Faculty

Dr. Joy Towner began her professional teaching career in District 205 in Elmhurst, IL, where she served as a classroom teacher and eventually as the building reading specialist. She holds an M.S. Ed. in Reading Education from Northern Illinois University and is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. Her Ed.D. was earned in the first cohort of Judson’s Doctor of Education in Literacy Program.

Dr. Brenda Buckley-Hughes serves as Assistant Vice Presidents] of Academic Affairs and teaches with enthusiasm and energy.  She has a passion for her students’ speaking success.  Dr. Buckley-Hughes is the author of Introductory Speech Communication:  Overcoming Obstacles, Reaching Goals

Dr. Kristy Piebenga has been a passionate educator for over 15 years. She spent many years teaching in second, third, and fourth-grade classrooms before transitioning to the university level. She now shares her passion for literacy education with both undergraduate and graduate students

Dr. Elaine J. Roberts is a former systems analyst and university professor of writing, literature, business communication, math, and computer science. She has worked with practicing and pre-service teachers and administrators for over 20 years, focusing on classroom management, assessment strategies, differentiated and personalized instructional strategies, technology integration, and literacy strategies. Dr. Roberts has been privileged to work with educators in small and large districts and schools, encouraging and mentoring teachers to step out of their instructional and assessment comfort zones, helping them identify ways to implement various forms of digital and technological resources, including coding and robots, and making small but significant adjustments in the ways they invite students to learn. Outside of the education space, Dr. Roberts enjoys hiking and biking, reading, trying new recipes, and hanging out with friends. Her research interests include education trends, educational technology, and research in pedagogical and learning strategies.

Dr. Amy Warfel’s experience in the field of education began at the middle school level as both a teacher and administrator. She takes a research-based approach with practical application when teaching undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, she is passionate about teachers developing positive rapport with students and promoting literacy in the classroom. Dr. Warfel enjoys camping with her husband and two children.