Career Training Instructors and Academic Advisors

Gloria Ananing, Academic Advisor

• M.S., Pre-Clinical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine
• B.S., Mathematics, Mercer University

Gloria Ananing is currently studying for the MCAT in hopes to attend medical school in the near future. She aims to positively impact the community’s health by becoming a general surgeon.

Nicole Astor, Instructor

• B.S., Florida State University

Nicole Astor has more than 15 years of experience working as a crime lab analyst and currently works for the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Forensic Sciences division. Specialty in Forensic Science.

Jerome Barnes, Instructor

• Master Electrician License from the State of Georgia

As Senior Electrical Maintenance Coordinator, Jerome Barnes supervises and trains electrician support teams at a county treatment plant. He holds a Master Electrician License from the State of Georgia. Specialty in Electrician Training.

Keiva Benjamin, Academic Advisor

• B.A., Psychology, Francis Marion University

Keiva Benjamin, a recent graduate, has volunteered this past year at public schools and recreational centers. She assisted students academically, promoting student learning. This encouraged her to further her career in Education with assisting career students to achieve their goals within their respective field of study.

Cathleen Chartier, Instructor

• B.S., Grand Valley State University
• A.A., Art Institute of Atlanta

Cathleen Chartier has 24 years of hospitality and foodservice experience. Cathleen began her culinary adventure at a four-star hotel in Michigan. During her 7-year tenure at the hotel, she held several restaurant operations positions. Her vast experience in the hotel business led her to Atlanta where she has held management positions in full service and quick service restaurants working as a research chef and catering chef. Specialty in Gourmet Cooking and Catering.

Ron Conner, Academic Advisor

• B.B.A., Management, Prairie View A&M University

Ron Connor has a background consisting of over 15 years in corporate training. His background gives him the winning edge in providing excellent academic advisement. He is currently assisting students in English and Accounting.

Jerry Cooper, Instructor

• M.Ed., University of Georgia

Jerry Cooper has been an ASE-certified mechanic for more than 20 years. He has taught motorcycle, small engine and marine engine repair, as well as auto mechanics, and owned his own repair shop. Specialties in Motorcycle Repair.

Kenya Cross, Academic Advisor

• M.S., Education, Media, Design and Technology, Full Sail University
• B.A., English, University of Massachusetts

Kenya Cross recently began working at Ashworth College after a sixteen year history of traditionally teaching elementary, middle, high school and postgraduates in Massachusetts and Georgia public and private schools, respectively. She is currently pursuing her dream of becoming a film director while eagerly helping Ashworth students.

Deann Deloney, Instructor

• B.S., Southern Illinois University

Deann Deloney is a district manager for the largest child care provider in the country. She oversees 15 child development centers throughout the Atlanta, Ga., metro area. Specialty in Child Care Provider and Teacher Assisting.

Jacqueline Elfe, Instructor

• B.S., Business Management, Monroe College
• Floral Design, New York School of Flower Design

Jacqueline has over 12 years of experience as a florist and event planner. Jacqueline completed her florist training in New York City and founded Stellar Style Events, Floral & Event Design. Jacqueline’s business specializes in exquisite floral design and luxury standards to magnify every kind of occasion. Transforming an array of large scale venues and events Jacqueline’s talents have developed an outstanding reputation for Stellar Style Events. Jacqueline has had floral pieces featured in many publications including All About The Dress, New York Weddings, Ceci Style, Munaluchi Bride, Traditional Home, and Brides magazine. Specialty in Floral Design.

Bill Gordon, Instructor

• M.B.A., Governors State University
• B.S., Thomas Edison State University

Bill Gordon is president of Mid-America Marketing Management, a hospitality marketing company. He has served as regional marketing director for Holiday Inn and Ramada Hotels. Specialty in Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Ellen "Ellie" Halibozek, Instructor

• M.Ed., Vocational Education, California State University

Ellen has more than 20 years of experience teaching and developing healthcare curricula beginning with her degree emphasis in curriculum and instruction. She is a Certified Medical Coder, member of the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), and consultant with Pearson Education. Specialties: Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Transcription.

Carla Hardy, Instructor

• M.S., University of Memphis
• B.S., University of Memphis

Carla Hardy is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a strength and conditioning specialist, and by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America as a group exercise instructor. She has served as a high school track coach, personal trainer, exercise physiologist and group exercise instructor. Carla currently works as the Wellness Coordinator at Emory University's Blomeyer Health and Fitness Center. Specialty in Personal Trainer.

Chyteal Jones, Instructor

• M.Ed., Mercer University

Chyteal co-owns and operates an electrical company that contracts with new and existing residential and commercial properties. She is certified in electrical construction and maintenance and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Specialty: Electrician Training.

LaToya Leary, Academic Advisor

• B.S., Mathematics/Chemistry, St. Thomas University

LaToya Leary has worked in some facet of education for over ten years. She has tutored students from the primary level to the collegiate level in every core subject and has assisted students in obtaining their desired scores on the SAT/ACT in preparation for college. She is currently supporting students in courses related to science and mathematics.

Cary Mandeville, Instructor

• B.S., University of Georgia

Cary Mandeville is a licensed Master Plumber. He owns his own plumbing company and teaches plumbing to builders. Specialty in Plumbing.

Judy Meltzer, Instructor

• A.A., Valencia Community College

Judy Meltzer has more than 25 years of experience providing AutoCAD training and production to students in a variety of industries including cellular site, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil/site and architectural development. She is also proficient in Revit, Architectural Desktop, GTXRaster CAD, and SketchUp. Specialty in AutoCad.

Mike Middleton, Instructor

• M.S., Georgia State University
• B.S., Central Missouri State University

Judy Meltzer has more than 25 years of experience providing AutoCAD training and production to students in a variety of industries including cellular site, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil/site and architectural development. She is also proficient in Revit, Architectural Desktop, GTXRaster CAD, and SketchUp. Specialty in Personal Trainer, and Nutrition, Diet, and Health Science.

Mike Nelson, Instructor

• M.B.A., Mercer University
• B.S., Georgia Institute of Technology

Mike Nelson designs and manages multi-million dollar graphic projects. Through his own design firm, he has provided creative services to major corporations. He is also a web designer and expert in popular digital design applications. Specialty in Graphic Design.

Victor Oladapo, Instructor

• D.B.A., Argosy University
• M.P.A., Troy State University

Dr. Oladapo has more than 20 years of experience in human resources management during which he has worked as an HR manager for several major corporations including Lowe's and Walmart. He is a certified Professional in Human Resources® (PHR®) through the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®) and has additional experience in hotel restaurant management. Specialties: Human Resource Management, Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Doug Oldiges, Instructor

Doug has been passionate about gardening, horticulture, and design since childhood and has travelled extensively to visit as many of the world's most famous landscapes as possible. Specialties: Human Resource Management, Landscape Design.

Tonia Orr, Academic Advisor

• M.B.A., University of Phoenix
• B.A., English/Anthropology, University of Pittsburgh

Tonia Orr has more than 17 years of experience as a practical nurse. She has worked in the community as a health educator, CPR instructor, and is certified by the State of Georgia to teach nursing assistants and home health aides.

Charles Perm, Instructor

• M.B.A., University of Phoenix
• B.S., Ohio University

Charles Perm has more than 30 years of commercial property experience. His work has focused on property management, leasing, project management, repositioning of buildings, capital project planning, team leadership and financial analysis. Charles has primarily worked on offices, retail centers and industrial properties located throughout the United States. Specialty in Property Management.

Jeanne Perrone, Instructor

• B.A., Drew University
• A.A.S., Parkland College

Jeanne has more than 17 years of experience teaching veterinary technician courses and working in animal clinics. She is an author and lecturer with a strong commitment to advancing the field of veterinary medicine. She also holds a certification in veterinary dentistry. Specialties: Practice Consultation, Veterinary Dentistry, Veterinary Science.

Roger Phelps, Instructor

• B.S., Butler University

Roger Phelps has more than 10 years of experience as a certified home inspector. He has inspected more than 2,100 homes ranging from an 1832 two-story brick farm house to multimillion-dollar high rise condominiums. He has experience with new home construction, resale residential properties, HUD repos, bank repos, churches, multi-family developments, condominiums, condominium developments and small commercial properties. Specialty in Home Inspection.

Sarah Rainwater, Instructor

Sarah Rainwater has more then 23 years of professional floral experience focused on fresh, silk, seasonal and occasion floral designs. Sarah has worked for 10 years as a floral designer and store manager of a privately owned floral shop. Specialty in Floral Design.

Dennis Scott, Instructor

• A.S., Miami Dade Community College

Dennis Scott has more than 20 years of professional and academic experience in air conditioning and refrigeration. He spent 12 years with the AC/refrigeration trades union servicing and installing commercial and residential systems. Specialty in Heating and Air Conditioning.

Dawn Siniscalchi, Instructor

• B.S., CUNY – School of Professional Studies
• B.A., Empire State University
• B.S., Excelsior University

Dawn has a vast amount of years of experience working as a plumber. She was indoctrinated into Local One Plumbing Union in New York City in 1997 after a five year apprenticeship that included attending their plumbing school as well as working in the field. Dawn has various degrees and a great deal of experience teaching both traditional and online college courses. Additionally, Dawn has taught a hands-on bathroom installation course for the New York City Department of Housing and Urban Development. Specialties: Plumbing.

Lynette Smith, Academic Advisor

• B.S., Business Management, Phoenix University

Lynette Smith has more than 10 years professional experience in various industries including the military, legal services and education. She has worked as a student services advisor and training assistant for Ashworth for the last two years.

Lynette Smith, Academic Advisor

• B.S., Business Management, Phoenix University

Lynette Smith has more than 10 years professional experience in various industries including the military, legal services and education. She has worked as a student services advisor and training assistant for Ashworth for the last two years.

Julie Sullivan, Instructor

• B.A., University of St. Thomas

Julie has more than 16 years of experience in the interior design of commercial and residential projects, sales, and home staging. She has a specific interest in environmentally-friendly design solutions and materials and is well-versed in using CAD software for her projects. Specialty: Interior Decorating.

Tara Targovnik, Instructor

• B.A., University of Tennessee Knoxville

Tara Targovnik has more than 16 years of experience in the travel field. In 2004, Tara opened Tara’s Travel which booked vacations for individuals and groups all over the world. Tara’s main focus is on leisure travel, but is also experienced with corporate travel bookings for major corporations. Specialty in Travel Agent.

Richard Thurman, Instructor

• M.Ed., Concordia University
• M.B.A., American InterContinental University

Richard has more than 28 years of business experience with a primary focus on financial services. He worked in banking relations as a successful reconciler, team leader, work coordinator, and a consumer dispute supervisor. His work was instrumental in automating the consumer dispute process with ResQue credit reporting online software. He written training manuals, conducted training workshops, and managed a corporate move between states. Specialties in Accounting and Finance.

Dan Turner, Instructor

• M.S., Southern Polytechnic State University
• B.S., University of Georgia

Dan Turner is president and owner of a full service locksmithing and security company. He has been a professional locksmith since 1974 and a member of both the Associated Locksmiths of America and the American Society for Quality Control. Specialty in Locksmithing.

Dr. Keith Wade, Instructor

• D.B.A, Argosy University

Dr. Keith Wade has over 18 years of business and finance experience working with Fortune 500 companies such as Ford Motor Company and Pittney Bowes. In the beginning of his career he also worked as a travel agent. Dr. Wade’s extensive academic experience includes facilitating online classes in finance, business, project management, organizational behavior, and travel agent training. Specialty in Basic Accounting, Travel Agent.

Susan Welborn, Instructor

• B.S., Kennesaw State University

Susan Welborn is a professional wedding planner and consultant who has planned and organized hundreds of wedding ceremonies, receptions, showers and parties. Specialty in Wedding Planner.

Rebecca Wells, Academic Advisor

• B.A., Psychology, Spelman College

Rebecca Wells began working in early childhood education before she became an academic advisor at Ashworth College. She has tutored elementary and high school students in science, math and English. Rebecca plans to seek a master’s degree in psychology.

Marian M. Williams, Academic Advisor

• B.S., Elementary Education with a minor in English, Francis Marion University
• M.Ed., Elementary Education with a minor in English/Library Science, University of South Carolina

Marian M. Williams began her teaching career in classrooms with students in grades 1 through 4. In 2000, Marian joined Ashworth College as a medical career course tutor. She later served as a tutor for James Madison High School, and Ashworth College associate degree students in the areas of English and Early Childhood Education. She later transferred to Students Services Department as a team lead. Marian is now the team lead in the Academic Advising Department.