Dennis Congos

Dennis is currently a learning skills specialist and academic advisor at the University of Central Florida. He has also served as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) Coordinator for 18 years and is a Nationally Certified SI Trainer. He has trained staff from over 100 institutions in setting up and running SI programs. Dennis has consulted on learning skills and SI in England and in Jordan. He has also published 24 articles in professional journals on college level learning skills and SI. He has been director of a counseling center, learning center and career development center and has presented at many conferences on learning skills and SI.

Julianne Messia

Julianne Messia is the Academic Support Coordinator for Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, NY. While there she tends to the peer tutoring program, advises first-year students, and runs a first-year student academic survival program. In May 2005 she became a certified academic advisor through the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). She attends SUNY-Albany part-time in pursuit of her MS in educational administration for higher education.

Mon Nasser

Mon is the founder and editor of the Learning Center Newsletter. He is also the developer of AccuTrack, a learning center reporting software. Mon received his Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering in 1993, and followed it by an MS in Engineering Management in 1996. Mon is a software development manager at Engineerica Systems, Inc. You can contact Mon at mon@accutrack.org

Stephen Burns

Stephen Burns is the Technical Trainer at Antelope Valley College. Stephen received a BS in Computer Imaging from Charter Oak State College, a graduate certificate in Web Programming from City University, and a MS in Computing Technology in Education from Nova Southeastern University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate from NSU.

Mona Pelkey

Mona Pelkey is a learning assistance professional who has served as a high school English teacher, college remedial writing instructor, academic library professional, and course director/reading and study skills instructor. She holds a BS in secondary English education and an MS in elementary education. Although completion of a dissertation is not in the cards at this time, she has completed doctoral coursework and the comprehensive examination for a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education. Currently she tutors writing online, and serves as volunteer editor for The Learning Center Exchange.

Barbara McLay

Barbara McLay is a faculty member and instructor of Critical Reading at the University of South Florida, LEARN Program in Tampa, FL.  She has her master's degree in reading education from the University of South Florida and has recently resumed work on her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction.  Her ever-widening areas of interest include reading rate, study reading, recreational reading, gender and writing, grammar instruction, year-round schools, and learning disabilities. 

Toni Alazraki

Toni Alazraki received her Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts with a minor in English Literature from Douglass College in 1969. In 1984, she received a Master’s degree in Education from Maharishi International University (Renamed Maharishi University of Management in 1995). Toni has worked for Maharishi University of Management since 1977 in various administrative, editorial and academic positions. She is now semi-retired and acts as Academic Support Tutor for the University. She tutors students in writing, study skills, and ESL. Her website is located at www.mum.edu/academicsupport.

Michael Ruwe

Michael Ruwe is currently a Learning Specialist at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s Learning Center. His past educational experience includes a BA and MA in English; graduate studies in Social Work; and a BA in Music. He has, at various times, been employed as an adjunct English Instructor, Writing Tutor, Music Teacher (K-8), Choir Director, and Evaluator for state-mandated essays. In addition to his duties at UNCW, he teaches, writes, and performs throughout the Carolinas.