Faculty and Staff
Department Chair | Dept. Administrative Aides | Full-time Faculty | Part-time Faculty
Department Chair
Email: ginger.robinson@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7513
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 231
Biography
Professor Ginger Robinson received her Associate of Arts in political science from Harford Community College, her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Policy from the University of Baltimore, and her Juris Doctor (cum laude) from the University of Baltimore School of Law. After serving as an Assistant Public Defender in Baltimore City, Professor Robinson started her own legal practice focusing on criminal defense and family law. She also spent eight years as an adjunct professor teaching Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure and Evidence at Harford Community College. Professor Robinson has received numerous accolades for her trial practice, including being selected by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in criminal defense each year since 2013. She is a board member and former president of The Women’s Law Center of Maryland as well as a member of the Maryland Bar Foundation, which is composed of lawyers who have made outstanding contributions to the profession. Her pro bono work includes criminal record expungement and assistance to survivors of human trafficking. She will teach criminal justice courses at the Takoma Park / Silver Spring and Rockville campuses.Rockville Campus Office: Humanities Building, Suite 224 Room 227
Phone: 240-567-7513
Takoma Park / Silver Spring Campus Office: North Pavilion, Room 225
Phone: 240-567-5823
Educational Background:
Juris Doctor (cum laude), University of Baltimore School of Law
Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Policy, University of Baltimore
Associate of Arts in political science, Harford Community College
Department Administrative Aides
Email: khadijeh.torkashvan@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5246
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 233
Full-time Faculty
Email: naliyah.kaya@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5774
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, North Pavilion 227
Biography
In addition to being a public sociologist, Dr. Kaya is a spoken word poet, jewelry maker, and mixed media artist. She centers her energy on the intersections of art and activism (e.g., artivism) focusing on counter narratives, the self, multiraciality—specifically mixed Middle Eastern & North African experiences, antiracism, leadership, ableism & accessibility, and supporting justice-impacted community members.Her recent work includes: “Existing In-Between: Embodying the Synergy of My Ancestors” in Multiracial Experiences in Higher Education: Contesting Knowledge, Honoring Voice, and Innovating Practice and “Challenging and Changing Racial Categories? Interracial Marriage and Multiracial Americans” in Race and Ethnicity: Sociology in Action due out later this year.
Dr. Kaya organizes arts programming as a member of the Executive Committee for the Critical Mixed Race Studies Association (CMRSA) and has served as a cultural consultant, guest lecturer, and evaluator for multiple cross-cultural community-based art exhibits.
She previously served as the Coordinator for Multiracial & Native American/Indigenous Student Involvement at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) where she continues to teach TOTUS Spoken Word Experience for the Jiménez-Porter Writers’ House in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Involvement & Community Advocacy.
Educational Background
AAS, Shoreline Community CollegeBA, Sociology, Hampton University
MA, Sociology, George Mason University
PhD, Sociology, George Mason University
Email: katya.salmi@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7480
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 225
Educational Background
BA, History and Anthropology, University of Toronto, CanadaMA, Human Rights, University College, London
PhD, Sociology, University of Sussex, UK
Email: daniel.santore@montgmerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5071
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 235
Biography
Dr. Santore received his Doctorate in Sociology and Master's degree in Women's Studies at SUNY- Albany, in New York. Dr. Santore has spent the past six years teaching Sociology, and has been at the Rockville Campus of Montgomery College since 2009. His teaching and research interests include sociological theory, gender, and families, and he has published several articles and essays on these topics. In addition to his regular classroom duties, Dr. Santore has worked with students as a personal and group tutor for introductory Sociology courses. Having just moved to Montgomery County, Dr. Santore has felt warmly welcomed by his students and colleagues at MC and enjoys being teased by students and faculty alike for his New York sports affiliations.Educational Background
BA, Sociology, University at Albany, S.U.N.Y.
MA, Women’s Studies, University at Albany, S.U.N.Y
PhD, Sociology, University at Albany, S.U.N.Y.
Email: Camille.Sola@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5899
Office Location: Takoma Park/Silver Spring Campus, North Pavilion 228
Biography
Professor Camille Solá earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration from the George Washington University, and also holds an M.A. in Sociology as well as a B.A in Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico. Professor Solá is passionate about issues of social justice and has studied and researched various aspects of race in the Puerto Rican criminal justice system, and the racialization of political rhetoric in the run up to the Trump presidency. Professor Solá is interested in analyzing multiple forms of otherization and how these forces shape our opportunities, the institution and structures that define opportunity, and ultimately, us. Her goal in teaching sociology is to have students grasp the value of acquiring an in depth understanding of the role that social forces play in our everyday lives, and how this knowledge can be used to question and challenge inequitable social arrangements. Having students feel empowered to apply the information explored each semester to their lives is a fundamental priority of Professor Solá. She is currently teaching SOCY 100: Introduction to Sociology and SOCY 208: Sociology of Gender.B.A. in Political Science – University of Puerto Rico
M.A. in Sociology – University of Puerto Rico
Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration, George Washington University
Email: tracie.witte@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-328-5429
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 230
Biography
Having earned her B.A. in Sociology from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY, and her M.A. in Sociology from Rutgers University, Dr. Tracie Witte completed her doctoral dissertation at Rutgers University in 2013. Her research examines the factors that impact the likelihood that states will pass medical marijuana legislation. some of Dr. Witte's previous research has looked at the ways by which individuals used the internet as a tool deliberative democracy after the September 11th tragedy and the portrayal of marijuana in news magazines. Other research and teaching interests includes drug use and abuse, policy formation, crime and deviance and media studies (particularly new communications technologies). Some of the courses Dr. Witte has taught at Rutgers University, Drew University and Raritan Valley Community College included: Introduction to Sociology, Contemporary Social Issues, Sociology of Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse, Sociology of Deviant Behavior and Sociology of the Family. In 2003-2004, Dr. Witte earned a Harold Martin Eagleton Fellowship that provides a select group of scholars the opportunity to further their interdisciplinary understanding of the practice of politics and public affairs and connect that knowledge to a chosen field. Dr. Witte is passionate about teaching and the field of Sociology, and strives to create a sense of community in the classroom where students are able to become critically engaged not only with the course material, but also the world around them.Educational Background
BA, Sociology, Skidmore College.
MA, Sociology, Rutgers University
PhD, Sociology, Rutgers University
Email: kevin.gibbons@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7485
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 232
Biography
Professor Kevin Gibbons has taught anthropology and archaeology at Montgomery College
since 2019. His current research uses animal bones, soil erosion, and archaeology
to explore the impacts of pastoralism on the economic potential of landscapes. His
doctoral work at the University of Maryland focuses on Icelandic sheep grazing, land
degradation, and social inequality across the previous millennium.
Professor Gibbons views anthropology’s most vital functions as encouraging curiosity
in the world and people around us, promoting critical thinking habits, and nurturing
students to be informed and empathetic global citizens. He frames his courses around
environmental literacy and social and ecological resilience.
He’s done fieldwork in the US Southeast & Mid-Atlantic, Iceland, the Caribbean, and
England and has served as adjunct faculty at American University and the University
of Maryland. He has degrees from Young Harris College, the University of Georgia,
and the University of Sheffield and is currently a doctoral candidate in the Zooarchaeology
Laboratory at the University of Maryland.
Educational Background
- AA, Liberal Arts, Young Harris College
- BA, Anthropology, University of Georgia
- MSc, Environmental Archaeology & Palaeoeconomy, University of Sheffield
- PhD Candidate, Anthropology, University of Maryland
Email: sean.fay@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-7479
Office Location: Germantown Campus, HS 204
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: Sonia.pruitt@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-4324
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 226
Biography
Sonia Pruitt is a retired captain of the Montgomery County Police Department. She holds a B.S. in criminal justice and an M.A. in forensic psychology. She is also the founder of the Black Police Experience, which aims to educate on the intersection of law enforcement and race. To give back to the community, Sonia sits on the board of directors of the Law Enforcement Action Partnership, working toward criminal justice and police reform.Educational Background:
BS, Criminal Justice, University of Maryland
MS, Forensic Psychology, Argosy University
Part-time Faculty
Biography
I have over 20 years of experience supporting a wide variety of social change issues with communities, the private sector and government institutions in Indonesia and other developing countries in Asia. I developed a comprehensive blend of teaching, negotiating, interpersonal and management skills in the areas of gender equality, human rights, environmental sustainability, community participation and other social development issues.I love teaching. I teach philosophy, sociology and social justice issues at universities and colleges in Indonesia and the US. Aside from teaching I enjoy working with communities. In 1996, I established and managed a non-profit organization, Yayasan Journal Perempuan, a foundation for community education and advocacy aimed at gender equality and human rights in Indonesia. I value both experiences and consider my self fortunate to be able to put theory into practice.
I’m fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, English, and French and have lived in many parts of the world including New Delhi, Ethiopia, Budapest, Paris and Jakarta. I reside now in Bethesda, MD, with my family, and we enjoy hiking, bird watching, yoga, and everything life has to offer.
Educational Background
Phd in Philosophy, Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia.
MA in Social Psychology, The School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences (EHESS), Paris, France.
Office Location: Rockville Campus, HU 224
Biography
Naaman Foster has been teaching at Montgomery College as an adjunct since August 2008. In addition to community college teaching, he has over 20 years of management and supervisory experience in project development in mental health programming, non-violence crisis intervention, and other areas of social services. Professor Foster also provides face-to-face and online instruction to medically fragile students who are no longer attending their regular MCPS home school.Educational background:
B.A. Sociology, College of Idaho
M.A. Guidance And Counseling, University of Idaho
M.A.T. Education, University of Idaho
Biography
Professor Thomas is a 3rd year doctoral student in the Department of Sociology and
Criminology at Howard University. She holds a B.A. in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Curriculum
& Instruction from the University of South Florida, as well as an M.A. in Humanities
and Social Thought from New York University. Her research interests include Black
social movements, the politics of criminal justice, and gender and sexuality (relative
to religion, spirituality, ethics and morality).
Educational Background
Doctorate of Philosophy (In Process), Sociology (Howard University)
Master of Arts, Humanities and Social Thought (New York University)
Master of Education, Curriculum and Instruction: College Student Affairs (University
of South Florida)
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology (University of South Florida)
Anthropology
Email: Ronald.nunn@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5246
Biography
Ronald W. Nunn is an Anthropology adjunct professor at the Takoma Park/Silver Spring
campus. His first exposure to anthropology was as at a high school student attending
a boarding school located in the hills of South India. He did his undergrad in anthropology
at Auburn University in Alabama with a minor in agriculture. In 1981, he started his
graduate school at American University, where he received a Masters of Arts. He worked
with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and then was hired to work in Kenya under
a USAID project to help computerize the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Health.
After the USAID contract ended he became a consultant and then an entrepreneur starting
a private computer business in Nairobi, Kenya.
In 1994 he started the first "commercial" e-mail service in Kenya known as ThornTree
Communications. In 1998,he began a business Known as "AnthroTours" in which he re-discovered
his interest in Archaeology taking tour groups to Koobie Fora on Lake Turkana in Northern
Kenya and to Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. In 2000, he returned to the United States
and began doing contract archaeology in the Washington D.C. Area. In 2003, he joined
the Montgomery College and continue teaching anthropology and archaeology in Montgomery
College students.
Educational Background
BA, Anthropology, Auburn University
MA, Anthropology, American University
Biography
Professor Tara Lilian Tetrault has a Masters in Applied Anthropology and a Masters in American Studies (African American History & Culture). Tara completed her archaeology and ethnography fieldwork in Ghana, West Africa and working on the African Diaspora & early American culture. She has also written about women’s political history & women in the workplace. Tara came to Montgomery College having worked in archaeology, public archaeology and museum collections management for more than twenty years and she serves on the Council for Maryland Archaeology.
Professor Tetrault teaches Anthropology, Archaeology and Women’s Studies at Montgomery College, in Takoma Park since 2000. She also does consulting for archaeological firms, museums, and foundations on curation, public programming and collections management issues. Her Research topics range from women’s issues and the history of women in politics to topics in prehistory through early African and African American pottery. She has also worked on preservation issues and the public laws that guide both women’s rights and historic preservation (ARPA, NAGPRA, etc.).
Professor Tetrault is presenting papers this year at the CCHA and the Association
for Independent Maryland & D.C. Schools (AIMS) conferences. She currently volunteers
on the Council for Maryland Archaeology, Education Committee which awards stipends
to students who plan on giving papers at the Mid-Atlantic Archaeology Conference (MAAC)
each year. Tara enjoys music, kayaking & traveling. She has taught college courses
in: anthropology, archaeology, curation and museum studies; as well as women’s studies.
Tara also designed an archaeology/ historic preservation K-12 curriculum module and
trains K-12 teachers on how to use the module to teach archaeology in the school system.
She spoke on this at the American Anthropology Association Conference in November
2017. In 2017, Tara organized an event for equality with local musicians from www.songwritersagainstsexualassault.org to
speak out against Domestic Violence.
Educational Background
PhD Cultural Anthropology, American University
MA Applied Anthropology, University of Maryland
MA American Studies (African American History & Culture).
Email: Barbara.wolff@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5246
Biography
Barbara Wolff teaches Sociocultural Anthropology and Archaeology at MC. She earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology at Catholic University, specializing in the archaeology of Wari, the earliest empire in the Andes. She continues to investigate ancient urbanism and economic specialization as Co-Director of the Wari Urban Prehistory Project in Ayacucho, Peru, where she also works with fiber artisans to document fiber production and increase awareness of Andean fiber arts. Dr. Wolff has also worked as an applied anthropologist, international trade specialist and information systems requirements analyst at USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, and in museum collections management at the Smithsonian Institution. She grew up in Northern Virginia and is a roots music aficionado.Educational Background
BA, Anthropology, George Washington University
MA, Anthropology, Catholic University of America
PhD, Anthropology, Catholic University of America
Email: daniel.barnett@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 240-567-5246
Biography
Dan Barnett was a criminal prosecutor for 30 years, and he’s been an adjunct criminal justice teacher here at Montgomery College for 15. As a prosecutor, Dan was a front-line trial attorney handling homicide, rape, domestic violence, home invasions, armed robbery and more. From 1997 to 2007, Dan led the largest and busiest team of prosecutors in Montgomery County and was responsible for approximately 25,000 criminal cases each year. In 2007, he began working for the Maryland Attorney General as lead prosecutor and director of the AG’s criminal division focusing on public corruption, gun trafficking, gang violence, Medicaid fraud and environmental crimes across Maryland. Dan was one of the first prosecutors in Maryland specially trained to handle domestic violence cases, he was among the first prosecutors to successfully prosecute a criminal defendant under the State’s then-new criminal race hate statute, and he helped establish Montgomery County Drug Court. In 2014, Dan was appointed deputy attorney general of Maryland where he led about 1,000 public servants responsible for consumer protection enforcement, criminal enforcement, securities violations, criminal and civil environmental prosecutions and more. Dan is a graduate the Univ of Maryland and American Univ Law School.Educational Background:
BA, Urban Studies, University of Maryland
Juris Doctor, American University
Email: hogan.samels@montgomerycollege.edu
Phone: 301-943-3204
Office Hours: By appointment
Educational Background
B.S. Criminology/Criminal Justice, University of Maryland University College
M.S. Management in Criminal Justice, University of Maryland University College