Krista Figueroa

Psychology
Adjunct Lecturer

Email: [email protected]
Office: Raymond Hall

Professor Figueroa is a former professional figure skater, with an athletic career spanning over 25 years. She has competed nationally in both individual and team events, performed in a variety of exhibitions and touring shows, and coached professionally for over a decade.

Professor Figueroa is a published author and her research on the stigma of mental health in elite sports has been featured by the International Journal of Education and Social Science. She was selected by the Association for Applied Sport Psychology as a conference presenter on the topic of sport performance anxiety and performance enhancement.

Professor Figueroa obtained a master’s degree in psychology from Seton Hall University and was awarded two post-graduate certifications in sport psychology. Her research areas include sport performance dysfunction, EMDR for injury trauma and performance enhancement, and the psychology of performance.

Janet Fike

Education
Adjunct Professor

Email: [email protected]
Office Location: Werner Hall, 112

Dr. Fike earned her Bachelors Degree in Special Education from the University of Connecticut and her Masters Degree in Special Education from George Mason University. Her doctorate in Educational Leadership was awarded from Seton Hall University and her Law Degree was earned at the Seton Hall University School of Law. She has held the positions of special education teacher, learning disabilities teacher consultant, Director of Special Service, and then Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent of the Morris-Union Jointure Commission in New Providence, New Jersey. She enjoys teaching the graduate education and counseling students about law and its impact on the students, their families and the school districts.

Jennifer Fischer

Institute for Innovation & Emerging Technologies
Director

Email: [email protected]
FAX: Alumni Theater 228

At Caldwell University, Jennifer heads AI initiatives for the institution, ensuring ethical and responsible AI adoption to achieve strategic objectives, and she is leading the development and implementation of the Institute for Innovation and Emerging Technologies (IIET). Both endeavors equip students with the skills, literacies, and critical perspectives needed to thrive in a technology-driven world.

Jennifer is an accomplished AI ethicist, thought leader, and expert in operationalizing AI strategy and governance. She has advised many clients, specializing in mitigation strategies for human, ethical, and socio-technical AI risks. And, she is one of only ten global experts chosen to develop the first industry certification program for Ethical AI & Data Science.

Prior to joining Caldwell, Jennifer served as COO & Deputy CEO for an award-winning cyber-risk firm, and has more than a decade of C-level executive experience in higher education, Big 4 consulting, and Fortune 50 organizations.

Jennifer is privileged to teach at the university level in accredited higher education and corporate university programs across the US and abroad. She is passionate about narrowing the future skills gap, enabling organizations to upskill the workforce at scale, and innovating learning experiences with intelligent and emerging technologies.

James Flynn

Theology and Philosophy
Department Chair, Associate Professor

Email: [email protected]
Office: 973-618-3525
Location: Visceglia 143
FAX: 973-618-3349
Office Location: Visceglia Hall, 143

Office:
Thurs: 9am to 11am
Fri: 9am to 11am

B.A. in Philosophy and Psychology (double major), Certificate in Ancient Greek, Phi Beta Kappa, St. Louis University
M.A. in Philosophy, Fordham University
Ph.D in Philosophy, Fordham University

Jessica Frayne

Education
Adjunct Lecturer

Email: [email protected]
Office Location: Visceglia Hall, 223A

Office:
Mon: Email to coordinate time
Tues: Email to coordinate time
Wed: Email to coordinate time
Thurs: 5pm – 7pm
Fri: Email to coordinate time

Education

Monmouth University, Master Degree in Education, K-5
Rutgers University, Bachelors of Science, Psychology and Criminal Justice

Michael Furnari

Sociology and Criminal Justice
Adjunct Lecturer

Email: [email protected]
Office: 973-618-3374
Location: Visceglia 312

Ph.D. University of Massachusetts Lowell, Criminology and Justice
M.A. University of Massachusetts Lowell, Peace and Conflict Studies
B.S. University of Massachusetts Lowell, Criminal Justice

Michael Furnari is an instructor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Caldwell University. He received his Ph.D. in criminology and justice studies from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a concentration in security studies. His research focuses on the evolution of organized criminal networks in Japan, and he was able to complete extensive fieldwork in Japan during his studies with the help of the Japan government’s Monbukagakusho funding. His current research focuses on drivers of minority representation in criminal organizations in Japan.

Alan G Petersen

Sociology and Criminal Justice
Adjunct Lecturer

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3000

B.A., University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth
M.A., John Jay College of Criminal Justice
MFS., George Washington University

Michael Galvin

Finance
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3230
Office Location: Rosary Hall, 1st Floor

Office:
Mon: 9am-4pm
Tues: 9am-4pm
Wed: 9am-4pm
Thurs: 9am-4pm
Fri: 9am-4pm

Michael Galvin, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Finance, comes to Caldwell from Montclair State University where he was appointed Interim Vice President for Finance and Treasurer in March 2022. He had started at Montclair in 2014 as its Controller and was promoted to Associate VP for Finance in 2017. Prior to joining the higher education industry, Mr. Galvin had a 26-year career in the not for profit industry serving as the VP for Finance and Treasurer for the American Lung Association and Muscular Dystrophy Association. Mr. Galvin earned his bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Rutgers University and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Global Management Accountant in the State. Mr. Galvin is a member of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Susanne Galvin

Career Planning and Development
Director

Email: [email protected]
Office Phone: 973 618-3536
Office Location: Aquinas Hall 109

Susanne Galvin has nearly 20 years in higher education, focusing on creating experiential and internship programs, employer connections, and guiding people toward meaningful careers. She holds a Master’s Degree from Rutgers Graduate School of Education.

Xiaolei Gao

Natural Sciences
Associate Professor of Chemistry

Email: [email protected]
Office: 973-618-3506
Office Location: Visceglia Hall, 142

Dr. Gao got her Ph.D degree in Organic Synthesis from Brandeis University and worked in the field of drug discovery at Merck Research Laboratories for 10 years before she changed her career path to become a chemistry professor.

Dr. Gao has published over 30 papers on highly reputable scientific journals and was granted 48 patents in drug discovery.

Dr. Gao has extensive experience in mentoring students for their independent award research.

Lakeisha Garrett

Leadership and Management
Adjunct Lecturer

BS, Management Science, Kean University MS, Accounting, Rutgers University
MBA, Business Management, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Patricia Garruto

Mathematics
Professor

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3392
FAX: 973-618-3365

B.S. Mathematics – Seton Hall University
M.A.T. Master of Arts in Teaching, Mathematics – Montclair State University
Ed.D. Mathematics Education – Montclair State University

Dr. Garruto received her Ed.D. in studying techniques for improving mathematics comprehension for college students who struggle with basic skills. Additionally, she serves as co-principal investigator on a university STEM grant that focuses upon supporting and strengthening the mathematics and science skills of college students who major in STEM subjects. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, vacationing at the Jersey shore, and traveling.

Kenneth Gattie

Business and Computer Science
Adjunct Professor

Email: [email protected]

Kenneth C. Gattie Adjunct Professor of Business Analytics B.S. Business Administration, Bucknell University M.B.A. , finance and Accounting, University of Chicago

Mohamed Gebril

Business and Computer Science
Assistant Professor of Business Administration

Email: [email protected]

Dr. Mohamed Gebril is an Assistant Professor of Business Administration at Caldwell University, combining a strong academic background with extensive corporate experience in the manufacturing industry.
As a lifelong learner, Dr. Gebril views education as a continuous journey of growth and innovation. Throughout his career, he advanced from design engineer to management roles, gaining valuable insight into how organizations operate at every level. Along the way, he became a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Driven by a desire to apply business principles to real-world challenges, he pursued an MBA, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and earning the Outstanding MBA Graduate Award, and later completed a Doctorate in Business Administration.
His dissertation research focused on bridging the gap between business academia and industry practice, demonstrating how evidence-based strategies and technology can improve decision-making and organizational outcomes.
A holder of two U.S. patents, Dr. Gebril brings a rare blend of technical expertise, managerial experience, and academic insight to the classroom. His teaching philosophy emphasizes equipping students to connect theory to application and succeed in today’s dynamic, technology-driven business world.

Murat Genc

Business and Computer Science
Adjunct Instructor

Email: [email protected]

Murat A. Genc, M.S., M.A. Adjunct Professor of Computer Science B.S., New York Institute of Technology M.A., Psychology, Pace University M.S. Information Network and Computer Security, New York Institute of Technology

Deborah Giordano

Education
Certification Officer and Office Manager

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3407
Location: Visceglia 232
FAX: 973-618-3580
Office Location: Visceglia Hall, Room 232

Office:
Mon: 8:30am-4:30pm
Tues: 8:30am-4:30pm
Wed: 8:30am-4:30pm
Thurs: 8:30am-4:30pm
Fri: 8:30am-4:30pm

Debbie previously worked in the Registrar’s office for 11 years and then came to the Department of Education in 2014. She is available to any student, staff or faculty member who may need some assistance. She is very honored to be part of the Education family at Caldwell University.

Athena Giordano

Education
Adjunct Professor

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3407
Office Location: Visceglia Hall

Athena started her career in Caldwell University in 2004. She graduated with a BA in Elementary Education/Psychology in May, 2009, then in June, 2009 was certified in Special Education. In August of 2012 she came back for her Middle School certification in Math. She then returned to Caldwell for her Masters Degree in July, 2013 and was given her Supervisor certification in October of 2014. Athena started out tutoring for the School of Education in Praxis 1. She in turn became an adjunct teaching two UG courses in the spring of 2018 and is doing so to the present day. She has become very important part of the School of Education family.

Beth Gorab

President’s Office
Executive Director, Office of the President & Board Relations

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3217
Office Location: Werner Hall, 312

20+ years of experience in fundraising, relationship building, marketing and communications, special events management and corporate sponsorship. Former small business owner. Graduate of the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.

Laura Greenwald

Music
Professor, Department Chair and Director of Vocal Studies

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3520
Office Location: Visceglia Hall, 217

Laura Greenwald is the Music Department Chair and Director of Vocal Studies at Caldwell University where she teaches voice, Women in Music, Music and the Arts, and directs the University Chorale and Opera/Music Theatre Workshop. She directed the Caldwell University Concert Series for twenty years, presenting professional concerts and recitals to the community, and prepared the University Chorale as the chorus for the Garden State Opera for seven seasons.
The Chorale performs at all University masses and has performed in concerts with other choirs at Carnegie Hall, Princeton University Chapel, and on campus. In 2011, Dr. Greenwald was honored to receive the Caldwell College Excellence in Teaching Award.
Dr. Greenwald sang with Ember, the Schola Repertory Singers, and the select Schola Sing Solo! of Schola Cantorum on Hudson for over 10 years including performances in the chorus with the NY Philharmonic and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. She has performed in concerts and recitals in Ohio, Vermont, and the New York Metropolitan area specializing in the music of women composers.
Dr. Greenwald earned her DMA from the Manhattan School of Music, her BME from Baldwin-Wallace College, and an MM in Voice Pedagogy from Westminster Choir College. She is the choir director at the Church of the Holy Innocents in West Orange and the proud mother of trumpeter, Andrew Strom.

Anthony Grosso

Student Life
Dean of Student Life

Email: [email protected]
Office: 973-618-3229
Office Location: Newman Center, Graduate Admissions Suite

Mr. Grosso joined Caldwell University as its Director of Admissions in 2024 after a more than 20-year career in public education across New Jersey. He served as a classroom teacher, school principal, and superintendent in multiple school districts, where he focused on building supportive learning environments that addressed the diverse academic needs of students.

During his tenure as a superintendent, Mr. Grosso collaborated with Caldwell University to establish a dual enrollment program, providing high school students with early access to college-level coursework and a head start toward higher education. His career reflects a strong commitment to expanding educational access and strengthening pathways from secondary to postsecondary education.

Mr. Grosso earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University.

Alice Hallaran

Residence Life and Conduct
Residence Life

Email: [email protected]

MSEd- Hofstra University

Cindy Hamilton

Academic Affairs
Clinical Supervisor

Email: [email protected]
Building : #104 Art Therapy Center

B.A. University of Connecticut

M.A. Caldwell University LPAT, ATCS, ACS, LPC, ATR-BC

John Hannum

Education
Associate Professor

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3609
Office Location: Visceglia Hall, 237

Office:
Mon: By Appointment
Tues: By Appointment
Wed: By Appointment
Thurs: By Appointment

B.A. Seton Hall University

M.A. Seton Hall University

Ed.D. Rutgers University

I have been an educator for over 52 years, having served as a 5th grade teacher, vice-principal and principal of a K-8 elementary school, principal of a 5th-8th grade middle school, principal of Newton High School and Superintendent of High Point Regional High School. I received my Ed.D. from Rutgers University where I served as an Adjunct for over 25 years. As a consultant for Stockton University’s ETTC, I have trained many
school district staff members in New Jersey and Pennsylvania covering various topics including: behavior management policies, 504 planning, Intervention and Referral Services and the Danielson Staff Evaluation model.

As an Associate Professor at Caldwell, I have taught Freshmen Seminar and Graduate School of Education courses both online and face-to-face. I coordinated the Masters in Higher Education Program and served as the lead instructor for Capstone courses in that program. I have also volunteered my time to assist with advising students in academic recovery, and I enjoy my advising responsibilities in the School of Education. I review books for the AASA School Administrator Magazine. I also served as a coach to a sitting principal in a K-8 school.

I am very interested in the possibilities inherent within the developing AI technologies, particularly as applied to education. Although it appears this is a difficult time to be an educator, it is also an exciting time with many significant changes on the horizon. It is my belief that my students will be at the forefront of those changes.

Maya Lordo Harlow

Nursing and Public Health
Adjunct Instructor

MA in Health Administration, New Jersey City University

Tara Harney-Mahajan

English
Associate Professor; Co-Director Honors Program

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3456
Office Location: Visceglia Hall 250

About

Dr. Tara Harney-Mahajan received her B.A. from Le Moyne College and her M.A. and Ph.D. in English from the University of Connecticut. Her research interests include twentieth- and twenty-first-century Irish and South Asian literature with a focus on women writers and feminist postcolonial theory. Dr. Harney-Mahajan currently teaches College Writing, Global Literature, Foundations of Western Literature, Contemporary South Asian Literature, The Irish Novel, and Modern and Contemporary Irish Drama. Her scholarship has been published in journals such as Women’s Studies, New Hibernia Review, and the Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Gender and Sexuality Studies. In 2021, with Dr. Claire Bracken (Union College), she co-edited a collection of essays entitled Post-Celtic Tiger Ireland and Contemporary Women’s Writing: Feminist Interventions and Imaginings, published by Routledge. In 2022, in Screening Contemporary Irish Fiction and Drama (Palgrave Studies in Adaptation and Visual Culture), she published a chapter on representations of Ireland’s architecture of containment in recent films. She is currently working on a collection on Tramp Press with Dr. Mary Burke (University of Connecticut).

Dr. Harney-Mahajan also serves as co-editor of the literary and cultural studies journal LIT: Literature Interpretation Theory which publishes four issues a year: 2 general issues and 2 special issues (with guest editors).

Jessica Hauck

Psychology
Adjunct Lecturer

Email: [email protected]
Location: Werner Hall

Jessica Hauck is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Art Therapist, and Adjunct Lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Caldwell University. She has 8 years of experience teaching undergraduate psychology and art therapy classes. Jessica has been involved in research related to ethics in the field for over 10 years, and is the author of 8 peer-reviewed publications, and 9 conference presentations, most of which relate to the field of ethics and/or diversity. She is also the co-editor for Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Creative Arts Therapies: A Case-Based Approach, which presents an art therapy specific ethical decision-making model. Additionally, she owns a private practice and has over 8 years of experience working with clients of all ages using a variety of interventions, implementing both psychotherapy and art therapy. Jessica typically uses a person-centered and solution-focused approach in her work, and believes in the importance of an authentic therapeutic relationship based on acceptance and empathy. In her free time, Jessica enjoys creating art and spending time in nature.

Kelly Hawken

Nursing and Public Health
Clinical Instructor

Email: [email protected]
Office Location: Student Center

Received BSN at Seton Hall University and a Master’s in Nursing Education at William Paterson University. Background primarily in OB and Pediatrics. Involved in nursing education for 19 years.

Tom Hefter

Music
Assistant Instructor

Email: [email protected]

M.A., William Paterson University
B.A. in Philosophy, Kean University

Sharon Herman

Finance
Accounts Payable Clerk

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 973-618-3920
FAX: 973-618-3465
Office Location: Rosary Hall

Office:
Mon: 8AM – 4PM
Tues: 8AM – 4PM
Wed: 8AM – 4PM
Thurs: 8AM – 4PM
Fri: 8AM – 4PM

I have been working here since January 2024. Spent 16 years working in the private sector. Graduated from Dominican College with a degree in Finance.

Bob Herr

Enrollment Management and Communications
Vice President for Enrollment Management

Email: [email protected]

Bob Joined Caldwell University in 2026 bringing over 35 years of admissions and enrollment management experience in higher education.  He oversees undergraduate and graduate admissions, student financial services, and assists with retention and net revenue initiatives.  Bob most recently served as the Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at St.  Joseph’s University, New York.  Prior to his tenure there, he was the Vice President for Enrollment Management at Paul Smith’s College and Drew University.  He also previously worked at Wagner College, Seton Hall University, The George Washington University, NJIT, and Stevenson University. Bob serves as the co-chair for the School-College-CBO Relations Committee for the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling (NYSACAC) as well as the Admissions Practices Liaison to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC).