Education Faculty
Francis M. Murphy, Ph.D.
Founding Dean, Professor
Dr. Fran Murphy (fmm32@medaille.edu) began at Medaille in the summer of 2006.
Prior to coming to Medaille, Dr. Murphy was an associate professor at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY, where he was the chair of the Education Administration Program and a co-author of the Doctoral Program in Executive Leadership.
Dr. Murphy was a teacher in elementary, middle and high schools in special education and in English before becoming a principal and a superintendent of schools for 23 years. He served as a school superintendent in Scarsdale, NY; Williamsville, NY; Rome, NY; Conway, NH; Owego, NY and Belgrade, Yugoslavia. Dr. Murphy was New York Superintendent of the year in 1987.
His most recent publication is a book entitled, It’s About the People, Stupid: A Customer Service Self-Defense Manual, published by LINUS Publishing Company in New York, 2007.
Dr. Murphy completed a bachelor’s in science degree in psychology at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, NY in 1969 and a Ph.D. in instructional design, development and evaluation from Syracuse University in 1980.
Virginia Batchelor, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Virginia Batchelor (vbatchelor@medaille.edu) is an associate professor in the Education Department, and has received over a dozen awards for community service. She earned her Ph.D. in the sociology of education from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2001, and has taught at Medaille since 2001. Her courses in Education Methods and Materials, Foundations in Education, and Explorations in Diversity draw from her research and lecture experience. She is currently researching women's health and social issues.
Christopher Bogden, Ed.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Dr. Christopher Bogden (cab92@medaille.edu) is a visiting assistant professor at Medaille College, teaching ECI 510 Research in Education and EDU 502 Mathematics, Science and Technology Methods. For more than 25 years, he has pursued a career dedicated to school improvement and educational leadership. He has worked in public schools and districts across the United States in urban, suburban and rural settings as a teacher, principal and superintendent. As a vice president for Edison Schools, Inc., he developed and supervised the operations of charter schools across the Northeast. He currently consults with private companies, schools and nonprofits on various projects ranging from organizational restructuring to team building and executive coaching. He received his B.S and M.S. degrees from Cornell University and his Ed.D. from Harvard University.
Michelle Cefaratti, Ed.M.
Visiting Instructor
Michelle Cefaratti (mac323@medaille.edu) began teaching at Medaille in 2006. She has taught at D’Youville College in Buffalo and as an elementary school teacher in the Williamsville Central School District for 8 years. Michelle earned a B.F.A. from Syracuse University in 1991 and an Ed.M. from SUNY Buffalo in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading in 2003. She is a member of the International Reading Association (IRA) and runs the Early Intervention and Elementary Reading Clinics at Medaille. She also teaches Developmental Literacy and Assessment courses in the Literacy Department.
Craig Centrie, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Program Director for Master's of Science in Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Dr. Craig Centrie (ccentrie@medaille.edu) is an assistant professor in the Education Department and is the director of the curriculum and instruction graduate program. As a specialist in ethnographic data collection, he is the department's resident anthropologist. His work explores schools as a site for identity and culture construction. His most recent publication, Vietnamese Youth in an American High School, examines the identity formation of young Vietnamese refugees and their experiences in American schools. Dr. Centrie is an experienced world traveler and has lectured widely in Europe, Latin America, and Asia on education, art and human rights. In June 2005 he presented at the United Nations’ Women’s World Conference in Seoul, South Korea, on the experiences of Vietnamese female refugees and human rights. For over 25 years, Dr. Centrie has been an active member of Western New York’s cultural community, co-founding el Museo Francisco Oller y Diego Rivera, the area’s only visual arts organization dedicated to the visual art of Latinos. As a photographer and videographer, he inspires creativity in his students and encourages new ways to explore academic issues.
Claudia Conway, M.S.Ed.
Clinical Assistant Professor and Program Director for Master's of Science in Education, Literacy
Claudia Conway (cconway@medaille.edu) has taught education at Medaille since 2004, and has a master's of education (elementary administration) from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She has additional training in balanced literacy, professional learning communities, student-involved classroom assessment, performance-based assessment, and standards-based teaching and assessment. Her teaching interests include language and literacy development in young children, which draws upon her 29 years of experience in public schools. She is especially interested in continuing the work she was doing in Cleveland: working with urban schools to increase student achievement in literacy. She would like to continue this work in the Buffalo Public Schools. The Conway family moved to Western New York in 2004, and thinks that it's a great place to live.
Elaine Correa, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Dr. Elaine Correa (ecorrea@medaille.edu) earned her Ph.D. from McGill University in the Department of Administration and Policy Studies in education. She has taught in Canada and the United States in the fields of Education, Women's Studies and Canadian Studies. Her research areas are critical feminist pedagogy, popular culture, educational equity, multiculturalism, and law. She is an associate professor in the curriculum & instruction graduate program in the School of Education.
Suzanne E. D'Amato, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Suzanne E. D'Amato (sdamato@medaille.edu) provides the "Medaille Advantage" through extensive service to the college and direct application of her research findings to her first love, teaching. She has earned a bachelor's and master's of science in elementary education and human relations from State University of New York at Buffalo and a master of science in educational administration and supervision from Canisius College. Dr. D'Amato earned her Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Buffalo in 1994. Dr. D'Amato's professional affiliations include the New York State Association for Computers and Technologies Education, the National Council of Teachers of English, Advocacy for Gifted and Talented Education in New York State, Inc. (AGATE), and the International Reading Association. Working with pre-service teachers is both her vocation and her avocation.
Salvatore D'Amato, M.S.Ed.
Visiting Instructor
Salvatore D'Amato (sfdamato@medaille.edu) joined the Education Department in 2004, having previously taught at Canisius College. He is a member of the executive board of the Western New York Writing Project, for which he develops and facilitates professional development workshops for teachers. D'Amato holds a B.F.A. in theater from Niagara University and an M.S. in Secondary Education and an M.S. in educational administration from Canisius College. He is currently earning an Ed.D. in educational leadership at D'Youville College. D'Amato enjoys performing with a local band, going to concerts, boating, and playing with his Jack Russell terrier.
Susan Dunkle, M.S.Ed.
Visiting Instructor
Sandra J. Ebling Errico
Visiting Instructor
Sandra J. Ebling Errico began teaching in the Literacy program at Medaille’s School of Education in 2007. She received her B.S. and M.S. in education from SUNY Fredonia, and her special education certification from Nazareth College in Rochester. Sandra is dually certified in reading and special education in grades preK-12. She has significant knowledge of the education field, with experience teaching and tutoring with students at every age level. She has worked for many local school districts and colleges, including RIT, Roberts Wesleyan College, and Monroe Community College.
Errico is president of Precision Education in Buffalo, which offers year-round private instruction for K-12 and post-secondary students along with diagnostic testing and evaluations. Errico also serves as the curriculum coordinator of Country Park Day Care in Williamsville, and is a member of the faculty in the English Department at Erie Community College.
Jeffrey A. Faunce, M.A.
Visiting Instructor
Jeffrey Faunce (jaf69@medaille.edu) is a visiting instructor at Medaille College teaching various courses including Social Studies, ELA and Arts Methods, Foundations of Education, The Core of Education, The Teacher as Researcher, and others. He also supervises student teachers in elementary schools throughout the area. Before coming to Medaille, Jeff was a full-time instructor at Canisius College and an adjunct professor at Daemen College (in the Canadian Scholars Program) and at D’Youville College. Prior to teaching at the post-secondary level, Jeff was a middle school building principal, a middle school and high school assistant principal and a 10-year public school teacher. Jeff enjoys music, reading, golf, running and most of all spending time with his two wonderful children Emma and Jacob.
Felecia Hanesworth, M.S.Ed.
Visiting Instructor
Felecia Hanesworth (fhanesworth@medaille.edu) has been teaching at Medaille College since 2003 and became a full-time instructor in 2006. She earned her master’s degree from Medaille College in curriculum and design and is also a graduate of State University of New York at Buffalo, earning a B.S. in communicative disorders and sciences. She holds a permanent certification as a teacher of the speech and hearing impaired and has been working as a speech therapist for 14 years. Ms. Hanesworth has taught various courses within the School of Education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and also works as a supervisor for student teachers. Within the framework of the classroom, her students are strongly encouraged to develop their critical thinking skills, communication, citizenship and consciousness of diversity among many other qualities, to become successful educators.
Patricia K. Heffernan, Ed.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Dr. Patricia K. Heffernan (pkh25@medaille.edu) is a Visiting Assistant Professor at Medaille College teaching graduate students on both the Amherst and Buffalo campuses. She has 35 years of experience in the field of education. Prior to coming to Medaille, she held various administrative positions including principal, vice principal, coordinating administrator of special education and curriculum coordinator in addition to teaching. Her experience is in public urban and private schooling at both elementary and secondary levels. Also, she spent many years in the field of education of the deaf.
Dr. Heffernan earned her doctorate in curriculum planning and instruction at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Additionally she holds degrees in deaf education and administration. Previously she taught as an adjunct professor at several colleges and recently she taught full time in Rochester. She has written a number of articles, given numerous presentations and served in various state and national capacities.
Sharon Kulhanek, Ed.D.
Professor
Dr. Sharon Kulhanek (skulhanek@medaille.edu) has taught at Medaille since 1973, with previous experience as an elementary school teacher. She earned her master's and doctoral degrees from the State University of New York at Albany. Her primary teaching focus has been on reading and literacy, specifically in children's literacy. Dr. Kulhanek also enjoys needlework, reading and travel.
Illana Lane, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair of the Elementary Education Department
Dr. Illana Lane (ILane@medaille.edu) has taught at Medaille since 2001, instructing undergraduate and graduate students in math, science, technology, methods of education, foundations of education, diversity and research in education. She has also advised student teachers and directed master's thesis projects. She earned a Ph.D. in the sociology of education from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2003. In addition to serving on many College committees, Dr. Lane directs the Education Preparation Program, and belongs to the Academic Educational Studies Association (AESA) and the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE).
Belete Mebratu, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Dr. Belete Mebratu (bmebratu@medaille.edu) has taught in the Education Department since 2004. Mebratu earned a Ph.D. in elementary education from the State University of New York at Buffalo, with previous studies and teaching experience at Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia. Mebratu's courses include curriculum studies, educational research, and transitions from education's roots to the present. These courses draw from Mebratu's publications and presentations on early childhood education and international educational systems.
Carol O'Connor, M.S.Ed.
Clinical Instructor
Carol O'Connor (coconnor@medaille.edu) has taught at Medaille in the Education Department since 2004. Prior to this, she was an elementary education teacher in Cheektowaga, with experience in every grade level from K-6. O'Connor supervised student teachers and junior participants as a public school teacher, and now instructs student teaching and field experience courses, among others. She was involved in instruction programs for enrichment students and learning disabled students, and emphasized computer literacy in the classroom with integration in all subject areas.
Donald O'Connor, M.S.Ed.
Clinical Instructor
Donald O'Connor (doconnor@medaille.edu) has taught in the Education Department at Medaille since 2004. Prior to this, he instructed grades 4-6 in the Cheektowaga Central School District. Throughout that time, he continually attended workshops, conferences and in-service training, focusing on curriculum and New York state standards for science and mathematics. O'Connor has experience teaching in self-contained classrooms and as part of a two-, three-, four- and departmentalized team. He teaches courses in mathematics methods and math, science and technology.
Henry George Peters, M.S.
Visiting Instructor
Henry George Peters began teaching in Medaille’s education department in 2007. He earned an M.S. in educational administration from Niagara University, and has administrative experience in the North Tonawanda, Grand Island, Williamsville, Honeoye Falls-Lima and Rush-Henrietta school districts.
Peters is a member of Phi Delta Kappa, the School Administrators Association of New York State, the Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development, Association of Special Education Administrators, the Council for Exceptional Children, and the New York State Association of Pupil Service Administrators.
Peters has presented at over 100 professional conferences, has served as a consultant to public schools and public agencies on education topics, and has served as an advocate for families of handicapped children.
Peters is currently a town justice in the Town of Cambria, a volunteer for the Food Shuttle, and portrays historical characters through the Niagara County Historical Society.
Thomas Scheira, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Contact Dr. Schiera at tscheira@medaille.edu.
Mary Beth Scumaci, M.S.Ed.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Academic Technology Coordinator for the School of Education and Canadian Education Program Director
Mary Beth Scumaci (mscumaci@medaille.edu) became a full-time instructor at Medaille in 2005, and serves as the academic program director for the Canadian Education Program at the Amherst Campus. She has a master's of science in education from the State University of New York at Geneseo, and is permanently certified to teach N-6 in New York State. Scumaci has designed and developed two online courses for master's students: Research in Education and Teacher as Researcher, and also teaches Education Methods of Teaching Math, Science and Technology. Her research interests include online educational experiences, action research, relational aggression and new teacher experiences. She has also taught graduate level courses in teaching children's literature and the foundations of teaching reading.
Jane Scura, Ed.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor
Dr. Jane Scura (jfs57@medaille.edu) is a visiting assistant professor at Medaille College, teaching courses in Developmental Literacy, Literacy Assessment and Early Field Experience. She received her B.S. from Mercyhurst College in general education and special education, an M.S. from Nazareth College in special education, a C.A.S. in administration from SUNY Brockport and an Ed.D. in educational leadership from Southeastern Nova University.
After dedicating 31 years of service to the students and families in the inner city schools of the Rochester City School District, she came to Medaille College to further her work in teacher development. While with the Rochester City School District, she served as a special education teacher, director of two preschools, principal of three elementary schools and lead principal. Dr. Scura provided teacher training in several areas including literacy, classroom environment and working with parents as well as leadership training for administrators. She also served as an adjunct professor at SUNY Geneseo. Believing that the optimum working environment is within a community of learners, the leap to higher education with Medaille College has proven to be a positive experience within her new learning community. She feels that her work in public education allows for the opportunity to not only coach future teachers, but also share experiences to enrich their understanding of the world of education and to promote student academic and life-long success.
Susan Sprague, M.S.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Susan Sprague (ssprague@medaille.edu) is a graduate of Buffalo State College with a B.S. in elementary education and a concentration in early childhood. She holds a permanent New York State certification in nursery, kindergarten, & grades 1 - 6. She obtained her master's degree from Canisius College in the Literacy Program. After graduating from Buffalo State, she taught fourth grade at Fourteen Holy Helpers School in West Seneca for ten years. She then moved on to teach at Medaille College, specializing in the areas of Literacy and Methods. Some of her hobbies include dancing (tap ,jazz, & ballet) exercising, & reading. She enjoys spending time with her daughter.
Virginia Stolarski, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Chair of the Special Education Department and Assessment Coordinator for the School of Education
Dr. Virginia S. Stolarski (vss32@medaille.edu) has more than twenty years of state, national and international experience at various levels of education, including teaching and middle-level leadership positions in P-12 education and higher education. She is recognized in the field of special education as a national expert and leader in the area of blindness and visual impairments and multiple handicapping conditions. Dr. Stolarski has taught a multitude of online courses, co-taught extensively, and taught in and directed a program delivered in a non-traditional format. She actively provides educational programmatic consultation for learners with disabilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. In her free time, she enjoys tennis, golf, gardening and doing crafts with her daughter.
Marcia Swiatek, M.S.
Clinical Assistant Professor
Marcia Swiatek (mswiatek@medaille.edu) is a clinical assistant professor who joined the Education Department as a full time faculty member in 2000, having previously taught as an adjunct professor at Medaille, Canisius and Buffalo State. She earned her B.S., M.S. and certificate of advanced study (C.A.S.) in education at Buffalo State College. She teaches both graduate and undergraduate education courses and supervises student teachers. Prior to teaching at Medaille, she was an elementary education teacher in the Lancaster Central School District, with many years of experience in both the primary and intermediate grades and is permanently certified to teach grades 1-6 in New York State. She supervised student teachers and junior participants as a public school teacher and was very involved at the building and district levels while acting for many years as the teacher-in-charge of the building in the absence of the building administrator.
Her research and teaching interests include action research, teacher induction, staff development and learning styles. In addition to serving on the Faculty Development Committee at Medaille, she is co-chair of the Mentoring Committee. Marcia is a professional member on both the state and national levels of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE), is a past president of the state unit, past chair of the National Credentials Committee and served on the National 2006 Planning Committee, and has accepted an appointment by the current National President-Elect to serve on the Summer 2008 Planning Committee. She is also an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma International- Alpha Lambda Chapter, which is an educational organization of key women educators. She serves currently as the President of the Alpha Lambda Chapter and is the State Communications Chair and has been nominated for the position of Secretary of Pi (New York) State.
Jim Thompson, C.A.S.
Visiting Assistant Professor
James R. Thompson began teaching in Medaille’s Education department in 2007. He earned his M.S. at SUNY New Paltz, a C.A.S. at SUNY Oswego, and is permanently certified by New York for teaching elementary and secondary students, and as a school district administrator.
Prior to coming to Medaille, Thompson was the principal of Wolcott St. School in LeRoy for twenty years. He worked for the Liverpool Central School District as a social studies and reading teacher, and as assistant principal. Thompson has also taught graduate courses in SUNY Brockport’s Educational Administration program.
As an educator for the past 35 years, Thompson tries to “do what is best for kids each and every day.” Thompson was the New York State Elementary Principal of the Year in 1993, and was a National Distinguished Principal in 1994.
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