School of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Education

A native of Wilmington, Delaware, Sr. Pat Hutchison has taught at the elementary and high school level and served as assistant principal and principal in schools in Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, and North Augusta, SC. A Sister of St. Francis of Philadelphia, Sr. Pat has also served in administrative roles within her religious congregation.

For the past 25 years, Sr. Pat has taught education courses at the undergraduate and doctoral level at Neumann University. She also served as director of the Neumann Institute for Franciscan Studies and directs the undergraduate Core program. Her doctoral dissertation explored “The Integration of the Franciscan Tradition in the Undergraduate Core Curriculum.” Her research interests include the Franciscan tradition, Catholic higher education, assessment, service learning, and professional development.

I attended SUNY Cobleskill College where I earned an associate degree in Early Childhood Education, and then went on to Canisius College, where I earned the baccalaureate degree in Psychology. My undergraduate work in Psychology sparked an interest in brain science and learning theory. Understanding how different brains work and finding new ways to teach the same content to different learners inspired me to become a professor of special education. I continued my education at Notre Dame of Maryland University where I received my Master’s in Teaching Leadership and the Ph.D. in Changing Education for the Changing Population with a focus in Special Education. As a teacher in Baltimore City and Baltimore County schools, I worked in both self-contained and inclusion classrooms for grades k-8, teaching students with a wide range of disabilities and disadvantages. I taught as an adjunct professor at both the Community College of Baltimore County and Notre Dame of Maryland University. My professional interests include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Specific Learning Disabilities and reading comprehension.

Kristina Brezicha is an Associate Professor in the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, where she teaches qualitative and quantitative research and serves as the program’s methodologist for students during the dissertation phase. Her research focuses on the relationship between education and democracy. She has presented her work at numerous conferences and published in a variety of academic journals, including the American Journal of Education, Peabody Journal of Education, and Urban Education. Before joining Neumann, she was an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership at Georgia State University. Prior to earning her Ph.D. from Penn State, she taught special education to students in kindergarten through fifth grade in New York City

Denise Citarelli Jones, Ed.D.

With her Ed.D. in Policy, Planning and Leadership from The College of William and Mary, Dr. Denise Citarelli Jones, is the Director of the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Neumann University. She earned her undergraduate degree in English Education at the University of Delaware, and Masters Degrees from Rosemont College in English and Publishing and St. Joseph's University in Education. As a public educator for over 30 years, Denise has taught in secondary schools, served as a building administrator and led curriculum, instruction and assessment design as the Director of Education. She currently empowers leaders and teachers in workshops and seminar trainings across Pennsylvania. She believes that education is the pathway forward for all and is steadfast in her belief that education should be accessible and practical for anyone who chooses to further his/her/their goals.

Matthew D’Almeida earned his B.A. Psychology from Millersville University of Pennsylvania. His experiences as an undergraduate student inspired his interest in the field of higher education, leading him to pursue his M.S. in Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs at West Chester University. While completing his Master’s degree, Matthew served as a graduate assistant in various student support services roles at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania.

Matthew came to Neumann University in 2021, drawn to Neumann University’s commitment to its Franciscan mission and values. As a professional academic advisor, he is committed to supporting student success both in and outside of the classroom. Matthew is an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan and enjoys spending his free time with his family and friends.

Devon joins the Neumann community after practicing as a social worker in Philadelphia for over 10 years. She began her career supporting children and families impacted by parental substance use before moving on to interdisciplinary practice in child welfare. She trained and worked with social workers and attorneys to represent children who had experienced abuse and neglect. She also taught as an adjunct professor, where she learned she loves supporting students as they consider social work or other career paths. Devon strives to bring the same supportive, trauma-sensitive approach to teaching that she employed in practice. Social work students, regardless of their interests and fields of practice, will be most effective when they have an understanding of how trauma impacts the lives of the individuals they seek to help. Devon is excited to teach and guide students as they embark on the rewarding career path of social work.

Dr. Cynthia A. Ferraro joined Neumann University in 2002, drawn to its mission, vision, and core values grounded in the Catholic Franciscan tradition. She feels blessed to be part of a community that reflects her personal and professional beliefs in compassion, respect, and service.

Dr. Ferraro brings more than 35 years of experience in education, including 13 years as a middle school social studies teacher for grades six through eight. After taking an early retirement from the public school system to adopt her two sons from Guatemala, she joined Neumann as an adjunct instructor in the Department of Education and Human Services, teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses, supervising student teachers, and serving as the Student Teacher Placement Specialist.

She became a full-time faculty member in 2005 and now serves as Associate Professor and Coordinator of Student Teaching for Neumann’s undergraduate and graduate education programs. In this role, Dr. Ferraro cultivates partnerships with schools across Pennsylvania, coordinates placements, and facilitates orientation sessions for cooperating teachers. She also connects students with school administrators who share insight into the professional application and hiring process.

Dr. Ferraro holds a Master of Science in Education with a concentration in elementary education and Pennsylvania teaching certifications in both elementary education and social studies. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from TUI University in 2008. 

Dr. Timothy S. Hanna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology with a minor in Spanish from the University of Florida, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Philosophy from the University of South Florida. He then attended Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, MA, where he earned a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree. Seeking to integrate psychology and theology with a practical outlet of service, he attended Loyola University Maryland, where he first earned a Master of Science degree in Pastoral Counseling before subsequently earning his PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision.

During his time in Maryland, Dr. Hanna gained both teaching and clinical experience at local community colleges. He is now a clinically licensed (LCPC), nationally certified counselor (NCC.), with continued interest in promoting spiritually-integrated mental health care at community levels. His research interests include social justice and liberation, personality and ideology, and religious and spiritual integration in counseling and mental healthcare. He remains an engaged member of the ACA, with particular attention to the ACES and ASERVIC subdivisions, as well as the APA, AAPC, and NAMI.

Dr. Hanna is committed to promoting spiritually-integrated, personal and professional formation through his work with students in the MS and PhD programs of Pastoral Counseling. He views such integration as an essential pathway to fostering holistic well-being in ourselves and in others.

Dr. Johnson has been teaching undergraduates in some capacity for the last 25 years. He has taught courses ranging from Russian grammar and conversation, Psychology and Literature, The Art of the Short Story, and innumerable sections of first-year writing and composition. He believes that if one stops learning, one stops living. His interests outside of academics include watercolor painting and pen and ink, reading, spending time with his two children, and serves as a course rater for Golfweek magazine.

Former dean of the Division of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Kovach serves as Executive Director of the Delta Epsilon Sigma National Catholic Scholastic Honor Society DESNational@neumann.edu. She has published and presented internationally on writers such as Isabel Allende, Margery Kemp, Voltaire, and Amy Tan; she accords special attention to the medieval (and timeless) Tristan legend and its possibilities in tandem with contemporary literary theory. Her avocations include Chinese folk dance, competitive figure skating and ice dancing, and Tang Soo Do karate.

Reverend Philip J. Lowe, Ed.D., M.Div. was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. He majored in philosophy during his baccalaureate studies, in pastoral theology during his graduate studies, in educational administration during his doctoral studies, and his doctoral dissertation is titled: Clinical Supervision Practices of the Secondary School Principals of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Father Lowe’s areas of professional interest are Catholic School Education and Leadership, Supervision of Instruction, Staff Development, and School Administration.

I am excited and honored to be a part of the Neumann faculty. Neumann is a special place and I look forward to joining and contributing to this community. I began my career in education teaching young children ages 3 to 6 years old. During this time, I saw a strong need for teacher support in the field of early childhood. I became a professional development consultant and began training early childhood educators. This experience prepared me to teach at local community colleges as an adjunct professor and then an Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director of an early childhood program, and most recently Director of the Center for Faculty Development. My research and topics of interest are culturally responsive teaching, faculty development, educational technology, and assessment.

One concept I try to portray when I am teaching is the importance of building a classroom community. I consider myself a facilitator in the classroom and I learn from my students every time I teach. I am always looking for new things to try out in the classroom and am open to ideas. I believe and value lifelong learning and continual improvement. In the classroom, I will share stories with my students about my three children who I am always learning from as well: Kevin, Sarah, and Vinny.

Dr. McMonagle, also known as "Doc" by many of his students, served as Deputy Legislative Director for a US Congressman on Capitol Hill before running for Congress and later for Delaware County Council. Dr. McMonagle earned his PhD in Political Science from Temple University and his MPP in Public Policy Studies from the University of Chicago. An expert in American Government and Public Policy, this educator brings a wealth of practical and scholarly experience into the classroom -- preparing students for a variety of skill-based careers or for graduate studies starting in their freshman year at Neumann. His book, Caribou and Conoco, explains the political and social variables that have been driving important public policy debates on energy and the environment.

Mr. Miller is a native of Delaware County and has taught at Neumann since 2000. His career in education started in 1988, but he has spent time in journalism, public relations, security, and library work. Mr. Miller has also taught at West Virginia University, Widener University, Delaware County Community College, Messiah College, and Riverside Military Academy, where he won teacher of the year. While on faculty at Neumann, he has been awarded the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, and before that the Part-time Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is the author of two novels on the Civil War, and an award-winning book on the history of Williamson College of the Trades. Mr. Miller is currently writing a book on the 300-year history of Saint Thomas the Apostle parish in Glen Mills, Pa., with an expected publication date of summer 2026. He is an associate member of the Marine Corps League and a volunteer interpreter at Brandywine Battlefield State Park.

John Mizzoni has been published in over 30 journals and is the author of Basic Problems of Philosophy (2026); Ethics—The Basics, 2nd ed (2017); Evolution and the Foundations of Ethics (2017); Catholic and Franciscan Ethics (2014); co-editor of G.E.M. Anscombe and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition (2016); and editor of G.E.M. Anscombe and Human Dignity (2016). Mizzoni has presented at conferences in 6 different countries and in 17 different states in the USA.

He is nationally certified to teach online by the Quality Matters online teaching organization, and is a QM certified reviewer of online courses, nationwide.

Mizzoni is also a singer/songwriter, guitarist, and pianist, and his body of original musical works are available on Spotify, YouTube, and many other streaming platforms.

I am passionate about teaching theology and counseling theories of Pastoral Counseling where diverse images of God are reflected through the multi-cultural communities in which we live. In the current milieu of diversity, where more families are embodying multi-cultural and multi-ethnic relations, locally and globally, the skills to engage in inter-cultural and inter-faith dialogues are essential to being competent leaders as pastors, chaplain, and mental health therapists.

Having lived in seven countries on five continents during my formative years, I have developed the ability to see and engage cultures and their people from both subjective and objective perspectives. By engaging theologies and theories of human living through multiple vantage points, I hope to impart not mere “sensitivity” to other cultures, but a reverence for the complex and exhaustive nature of God’s creations as a reflection of the diversity of God.

I joined Neumann faculty as Assistant Professor in fall, 2014 and am now the Clinical Coordinator for the Neumann Clinical Master’s Programs. Prior to joining Neumann, I worked in various clinical, pastoral, and academic positions including hospital chaplaincy in medical and mental health/addiction fields, director of youth and children’s ministry, pastor of congregational care, and adjunct teaching positions in graduate schools and seminaries. Additionally, I have extensive experience as a marriage and family therapist (LMFT) working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Currently, I am serving on the board of Culture-In-Motion, Institute of Collective Trauma and Growth (ICTG), and Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling.

After completing his undergraduate degree Dr. Pegan worked for some years in a L’Arche community for people with developmental disabilities. While he found this work immensely fulfilling he had a strong desire to continue his education and become a teacher. Though his dissertation was in the philosophy of language he has long had a deep interest in many of life’s big questions, such as questions about human nature, freedom and moral responsibility, ethics and morality, and the existence of God and an afterlife. He enjoys thinking and writing about these questions, and exploring them with students both in and outside of the classroom.

Marisa A. Rauscher joined Neumann University as a faculty member with the Division of Education and Human Services in 2004. Formerly, Marisa was a high school teacher in Philadelphia for nine years and a long time cross country/track and field coach.

Marisa completed a bachelor’s degree in English Secondary Education and a master’s degree in Special Education at Shippensburg University. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology at Temple University. Marisa’s academic interests include human development, adolescent egocentrism, risk-taking behaviors, teacher quality and gender theory.

While completing her master’s program in Special Education, Marisa had the opportunity to work in an extended year program at Olde Forge School in Lima, PA. It is in this capacity that Marisa had the opportunity to work with students with a variety of exceptionalities. This experience galvanized Marisa’s spirit of advocacy for the rights and needs of all students.

As a certified English and special educator, Marisa considers the craft of teaching to be a vocation – one in which accountability and passion are paramount. She strives to model excellence with compassion and diligence. As a former collegiate athlete, Marisa balances her work life with morning runs and the beautiful and inspiring gift of family.

Dr. Megan J. Scranton, SLP, is Director of Undergraduate Education and an Associate Professor at Neumann University. She is also a licensed Speech & Language Pathologist, certified Reading Specialist, and former Literacy Coach. Additionally, she holds a Supervisory certification in Curriculum & Instruction. Dr. Scranton earned her BA in Education & Psychology from Bucknell University, her MS in Speech Language Pathology from Boston University, and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership: Curriculum, Instruction, & Staff Development from Widener University. She joined the Neumann family in 2011. Her experience includes 15+ years in higher education and 14 years in public education in an urban school district. Dr. Scranton has significant experience working with struggling readers and writers and English Language Learners (ELLs). Dr. Scranton teaches both undergraduate and graduate courses in literacy methods, language development, culturally responsive teaching, special education, curriculum & instruction, and instructional coaching. She is active in KSLA (Keystone State Literacy Association) and often presents at state and international conferences sharing her knowledge & experiences. At NU, she serves on the Learning Outcomes Assessment, Writing Across the Curriculum, & Writing Intensive Taskforce committees and serves as an editor for the Catalyst (NU student publication) and chapter counselor for KDP (Kappa Delta Pi) Education Honor Society. She advises 30+ students, facilitates professional development for the NU education faculty, supervises 3 adjunct instructors, and often chairs more than one Dissertation committee at a time. Dr. Scranton is a member of PAC-TE, KSLA, ILA, ASCD, ASHA, & KDP. She currently serves as Co-Chair of the Literacy Advocacy Committee of KSLA.      
Dr. Scranton truly believes that all children can learn, and that teaching is one of the most rewarding professions. Her advice for becoming an effective teacher is “Work Smarter, Not Harder,” have fun, and always engage in reflection.

Dr. Whitelaw is a graduate of Drexel University, with B.S. degrees in Literature & Corporate Communications, an M.S. degree in Instruction, with PA certifications in Elementary Education and Environmental Education, and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Development and Learning Technologies. She is a former elementary and middle school science teacher, and was the Director of a mathematics and science learning lab. Her higher education experience includes extensive teaching in Education, English, and Organizational Studies, as well as holding leadership posts working in the areas of field experience, supervising student teachers, academic coaching, and a mentoring program for beginning teachers in the School District of Philadelphia.

A Neumann University graduate, lifelong learner and educator, Sr. Corinne currently uses this experience to provide academic advice to students.

Dr. Yönten received his PhD in Political Science and International Relations from University of Delaware in 2011. He got his BA and MA degrees from Bogazici University (Istanbul/Turkey) in 1999 and 2002 respectively. His research interests include international migration, multilateralism, and Turkish foreign policy. Since 2003, Mr. Yönten has been involved in a large scale project aiming to build a dataset of all multilateral treaties since the establishment of the modern nation-state system. The dataset is useful to examine distributional aspects of institutionalized cooperation over time and space, and hegemony and leadership in institutionalized cooperation. Mr. Yönten teaches a range of courses in international relations and comparative politics including Current Problems in World Politics, US Foreign Relations, Politics of Developing Nations, and Research Methods in Political Science.