Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Administrative Aides | Full-time Faculty | Part-time Faculty
Department Chair
Email: andrew.herst@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-3945
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS-136
Biography
Professor Herst earned his B.S. and M.S. in Psychology from the University of Maryland at College Park. His primary research interests include eye movements and visual perception in general (which covers motion perception & 3D space perception). Professor Herst’s teaching interests include PSYC 102, Learning Communities, and Statistics.
Department Administrative Aides
Email: christie.liljestrand@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 138
Full-time Faculty
Email: maria.sprehn@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7484
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 188
Biography
Dr. Sprehn focuses on engaging students with current issues in anthropology and incorporates her anthropological research and field experience into her teaching. She received her PhD and MA degree in anthropology from the University of New Mexico and her BA in anthropology from the George Washington University. Dr. Sprehn joined the department full time in August 2008 but began teaching anthropology part-time at Montgomery College in 1997. Her current research focuses on oral history and Latin@ culture in the Washington, DC area. In 2014, she co-authored a book on Latinos in the area, Latinos in the Washington Metro Area. She has conducted fieldwork in various locations including Spain and Mexico. She has also led museum collection-based projects including an online exhibit for the Smithsonian about textiles from the North American Southwest. She has written about and contributed to museum exhibits about prehistoric Mexico's Casas Grandes pottery.Educational Background
BA, Anthropology, George Washington University
MA, Anthropology, University of New Mexico
PhD, Anthropology, University of New Mexico
Email: sonja.fisher@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6012
Office Location: Germantown Campus, GT 223
Office Hours: M 2:00 - 4:00 pm; Tu 11:00 am-12:30pm; Th 11:00am-12:30pm
Biography
Sonja Fisher teaches and coordinates the Elementary and Secondary Education AAT programs.
She also co-leads the CREATE education student cohort program. Prior to teaching
at MC, she taught in public schools and served as a consultant to public and private
schools on a range of topics, including special education compliance; identification
of, and supports for children with disabilities; and building intra- and inter- institutional
collaborative networks.
Educational Background
BS, Education, University of Virginia
MS, Special Education, University of Virginia
Email: barbara.marshall@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7761
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 231
Biography
Dede Marshall worked in the Early Childhood Education field for 20 years prior to
teaching at Montgomery College. She has an MEd in early childhood special education
from George Mason University, and a BA in psychology from William Woods University.
She has taught children, from infancy through five in addition to directing child
development centers and creating new programs and centers. She began teaching at Montgomery
College in 2010 and loves teaching college students who will become teachers themselves.
When she is not working, you can find Professor Marshall in the garden, biking, or
hiking with her two Border Collies.
Educational Background
BA, William Woods University, Psychology
MA, Education – George Mason University, Early Childhood Special Education
Email: sean.fay@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7479
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 204
Office Hours: M 8:30-11:30 am; W 4:15-6:15 pm; Advising Hours: W 9:00-11:30 am
Biography
Professor Fay received a juris doctorate degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School, a master of arts degree in criminology and criminal justice from the University of Maryland, and a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from Marist College. Prior to attending law school, Professor Fay worked in law enforcement as both a police officer and a probation and parole agent in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Professor Fay began his teaching career as an adjunct professor with the Montgomery College Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice in 2005. He worked as a full-time professor for the Department of Public Safety and Law at Prince George’s Community College before returning to Montgomery College in 2008. Professor Fay is licensed to practice law in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.Educational Background
BS, Criminal Justice, Marist College
MA, Criminology & Criminal Justice, University of Maryland
J.D. Law, Thomas M. Cooley Law School
Email: joanne.bagshaw@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1977
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 225
Biography
Dr. Bagshaw is a professor at Montgomery College, and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Maryland and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York. She has a PhD in general psychology from Capella University, an MA in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and a BA in psychology from Long Island University/Southampton Campus. In addition to teaching full-time at MC, she maintains a part-time psychotherapy practice focusing on treating trauma, and working with individuals going through life transitions. Her research interests are in mindfulness and contemplative pedagogy. Dr. Bagshaw loves to travel and can be found having fun with her daughter, Ava.Educational Background
BA, Long Island University, Southampton
MA, Forensic Psychology, John Jay College of Criminal Justice
PhD, General Psychology, Capella University
Email: sam.bergmann@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1825
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 186
Biography
Dr. Bergmann was trained in clinical psychology and in conducting research in developmental psychology. His background lies in mental health settings, academic settings, and in conducting research for non-profit organizations. His approach is interdisciplinary and his interests lie in human wellbeing, broadly defined, the influence of culture on the experience of self, and the ways in which individuals construct and story their own identities, including their gender and sexual identities. In addition to teaching psychology, he is also the coordinator of Women's and Gender Studies at the Germantown Campus and teaches a class in LGBTQ identities.Educational Background
Email: denise.dewhurst@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7721
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 179
Biography
Dr. Dewhurst began her career at Montgomery College in 1982, as an adjunct professor, eventually joining the full time faculty in 1992. She is a former department chair of Social Sciences and Education (14 years) and currently serves as Psychology Coordinator for Germantown. Twice selected for the MC-Smithsonian Faculty Fellowship program she now is co-coordinator for the program. She is a recipient of the College’s Faculty Outstanding Service Award (2006) and NISOD Excellence Award (2007). She is also a licensed psychologist with her own private practice, and serves on the executive boards of the Association of Professional Psychologists, Montgomery-PG County and Children’s Home Society, one of the largest adoption and family services agencies in the country.Educational Background
BA, Psychology,Newton College
MA, Psychology, Boston College
PhD, Psychology, Boston College
Professional License
Licensed Psychologist, State of Maryland
Email: melissa.mcceney@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7829
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 184
Biography
Dr. McCeney completed her BA degree in psychology at The University of Central Oklahoma
before earning her PhD in medical psychology from The Uniformed Services University
of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, MD. Her research interests involve health-related
behaviors throughout the lifespan with a particular emphasis on preventive behaviors
(e.g., exercise and eating behavior.) She teaches Introductory Psychology, Psychology
of Human Sexuality, Social Psychology, Child Psychology, and Human Growth and Development.
Dr. McCeney is also the mom of three daughters and a competitive west coast swing
dancer.
Educational Background
A.A. Psychology, Oklahoma City Community College
BA, Psychology, University of Central Oklahoma
MS, Medical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
PhD, Medical Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Email: brett.pelham@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7733
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 221
Office Hours: M,W 8:00-9:00am & 12:00-1:00pm, Tu,Th 8:30-9:00am
Biography
Dr. Pelham studies social cognition, the self, and decision-making, with an emphasis
on culture, gender, stereotypes, implicit belief systems, and social inequality. He
is the author of three textbooks on topics that include statistics, research methods,
and evolutionary psychology. He is currently working on a text in introductory psychology.
Educational Background
BS, Interdisciplinary Studies (Social & Physical Sciences), Berry College
PhD, Psychology, University of Texas at Austin
Email: benedict.ngala@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-1911
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 182
Office Hours: M,W 8:50-9:50 am & 12:00-1:00pm; F 8:50-9:50 am
Biography
Dr. Ngala previously taught at James Madison University before coming to Montgomery College as a full-time faculty member in 2005. Dr. Ngala earned a BA in philosophy from Urbaniana University in Rome, Italy, and MA and PhD degrees in sociology from Howard University in Washington, DC. After completing graduate studies, Dr. Ngala attended the University of East London, UK, where he earned a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education for Post Compulsory Education and Training (PGCE-PCET). Dr. Ngala’s areas of specialization in sociology include: race/ethnicity/class and gender relations, social theory, globalization, social problems, and stratification. He currently teaches Social Problems, Race and Ethnic Relations, Globalization Issues and Introduction to Sociology.Educational Background
BA, Philosophy, Urbaniana University
MA, Sociology, Howard University
PhD, Sociology, Howard University
Email: rachel.sullivan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7738
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 108
Biography
Dr. Sullivan earned her BA at the University of Detroit Mercy, her MA at Bowling Green State University, and her PhD at the University of Connecticut. Her dissertation explored how contemporary colorblind racism affects family approval of black white interracial cohabitation and marriage, and her teaching interests focus on race, African American studies, family, gender, and sexuality. She enjoys teaching the diverse students of Montgomery College through interactive lectures that make sociology relevant to everyday life. When she’s not teaching, she’s spending time with her twin sons and her daughter, or she’s involved in social justice activism.Educational Background
BA, Sociology and History, University of Detroit Mercy
MA, Sociology, Bowling Green State University
PhD, Sociology, University of Connecticut
Email: daniel.wilson@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6917
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 219
Biography
Professor Wilson received his B.A. degree from the University of California at Santa
Cruz, his M.S. in Sociology from the University of Oregon, and has completed his comprehensive exams
for a doctoral degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon. Professor Wilson
has taught at San Diego State University, Lane Community College, and the University
of Oregon. Much of his research and courses have focused on issues of social psychology,
the sociology of science and technology, environmental politics, and sociological
theory. Before becoming interested in higher education, Professor Wilson worked as
a science teacher at the middle-school level in Salinas, CA. His teaching style stresses
bringing students into scholarly debates at a level, which is personal and familiar.
He currently teaches Introductory Sociology, Social Problems, Globalization, Sociology
of Personality, and the Sociology of Sport. Professor Wilson joined Montgomery College
in August 2006. He was department chair on the Rockville campus from 2012-2017 before
returning to full-time faculty at Germantown. His hobbies include music, camping,
biking, surfing (when available), tacos (is that a hobby?), pugs, and watching Chargers/Duck football.
Educational Background
BA, Sociology, University of California, Santa Cruz
MS, Sociology, University of Oregon
Part-time Faculty
Email: RBobys@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-768-7134
Biography
Dr. Bobys teaches sociology courses at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College. He also teaches Sociology courses and Criminal Justice courses at Marymount University (Arlington, VA) and the University of Maryland University College.
He received his Bachelors from Tulane University, his Masters from the University
of Virginia, and his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. He was the Chair of the Sociology &
Criminal Justice Department at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa from 1977-2013.
Educational Background
BS, Sociology, Tulane University
MA, Sociology, University of Virginia
PhD, Sociology, Virginia Tech
Email: amy.carattini@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-768-7134
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, English Literature, Marycrest International University, Davenport, IAMA, English Literature, Shippensburg University, Shippensburg, PA
MA,A. Applied Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Certificate in Museum Scholarship and Material Culture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
PhD, Anthropology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Email: thomas.colligan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, Psychology, University of Maryland College ParkMSW, University of Maryland at Baltimore
MBA, Frostburg State University
Email: megan.fedor@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 703-969-2086
Office Location: Germantown Campus, Remote
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BS, Virginia Tech, PsychologyMS, Villanova University, Psychology
PhD, Michigan State University, Educational Psychology
Office Location: Germantown Campus, Online course site
Office Hours: Private communications on course site. On-campus meetings available by appointment
Educational Background
BA, History, University of AkronBS, Psychology, University of Maryland University College
MA, Psychology, Bowie State University
Email: bkibler@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, Literature Pomona CollegeAM, Middle Eastern Studies Harvard University
AM, Social Anthropology Harvard University
PhD, Candidate, Joint Program in Social Anthropology and Middle Eastern Studies Harvard University Secondary Field in Women Gender and Sexuality Studies
Email: debra.kieper@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Biography
Certified as an Administrator; Reading Specialist; Teacher of Early Childhood, Elementary and Middle School; and Teacher of Exceptional Children K-12. Twenty-five years of teaching experience including public education, private school education, and adjunct professor for Wilmington University, University of Delaware and Montgomery College.
Educational Background
BA,Teacher of the Handicapped, Rowan University
MEd, Reading Specialist, Wilmington University
Email: catherine.kramer@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Educational Background
BS, Social work. Ecole de Service Social Paris FranceMS, Clinical social work. University of Tennessee
PhD, Child Development University of Maryland
Email: karen.malaska@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BS, Elementary Education, University of Maryland, College ParkMEd, Educational Technology, University of Maryland University College
Email: Alison.melley@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Biography
Alison’s background is in Clinical Psychology, having earned her doctorate in 2003. Her professional and personal experience since then has included work in foster care, parenting, homelessness, resilience, and early intervention. She began teaching psychology part-time in Germantown in 2012 and her interests have expanded to diversity and inclusion as well as cognitive development and education across the lifespan. She is also an embedded academic coach in the ATPA program and is involved in program research at the Center for Early Education. She is married and has five children ranging in age from four to eighteen, and enjoys competing in the sport of triathlon.Educational Background
BA, Psychology, Loyola University of Maryland
MA, Clinical Psychology, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
PhD, Clinical Psychology, University of Virginia
Email: martha.monks@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, Human Relations, Trinity College, (Now Trinity University)MBA, Pastoral Management, Graduate Theological Foundation
Email: Rebecca.parlakian@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Biography
Rebecca Parlakian serves as Senior Director of Programs at ZERO TO THREE, a nonprofit focused on promoting healthy development for children from birth to three, where she directs a portfolio of federally- and privately-funded projects related to child development, parenting, and high quality teaching/caregiving. In her role, Rebecca has co-authored three parenting curricula and developed parenting resources in various formats (e.g., app, podcasts, and videos). Rebecca’s written work has appeared in a variety of publications including the peer-reviewed Young Children. She is currently serving as an adjunct professor at Montgomery College (Germantown, MD) and at the Graduate School of Education and Human Development at George Washington University (Washington, DC). Rebecca holds a Master’s degree in infant/toddler special education from the George Washington University.Educational Background
BA, Economics/East Asian Studies, Union College
MEd, George Washington University
Email: Lucretia.pizzano@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Biography
Professor Pizzano has been teaching at MC for the past 26 years. She is a licensed clinician who has been in private practice for 30 years and works at a local emergency room performing psychiatric assessments.Educational Background
BA, Psychology, George Mason University
MA, Clinical Psychology, Towson University
CAGS, Counseling, John's Hopkins University
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BS, Biology (focus on Botany), Calcutta University, IndiaMM, Music, New England Conservatory, Boston
MSDE, Licensed Early Childhood Educator
Email: paula.rosenthal@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, Secondary Education, University of MarylandMEd, Administration and Supervision, University of Maryland
Email: Lori.Spinelli-Samara@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, Sociology/Elementary Education, Regis College, Weston MAMA, General Administration, University of Maryland, University College
Email: matthew.strauss@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-6934
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 185
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
BA, Psychology, University of MarylandMA, Psychology, Towson University