Meet Our Presenters!
Read on to learn more about each of our breakout session presenters (listed in alphabetical order by last name).
Stacy Breckell
Stacy Breckell, MEd, is a 26-year educator. She spent 6 years as a fifth grade elementary teacher and 20 years as a middle school math teacher. She's taught in public and private schools in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Houston, Texas; Cairo, Egypt; Jeju Island, South Korea; and Kuwait City, Kuwait. She currently teaches sixth grade math at River Oaks Baptist School.
Dr. Justin T. Burris
Dr. Justin T. Burris taught elementary students and teachers for 17 years as a teacher, technology specialist, and mathematics coach before joining the University of Houston as a clinical assistant professor of mathematics education and Houston Christian University as an adjunct professor. He also supervises teacher candidates in their year-long elementary field placements. His research interests are elementary students' use of virtual manipulatives, teachers' mathematical content knowledge, and connecting mathematics to students’ lived experiences in the classroom.
Dr. Tia Caster
Dr. Tia Caster previously taught middle school and high school students before she became an Instructional Technology Specialist for a district. Then, she joined the Houston Christian University family to support faculty and students in their academic technology endeavors.
Dr. Kristie Cerling
Kristie Cerling is the Dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Houston Christian University. She has been an educator for 26 years. Whether teaching or leading, Dr. Cerling encourages collaboration, innovation, and fun with high expectations. Areas of research include Holocaust education, assessment, teaching strategies, and women in leadership.
Dr. Michael Cook
Michael serves as the Director of the Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling at Houston Christian University and is an Associate Professor of Counseling. Michael served as faculty previously at Huntington University and Taylor University. His degrees are a BA (Sociology) from Albany State University, an MDiv (Pastoral Ministries), and a PhD (Psychology and Counseling) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Michael is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and previously served in several mental health facilities and churches. He specializes in marital therapy, trauma therapy, spiritual formation, and Christian counseling.
Lisa Covington
Lisa Covington is the Senior Director of Assessment and Compliance and the SACSCOC Liaison at Houston Christian University. She will graduate in December 2022 with a Master of Science in Learning, Technology, and Design.
John Robert Cowen
My name is John Cowen. I am an instructor of Mathematics at Houston Christian University. I have worked at HCU, San Jacinto Community College, Atascocita High School, and Hargrave High School over the last seven years. I have taught every subject imaginable, including calculus, physics, robotics, principles of engineering, college algebra, and every form of theatre arts imaginable. I also have six regional appearances and two state appearances for UIL One Act Play (for those who know what that may be.) I absolutely love mathematics, and I absolutely love the arts and prefer to participate in them at the same time.
Hannah Dietrich
Hannah Dietrich is a wife and mother of three. She began her education career as a ninth grade English teacher in Texas public schools after graduating from Dallas Baptist University. She earned her MA in English from Sam Houston State University where she focused on sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and technical writing. Following, she returned to Sam Houston State University to study education and intends to graduate this December with a Doctorate of Education in Literacy. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between student motivation and teacher discourse.
Dr. Marty Durden
Dr. Marty Durden is a career coach who has achieved a unique standing in the coaching profession by having teams to win multiple state championships in four different sports. Durden's teams have captured state championships in basketball (1980), baseball (1995, 2020), golf (2010-2011), and football (1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2020) over the span of five decades. Coach Durden currently serves as the Athletic Director at Calvary Christian School in Columbus, GA. He is also an adjunct professor of Sport Leadership at Belhaven University, Concordia Texas University, and Houston Christian University, and he shares his insights as a writer and practitioner. Durden is a lifelong advocate of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has taught Sunday school to young people for 30 plus years. He founded the West Central Georgia FCA Chapter and hosted numerous FCA ministry events.
Dr. Katie Evans
Dr. Katie Evans is Professor of Mathematics and the Dean of Science and Engineering at Houston Christian University. Prior to HCU, she was on faculty at Louisiana Tech University for 16 years in the College of Engineering and Science, where she served in various administrative roles and is now Professor Emerita. Dr. Evans serves in leadership of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, founded by the US National Academy of Engineering. She earned her BS in Mathematics from Morehead State University and an MS and PhD in Mathematics at Virginia Tech, followed by a postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University.
James H. Ford Jr.
James H. Ford Jr. a native Houstonian, received his bachelors degree in psychology from Tennessee State University. James holds two masters degree, one in clinical psychology and one in English from Texas Southern University. James is a writer and storyteller, having been published in humanities, technical, educational, and creative journals. Those publications include The Atrium (essay), Pomona Valley Review (poems), The Griot-Journal Articles, The Peddler's Son, Dr. Thomas Franklin Freeman: A Biography, and Cookie: A Memoir. He presently has a contract with Mellen Press for his book Rational Blindness. Presently, he teaches English at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Curtis Henderson
Dr. Curtis Henderson has taught biology to undergraduate students for 23 years, including 19 years at Houston Christian University.
Dr. Leigh Kent
Leigh Kent, PhD, LSSP is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Houston Christian University. Dr. Kent has over 30 years of experience in the education and psychology fields and is a seasoned educator, school district administrator, and clinician. Dr. Kent has experience working with children of all ages struggling with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. She has also worked with adults in hospital and private practice settings. Dr. Kent received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, her MEd in Special Education from the University of St. Thomas, and her BA in English from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Michael Kraten
Michael Kraten, PhD, CPA is Professor of Accounting at Houston Christian University. He is completing a five-year term as Chair of the Accounting Department there. Dr. Kraten initially applied his behavioral accounting expertise to learning and scholarship activities regarding negotiations. He then extended his work to authentic classroom learning activities, focusing on role-playing educational games that simultaneously educate students and produce outcomes data for assessment purposes. Dr. Kraten earned his PhD from the University of Connecticut. He also earned a Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University and a Bachelors of Business Administration from Baruch College (CUNY).
Malaika Lund
Malaika Lund is an Executive Educational Leadership doctoral candidate at Houston Christian University. She is currently in her fourth year as the Upper School Spanish Teacher at Westbury Christian School. Ms. Lund completed her undergraduate in EC-12 Spanish LOTE in 2019 and her MS in Learning Technology and Design in 2022 at Houston Christian University.
Dr. Louis Markos
Dr. Louis Markos, Professor in English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Christian University, holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. His 25 books include The Myth Made Fact, From Achilles to Christ, From Plato to Christ, Heaven and Hell, CS Lewis: An Apologist for Education, Literature: A Student’s Guide, and Worldview Guides to the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid.
Dr. Marie Mater
Dr. Marie Mater has been at Houston Christian University for 22 years. She has been nominated for the Opal Goolsby Outstanding Teaching Award and the Piper Professor Award. Dr. Mater introduces students to speech communication and prepares them for careers in the corporate, educational, legal, ministry, medical, and political worlds. Her students have been accepted into graduate communication schools, major corporations, graduate healthcare administration programs, law schools, medical schools, non-profit organizations, political think tanks, schools of theology, and the White House. Before coming to HCU, Dr. Mater taught at the University of Iowa, Indiana-University-ITM/MUCIA in Malaysia, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Jennifer Moreno Calix
Jennifer Moreno Calix teaches on-level and advanced secondary mathematics at Galena Park ISD. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education in 2019, graduated with a Masters in Learning, Technology, and Design from Houston Baptist University, and is currently an HBU Masters student in the Professional School Counseling Program. Ms. Moreno Calix is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that are inclusive and encourage learners to immerse themselves and aspire to transform their future through the power of education. She has presented professional development at her school and hopes one day to teach pedagogy at the higher education level.
Dr. Joseph Pelletier
Dr. Joseph Pelletier attended Texas A&M University as a first generation college student. After completing his bachelors in psychology, he and his new bride moved to Canterbury, England to attend the University of Kent. While at Kent, Dr. Pelletier earned a masters degree, a teaching certification, and a doctorate in social psychology. Upon completing his doctorate, they moved to California where he taught at California Baptist University for six years. Five years ago, Dr. Pelletier joined the faculty of Houston Christian University as an Associate Professor of Psychology. His current research interests include policing, politics, and perceptions of violence.
Dr. Lisa J. Polk
Lisa J. Polk, EdD, is a 2020 graduate of Sam Houston State University’s Doctoral of Education in Literacy Program. Her background began in children/youth ministries, private parochial school, and includes over thirty years in education predominately serving secondary and intermediate students in four Texas public school districts and integrated reading and writing methods courses at the collegiate level. She also served as a high school special education department head for several years and as a curriculum specialist for the past six years. Lisa enjoys working with educators to implement engaging learning experiences for all students.
Mon'Sher Spencer
Mon'Sher Spencer is a Houston native that has worked in many areas of higher education for over 15 years. She is a Houston Christian University graduate with degrees in Music-Vocal Performance and Business Administration. She currently works at Houston Christian University as the Director of Student Life and the Interim Director of Residence Life. She has a passion for students and ministry that includes diversity development and student empowerment.
Zach Stallings
Zach has been an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Houston Christian University since June 2021 and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary since January 2022. He is a PhD student at MBTS with a focus in Biblical Theology. He received his Master of Divinity from MBTS in 2018. He has been married since 2009 to his wife Donna, and they have one son, Dexter. They have lived in the Houston area since 2016.
Dr. Paul Stephenson
Dr. Paul Stephenson is an Adjunct Professor at Houston Christian University. He is a chemical engineer and international business specialist with over 30 years of engineering, international business, and strategic management experience in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Dr. Stephenson completed graduate degrees at Gubkin Oil and Gas Academy-Russia, Houston Christian University, and Nova Southeastern University. His business research interests lie in market entry strategy, decision-making, and support systems. Dr. Stephenson most recently was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for the oil and gas industry in Eurasia at Halliburton Energy Services.
Lisa Treleaven
Lisa earned a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services and a Master of Arts in psychology from Houston Christian University. She is a homeschool educator, adjunct professor, and licensed professional counselor who is passionate about serving special populations including homeschools and individuals and families impacted by mental illness and/or special medical needs. She enjoys reading, writing, using American Sign Language, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Angela K. Waggoner
Dr. Angela K. Waggoner is an Assistant Professor in Counseling and Chair of the Counseling Department at Houston Christian University. Dr. Waggoner is also the founder and owner of Safe Haven Counseling Center. She began her journey in the counseling field as a school counselor in Pasadena ISD. Her goal is to educate and train future professional counselors and school counselors. Her biggest accomplishment to date has been raising her son. Dr. Waggoner’s interests involve volunteering at her church and spending time with family and friends. To reach Dr. Waggoner, please email her at [email protected].
Dr. Doni Wilson
Dr. Doni Wilson is Professor of English at Houston Christian University. She received her masters and doctoral degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her BA in history from Baylor University. She writes frequently about art and literature for the Houston Chronicle and other publications and is the new director of "A Piece of the Past" essay competition at HCU.
Stacy Breckell, MEd, is a 26-year educator. She spent 6 years as a fifth grade elementary teacher and 20 years as a middle school math teacher. She's taught in public and private schools in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; Houston, Texas; Cairo, Egypt; Jeju Island, South Korea; and Kuwait City, Kuwait. She currently teaches sixth grade math at River Oaks Baptist School.
Dr. Justin T. Burris
Dr. Justin T. Burris taught elementary students and teachers for 17 years as a teacher, technology specialist, and mathematics coach before joining the University of Houston as a clinical assistant professor of mathematics education and Houston Christian University as an adjunct professor. He also supervises teacher candidates in their year-long elementary field placements. His research interests are elementary students' use of virtual manipulatives, teachers' mathematical content knowledge, and connecting mathematics to students’ lived experiences in the classroom.
Dr. Tia Caster
Dr. Tia Caster previously taught middle school and high school students before she became an Instructional Technology Specialist for a district. Then, she joined the Houston Christian University family to support faculty and students in their academic technology endeavors.
Dr. Kristie Cerling
Kristie Cerling is the Dean for the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Houston Christian University. She has been an educator for 26 years. Whether teaching or leading, Dr. Cerling encourages collaboration, innovation, and fun with high expectations. Areas of research include Holocaust education, assessment, teaching strategies, and women in leadership.
Dr. Michael Cook
Michael serves as the Director of the Gideon Institute of Christian Psychology and Counseling at Houston Christian University and is an Associate Professor of Counseling. Michael served as faculty previously at Huntington University and Taylor University. His degrees are a BA (Sociology) from Albany State University, an MDiv (Pastoral Ministries), and a PhD (Psychology and Counseling) from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Michael is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and previously served in several mental health facilities and churches. He specializes in marital therapy, trauma therapy, spiritual formation, and Christian counseling.
Lisa Covington
Lisa Covington is the Senior Director of Assessment and Compliance and the SACSCOC Liaison at Houston Christian University. She will graduate in December 2022 with a Master of Science in Learning, Technology, and Design.
John Robert Cowen
My name is John Cowen. I am an instructor of Mathematics at Houston Christian University. I have worked at HCU, San Jacinto Community College, Atascocita High School, and Hargrave High School over the last seven years. I have taught every subject imaginable, including calculus, physics, robotics, principles of engineering, college algebra, and every form of theatre arts imaginable. I also have six regional appearances and two state appearances for UIL One Act Play (for those who know what that may be.) I absolutely love mathematics, and I absolutely love the arts and prefer to participate in them at the same time.
Hannah Dietrich
Hannah Dietrich is a wife and mother of three. She began her education career as a ninth grade English teacher in Texas public schools after graduating from Dallas Baptist University. She earned her MA in English from Sam Houston State University where she focused on sociolinguistics, pragmatics, and technical writing. Following, she returned to Sam Houston State University to study education and intends to graduate this December with a Doctorate of Education in Literacy. Her dissertation focused on the relationship between student motivation and teacher discourse.
Dr. Marty Durden
Dr. Marty Durden is a career coach who has achieved a unique standing in the coaching profession by having teams to win multiple state championships in four different sports. Durden's teams have captured state championships in basketball (1980), baseball (1995, 2020), golf (2010-2011), and football (1983, 1987, 1988, 1989, 2020) over the span of five decades. Coach Durden currently serves as the Athletic Director at Calvary Christian School in Columbus, GA. He is also an adjunct professor of Sport Leadership at Belhaven University, Concordia Texas University, and Houston Christian University, and he shares his insights as a writer and practitioner. Durden is a lifelong advocate of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and has taught Sunday school to young people for 30 plus years. He founded the West Central Georgia FCA Chapter and hosted numerous FCA ministry events.
Dr. Katie Evans
Dr. Katie Evans is Professor of Mathematics and the Dean of Science and Engineering at Houston Christian University. Prior to HCU, she was on faculty at Louisiana Tech University for 16 years in the College of Engineering and Science, where she served in various administrative roles and is now Professor Emerita. Dr. Evans serves in leadership of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, founded by the US National Academy of Engineering. She earned her BS in Mathematics from Morehead State University and an MS and PhD in Mathematics at Virginia Tech, followed by a postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University.
James H. Ford Jr.
James H. Ford Jr. a native Houstonian, received his bachelors degree in psychology from Tennessee State University. James holds two masters degree, one in clinical psychology and one in English from Texas Southern University. James is a writer and storyteller, having been published in humanities, technical, educational, and creative journals. Those publications include The Atrium (essay), Pomona Valley Review (poems), The Griot-Journal Articles, The Peddler's Son, Dr. Thomas Franklin Freeman: A Biography, and Cookie: A Memoir. He presently has a contract with Mellen Press for his book Rational Blindness. Presently, he teaches English at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Curtis Henderson
Dr. Curtis Henderson has taught biology to undergraduate students for 23 years, including 19 years at Houston Christian University.
Dr. Leigh Kent
Leigh Kent, PhD, LSSP is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Houston Christian University. Dr. Kent has over 30 years of experience in the education and psychology fields and is a seasoned educator, school district administrator, and clinician. Dr. Kent has experience working with children of all ages struggling with learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders. She has also worked with adults in hospital and private practice settings. Dr. Kent received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Houston, her MEd in Special Education from the University of St. Thomas, and her BA in English from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Michael Kraten
Michael Kraten, PhD, CPA is Professor of Accounting at Houston Christian University. He is completing a five-year term as Chair of the Accounting Department there. Dr. Kraten initially applied his behavioral accounting expertise to learning and scholarship activities regarding negotiations. He then extended his work to authentic classroom learning activities, focusing on role-playing educational games that simultaneously educate students and produce outcomes data for assessment purposes. Dr. Kraten earned his PhD from the University of Connecticut. He also earned a Masters in Public and Private Management from Yale University and a Bachelors of Business Administration from Baruch College (CUNY).
Malaika Lund
Malaika Lund is an Executive Educational Leadership doctoral candidate at Houston Christian University. She is currently in her fourth year as the Upper School Spanish Teacher at Westbury Christian School. Ms. Lund completed her undergraduate in EC-12 Spanish LOTE in 2019 and her MS in Learning Technology and Design in 2022 at Houston Christian University.
Dr. Louis Markos
Dr. Louis Markos, Professor in English and Scholar in Residence at Houston Christian University, holds the Robert H. Ray Chair in Humanities. His 25 books include The Myth Made Fact, From Achilles to Christ, From Plato to Christ, Heaven and Hell, CS Lewis: An Apologist for Education, Literature: A Student’s Guide, and Worldview Guides to the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid.
Dr. Marie Mater
Dr. Marie Mater has been at Houston Christian University for 22 years. She has been nominated for the Opal Goolsby Outstanding Teaching Award and the Piper Professor Award. Dr. Mater introduces students to speech communication and prepares them for careers in the corporate, educational, legal, ministry, medical, and political worlds. Her students have been accepted into graduate communication schools, major corporations, graduate healthcare administration programs, law schools, medical schools, non-profit organizations, political think tanks, schools of theology, and the White House. Before coming to HCU, Dr. Mater taught at the University of Iowa, Indiana-University-ITM/MUCIA in Malaysia, and Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Jennifer Moreno Calix
Jennifer Moreno Calix teaches on-level and advanced secondary mathematics at Galena Park ISD. She completed a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education in 2019, graduated with a Masters in Learning, Technology, and Design from Houston Baptist University, and is currently an HBU Masters student in the Professional School Counseling Program. Ms. Moreno Calix is passionate about creating meaningful learning experiences that are inclusive and encourage learners to immerse themselves and aspire to transform their future through the power of education. She has presented professional development at her school and hopes one day to teach pedagogy at the higher education level.
Dr. Joseph Pelletier
Dr. Joseph Pelletier attended Texas A&M University as a first generation college student. After completing his bachelors in psychology, he and his new bride moved to Canterbury, England to attend the University of Kent. While at Kent, Dr. Pelletier earned a masters degree, a teaching certification, and a doctorate in social psychology. Upon completing his doctorate, they moved to California where he taught at California Baptist University for six years. Five years ago, Dr. Pelletier joined the faculty of Houston Christian University as an Associate Professor of Psychology. His current research interests include policing, politics, and perceptions of violence.
Dr. Lisa J. Polk
Lisa J. Polk, EdD, is a 2020 graduate of Sam Houston State University’s Doctoral of Education in Literacy Program. Her background began in children/youth ministries, private parochial school, and includes over thirty years in education predominately serving secondary and intermediate students in four Texas public school districts and integrated reading and writing methods courses at the collegiate level. She also served as a high school special education department head for several years and as a curriculum specialist for the past six years. Lisa enjoys working with educators to implement engaging learning experiences for all students.
Mon'Sher Spencer
Mon'Sher Spencer is a Houston native that has worked in many areas of higher education for over 15 years. She is a Houston Christian University graduate with degrees in Music-Vocal Performance and Business Administration. She currently works at Houston Christian University as the Director of Student Life and the Interim Director of Residence Life. She has a passion for students and ministry that includes diversity development and student empowerment.
Zach Stallings
Zach has been an Adjunct Professor of Theology at Houston Christian University since June 2021 and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary since January 2022. He is a PhD student at MBTS with a focus in Biblical Theology. He received his Master of Divinity from MBTS in 2018. He has been married since 2009 to his wife Donna, and they have one son, Dexter. They have lived in the Houston area since 2016.
Dr. Paul Stephenson
Dr. Paul Stephenson is an Adjunct Professor at Houston Christian University. He is a chemical engineer and international business specialist with over 30 years of engineering, international business, and strategic management experience in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Dr. Stephenson completed graduate degrees at Gubkin Oil and Gas Academy-Russia, Houston Christian University, and Nova Southeastern University. His business research interests lie in market entry strategy, decision-making, and support systems. Dr. Stephenson most recently was responsible for developing and implementing strategic plans for the oil and gas industry in Eurasia at Halliburton Energy Services.
Lisa Treleaven
Lisa earned a Doctor of Education in Executive Leadership in Mental Health and Human Services and a Master of Arts in psychology from Houston Christian University. She is a homeschool educator, adjunct professor, and licensed professional counselor who is passionate about serving special populations including homeschools and individuals and families impacted by mental illness and/or special medical needs. She enjoys reading, writing, using American Sign Language, and spending time with her family.
Dr. Angela K. Waggoner
Dr. Angela K. Waggoner is an Assistant Professor in Counseling and Chair of the Counseling Department at Houston Christian University. Dr. Waggoner is also the founder and owner of Safe Haven Counseling Center. She began her journey in the counseling field as a school counselor in Pasadena ISD. Her goal is to educate and train future professional counselors and school counselors. Her biggest accomplishment to date has been raising her son. Dr. Waggoner’s interests involve volunteering at her church and spending time with family and friends. To reach Dr. Waggoner, please email her at [email protected].
Dr. Doni Wilson
Dr. Doni Wilson is Professor of English at Houston Christian University. She received her masters and doctoral degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill, and her BA in history from Baylor University. She writes frequently about art and literature for the Houston Chronicle and other publications and is the new director of "A Piece of the Past" essay competition at HCU.