Meet our awesome career training instructors
We are extremely proud of our Ashworth College career training instructors. They are, each one of them, hand-picked for their professional expertise in particular disciplines and direct, practical experience in the career fields they teach. Students will be happy to discover in each member of our career training faculty a passion for education and an eagerness to help students fully understand the subject matter.
Dr. Manal Abdullal
Specialty: AutoCAD
Manal has managed training and staff development activities in instructional technology, business and education roles for over 20 years.
Linda Alchami
Linda is a board-certified occupational therapist with three years of experience. She holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy and is also fluent in Arabic.
Jerome Barnes, Master Electrician License from the State of Georgia
Specialty: Electrician Training
As Senior Electrical Maintenance Coordinator, Jerome Barnes supervises and trains electrician support teams at a county treatment plant. He holds a Master Electrician License from the State of Georgia.
LaTasha Brown, D.C.Sc., Enterprise Information Systems, Colorado Technical University; M.Sc.M., Colorado Technical University
Specialty: Computer Science and Computer Repair
LaTasha is an experienced computer science educator and Business Systems Analyst II. She is SAP ECC 6.0 certified.
Fred Claus
Fred is an experienced educator with over nine years of experience teaching computer science and technology courses. He holds a bachelor’s degree in technology management and a master's degree in Information Systems Management.
Christa Clay
Christa is an advanced certified pharmacy technician with extensive hands-on and educational experience in the field. She is also an experienced assessment content developer.
Anthony D. Daniel, Ph.D., Walden University; B.S., Kennesaw State University
Specialty: Security Services
Dr. Anthony D. Daniel has more than 20 years of experience as a middle, upper, and executive manager in the public sector. He served as a field probation officer and warden for the Georgia Department of Corrections and served in management positions through which he emphasized security, operational management, leadership pipeline development, and performance management for large, complex organizations. He currently provides organizational development consulting to both the public and private sectors. He holds an SHRM-SCP from the Society of Human Resource Management.
Deann Deloney, B.S., Southern Illinois University
Specialty: Child Care Provider and Teacher Assisting
Deann Deloney is a district manager for the largest child care provider in the country. She oversees 15 child development centers throughout metro Atlanta.
Denise DeMaria
Denise has worked as a pharmacy technician for over 31 years. She also has taught pharmacy technician students for twelve of those years, training future pharmacy technicians for the field.
Barbara DiLorenzo
With over 23 years of experience in graphic design, Barbara is fluent in Adobe PhotoShop, Dreamweaver, and InDesign. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art and studied with a renowned painter with the Art Student League of New York.
April Doctor-Small
Specialty: Health Care
April Doctor-Smalls’ work experience includes over 25 years in the health care industry and over 6 years as an adjunct faculty member. As a health care clinical services analyst, she has incorporated an awareness of how important it is to be in an arena that is growing by leaps and bound.
Jacqueline Elfe, B.S., Business Management, Monroe College; Floral Design, New York School of Flower Design
Specialty: Floral Design
Jacqueline has over 12 years of experience as a florist and event planner. Jacqueline completed her florist training in New York City and founded Stellar Style Events, Floral & Event Design. Jacqueline’s business specializes in exquisite floral design and luxury standards to magnify every kind of occasion. Transforming an array of large scale venues and events Jacqueline’s talents have developed an outstanding reputation for Stellar Style Events. Jacqueline has had floral pieces featured in many publications including All About The Dress, New York Weddings, Ceci Style, Munaluchi Bride, Traditional Home, and Brides magazine.
Diahanna Fuller, D.H.A., Cappella University
Specialty: Healthcare, Public Health
Dr. Fuller has more than 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She has dedicated research efforts to healthcare delivery and policy in the U.S., global healthcare, and healthcare laws and ethics.
Christen Garcia, M.H.R.M., The Keller Graduate School of Business; J.D., The John Marshall Law School
Specialty: Human Resources Management and Paralegal Studies
Christen has more than 17 years of progressive experience as a human resource professional which included recruiting, training, and employee relations for both union and non-union environments. She has offered advice, guidance, and training for employees and line management regarding the complexities and nuances of human resources.
Vincent Giordano, Ph.D., Capella University
Specialty: Criminal Justice and Human Services
Dr. Giordano has more than 15 years of experience teaching in higher education and more than a decade of experience in substance abuse counseling. He is a committed scholar with numerous publications and lectures devoted to furthering research in human services.
Stephanie Godard
Stephanie has over ten years of experience in Allied Health, including medical billing and coding, medical administrative assistant, and other subject areas. She is a registered medical assistant and health information technician, and certified in professional biller, allied health instructor, and medical billing and coding.
Ellen "Ellie" Halibozek, M.Ed., Vocational Education, California State University
Specialty: Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Transcription
Ellen has more than 20 years of experience teaching and developing healthcare curricula beginning with her degree emphasis in curriculum and instruction. She is a Certified Medical Coder, member of the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), and consultant with Pearson Education.
Carla Hardy, M.S., University of Memphis; B.S., University of Memphis
Specialty: Personal Trainer
Carla Hardy is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a strength and conditioning specialist, and by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a group exercise instructor. She has served as a high school track coach, personal trainer, exercise physiologist and group exercise instructor. Carla currently works as the Wellness Coordinator at Emory University's Blomeyer Health and Fitness Center.
Tonita Hollins
Tonita holds dual master’s degrees in business administration and criminal justice, as well as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Her teaching experience includes courses within human resources, business, criminal justice, and information technology.
Catherine Kelly, M.B.A., University of Central Florida; B.S., Marketing, University of Central Florida
Catherine has more than nine years of experience in retail sales leadership working with national retailers such as dELiA*s, Old Navy, and Nordstrom where she was awarded the 4th Quarter All-Star award in 2012. She also has experience in human resources and has focused on training others throughout her retail career. Specialties: Business Administration, Marketing, Retail Management.
Mike Middleton, M.S., Georgia State University; B.S., Central Missouri State University
Specialty: Sport Psychology, Personal Trainer, and Nutrition, Diet, and Health Science
Mike Middleton has devoted his career to health, fitness, and athletic coaching. He has worked as a professional NBA talent scout, and a personal fitness and athletic trainer to individuals of all skill levels. Mike holds several training certifications in the fitness industry. He also has degrees with emphasis in business management, and experience managing both large fitness gyms, and athletic training centers.
Makeda Morant
As a certified Pharmacy Technician with 10 years of experience, Makeda brings a unique perspective to our students. She has been teaching aspiring Pharmacy Technician students for over 3 years and holds a certificate of Compounding Sterile Preparations.
Victor Oladapo, D.B.A., Argosy University; M.P.A., Troy State University
Specialty: Human Resource Management and Hotel Restaurant Management
Dr. Oladapo has more than 20 years of experience in human resources management during which he has worked as an HR manager for several major corporations including Lowe's and Walmart. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) through the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) and has additional experience in hotel restaurant management.
Doug Oldiges
Specialty: Landscape Design
Doug has been passionate about gardening, horticulture, and design since childhood and has travelled extensively to visit as many of the world's most famous landscapes as possible.
Jeanne R. Perrone, MS, CVT, VTS (Dentistry)
Specialty: Veterinary Academy
Jeanne Perrone has been a certified veterinary technician since 1991. She chaired the organizing committee for the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians (AVDT) and earned her Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) in Dentistry in 2006. She has since worked in dental specialty practices, teaches dentistry for St Petersburg College and Vetmedteam, and provides in-clinic trainings in dentistry. She recently earned her MS in Instructional Design and Technology and published the second edition of Small Animal Dental Procedures for Veterinary Technicians and Nurses.
Billy Reid
As the owner/operator of a locksmithing business for almost 30 years, Billy’s expertise in the field and real-world experience as a chief engineer has made him an asset to Locksmithing students.
Robert Ronk
Robert holds 20+ certifications related to his field of expertise – Gunsmithing. He has served in Law Enforcement for 10 years and is the owner and primary gunsmith for a private business.
Huda Samrin
With almost 30 years of experience as a Pharmacy Technician, Huda’s knowledge in the field ranges from working in pharmacies and hospitals to working for the Department of Veterans Affairs. She continues to serve our Veterans while also sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with our students.
Amanda Sanchoo, M.S., Criminal Justice, University of Central Florida
Specialty: Criminal Justice
Amanda has more than ten years of professional and academic experience in criminal justice and education. She previously worked with the Lake County, Fla., Teen Court System.
Sandra Serrant
Specialty: Wedding Planning
Sandra has more than a decade of event planning experience during which she has planned events for the National Football League, served as head of event planning for renowned chef José Andrés, and coordinated numerous weddings, conferences, and fundraisers. She holds a CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) designation from the Events Industry Council (EIC).
Katrina Simpson, M.A., Human Services Counseling: Executive Leadership, Liberty University; B.S., Healthcare Administration, Colorado Tech University; A.S., Health Sciences, South University
Specialty: Sterile Processing
Katrina Simpson is certified in Sterile Processing through the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD). She began as a nursing assistant. In 2004, she worked as a Certified Surgical Technician in the operating room. In addition to the Ashworth College faculty, Katrina serves as Program Coordinator for Sterile Processing, and Lab and Clinical instructor for Surgical Technology at a community college.
Kendra Strodes
Kendra has over five years of experience in and teaching dental assistance. She holds a dental auxiliary with radiology license, coronal polishing license, sealant certification, nitrous oxide monitoring certification, and IV sedation monitoring certification.
John Stronkowski
John is just shy of 40 years of experience in his field and holds numerous licenses and certifications in HVAC Technician, Plumbing, Heating & Air-Condition, and Heating Solar Thermal. He has served in roles of varying capacities such as Director of Education/Vice President, HVAC Service, and Department Head for a Plumbing Program.
Julie Sullivan, B.A., University of St. Thomas
Specialty: Interior Decorating
Julie has more than 16 years of experience in the interior design of commercial and residential projects, sales, and home staging. She has a specific interest in environmentally-friendly design solutions and materials and is well-versed in using CAD software for her projects.
Richard Thurman, M.Ed., Concordia University; M.B.A., American InterContinental University
Specialty: Accounting and Finance
Richard has more than 28 years of business experience with a primary focus on financial services. He worked in banking relations as a successful reconciler, team leader, work coordinator, and a consumer dispute supervisor. His work was instrumental in automating the consumer dispute process with ResQue credit reporting on-line software. He written training manuals, conducted training workshops, and managed a corporate move between states.
SauSha Young
SauSha has experience as an executive sous chef and director of culinary departments, as well as hands-on experience in food service operations, wellness program development, budget management, staff supervision, and training. She holds an associate and bachelor’s degree from Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and a master’s degree in project management.