Congratulations Stephanie Dionne, Naomi Toftness, Marya DiPerna and Brandi Young on your selection to represent Post University at the 2018-19 Leadership Greater Waterbury program. Leadership Greater Waterbury is a nine-month program run by the Greater Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program strives to develop business and community leaders while nurturing their interest to give back to the community. Post University is a sponsor of the program.
Stephanie Dionne is the Director of the Learning Center, a member of associate faculty for English, and co-advisor for the Phi Theta Kappa honor society at Post University where she has worked for almost seven years. Previously, Stephanie was the Director of Education for Sylvan Learning Center in Hamden. Recently, she received an award from the International Association of Women for “excellence and influence in the global community” and was named to the Oxford Who’s Who as one of the 40 under 40 educational professionals to watch. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of CT in 2000 and her Master of Science in English from Southern CT State University in 2009.
In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys martial arts, acting, writing, reading, and singing.
Naomi Toftness is the Reference Librarian and Digital Resources Specialist at Post University and specializes in assisting Program Chairs select appropriate course material with a focus on copyright and Open Education. She received her Bachelor of Science in Information and Library Sciences and her Master of Science in Information and Library Sciences from Southern Connecticut State University.
Naomi initiated a library instruction program for the Post University Online students and project managed the Pearson integration into the foundation courses required of all Post University students.
Naomi is passionate about small-scale permaculture farming and pasture raising chickens.
Marya DiPerna is an Associate Experience Specialist at Post University coordinating the various needs of the Associate Faculty. In addition, she leads the University Events Committee and manages and manages the authorization of the associate tuition benefit. Previously, she worked as an elementary school teacher for children with special needs. Marya received her Master of Education from Post University and her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from East Carolina University.
Most recently, Marya, with a team of over 50 volunteers, planned and executed the University Eagle Fest, an annual celebration for all associates. This year, associate’s immediate families were invited raising the count of participants in excess of 600 people.
Marya loves to read, go to the movies and plan parties, events and family vacations. Her husband and two school aged children keep her busy with Lacrosse, Figure Skating, and other sports and activities.
Brandi Young is an Academic Success Counselor at Post University where she supports undergraduate students as they achieve their dreams of obtaining a college degree. Brandi received her Master of Science in Counselor Education and Student Development from Central Connecticut State University and her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Brandi spent two years in Jamaica as a Literacy Advisor for the United States Peace Corps, and was particularly proud to complete a grant funded community project to build a rural computer lab. She is a cat lover and enjoys hiking in the woods during her free time. Her favorite quote is by Nelson Henderson and expresses her life philosophy, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”