Staff

Cherie Meador, Ed.D.

Dean, Academic Services And Strategic Initiatives

Cherie joined the College in December 2019 to oversee assessment, catalog, curriculum, scheduling, academic handbooks, and policies. In addition to these responsibilities, in April of 2024, Cherie assumed oversight of two off-campus locations and the Center for Teaching and Learning department. Cherie has nearly 25 years of higher education administrative and college teaching experience..

[top]

Kristine Christensen, Ph.D.

Director, Faculty Development
Professor, Management Information Systems

Kristine began teaching web development and design, computer programming and e-commerce full-time in 2000 and joined the CTL staff as the director of Faculty Development in 2003. She is a full-time faculty member and maintains a full teaching load. In addition to her primary responsibility as chair of the Faculty Development committee, Kristine assists in the development of the CTL workshop brochure, sits on the Steering Team and Advisory Professional Development Team and has designed, developed and delivered various workshops for the CTL.

Kristine received the Professor of the Year award in 2004, the Innovation of the Year Award in 2007 along with her colleagues who also serve on the MVLA steering team, and the Master Teacher award in 2008.

Kristine holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and double majored in Human Resource Management and Industrial Psychology from Valparaiso University, an MBA with an emphasis in Consulting from Eastern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Management Information Systems with an emphasis in Electronic Commerce from Governors State University, a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from St. Francis University, a graduate certificate in Online Communications and Web Design from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Old Dominion University.

Always happy to help in any way possible, Kristine can answer questions about PGUs, funding for travel, or sabbatical requests as well as help you locate professional development opportunities. She always welcomes feedback and suggestions for future workshops and feedback about the current professional development programming for faculty. Feel free to contact her by phone (974.5512) or email (christensen@morainevalley.edu).

Kristine’s primary responsibilities include:

  • Chairing the faculty development committee which consists of faculty representatives from all academic and student development subdivisions. The chair and committee are responsible for:
    • Approving faculty travel requests, professional growth units and sabbatical requests.
    • Managing the selection process for the master teacher and professor of the year.
    • Providing feedback regarding the professional development opportunities and recommending workshop topics that can benefit the faculty body.
    • Assisting with the planning, coordination and facilitation of learning college day and faculty development days.
    • Co-leads the Recognition and Retirement Reception.
  • Designing professional development opportunities for faculty.
  • Serving on a variety of college committees.
  • Researching and developing resources for faculty.

[top]

Linda DeSouza

Departmental Assistant

In May 2019, Linda became a member of the CTL team providing administrative support to the department by managing the systems and reporting processes for faculty and staff workshops and training programs. Linda will also help coordinate major CTL events such as Learning College Day and the New Supervisory Skills cohort.

Prior to joining the CTL, Linda began at Moraine Valley Community College in January 2017 working for the Department of Liberal Arts (Speaking & Writing Center), helping to manage the day-to-day operations of the Center.

Linda received a BBA degree from Loyola University of Chicago, an AA degree in Graphic Design from the Illinois Institute of Art-Chicago, and a paralegal certificate from Roosevelt University Lawyer?s Assistants Program.

[top]

Samantha Dockery

Secretary II

Samantha Dockery joined the CTL in August 2013.

Samantha’s primary responsibilities include:

  • Assist the Dean with all matters pertaining to the CTL
  • Help plan and organize events such as New Faculty Orientation week, New Faculty Reception, Community Learning Day, Learning College Day, and Faculty/Staff Recognition Reception
  • Assisting faculty with professional growth units, travel authorizations, and sabbatical requests
  • Provide assistance with Master Teacher and Professor of the Year awards
  • Assisting faculty and staff and provide information regarding programs and services offered by the CTL.
  • Scheduling of CTL facilities

[top]

Lisa Dyrda, M.S.

Assistant Dean, Center for Teaching & Learning

Lisa joined the CTL in May 2004. Lisa’s primary focus is to oversee department initiatives related to instructional design, instructional technology including Canvas LMS, distance learning, and adjunct faculty professional development.

Lisa has an Associate in Applied Science degree in Management Information Systems and an Associate in Science in Computer Science from Moraine Valley. Lisa also received a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Applied Science from Governors State University and a Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from the University of St. Francis.

[top]

Laura Haslam, M.A.Ed

Learning Experience Designer

Laura joined the CTL in May of 2023. Some of her central responsibilities are to collaborate and manage interactions with faculty and staff in the planning, development, delivery, support, and evaluation of workshops courses and course components for traditional and online delivery.

Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science as well as a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. Previously, Laura has worked as a principal consultant at the Illinois State Board of Education, an adjunct faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, and has over 15 years of teaching experience in Early Childhood Education.

[top]

Scott Leturno, MBA TM

Academic Technology Professional and LMS Administrator

In July 2016 Scott joined with the Center for Teaching in Learning and continues his support for the faculty and students using the college’s learning management system.

Scott holds a Bachelor of Management degree from National Louis University as well as a Masters of Business Administration in Technology Management from the University of Phoenix Online.

Scott joined the college as its first Webmaster in April 1999.   Working in Information Technology he was responsible for supporting the colleges websites, content creators and web developers. This support included supporting the college’s earliest online course instructors from when the college began offering online courses in 1998. Supporting the online learning platform and instructors became a greater part of his career at the college where he supported the Blackboard learning management system and now supports the Canvas learning management system.  His move to the CTL continues 23 years of supporting the faculty & students here at Moraine Valley. His move to the CTL will now also allow Scott to teach workshops and support the CTL’s and college’s mission in new ways.

[top]

Deidre Walker, MA, MBA, Ed.D.

Coordinator of Employee Training and Development

Deidre joined the CTL in May 2023. She serves Moraine Valley Community College by assisting with professional development for staff. Providing resources and guidance to staff, starting with new staff orientation and continuing throughout an employee’s time at Moraine Valley Community College, is her desire and responsibility.

Deidre graduated from Loyola University Chicago in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in Theology with a minor in Black World Studies. She took a short break but returned to school to graduate from Trinity International University with a Master of Arts degree in Christian Thought with an emphasis in Bioethics in 2003. In 2019, she completed a Masters in Business Administration from Capella University. Deidre Walker completed her educational journey in 2023 with a Doctor of Education in Leadership with an emphasis on Public and Non-Profit Leadership.

[top]