Faculty

Dr. Karen Biggs-Tucker has been an elementary school teacher for 25 years working extensively in grades two and five. A graduate of Loyola University’s doctoral program, Dr. Biggs-Tucker loves to share ideas with others about how to instill a love for both reading and writing in students of all ages. In her spare time she enjoys Chinese food, walks on the beach and reading books by her favorite authors. Dr. Biggs-Tucker’s research interests include children’s literature and literacy engagement.

Dr. Brenda Buckley-Hughes serves as Assistant Vice Presidents] of Academic Affairs and teaches with enthusiasm and energy.  She has a passion for her students’ speaking success.  Dr. Buckley-Hughes is the author of Introductory Speech Communication:  Overcoming Obstacles, Reaching Goals

Dr. Eilene Edejer has over 30 years of applied research experience in different educational and community settings. She earned both her M. Ed. in Community & School Counseling and Ph. D. in Research Methodology from Loyola University Chicago, where she is currently joint faculty in the School of Education and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. During precious spare time, she enjoys yoga, knitting, reading, hanging out with her teen b/g twins, and traveling. Her current research interests include equity in student assessment and Culturally Responsive Teaching during the pandemic.

Dr. 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.

Dr. 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.

Dr. Melissa Leisner is a seventh-grade language arts teacher at Prairie Knolls Middle School in District 301. She has presented at the local, state, and national level and published an article about conferring with adolescents during writing instruction. In November 2013, Dr. Leisner was honored to receive the National Milken Educator Award.

Dr. Karen C. Love serves as Program Chair for the Masters in Business Administration. Dr. Love is Vice-Chairperson for the Love Family Christian Foundation (www.lovefamilychristianfoundation.org), a nonprofit organization that serves domestically and internationally in education, entrepreneurial and medical education.

Dr. Kristy Piebenga has been a passionate educator for over 15 years. She spent many years teaching in second, third, and fourth-grade classrooms before transitioning to the university level. She now shares her passion for literacy education with both undergraduate and graduate students

Dr. Elaine J. Roberts is a former systems analyst and university professor of writing, literature, business communication, math, and computer science. She has worked with practicing and pre-service teachers and administrators for over 20 years, focusing on classroom management, assessment strategies, differentiated and personalized instructional strategies, technology integration, and literacy strategies. Dr. Roberts has been privileged to work with educators in small and large districts and schools, encouraging and mentoring teachers to step out of their instructional and assessment comfort zones, helping them identify ways to implement various forms of digital and technological resources, including coding and robots, and making small but significant adjustments in the ways they invite students to learn. Outside of the education space, Dr. Roberts enjoys hiking and biking, reading, trying new recipes, and hanging out with friends. Her research interests include education trends, educational technology, and research in pedagogical and learning strategies.

Dr. Maria Schlup has been a classroom teacher and reading specialist for over 10 years. In addition, she has taught English as a second language and adult literacy at the college level. Dr. Schlup is Reading Recovery trained and holds a master’s in reading from Northern Illinois University. Her research interests include early intervention, culturally responsive teaching, and reading motivation.

David Alan Smith is a graduate of Judson’s Master of Education in Literacy and Doctor of Education in Literacy programs. He teaches in both the Communication Arts Department and the Division of Education and enjoys presenting on communication, language, and education at state and local events. David is married to Katie, also a Judson alum, and together they have two wonderful children.

Dr. Amy Warfel’s experience in the field of education began at the middle school level as both a teacher and administrator. She takes a research-based approach with practical application when teaching undergraduate and graduate students. Additionally, she is passionate about teachers developing positive rapport with students and promoting literacy in the classroom. Dr. Warfel enjoys camping with her husband and two children.