Faculty

Jason Ingram, JD, MA, MSW, LICSW, SPHR, SHRM-SCP has nearly 20 years of experience in human resources management and workforce development; social work; policy; and general management. He has spent the last 5 years successfully developing and delivering professional continuing education courses to licensed mental health professionals.  As an educator and classically trained sociologist, Jason uses his sociological imagination, as coined by C. Wright Mills, to highlight the relationship between individual experiences and the larger society. Through this lens, he weaves together sociological, social welfare, and psychological theories with legal doctrines and practical insights at the macro-, meso-, and micro- levels for the creation of thought-provoking courses. His pedagogical approach to continuing education is intentional and meant to engage the social, political, and psychological development of practitioners as lifelong learners. His course topics draw on his diverse experiences and critical areas of mental health practice both to impact the professional discourse and, ultimately, to improve health care outcomes. Jason's earned his Master of Arts in Sociology and Education from Columbia University, Master of Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania, and Juris Doctor from The Catholic University of America. 

Course Topic Areas and Research Interests

• The Intersection of Law, Ethics, and Mental Health
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Health Care
• Issues of Diversity in Cross-Cultural Counseling and Advocacy
• Employment Rights in the Context of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Disability Law  
• Human Behavior in Organizations and the Workplace 
• The Mind-Body Approach to Personal and Professional Leadership Development

Helen A. Jenkins, R.N., M.S.N., C.D.E. has been a Registered Nurse for 20 years with extensive experience working in various areas of nursing, ranging from medical surgical units to Hematology and Oncology departments, and with pediatric and adult populations. As a Certified Diabetes Educator, member of the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, and Ambassador for the American Diabetes Association, she has a rich passion for diabetes education and management such that her impact is made not only in practice but also through educational sessions for the next generation of nurses and the broader community, including using her formal and specialized training as a Diabetes Advocate to equip parents of children with diabetes to advocate for fair treatment and the resources they need to self-manage and control their diabetes. Previously, she served as Interim Director of Education for one of the largest health systems in the State of Maryland, developing, implementing, and overseeing a Diabetes Education Program both through live, face-to-face delivery as well as distance learning, a Nurse Residency Program, a Life Support Program, and Student Nurse Clinical Rotations. Her alma mater is The Pennsylvania State University, and she is actively pursuing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice Degree with a focus on Executive Leadership. 

Course Topic Areas and Research Interests

• Behavior Change Strategies for Diabetes Prevention and Management 
•  Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) for Children and Adults
• COVID-19 and the Impact of the Pandemic on Health Care Workers
• Chronic Disease and Life Course Epidemiology 
• Hospital-based Diabetes Education Recognized Programs  

Marcus L. Matthews, Ed.D., M.A.T. is an author, non-traditional educational leader, and motivational speaker with a doctorate in higher and adult education, master’s in instruction and curriculum leadership and bachelor’s in journalism. Dr. Matthews' most recent book, “Urban ACEs: How to Reach and Teach Students Traumatized by Adverse Childhood Experiences” (Koehler Books, 2019) is a guidebook for school districts, educational institutions, and parents who are supporting students dealing with childhood trauma. Trained in Trauma-Informed Teaching, Kingian Nonviolent Conflict Reconciliation, and Restorative Practices, Dr. Matthews has extensive leadership experience, including executive and operational management of foundations and educational institutions. His work in the area of trauma-informed teaching strategies has been demonstrated in Shelby County Schools (Memphis, TN), where he led a  Response to Instruction and Intervention – Behavior (RTI2-B) team that facilitated a 26-percent reduction in out-of-school suspensions in 2018-19.  Dr. Matthews received his Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Master of Arts in Teaching in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership, and Doctor of Education in Higher Education and Adult Education from the University of Memphis and is licensed by the Tennessee State Board of Education as an Instructional Leadership License - Administrator.  

Course Topic Areas and Research Interests

• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Education
• Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and School Climate
• Culturally Responsive Teaching  and the Brain 
• Trauma-Informed Teaching and Learning
• Social Justice for Educational Leaders 
• Contemporary Issues in Education