Faculty

Carolanne Carty attended Clemson University for undergraduate studies receiving dual-certification in Elementary and Special Education. She continued at Clemson University as a graduate assistant working on a federally funded Math Inclusion grant which explored the NCTM standards and the effectiveness of Math Kits in inclusive classrooms. It included an intensive study of Dale Seymour TERC materials. She received her Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership from Seton Hall University in Administration, Supervision and Director of Special Services. She has taught in Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia as well as Jefferson Township and the School District of the Chathams in New Jersey. She has 20 years of teaching experience in special education at the elementary level.

Jean L. DesJardin, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor in the Education Department at Moravian University. Her undergraduate courses consist of Child Development I and II, Data-Driven Analysis Research, and Student Teaching Seminar. She also teaches two courses for the Masters Program; Comprehensive Literacy Strategies for PreK - 4th Grade and Language Acquisition and Development. DesJardin was a teacher for children with hearing loss for 13 years before obtaining her PhD from UCLA in Special Education and Educational Psychology. She holds a M.S. in Deaf Education.

Her current research interests include parental self-efficacy and involvement in early intervention, the home literacy environment, language and literacy outcomes, and social-emotional skills for young children with hearing loss. She is a consultant on several NIH grants with San Diego State University, University of Southern California, and Indiana University. She has published several articles in the field of early childhood special education and communication disorders, and presents at national and international conferences. 

Laurie Gutmann Kahn, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Education Department at Moravian University. She is a special education researcher and educator focusing on disability issues in education. She holds a doctorate in Special Education at the University of Oregon with an emphasis in secondary special education and transition. Before pursuing her doctoral degree, Dr. Kahn was a special education high school teacher in the Bronx, New York, where she focused on career development education for students with disabilities. Her research and practice interests include the intersection of identity, culture and disability in educational research, the use of disability studies in special education practices, and the education of teachers working with students with disabilities. Dr. Kahn has published in the Education Forum, Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Teaching Exceptional Children.

Carole Lutte is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice in Music and Supervisor of the Music Education Program at Moravian University where she teaches undergraduate courses for the Music and the Education Departments, in the areas of music education curriculum design and methods. She is the advisor to the PCMEA Chapter of future music educators at Moravian University.

In June 2018, she retired after 33 years as an instrumental music teacher in the Easton Area School District where she directed the high school marching band, concert band,
wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, string ensemble, jazz ensemble, chamber string ensemble and the pit orchestra for the school musical, as well as taught the Music History and Jazz Improv/Arranging courses. Under her direction the EAHS instrumental groups have performed in eleven states, the District of Columbia, Germany and Denmark.  Professor Lutte serves as a guest conductor as well as adjudicator.

She has served as the PMEA District 10 President as well as the Chairperson for the Region/State Orchestra for PMEA District 10. She was inducted into the National High School Band Director Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Hall of Fame in 2016. She was recognized as an Outstanding Teacher by Lehigh University College of Education and by the Education Visionary Awards.

Professor Lutte holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music Education from West Chester University.

He has taught middle and high school Mathematics for 19 years, served as an instructional coach and district supervisor, and provides professional development to K-12 teachers across North America. In 2005, he won the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching for secondary mathematics. His research interests lie in making sense of mathematics for teaching for teachers, both preservice and in-service, through what they notice and how they respond to it, with a focus on questioning.

Dr. MaryJo Rosania-Harvie comes to Moravian as Interim Professor of Practice in the Art and Education departments. In her career, MaryJo has been an Assistant Principal and Principal in an arts-based charter school and an art educator and artist for over 20 years in K12 public and private settings. MaryJo is certified in K-12 Art Education, grades PK-4, and Educational Administration in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. MaryJo has an M.F.A. from the Vermont College of Fine Arts (formerly The Union Institute) and an E.d.D. in Transformational Teaching and Learning from Kutztown University, where she focused on the postmodern and feminist identities of educators, feminist leadership, teacher leadership, and educator critical reflection. In her doctoral work, she explored how educational memories and experiences impact teachers in the classroom.

Before becoming an art teacher, she earned her BFA from Kutztown University and returned to KU for her post-baccalaureate certification in Art Education. Since 2001, MaryJo has taught students at multiple levels in a variety of settings, primarily focusing on high school art education; while continuing in the classroom, MaryJo was a fine and performing arts supervisor for seven years before her principalship from 2017-2021. MaryJo believes that an integrated creative arts education is the key to building more collaborative and healthier communities and critical thinkers who can engage in creative problem-solving and meaningful self-expression. 

MaryJo is a practicing artist; her work explores identity and feminist inquiry through an interdisciplinary approach and includes drawing, textiles, photography, costume design, video, and performance.

Bess Collins Van Asselt, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Education Department at Moravian University. She teaches English methods courses, Literacy as Resistance in Secondary Schools as well as courses in the M.Ed. program. Before completing her Ph.D., she taught high school English Language Arts. Her current research explores the embodied realities and life histories of queer and transgender youth in secondary schools. Her work has been featured in the English Journal and Transgender Studies Quarterly.

Huijing Wen, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Education Department. She teaches undergraduate and graduate students courses related to language acquisition, literacy development and teaching methodology. She is currently teaching Literacy Assessment and Evaluation, Language Acquisition and Development, Comprehensive Literacy Strategies Prek-4 and 4-8, Emergent Literacy and Language Arts. Dr. Wen has extensive experience in teaching English both as a first language and a second language. She taught in both American and Chinese universities for 12 years before joining Moravian. A former Fulbright scholar and a college professor of English in Shanghai, she published books on English language learning, translated 4 books and worked as an interpreter at renowned international conferences. At Moravian, she is preparing pre- and in-service teachers to teach English to native speakers and students with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Her research interests are understanding early writing development, effective literacy instructional practices, teacher cognition, digital literacy and cross-cultural literacy instructional practices in China and the U.S.

Joseph Anthes, Ed.D., serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Education Department teaching Social Studies Instructional Strategies for elementary and middle school educators at Moravian University. Joe is also a school district administrator in the Bethlehem Area School District and has served as a principal, assistant principal, and high school school social studies teacher. He earned a BA in History from Gettysburg College, and MAT in Education from The College of New Jersey, and MS in Educational Administration from University of Scranton, and an Ed.D. from Lehigh University. In addition to teaching and leadership, he continues to actively pursue research opportunities and presentations for educational practitioners and researchers in pK-12 education.

Emily Aragona-Young, Ph.D., completed her undergraduate education in music education and trumpet performance at Marywood University. She graduated summa cum laude and was the recipient of St. Cecilia’s Medal for Excellence. She completed her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction in 2006 at Moravian University and was given the Master’s Thesis Award upon graduation. Emily earned her Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning and Technology at Lehigh University in 2017. For the past two decades, she has served as a full time music/choral teacher at Saucon Valley Elementary School. At Moravian University, Emily teaches the Music and Movement course and prepares pre-service teachers to weave high-quality drama, music, and movement techniques into their general education pedagogy. 

Dr. Jennifer Bloom brings over two decades of dedicated service to public education in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.  Commencing her career in the Central Bucks School District, she spent 11 years teaching elementary school across various grade levels. Transitioning into administration, she served as an Assistant Principal in the Centennial School District for two years.  For the past seven years, Dr. Bloom has held the role of principal at the Lower Elementary School in the New Hope-Solebury School District.  A passionate advocate for early childhood education, she has shared her expertise at local, state, and national conferences on topics including mindfulness, MTSS processes for all students, personal storytelling, brain-based learning for early childhood learners and optimizing instructional time through innovative kindergarten placement.  Dr. Bloom resides in Bucks County with her husband Travis, and their daughter, Kendall.

Bachelor of Science: Secondary Education-Kutztown University 
Masters of Education: Educational Leadership
Ed.D.: Educational Leadership-Delaware Valley University

Mr. Zachary Brem is an adjunct faculty member in the Moravian Education Department, specializing in Leading Diversity for aspiring administrators pursuing a degree in educational leadership. With over 20 years of experience in public education, he currently holds the position of elementary school principal in the Salisbury Township School District. In addition to his leadership duties, he serves as the Coordinator for English as a Second Language services within the district. His previous roles include assistant principal and special educator in the Allentown School District.

He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary and Special Education from East Stroudsburg University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility Certification from Kings College. He is dedicated to creating and fostering educational environments and opportunities for diverse learners and populations, as well as reforming systems to support all students effectively.

Natalie earned a BA in English from Lycoming College; a MA in English from Lehigh University; and completed Supervisory Course Work at Moravian College. Natalie is a retiree of the Bethlehem Area School District where she was an English Teacher and Department Chairperson at Liberty High School for 33 years. She has been a Supervisor of Secondary Student Teaching since 2018 for Moravian University.

Mary S. Colón is a graduate of Brooklyn College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in elementary and bilingual education with a double minor in both early childhood education and Puerto Rican studies.

With this degree, Mary taught in District 19 in Brooklyn, New York for two years before relocating to the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. To continue building upon her passion for education, Mary obtained a master’s degree in elementary education from Kutztown University and completed her principal certification at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Mary S. Colón was a teacher and administrator in the Bethlehem Area School District for 30 years until her retirement in 2014. During her tenure in the Bethlehem Area School District, Mary collaborated with her colleagues on many initiatives. Most significant was a mission to implement a full day kindergarten program, which came to fruition in 2015 when the district launched this program across all 16 elementary schools.

Mary S. Colón’s dedication to community involvement has affiliated her with Community Services For Children, Neighborhood Health Centers of The Lehigh Valley, Northeast Community Center, City of Bethlehem Latino Advisory Committee, and Northampton Community College Early Childhood Advisory Committee. The Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley recognized her with the Outstanding Educator Award in 1999 and 2014, an award not often received twice from this non-profit organization.

Mary S. Colón serves on the Pennsylvania Governor’s Advisory Commission for Latino Affairs, appointed by Governor Wolf in 2015.

Mary S. Colón is an adjunct faculty member in the Education Department at Moravian University. Moreover, she is a eucharistic minister at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Roman Catholic Church and a catechist for Holy Infancy Church.

Mary is married to Fernando L. Colón and resides in Allentown. They have two children, Dr. Manuel Colon, MD, and Amelia Colon, CSC/LPC.

Jeff graduated from Kutztown University in 1985 with a B.S. in Secondary Education and taught Middle School Social Studies, 9 th grade United States History, Government & Economics, and AP United States Government and Politics, all the Easton Area School District. In 2014, Jeff earned his master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Alvernia University.

During his 34 years with Easton, he was also the head girls’ volleyball coach, assistant varsity softball coach, History Department Coordinator, Mock Trial advisor, National Honor Society advisor, Academic Excellency Ceremony advisor, and the EASD Summer School Coordinator. Jeff successfully led Easton Area High School through the Middle States Accreditation process as an Internal Coordinator. He still volunteers with the Middle States Association serving on 6 school visitation teams.

In 2019, Jeff was inducted into the Easton Area High School Wall of Fame.

Dan is an extremely passionate award winning educator who courageously believes in helping others discover their why and purpose! He believes that the teacher is the most valuable, most dynamic, and most inspirational resource a student can have when unlocking potential, engaging in self-discovery, and creating learning and growth outcomes that last a lifetime! Dan currently serves as a tenured County Administrator and Supervisor of Special Education for Colonial Intermediate Unit 20, a regional educational service agency and branch of the Pennsylvania Department of Education as he provides leadership to public school programs across the K-21 landscape that serve students with a variety of complex needs.

Other professional experience includes service as a Special Education Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Director of Special Services. He has his Bachelor of Science from East Stroudsburg in Therapeutic Recreation, his Master's in Special Education from Centenary University of New Jersey, Master's in Educational Leadership from Centenary University of New Jersey, Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership, Law, and Policy from Liberty University, and his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Centenary University. He also completed the advanced graduate certificate program in Public School Human Resources from Moravian University.

Maria Eppolite earned a B.S. in Elementary Education and Special Education for the Blind and Visually Impaired from Kutztown University, an M.Ed. in Special Education from East Stroudsburg University, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Caldwell University. During her 42-year career in public education Eppolite taught students with special needs in various locations in New York, Virginia, and New Jersey. She was also a Director of Special Services, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent of Schools in various NJ school districts.

Chad Evans is a seasoned educator, instructional leader, and curriculum specialist with over 20 years of experience in K-12 education. Driven by a passion for transforming educational systems, Chad focuses on creating human-centered learning environments that foster student agency, inquiry, and collaboration.

Chad began as an 8th-grade Social Studies teacher, specializing in U.S. History and reading. These early classroom years ignited a passion for Project-Based Learning (PBL) and leveraging technology to empower students with voice, choice, and ownership in their education. This commitment to learner-centered practices led Chad to roles supporting broader educational communities, including instructional coaching and curriculum supervision.

Currently serving as the Supervisor of Educational Planning at the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, Chad partners with district leadership teams to design long-term plans for growth and improvement. This work includes strategic planning, school improvement initiatives, and professional development, all centered on human-centered leadership and future-focused educational practices.

As a lifelong learner, Chad is deeply invested in topics like authentic assessment, competency-based education, and the potential of artificial intelligence to reshape education. With expertise in curriculum design, strategic planning, and standards-based assessment, Chad is committed to empowering educators and creating environments where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

Jennifer Friedrich attended East Stroudsburg University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Special Education. She continued at East Stroudsburg University to earn a Master of Education Degree in Special Education. Jennifer started her career working for Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 specializing in working with children with Autism. Continuing her training in the field of autism, she earned advanced certification at the University of Massachusetts in Behavioral Interventions and Autism. Jennifer also earned her K-12 Supervisor Certification at Seton Hall University and a Certificate of Animal and Human Health through the Denver University’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection. Jennifer completed her Doctorate of Education in Special Education through Walden University. Her research focus was on how animal-assisted interventions increase social-communication skills in children with autism. She is a full-time Special Education teacher at the School District of the Chathams and teaches graduate courses for Moravian University’s Autism K-12 Endorsement program. She has 24 years experience teaching special education, specializing in the field of autism and behaviors.

Mary Ann Guman is a supervisor of student teachers and an adjunct instructor. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education from Bloomsburg University. After graduating from Bloomsburg University she taught Special Education, at the Elementary level in the Pocono Mountain School DIstrict for six years. After moving to Bethlehem, Mary Ann began teaching in the Bethlehem Area School District as an Elementary Reading Specialist. She retired from the BASD after twenty five years. During her time in Bethlehem she took part in extensive training in the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy Instruction. She used this knowledge to teach students and help teachers to teach the most struggling readers.

Lynn Fuini-Hetten is the Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in Salisbury Township School District. Previously, Lynn served as the Supervisor of Instructional Practice in the Salisbury Township School District where Lynn was responsible for professional learning for all staff, supporting curriculum development, supervising the district's virtual learning academy (VAST), and managing federal programs. Prior to her work in that position, Lynn served as a middle school teacher, instructional coach, instructional support teacher and assistant principal in the district. Lynn has been an integral part in the success of Salisbury's 1:1 teaching and learning initiative - Teaching and Learning 2020 (TL2020). As a result of her work in the area of professional development, Salisbury Township School District was recently recognized nationally as a Project RED Signature District and an Apple Distinguished Program. Lynn serves on the executive board for the PASA Women’s Caucus, the professional development committee of PASA and the executive board for the Eastern Region PASCD. Lynn received a BS and an MS in elementary education from Kutztown University, principal certification from Penn State University, instructional technology certification from Kutztown University and is currently pursing a doctorate in educational leadership from Wilkes University. Lynn has taught at DeSales University, and currently teaches in CLIU21 principal program as well as the undergraduate and graduate programs at Moravian University.

Karen Lynn earned a B.Ed in Elementary Education and a M.Ed in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from DeSales University. She also obtained PA certification in teaching English 7-12 and a certificate in teaching writing from the National Writing Project through Penn State University.

Karen is serving as an adjunct faculty member in the Education Department teaching ESL Assessment and Support. Karen is currently an ESOL Teacher and Department Chairperson at Freedom High School in the Bethlehem Area School District.

Jill graduated from Marywood College with a major in Math and Secondary Education. She taught high school math for several years. With the emergence of technology in education, Jill pursued a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology from Lehigh University.

She continued her career in the Bethlehem Area School District as a middle school math teacher and a Technology Integration Specialist. She earned her Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University.

Jill served as an Assistant Principal at Nitschmann Middle School before becoming the Principal of Regional Academic Standards Academy (RASA) and then James Buchanan Elementary School. Jill retired from the BASD in August of 2021.

Jill will be serving as a program supervisor for the Education Department.

Leah Naylor teaches various courses in the department and supervises student teachers. She earned her Ed.D. in Educational Studies from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Northern Colorado, with a doctoral minor in Special Education, and her research was focused on the imagination in Early Childhood Education. She has taught in preschools, elementary schools, and higher education institutes after earning her M.A. from New York University in Elementary Education. In addition, she works as an educational consultant regarding curriculum, teacher support, and student behavior within public and private schools in the US and with individuals. Her research interests and professional activities continue to include the role of imagination in early childhood education, development of teachers, issues in education, child development, and neurodiversity.

Erin O’Connor, M.Ed., serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Education Department teaching the Curriculum and Instruction: Secondary ELA course at Moravian University. With 10 years in public education, Erin currently teaches English in the Bethlehem Area School District. She earned a BA from Bloomsburg University in Secondary Ed. English Education and her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Moravian University.

Amanda O'Donnell, M.Ed., serves as an adjunct faculty member in the Education Department teaching the Literacy Specialist at Moravian University. Amanda is also a reading specialist in the Bethlehem Area School District. She earned a BA from Moravian College in Psychology and Elementary Education and her Master's in Reading from East Stroudsburg University.

Amanda earned a BA in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Millersville University; a MA in Education and Technology from Wilkes University; and completed certifications in ESL at Moravian College and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from East Stroudsburg. Amanda is a teacher in the Bethlehem Area School District where she has taught prekindergarten, first grade, and fifth grade. She is currently an ESOL teacher in the district.

Gina Rakos completed her undergraduate degree at Kutztown University earning a B.S. in education with minors in biology and general science. She completed her Instructional II certificate at Lehigh University and earned a M.A. in Curriculum and Development from the University of Phoenix. With 32 years in public education, Gina currently teaches AP biology and AP environmental science at Nazareth Area High School, where she spent her entire career. Other courses she taught include Anatomy and Physiology, life science, physical science, and CP biology. Gina served as teacher leader of the science department for 10 years. She trained in Reading Apprenticeship, portfolio assessment, and cooperative learning. She wrote and received grants to enhance service learning and the school environment. Gina recently led a group of students in a STEAM project to make Nazareth Area High School disposable water bottle free. The school made strides towards this goal by installing refillable water bottle stations. Additionally, she currently leads a STEAM project to propose a riparian zone along the Schoeneck Stream to decrease erosion and increase the environmental health.

Wendy Elvin-Thomas, M. Ed. is an adjunct professor in the Education Department at Moravian University. Graduate courses taught consist of Reading and Writing Across the Curriculum and Comprehensive Literacy Strategies for Pre K-4th Grade. Ms. Thomas was an elementary teacher for years in New Jersey before earning her masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a certification as a Reading Specialist from Moravian College. She holds a Pennsylvania certification in special education and educational leadership as well.

Ms. Thomas’ current research interests include family engagement in literacy and education and new strategies and techniques for helping struggling readers. She is a Title I Reading Specialist in the Nazareth Area School District. Ms. Thomas has published action research in the field of literacy and presents at national and international conferences.

Education
Special Education Certification, Pre K-12 Moravian College
Principal Certification, Pre K-12 Moravian College
Reading Specialist Certification, Pre K-12 Moravian College
Master of Education Moravian College
Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, K-8 Kutztown University

Connie VanBlargan received an undergraduate degree from East Stroudsburg University for Elementary Education.  She continued her studies at Moravian University where she became certified to teach English as a Second Language.  She also has a MS from Wilkes University for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)  and an MS from Wilkes for Educational Development and Strategies.

Connie has been teaching ESOL in grades K-5 for Bethlehem Area School district since 2005.  She is very passionate about helping her students to learn English and be successful.  In 2023, she worked with another teacher to start an Adult English program to help the parents of ELL students learn English and continue to offer this program in Spring and Fall. Now, she has joined the Moravian staff as an Adjunct Professor teaching Strategies for Second Language Learners at the undergraduate and graduate level.

Anthony R. Villani completed his undergraduate degree at Moravian University in elementary education and his masters and administrative certification at Lehigh University.  He has served as a supervisor for the pre-student teaching program at the University in the areas of English and Social Studies since 2007. Currently he also is teaching the Principal Intern Course in the Educational Leadership program at Moravian University.

Before joining the faculty at Moravian University, Villani served as a middle school language arts teacher, middle and high school principal and finished his 31 year tenure in public education as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction in the Bethlehem Area School District. In addition, Villani was trained as an instructor in Standards-based Reform by the National Center on Education and the Economy, and as a Diversity Trainer by REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) Center in Seattle, Washington. Prior to his position at Moravian University, he was also trained by the Pennsylvania Department of Education as a “Distinguished Educator” to assist troubled districts and schools in improving classroom instruction and student achievement. He is currently employed by Scholastic, Inc. as an account executive and serves as a leadership and intervention consultant to over 100 school districts in Eastern Pennsylvania. Villani is also a 29 year member of the Bach Choir of Bethlehem and serves on the Bach Educational Outreach Committee and the Bach to School Program.

John graduated from Moravian with a B.S. in Social Science and taught Western Civ., AP World History, Honors U.S History II & III, and created two electives (Sports History and Prejudice & Genocide) during my 25 years at Freedom High School in BASD. In addition, he served as a District literacy coach for a few years and earned a M.A. in Educational Technology from Wilkes University.

During his career, he pursued his interest in literacy instruction across the curriculum by becoming a certified Reading Apprenticeship Trainer, attending a Governor’s Institute on literacy instruction, and many other professional development opportunities.

During his time as a teacher, he was an advisor for many activities and clubs including National Honor Society, Student Council, and BASD Mini-Thon. As a firm believer in authentic assessment, his students and I participated in a Sustainability Conference at Lehigh University in 2018 and the Youth and Prejudice Conference at Muhlenberg University.

Dr. Paul Walsh is a high school English and creative writing instructor at Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA. He was a 2022-2023 Teach Plus Pennsylvania Policy Fellow where he worked to advance the mission of creating equitable educational policies in the state and co-authored a guide to implementing the Pennsylvania Culturally Relevant and Sustaining Competencies for teachers, administrators, and other district stakeholders. Paul's academic work focuses on studying the way that storytelling and personal narrative writing can strengthen the racial competency of White teachers and students in order to create more inclusive educational spaces. Paul is currently working on a book tentatively titled Building Racial Competency in White Educators through the Transformative Act of Writing: Writing through Whiteness.