Sanford College of Education Academic Leadership Team

Dr. Robert Lee, EdD

Dean, Sanford College of Education and Regional Vice President, Los Angeles

Dr. Robert Lee, EdD

Dean, Sanford College of Education and Regional Vice President, Los Angeles

Dr. Robert Lee is the Dean of National University’s Sanford College of Education, the largest provider of teaching credentials in California, and the Regional Vice President for Los Angeles. Nationally recognized for his innovative work in building community-based learning centers, Dr. Lee founded the Chicago Teacher Education Pipeline at Illinois State University, advancing a community-immersive, culturally responsive teacher preparation model. He later founded the National Center for Urban Education, creating cross-institutional partnerships to address systemic challenges in urban communities. Since joining NU, Dr. Lee has secured over $20 million in grant funding to support ‘grow your own’ teacher residencies and full-service community schools in high-need districts. He also spearheaded NU’s first stackable certificate pathway for early childhood educators with The National Head Start Association and developed an alternative licensure pathway for students outside California. His work has been featured on PBS NewsHour® and Education Week, and he has received accolades from The Association of Teacher Educators Council of Past Presidents, and The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Dr. Lee earned his doctorate from DePaul University, his master’s from Harvard University, and his bachelor’s from Pepperdine University.

Kim Levey, EdD

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
619-753-2805

Kim Levey, EdD

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Sanford College of Education

Kim Levey serves as the Associate Dean, Academic Affairs in the Sanford College of Education at National University. Kim previously served as the Associate Vice President, Curriculum & Educational Effectiveness, and Program Manager for the Community Research Institute. With a passion for education in all its forms, her career and research are focused on developing future educators and administrators, assessment of and for learning, strategic planning, education policy, and organizational dynamics and change. She also serves as the Board of Directors President for Banding Together, a non-profit organization providing music therapy services to people with special needs. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton, a Master of Public Administration from National University, and an EdD in Organizational Leadership from Pepperdine University. She lives in sunny San Diego, California.

Brianna Parsons, EdD

Associate Dean of Faculty, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
347-770-4345

Brianna Parsons, EdD

Associate Dean of Faculty, Sanford College of Education

Dr. Brianna Parsons has served in higher education for almost two decades as an Associate Dean of Faculty, Department Chair, Director of Curriculum and Research, Educational Consultant for Business & Industry, and faculty member. Before entering higher education, Brianna was an assistant harbormaster, brokered cars, and restored/refurbished passenger ships. Her experiences in industry defined her curiosity and drove her to explore how higher education can serve all persons. She is passionate about access and equity for first-generation, low-income students, as well as developing pathways to honor prior learning and military experience. She earned her EdD in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University and holds degrees in Psychology and Naval Science. She lives on the coast of Maine and enjoys her family, including her two beagles, Hemingway and Eleanor.

Brian Endfinger, PhD

Director of Curriculum, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]

Brian Endfinger, PhD

Director of Curriculum, Sanford College of Education

Dr. Brian Endfinger serves as the Director of Curriculum for the college and provides guidance on curriculum development and revisions. Dr. Endfinger received his PhD in Instructional Leadership from the University of Alabama and holds master’s degrees in educational technology and human resources management. With over 25 years in higher education, Brian has held several positions in learning experience design, curriculum management, and is a leader in utilizing technology to enhance the student experience in online learning environments. As an instructor, Brian has trained student teachers to use technology in the classroom and infuse technology into classroom and online learning. Brian’s passion is driving change to improve people and processes to achieve success.

Patricia Heydet-Kirsch, EdD

Director of Assessment, Accreditation and Clinical Practice, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
561-866-9777

Patricia Heydet-Kirsch, EdD

Director of Assessment, Accreditation and Clinical Practice, Sanford College of Education

Dr. Patricia Heydet Kirsch has served the education discipline as a teacher, administrator, and researcher. Her career as a high school science teacher earned the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification. Her higher education experiences include positions as Assistant Dean for Accreditation, Assessment and Analytics and as Director of Assessment, Accreditation and Clinical Practice. Patty is passionate about actionable data and strives to engage faculty in discussions to not only assure candidate success but to inform program design. Working with multiple layers of assessment needs, she acknowledges the impact of online tools in program delivery.

Katie Buvoltz, PhD

Associate Director, Faculty Support and Development, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
480-253-3469

Katie Buvoltz, PhD

Associate Director, Faculty Support and Development, Sanford College of Education

Katie Buvoltz serves as Associate Director of Faculty Support and Development. Her passion is faculty care and helping ensure that faculty are equipped to serve students well. Katie has 24 years of experience in higher education administration and teaching. Before joining National University, Katie successfully led an adult degree completion program. She was meaningfully involved in recruiting, advising, client care, marketing, transition to online programming, and bottom-line performance. She also served as an instructor and curriculum designer in both online and classroom-based environments—from residential undergrads to adult degree completers. Katie earned her PhD in Organizational Leadership and Human Resources Development from Regent University. Katie lives in Buffalo, NY. She loves Sunday afternoons, football, and fiery hot wings. She also enjoys walking alongside Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, or through the woods with her Pittie mix, Ginger.

Katelyn Brown

Operations Manager, Sanford College of Education

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Katelyn Brown

Operations Manager, Sanford College of Education

Katelyn Brown joined National University in 2022 and is currently an Operations Manager for the Sanford College of Education. She has an extensive background in educational leadership support in public school settings and has a passion for student success. Katelyn provides direct support to other members of leadership, faculty, staff, and students and continues to further her education and knowledge within National University.

Tamra Moya, MA

Manager of Dean Support, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]

Tamra Moya, MA

Manager of Dean Support, Sanford College of Education

Tamra started at National University in July 2008 as a Center Assistant at the Kearny Mesa Campus in San Diego. She joined the College of Education in 2010 as an Administrative Assistant and has held various titles before her appointment as Manager of Dean Support, where she leads staff and business management, and provides direct support to the Dean and college leadership. Tamra earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration at National University and continued her education with a Master’s of Arts in Performance Psychology. Native to San Diego she enjoys being outdoors with her family.

Nilsa J. Thorsos, PhD

Professor & Chair, Teacher Education Department, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
818-237-8624

Nilsa J. Thorsos, PhD

Professor & Chair, Teacher Education Department, Sanford College of Education

Dr. Nilsa J. Thorsos is a Professor of Education at National University and serves as the Department of Teacher Education Chair. She has mentored doctoral candidates actively and served in doctoral committees as a subject matter expert (SME) specializing in education and methodology approaches. She has authored several articles, books, book chapters, and editorials. She has also served as an editor and reviewer for peer-reviewed books and journals, including Issues in Teacher Education and The Urban Review. Dr. Thorsos’ scholarship includes paper presentations on education-related topics in international and national venues. Her research interests include linguistics, literacy, language acquisition, bilingualism, special education, education, and mentoring in higher education. Dr. Thorsos is the (Co-PI) for the Federal Hawkins Grant: DREAMS.

Susanne James, PhD

Chair, Special Education Department, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
816-213-1984

Susanne James, PhD

Chair, Special Education Department, Sanford College of Education

Dr. Susanne James is an educator, author, speaker, consultant, and leader in cutting edge technologies in teacher preparation. Prior to completing her doctorate at The University of Kansas, Dr. James was a classroom teacher of students with special needs for 14 years in instructional and inclusion settings in Kansas and Missouri. For the past 12 years, Dr. James was a professor in teacher education and an advocate for inclusive educational settings for students with disabilities. She has presented at national and international conferences on feedback and teacher preparation, as well as presented as the keynote speaker on virtual learning environments. Additionally, Dr. James has co-authored a book on Giving, Exhibiting, Teaching Feedback in Special Education Teacher Preparation and has written chapters that focus on literacy instruction and trauma-informed practices in rural settings. Dr. James’ research, teaching, and service supports feedback, trauma-informed practices, virtual simulation in teacher preparation, and strategic instruction.

Ronald D. Morgan, EdD

Professor and Department Chair of ABA, School Psychology and Educational Counseling programs in the Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
909-754-0525

Ronald D. Morgan, EdD

Professor and Department Chair of ABA, School Psychology and Educational Counseling programs in the Sanford College of Education

Dr. Ronald Morgan began his career as a high school counselor soon after receiving his master’s degree in counseling. After five years he became the principal at the same high school and upon completion of his doctorate, became a faculty member at the University of Redlands. During his nearly 20 years at Redlands, he served as Director of the School Counseling program, Chaired the Graduate programs division and was Associate Dean for four years. Additionally, he is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and had a part-time private practice for over 30 years. Currently Dr. Morgan holds a faculty position at National University as Professor and Department Chair of the ABA, School Psychology and Educational Counseling programs. His research over the years has resulted in numerous peer reviewed articles, book chapters and presentations in the areas of trauma, role of school counselors, SEL and currently issues facing marginalized populations.

Dina Pacis, EdD

Professor & Chair, Organizational Leadership and Educational Administration, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
858-735-9321

Dina Pacis, EdD

Professor & Chair, Organizational Leadership and Educational Administration, Sanford College of Education

Dr. Dina Pacis is a Professor of Education and the chair of the Department of Organizational Leadership and Educational Administration at National University. Raised in a multilingual military family in Hawaii, she brings a diverse cultural perspective to her educational work. Her experience spans both PK-12 and higher education, with a focus on leadership development and faculty mentorship. Dr. Pacis has authored numerous publications on leadership, organizational change, and advocacy for underserved women and children. She has also served as an editor and reviewer for peer-reviewed journals, including The Journal of At-Risk Issues. As a United Nations Delegate at the Commission on the Status of Women, she advocates for educational issues affecting marginalized communities. Additionally, she is the Co-Investigator for two significant grants that promote equity and inclusion in education, showcasing her commitment to diversity and student success.

Meghann Caitlin O’Connor, MS

Director, ASPIRE (Advancing Student Progress through an Innovative Residency Experience) Project, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
619-333-9587

Meghann Caitlin O’Connor

Director, ASPIRE (Advancing Student Progress through an Innovative Residency Experience) Project, Sanford College of Education

Meghann O’Connor has had extensive experience in bilingual Special Education teaching and in executive leadership positions at South County San Diego School Districts as Director of Special Education and Student Services prior to becoming the San Diego County Office of Education, Director of Early Education. When the opportunity became available to impact new teachers as they attended the National University’s credential program through the ASPIRE Grant, she immediately became interested in returning to the field to support the development of a community based teacher pipeline as they move into the classroom. Ms. O’Connor currently works supporting students in the Inspired Teacher and Learning (ITL), Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Inspired Teaching and Learning with a Bilingual Authorization (BILA) Credential/MA degree programs.

Nenit Wills, MA

Senior Director, Credentials & Licensure, Sanford College of Education

[email protected]
858-642-8952

Nenit Wills, Master of Arts in English

Senior Director, Credentials & Licensure, Sanford College of Education

Nenit Wills is the Sr. Director of Credentials and Licensure at National University. She leads a team of advisors and specialists who help students navigate the often-complicated process to obtaining a CA teaching or services credential. With over 23 years of experience, exemplary performance, and an extensive understanding of credentials, she has provided information, resources, guidance, and training to staff, faculty, and affiliates.