New to Academic Affairs

In Chicago

Psychology

• Michael Madson, Ph.D., professor.
• Richard Niolon, Ph.D., associate professor.

• Tysheann Grant, Ph.D., Clinical Faculty
• Wendy Paszkiewicz, Ph.D., Clinical Faculty
• Adam Hiebel, Ph.D., Clinical Faculty
• Emory Williamson, grant manager – Williamson will be dedicated to fundraising for ACHS training programs and clinical services in addition to building a sustainable and efficient fundraising infrastructure for ACHS in Chicago and Vancouver.

• Cesar Perez, coordinator for the Office of Institutional Effectiveness – Perez will be assisting OIE with functions related to assessment of student learning, course evaluations, and much more. Cesar is based on the Chicago Campus and his workstation is in the 16th floor Technology Hub, near Katy Selinko’s new office in that hub. Welcome, Cesar!

In Vancouver

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

• Dalissa Alzner, MC, adjunct professor – Alzner is a dedicated post-secondary instructor and passionate advocate for enhancing health and well-being. She is a practicing psychotherapist, with a strong educational foundation and extensive professional experience. Alzner uses evidence-based techniques and cutting-edge research to provide top-tier care, while her relationship-centered approach fosters strong connections and creates safe spaces for personal growth and expression.
• Meera Dhebar, Ph.D., adjunct professor – Dr. Dhebar is an experienced clinical practitioner, researcher, and educator. With 25 years of experience in the non-profit, social service, and health care sectors, she integrates a social justice and queered intersectional lens into her work, grounded in social constructionist principles and relational research methods. She is the Postdoctoral Fellow for the Canadian Institute for Health Research, embedded at the University of Victoria’s School of Public Health and Social Policy and partnered with the Community Based Research Centre.
• Christine Mhina, Ph.D., adjunct professor – Dr. Mhina is the associate program director (Research) for the Master of Counseling program at City University of Seattle. With 18 years of teaching experience,  her expertise includes working with diverse learners, advocating for marginalized groups, and integrating Indigenous knowledge into social change efforts. Dr. Mhina’s research interests focus on mental health, community resilience, and participatory research methods, and she has contributed to numerous publications on these topics.
• Alireza Sedghi Taromi, Ph.D., adjunct professor – Dr. Taromi is a dedicated educator and counsellor with over 10 years of experience in teaching psychology and counselling at the post-secondary level. Driven by a passion for fostering student development, he integrates theory with real-world experiential learning, creating a positive and engaging environment for students. His commitment to nurturing curiosity and critical thinking as a clinician has inspired many students to pursue careers in psychology and counselling, and he continues to provide guidance and support to former students.
• Erica Bearss, MBA, adjunct professor – Bearss teaches at BCIT and various universities and technical colleges across North America. With a B.A. in Modern Languages and Literature and an MBA in Leadership and Management, she brings a wealth of industry experience to her roles. A former elite athlete, she has won gold in Ontario Provincial Ringette, played Varsity Field Hockey, and competed for Team Canada at the ITU World Triathlon Grand Final in London. Fluent in English, French, and Spanish, she is a natural leader, avid traveler, and devoted mother to two adventurous young boys.
• Ioana Birleanu, MSc, adjunct professor – Ioana is committed to helping students develop an authentic leadership approach that aligns with their personal and professional growth. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in supporting students as they become leaders of their own path, and she is passionate about contributing to a more just and fair society through education.
• Mosi Dorbayani, Ph.D., adjunct professor – A Canadian executive, strategic advisor, and academic with extensive experience in international development, human capital management, and multicultural relations, Dr. Dorbayani has taught at multiple universities and is educated at institutions like Harvard and Aston, specializing in business economics and cultural diplomacy. A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR), Dr. Dorbayani is the creator of the ‘Coadunate Economic Model,’ which blends economics, talent management, and philanthropy to drive global impact. He co-founded WAALM, a nonprofit promoting arts and cross-cultural relations, and has received numerous awards, including the 2010 Human Rights Hero Award from the United Nations.
• Penny Farley, Ph.D., adjunct professor –  ith a strong background in instructional design, public speaking, curriculum development, international education, and teacher training, Dr. Farley has a demonstrated history of excellence in the education services industry. She holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of Exeter, and her passion for education drives her commitment to fostering academic and personal growth in her students.
• Farnoosh Farzaneh MBA, M.E., adjunct professor – Farzaneh is an assistant professor and acting vice chair in the Department of Quantitative Studies at UCW, as well as an adjunct professor at Yorkville University in Business. She also has a history of teaching as an adjunct professor at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. Currently a Ph.D. candidate in Strategic Management at the University of Dubai, Farnoosh holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the American University of Sharjah, a Master of Engineering from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, and an MBA from University Canada West. She specializes in teaching research methods across various academic disciplines.
• Tanis Angove, M.A., adjunct professor – Angove is an experienced organizational development consultant with a focus on leveraging human potential and leading transformative change. With a master’s in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Adler University, Angove has a rich history in change management roles at prominent organizations such as BC Hydro and Lululemon. She excels in designing and implementing strategies that drive organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and sustainable growth.
• Drew Fockler, adjunct professor – Dr. Fockler is an experienced educator and former assistant professor and director of training at Adler University. He holds an Ed.D. from Western University, an M.Ed. from Memorial University, a B.A. from Athabasca University, and a Diploma in Counselling from Fleming College. A Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), Dr. Fockler is committed to creating an engaging, evidence-based, and safe learning environment. As a member of the LGBT community, he emphasizes inclusivity and prepares students to navigate the real world with confidence. His teaching style is practical, experiential, and often infused with humor, fostering a collaborative and enriching educational experience.
• Angie Kermer, M.A., adjunct professor – Kermer has 25 years of experience as a senior constable with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, serving in various roles and bringing a strong Indigenous perspective to her work. As an experienced instructor at the Justice Institute of British Columbia, she specializes in crisis management, emergency management, and strategic planning. Angie is also a seasoned board member with expertise in leadership and public speaking. She holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University, further enhancing her ability to drive business development and public safety initiatives and is a member of the Sto:lō Nation.
• Ashli Komaryk, MBA, adjunct professor – Komaryk is a passionate leadership expert who supports established and aspiring leaders in their personal and team development. With international experience, she excels in cross-cultural communication and team-building. As an assistant professor at another institution and teaches Talent Management, Organizational Behaviour, and Leadership in the MBA program. She holds a Certificate in Organizational Coaching from UBC, an MBA from Royal Roads University, and certifications from the International Sommelier Guild and Associazione Italiana Sommelier.
• Sophia Rezvani, MESc, adjunct professor – Rezvani is an educator specializing in quantitative studies and statistics at business schools and Vancouver Career College. With a master’s in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, she transitioned into financial literacy, becoming a licensed insurance and investment agent in British Columbia. Her passion lies in teaching core mathematical and financial concepts, and she excels in wealth protection and wealth management for small business owners and self-employed individuals. Her dedication to education and mentorship is at the heart of her professional journey.
• Kim Wysseier, MSc, adjunct professor – Wysseier is an experienced post-secondary instructor and organizational strategist who excels in executive leadership enablement, mental health support, and psychological safety programs. With a focus on aligning leadership teams, fostering integrity, and ensuring psychological safety, she has helped organizations build capabilities beyond respectful workplaces. Her work includes executive coaching, therapy facilitation, and policy development, with a commitment to creating environments where leaders can thrive and drive transcendent impact.
• Pegah Yaghmaie, Ph.D., associate professor – Before joining Adler, she served as chair of the School of Business at Capilano University, where she made significant contributions to the institution’s growth and academic excellence. Holding a Ph.D. in Business Strategy and Innovation Management from Concordia University and the University of Hasselt, as well as a Postdoctoral Fellowship from Simon Fraser University, Dr. Yaghmaie has explored the health and life sciences ecosystems in British Columbia. A computer engineer by training, Dr. Yaghmaie brings over 15 years of international experience across industries such as health care, biotechnology, and fintech. She has developed and taught MBA and BBA courses at various institutions and has published her research in leading journals, including Nature Nanotechnology.