Office and People Directory

William Stratton

Biography

Bill has been teaching at Champlain for 5 years now, and enjoys the classes, students, and faculty he is lucky enough to interact with.

Publications & Abstracts

I have scores of poems published, and two books in print.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

I am perhaps biased, but I enjoy reading a lot of poetry, science fiction, fantasy, and CNF. It’s hard to recommend only one or two, but I’m happy to expound given more space and time.

I also quite like audio books, where the performers make a big difference. Ray Porter is a favorite, as is Steven Pacey.

I’m pickier with my movies and TV shows, but I recently re-watched Mr. Robot and enjoyed it even more on a second viewing.

Favorite Quote

“In a minute there is time For decisions and revisions which a minute will reverse.”

—T.S. Eliot

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Robyn Stratton-Berkessel

Biography

Robyn’s first career was as a Teacher-of-English-as-a-second language (ESL) in the workplace in her homeland Australia. She loved the meaning and purpose of that contribution. She designed many programs under the umbrella of English for Specific Purposes such as English for Engineers, English for Medical Professionals, English for Administrators.

Robyn Stratton-Berkessel has enjoyed a career in human and organization development for nearly 30 years, focusing on whole system, participatory change methodologies.

Designer and Facilitator of Positive Change
Robyn is recognized for her strengths in designing and facilitating positive change. She collaborates with executives and teams across functional, cultural, and geographic boundaries, designing and delivering impactful change initiatives. Her work focuses on creating cultures of ownership, engagement, and inclusion. With strong leadership skills and experience in diverse arenas, she aims to create change at deep, transformational levels, resulting in sustainable and energizing outcomes.

Experience in Appreciative Inquiry
Robyn has extensive experience in applying Appreciative Inquiry across various sectors, including corporations, educational institutions, and government agencies in both Australia and the USA. She has facilitated large-scale summits and strategic planning sessions for organizations like Google, BAE Systems, and community colleges, focusing on leadership and visioning. Her consulting work has involved enhancing values and culture alignment for companies such as Sonos and improving employee engagement at Forrester Research. Robyn has also conducted numerous Appreciative Inquiry trainings, sharing her expertise in participatory change methodologies.

Qualifications
Robyn holds a Master of Organizational Behavior and Systems from Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney, Australia. Additionally, she possesses numerous certifications and credentials in the field of human and organization development, including the Positive Business and Society Change Program from the Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University, along with several certifications in personality profiling and psychometric surveys.

Publications & Abstracts

Robyn is driven to share effective practices, as demonstrated in her book, “Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions” (2010, Pfeiffer, Imprint of John Wiley, San Francisco), which offers 21 strength-based workshops. Her online training courses provide self-directed, video-based instruction on integrating positive emotions, strength-based approaches, and Appreciative Inquiry into various aspects of life, including home, work, and play. In 2014, she launched a podcast show (http://positivitystrategist.org/podcast), engaging with practitioners and thought leaders to share stories and experiences about positive change methodologies, with a strong emphasis on Appreciative Inquiry.

Appreciative Inquiry for Collaborative Solutions

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• TEDx Talk: “Playful Inquiry—Try this Anywhere”
• Positive Strategy Podcast

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

Favorite Quote

Lao Tzu (604 BC–531 BC) said, “A leader is at their best when people barely know they exist.”

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John Stroup

Biography

John Stroup came to Champlain College in the fall of 2009, having received his PhD in Education from the University of Virginia and his BA from The University of the South. Before receiving his PhD, Professor Stroup taught Middle School and High School English and Social Studies in San Antonio, TX. Among his many responsibilities, he also coached the middle school boys basketball team.

Professor Stroup’s research focuses on teacher education, educational technology and civic education. His current research investigates the ways in which youth become engaged in political and civic activities. He is a scholar and teacher in Middle and Secondary Teacher Education. He is a member of the Executive Council for the Vermont Educator Preparation Inquiry Collaborative (EPIC) which oversees the the Vermont Licensure Portfolio Statewide Calibration System.

Professor Stroup notes that “Learning is the experience of developing, and often changing, previously held knowledge, aims and behaviors. Great teachers make learning possible by marshalling together the widest variety of issues and perspectives for in-depth exploration. This exploration is most valuable when students are confident to participate fully and creatively.”

About his teaching, Professor Stroup believes that “Teacher educators bear a crucial responsibility. As a teacher of teachers, I know that my influence goes far beyond my own classroom walls. My effort to educate future teachers impacts the learning communities of future generations. In this sense, I view my teaching responsibilities as my commitment to participate positively in my own community.”

Distinctions & Awards

Champlain College Service-Learning Faculty Award Recipient, 2019-2020.
Champlain College, Pay it Forward Diversity Award Recipient, 2014-2015.
Vermont Campus Compact, Campus Leadership for Civic Engagement Finalist, 2012.
Vermont Campus Compact, Engaged Scholar Finalist, 2010.

Publications & Abstracts

Stroup, J. (August, 2018). Vermont Creative Schools Initiative Year 1 & 2 Evaluation Report. Montpelier, VT: Community Engagement Lab. https://www.communityengagementlab.org/research

Stroup, J., Dodson, K., Elias, K., & Gewirtzman, A. (forthcoming 2015) A Passion for service? The motivations for volunteerism among first year college students. Journal of the First-Year Experience and Students in Transition. View article here: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1102757

Jones, J. N., Warnaar, B. L., Bench, J. H., & Stroup, J. (2014). Promoting the development of moral identity, behavior, and commitment in a social action program. Journal of Peace Education, 1-21. View article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17400201.2014.898626

Stroup, J. T., Bunting, H., Dodson, K., Horne, M., & Portilla, J. (2013). Promoting a Deliberative and Active Citizenry: Developing Traditional First Year College Student Political Engagement. College Teaching, 61(4), 116-126. View article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/87567555.2013.809327

Jones, J.N., Bench, J.H., Warnaar, B.L., & Stroup, J.T. (2013). Participation as Relational Process: Unpacking Involvement in Social Action and Community Service. Afterschool Matters, 18(2), 9-16. View article here: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1016820

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

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Todd Strunce

Biography

Todd Strunce is a dynamic Information Security Professional with 30+ years solid experience in Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, eDiscovery, Vulnerability Assessments, Security Orchestration Automation Response (SOAR) and customer service with a strong expansive security skill set who aims to respond to new challenges within the security enterprise. As an adjunct professor he enjoys teaching classes related to Cyber Security and Information Technology for the graduate level to give back to the next generation of students to become successful in their careers.

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Joshua Stutts

Biography

Joshua Stutts graduated with his BFA from the Art Institute of Atlanta. After graduating he worked in Independent Game Dev Studios as a 3D Artist at various studios for 9 years. He received his MFA in Interactive Design and Game Development from SCAD with a focus on Photogrammetry. Joshua previously taught at the Art Institute of San Antonio for 6 years. Joshua also taught for 3 years and helped to develop the Game and Interactive Design program at Alfred College.

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Kaylee Sullivan

Biography

Kaylee Sullivan is an experienced community-minded storyteller with a passion for sparking community engagement and collaboration. She loves bringing new ideas to life through comprehensive marketing campaigns and strategies that span web, social media, print, campus promotion, photography, videography, and other creative avenues.

When she’s not working on the latest exciting Champlain College project, she’s on the soccer field coaching local youth, hiking one of Vermont’s beautiful trails, biking along Lake Champlain, enjoying a game night with friends, or escaping into a good book.

What are your hobbies?

Coaching soccer, hiking, skiing, biking, reading, sipping maple lattes

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

– One of my favorite Vermont activities is playing lawn games at the Burlington waterfront with friends at sunset. (With some Folino’s Pizza, too, of course)
– Summer isn’t complete without a maple and black raspberry creemee from Burlington Bay, a hike up Sterling Pond, and a bike ride (or many) on the Colchester Causeway.

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Jennifer Supple

Biography

Jennifer Supple has been teaching at Champlain College since 2017. She teaches classes in Environmental Science, Nutrition, and Biology. Jennifer received an M.S. in Ecology/Plant Ecology from the University of Connecticut and an M.S. in Natural Resources/Forest Health from the University of New Hampshire. She has a B.A. in Environmental Studies from Colby College in Maine.

Jennifer’s graduate work analyzed tree ring growth and needle health to help understand the effects of air pollution and climate on white pine trees in New England. She has worked in science curriculum development with a special interest in forest health and global climate change. She is also interested in the impacts of nutrition and environmental problems on human health.

In addition to helping her students expand their knowledge of important biological, health, and environmental topics, Jennifer is committed to helping her students understand the scientific process and appreciate the relevance and impact that science has on their lives and society.

Outside the classroom, Jennifer loves to hike, trail run and ski with family and friends.

Distinctions & Awards

Space Grant Fellow, UNH Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans, & Space

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Donna Swartwout

Biography

Donna Swartwout has worked on 7 different college campuses over the past 40 years. She is currently serving at the Interim Director for the Office of Accessibility. Donna has served in a variety of roles including Director of Residential Life at Colgate University, Associate VP for Student Affairs/Dean of Campus Life at Merrimack College. During her 7 years at Champlain College, she has been the Director of Community Standards, and a Wellbeing & Success Coach. At the heart of all her positions, regardless of title, is trying to do what is best for students. Some days have been more successful than others.

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Melyssa Sweet

Biography

Dr. Melyssa Sweet is an adjunct professor at Champlain College, bringing extensive practical experience to her teaching. She holds a Master of Science in Educational Psychology & Methodology, a Certificate of Advanced Study in School Psychology, and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in School Psychology from the University at Albany, SUNY.

Dr. Sweet currently works full-time as a school psychologist in the Burlington School District. Her professional journey also includes roles in teaching, school psychology in various PreK-12 public schools, counseling and case management in a residential treatment center for at-risk youth, and autism evaluation. This diverse background enables Dr. Sweet to provide students with a unique perspective enriched with real-life examples. Her research interests encompass trauma, effective program implementation, and wellness practices. Passionate about teaching psychology at the college level, she emphasizes the subject’s relevance to everyday life and relationships, aiming to empower students with knowledge that enhances their personal and professional lives.

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Rebecca Swem

Biography

Becky earned her BS in English and Psychology from SUNY Plattsburgh and an MST from SUNY Potsdam. After teaching middle school for three years, Becky returned to SUNY Plattsburgh to earn her MS in Higher Education and Student Affairs Counseling. Becky then worked at a university LGBTQ center providing student support, training, and event programming. Joining CCO in 2019, Becky first served as an academic advisor before moving into admissions. She is committed to helping students with their education goals, and providing support. In her free time, Becky enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

What are your hobbies?

Hiking, reading, petting dogs

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Nicholas Szumowski

Biography

Nick lives in Burlington, VT with his wife and two children. He is an aspiring mycologist, audio engineer, and skateboarder.

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Helen Tanona

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Casey Tatro

Biography

Casey is a part time campus public safety officer. He graduated from Champlain College in 2002 and holds a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and A.S. in Computer Networking. He currently is employed full-time as systems coordinator for the federal government.

What are your hobbies?

Volunteer Firefighter, Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding, Hiking, Obstacle Course Racing

Favorite local eateries in Vermont:

Leunig’s Bistro & Cafe and Pizza 44

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Tiffany Taves

Biography

Tiffany has spent 30++ years in the field of education, establishing academic programs, institutional policy, and procedure, designing curriculum, faculty development, and instructing classes. In that time, she has worked to help institutions and organizations understand strategies to continue growth and expansion. She has extensive leadership experience in relationship and team building; hiring professional, sales and technical staff; strategic planning; change management, systems, and policy; implementing budget performance and accountability systems; and creating effective professional development programs.
In her time teaching at the college level, she has had the pleasure of teaching at Quincy College, Massasoit Community College and the Boston Architectural College where she taught Writing 1 (Expository Writing), Writing 2 (Research Writing), Introduction to Literature, American Literature, British Literature, Western Civilization, Shakespeare, and the first-year seminar for entering architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture students. At Champlain College Online, she has taught: CREW I (Writing 1), CREW II (Writing 2), Writing in the Workplace, Introduction to Literature, Shakespeare, Introduction to Fiction, Rhetoric: Using Evidence from Sources, The Writing Process, and Survey of Fiction. She has also been a subject matter expert (SME) for several courses where she created curriculum based on learning objectives, collaborated with other faculty and content administrators to ensure the best implementation of the product, and created engaging and integrative curricula or assessment to keep students engaged and improve student outcomes.

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Monique Taylor

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