Education Department Faculty
Dr. Joy Towner began her professional teaching career in District 205 in Elmhurst, IL, where she served as a classroom teacher and eventually as the building reading specialist. She holds an M.S. Ed. in Reading Education from Northern Illinois University and is a trained Reading Recovery teacher. Her Ed.D. was earned in the first cohort of Judson’s Doctor of Education in Literacy Program.
View Bio of Dr. Joy TownerAfter graduating from Judson College, Keith taught for 10 1/2 years in public and private schools, including 3 1/2 years in Illinois (District 300 schools, grades 7 and 9-12), 1 year in Colorado (Colorado Springs, grades 7-9), 3 years in his home state of Michigan (Holland/West Ottawa, grades 9-12), and 3 years in Puerto Rico (Wesleyan Academy, Guaynabo, grades 7 – 12.), During this time he taught almost every conceivable mathematics course from the remedial level through calculus. He also taught computer applications and introductory programming courses.
View Bio of Dr. Keith DrewDr. Deane Gidlund has been a middle school teacher in District 300 for 13 years working with sixth and eighth graders. A graduate of Judson University’s doctoral program, Dr. Gidlund embraces opportunities that allow her to collaborate with others in an effort to create a passion for reading and writing in her students. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family. Dr. Gidlund’s research interests include adolescent reading motivation and read-alouds in the middle school classroom.
View Bio of Deane GidlundDr. Anastasia Gruper has worked for District 47 in Crystal Lake for the past 18 years serving as a classroom teacher, an assistant principal, and the director of professional development. She holds an M.A.T. from Dominican University, an M.S. in Educational Leadership from The University of St. Francis, and an Ed.D in Literacy Education from Judson University. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Her research interests include instructional leadership in literacy and professional development.
View Bio of Anastasia GruperProfessor Kristen Stombres is a Judson graduate. She began teaching in District 300, Carpentersville in the 1st and 5th grades. Kristen returned to the Judson Teacher Education program when it had only been on campus for two years in 1985.
View Bio of Kristen Stombres