Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Administrative Aides | Rockville Full-time Faculty | Rockville Part-time Faculty | Rockville Staff | Germantown Full-time Faculty | Germantown Part-time Faculty | TP/SS Full-time Faculty | TP/SS Part-time Faculty
Department Chair
Email: elizabeth.ridings@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7575
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 236A
Office Hours: By appointment
Biography
Professor Ridings is the collegewide department chair for Health and PE. She has an MA in exercise science and fitness management from the University of Connecticut and a BS in exercise physiology from James Madison University. Professor Ridings worked in the health and fitness Industry for ten years prior to becoming a full-time faculty member at Montgomery College. She has experience managing fitness and wellness programs in collegiate, commercial and corporate settings. Professor Ridings is certified by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) as a Certified Exercise Physiologist and as a Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist.
Department Administrative Aides
Full-time Faculty - Rockville
Email: michael.clark@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7578
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 232
Office Hours: M 9-10 and 1-2, W 9-10 and 1-2, Th 10-11
Biography
Professor Michael Clark was a student at Montgomery College, receiving his AA He went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Salisbury University. He graduated from California University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s degree in Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement. Professor Clark holds many certifications including a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) and Fitness Nutrition Specialist from the American Council on Exercise (ACE), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and is a Level II Certified Speed Specialist (CSS) from the National Association of Speed and Explosion (NASE). Professor Clark is also the Head JV football coach and assistant strength and conditioning coach at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland.
Email: odella.hagan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7584
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 228
Biography
Professor Hagan is a PhD candidate at Walden University, specializing in Community Health. She received a Master’s of Science in Human Performance at Frostburg University and a BSW from Hood College. Professor Hagan taught at the college level at Shepherd University, Frostburg State University and Lord Fairfax Community College. She worked for 15 years at Winchester Medical Center, as a Health Educator and Exercise Physiologist in Cardiac, Pulmonary Diabetes Management and Cancer treatment and managed outpatient community and employee wellness programs. Professor Hagan is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, a certified yoga teacher and Reiki Master and has trained through the Mindful Schools program. Her research interests include the use of mindfulness to improve college student support, success and retention and as a means to promote positive health behaviors.Credentials:
CHES, Certified Health Education Specialist
ACSM, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
CYT, Certified Yoga Teacher, Kripalu Institute/ Yoga for Cardiac and Cancer Patients
CDC National Diabetes Prevention Program Graduate
Social Work/Community Action 1982-1996
Appointed: Commission for Women
Appointed: Drug and Alcohol Task Force
Appointed: Child Abuse Task Force
Social Worker: Child Sexual Abuse Investigations
Administrator: Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Email: lakisha.nickens-gaither@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7980
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 226
Biography
Professor LaKisha Nickens-Gaither received her BS from Howard University in Physical Education with a concentration in Athletic Training. She also holds an MS in Exercise Science and Health Promotions with a concentration in Fitness and Wellness and an MS in Sports Management with a concentration in Intercollegiate Athletics from California University of Pennsylvania. Professor Nickens-Gaither has over 17 years of diverse experience that includes teaching at the middle school and college level, managing fitness programs, coaching women’s basketball, and developing strength and conditioning programs. She holds certifications by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) as a Personal Trainer, Sports Performance Enhancement Specialist, Corrective Exercise Specialist, Group Personal Training Specialist, Exercise is Medicine Specialist and Behavior Change Specialist. She loves traveling and spending time with her family.Educational Background:
BS Physical Education, Howard University
MS Exercise Science and Health Promotions, California University of Pennsylvania
MS Sports Management, California University of Pennsylvania
CAGS in Rehabilitation Sciences
CAGS in Injury Prevention and Performance Enhancement
Biography
Professor Alvaradous-Phillander received her Master`s in Public Health from City University of New York Brooklyn College and a Bachelor of Science from City University of New York Lehman College. She has worked extensively in Public Health Program administration and policy. Professor Phillander has worked as an Associate Director of Hospitals with New York City Health and Hospital Corporation for over 10 years. She also worked as a Public health educator with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene on various public health initiatives.
Prior to coming to Montgomery College, Professor Phillander worked with Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as an Older Adult Behavioral Health Specialist, with the goal of identifying gaps in care and the development of policy initiatives focused on improving the lives of individuals 65 and older.
Professor Phillander, shared that above all she believes that “there will always be opportunity where there is an open mind and a willing hand”.Credentials:
MPH, Master’s in Public Health
CHES, Certified Health Education Specialist
CTRS, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
CPRP, Certified Psychiatric Rehabilitation Professional
Email: richard.shaw@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: (240) 567-7579
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 225
Biography
Professor Richard Shaw attended Maryville College in Maryville, TN and played two years of DIII college football before transferring to Georgia Southern University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and a Master’s degree in Sport Management. Professor Shaw also attended the Atlanta School of Massage and is a licensed massage therapist. He holds fitness certifications from numerous organizations, including a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Certified Exercise Physiologist (EP) from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES) and Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), and is a Level I Sports Performance Coach from the United States of America Weightlifting (USAW). Professor Shaw is currently a PhD candidate at George Mason University completing his Doctoral degree in Education with a concentration in Kinesiology.
Email: marge.turnbow@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7583
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 227
Biography
Professor Margaret Turnbow (Marge) was a Montgomery College student who, after receiving two AA degrees, continued on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University in 1986. Following graduation, Marge returned to Montgomery College, Rockville Campus as the Swimming Pool Manager. While in that position, she taught as an adjunct faculty member and attended graduate school at American University. In 1991, she completed her Master’s of Science degree in Health Fitness Management. Marge was hired as a full-time professor for the department in August of 2007. She currently teaches all levels of swimming, a variety of health classes, as well as fitness and strength training courses. Marge is an EMT-B and volunteers at Laytonsville District Volunteer Fire Department. In August 2016, Marge completed 30 years of service at Montgomery College. Marge loves to travel especially to places with a warm climate where she can spend time scuba diving, swimming, reading, and exploring.Education Background:
AA Secondary Education, Montgomery College
AA Physical Education, Montgomery College
BS Health and Physical Education (minor in School Health), West Chester University
MS Health Fitness Management, American University
Email: lesley.wasilko@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7585
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 233
Biography
Professor Lesley Wasilko received her undergraduate degree in exercise science from the Pennsylvania State University and her master’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Maryland. She has taught a variety of fitness and activity courses, as well as professional preparation courses for physical education majors since her hire in 1994. She was the women’s basketball coach for six seasons and the women’s volleyball coach for seven seasons. She enjoys spending time with her family, as well as a variety of outdoor activities and reading.
Staff - Rockville
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PE 246
Biography
Miriam Snyder received her AA in Exercise Science and Health Fitness at Montgomery College. Miriam is a retired Physical Therapist Assistant and has extensive experience with various ability levels and age ranges of rehabilitative health care. In addition to her position as the department’s Physical Education Aide, Ms. Snyder is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor, and enjoys working with clientele to help promote healthy lifestyle and exercise habits. In her spare time Miriam enjoys riding dirt bikes and beekeeping.
Part-time Faculty - Rockville
Biography
Monica Byrd is a Wellbeing Specialist with over 25 years of experience in the fields of health promotion, resiliency and behavior change. Monica’s passion for health and wellness has driven her to design, implement and manage innovative health management and wellness programs in collegiate, government, military, commercial, health care and corporate settings.Monica is a National Board-Certified Heath & Wellness Coach through the International Consortium for Health & Wellness Coaching (ICHWC) and a Wellcoaches® Certified Professional Health, Wellness and Fitness Coach. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Kinesiology & Physical Education with an emphasis in Psychology of Sport and Exercise Behavior from the University of Northern Colorado and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. She is an American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist and holds certifications from the Athletic and Fitness Association of American in Group Fitness Instruction and Personal Training.
Motivated by her studies in yoga, meditation and the mind-body connection, Monica earned a 300-hour Yoga Teacher certification through The Institute of the Himalayan Tradition in St. Paul, MN and a 500-hour Yoga Teacher certification through the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, PA. She is an International Yoga Alliance Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 500). She is also an avid runner and a Road Runners Clubs of America Certified Running Coach. Monica enjoys teaching group fitness classes and is a certified Spin, TRX®, Zumba®, Freedom Bang and Barre fitness instructor.
Educational Background
BA, Psychology, University of Central Florida
MA, Physical Education & Kinesiology, University of Northern Colorado
Full-time Faculty - Germantown
Email: keith.mckelphin@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-597-7727
Office Location: Germantown Campus, PG 107
Biography
Dr. McKelphin is the Campus Coordinator at the Germantown Campus. He earned an EdD in educational leadership with an emphasis in higher education administration from Liberty University in 2015. He earned a MED in health and physical education from Delta State University in 1996, and earned a BS from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1992. Before Dr. McKelphin arrived at Montgomery College, he worked over 18 years at a number of colleges and universities in the capacity of instructor, strength and conditioning specialist, and coach. Dr. McKelphin is certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCSs). In addition, he is a licensed K-12 school teacher.
Email: kimberly.driver@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7725
Office Location: Rockville Campus, PG 104
Biography
Kimberly Driver (formerly Yost now happily married to my high school sweetheart) is
a professor of Health Education in the Health Enhancement/Exercise Science/Physical
Education department at the Germantown campus. She received her undergraduate in Physical
Education with concentrations in Athletic Training and Health/Fitness and earned her
master’s degree from George Mason University in Exercise/Fitness and Health Promotion.
Previously she has been the athletic trainer at Montgomery College for the Men’s Basketball
team at Takoma Park campus and part-time faculty at the Rockville Campus. In the fitness
industry she has her own personal training business, Superfitness Training Academy.
One of her passions of teaching is helping students reach their highest potential.
For her own fitness, she enjoys mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding… any sporty
outside activity.
Education and Credentials:
BS Physical Education/Health Promotion/Athletic Training, Frostburg State University
MS Exercise Fitness and Health Promotion, George Mason University
Global Health Certification, University of Maryland
National Athletic Training Association certified and licensed athletic trainer, ATC,
LAT
National Strength and Conditioning Association certified conditioning specialist,
CSCS
National Commission for Health Education Certified Health Education Specialist, CHES
Part-time Faculty - Germantown
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Full-time Faculty - Takoma Park/Silver Spring
Email: tonya.seed@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1428
Office Location: Germantown Campus, FH 105
Biography
Professor Tonya Seed is the Campus Coordinator at the TPSS Campus. She earned a BS in Physical Education with a specialization in Exercise Physiology from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) in 2003. Upon graduation, she earned the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Exercise Physiologist Certification and worked in the Health and Fitness Industry as a personal trainer, group exercise instructor, and lead exercise physiologist. In 2005, Professor Seed returned to SIUC and earned a MS in Physical Education with a specialization in Kinesiology. During her time in the master’s program, she worked as a teaching assistant in the SIUC Department of Kinesiology, a group exercise instructor, and personal trainer. Her graduate research focused on the cardiovascular response to lower body negative pressure and was published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity. Professor Seed also holds the ACSM/NPAS Physical Activity in Public Health Specialist Certification, ACSM Exercise is Medicine Credential, American Council on Exercise (ACE) Group Fitness Instructor Certification and First Aid and CPR Instructor Certification from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). She teaches physical education and health classes in the department. Her areas of specialty include personal training, group exercise, and first aid and CPR.
Email: aj.baca@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1448
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, CF 151T
Biography
Dr. AJ (“Tito”) Baca has been an instructor in the Health Sciences at Montgomery College for 21 years. He has a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New Mexico in Physical Education, a Master’s Degree from The University of Maryland College Park in Psychology of Sport, and a Doctorate Degree in Higher Education Graduate Leadership Studies from Nova Southeastern University. His professional background centers on health, fitness, and nutrition and he has several certifications in these areas. This includes certifications as a USSF National "B" Soccer Coach, ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, Public Health Fitness Specialist, APFA Master Personal Trainer, APFA Trainer of Special Populations, AFPA Post-Rehabilitation Specialist, APFA Nutrition Consultant, and Mental Health First Aid. Dr. Baca is also a Red Cross and AAOS certified First Aid / CPR/ AED Instructor. In addition, Dr. Baca has over 30 years of various teaching and coaching experiences including elementary, middle, high school, and post-secondary levels. His head coaching experience includes women's soccer teams at the University of New Mexico, Sidwell Friends, Anne Arundel Community College, and Albuquerque High School. He also had the privilege of working part-time with the women’s soccer team at the University of Maryland for two years and with the Washington Freedom of the WUSA, the first ever women's professional soccer league in the USA. Dr. Baca also has experience as a youth baseball coach and worked for two years as an Assistant Coach for the men's basketball team at MC. In addition to teaching a variety of health and exercise science courses here at MC, Dr. Baca has also taught First Aid / CPR/ AED, Medical Terminology, Women’s Health, and History of Sport.
Office Location and Hours
Office Location: TP/SS: CF 151T / RV: PE 229
Office Hours: Vary by day and campus so appointments are preferred