning Technologies. I am a former elementary and middle school science teacher, and was the Director of a mathematics and science learning lab. My higher education experience includes extensive teaching in Education and English, as well as holding leadership posts working in the areas of field experience, supervising student teachers, academic coaching, and a mentoring program for beginning teachers in the School District of Philadelphia. Another area of professional focus has been teaching and on-line course writing.

My interests include spending time with family, writing, photography, taking walks, tennis, and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr. Kate Worley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theological Studies from Trevecca Nazarene University and a Master of Theological Studies degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School. Kate then returned to Trevecca to complete a Master of Art’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Ph. D. in Clinical Counseling: Teaching and Supervision.  

Kate is a licensed professional counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a registered play therapist (RPT). Her clinical background involves working with children, adolescents, and families through various play therapy techniques. Her clinical specialties include working with the LGBTQ+ population, anxiety, and trauma. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision, the Association for Play Therapy, and Chi Sigma Iota.  

Kate’s research interests include: the mental health needs of the LGBTQ+ population, first-generation counseling students, and the effectiveness of play therapy as a counseling modality. Kate is excited to join Neumann and focus on the integration of spirituality and counseling.  

A Neumann University graduate, lifelong learner and educator, Sr. Corinne currently uses this experience to provide academic advice to students.

Dr. Yönten received his PhD in Political Science and International Relations from University of Delaware in 2011. He got his BA and MA degrees from Bogazici University (Istanbul/Turkey) in 1999 and 2002 respectively. His research interests include international migration, multilateralism, and Turkish foreign policy. Since 2003, Mr. Yönten has been involved in a large scale project aiming to build a dataset of all multilateral treaties since the establishment of the modern nation-state system. The dataset is useful to examine distributional aspects of institutionalized cooperation over time and space, and hegemony and leadership in institutionalized cooperation. Mr. Yönten teaches a range of courses in international relations and comparative politics including Current Problems in World Politics, US Foreign Relations, Politics of Developing Nations, and Research Methods in Political Science.