CTLE Faculty Advisory Board

Joshua Adams, DIT

Joshua Adams is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Information Security. He is currently working on projects to provide hands-on learning for students in software engineering and cloud computing curriculum. Joshua’s current research interests are information systems, cybersecurity and interoperability of health information systems, Health Systems (understanding strategies in implementation for his doctoral study), and cloud computing.

Jacob B. Aguilar, Ph.D.

Jacob Aguilar is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Sciences at Saint Leo University. His research is centered on the derivation and mathematical analysis of epidemiological models that estimate the transmission dynamics behind various infectious diseases.

Lara Ault, Ph.D.

Lara Ault is a social psychologist who teaches graduate and undergraduate online courses in research methods and social psychology at Saint Leo. She earned her Ph.D. in 2002 from the University of Louisville in KY in experimental psychology and has been teaching at Saint Leo University since 2011. Lara’s research interests involve social perceptions, close relationships, and pretty much anything my students are interested in.

Michelle Boone-Thornton, Ed.D., QMHP-C

Michelle Boone-Thornton joined Saint Leo University as an adjunct in the Undergraduate Human Services program in 2015. She became a full-time professor in 2017 and was promoted to associate chair in 2020. As a practitioner, Michelle has provided mental health services in an array of settings to include community, residential, juvenile courts, and school-based programs in a direct service and administrative capacity. She also teaches graduate Human Services courses and enjoys integrating her 25 years of experience as a practitioner across classroom settings.

Keith Burton, Ph.D.

Keith Burton is an Assistant Professor of Psychology and Associate Chair in the Department of Social Sciences. His teaching and research interests focus on methodology, emotion, motivation, and positive psychology. He teaches entirely online for Saint Leo.

Kenneth Embry, Ph.D.

Kenny Embry is an Associate Communication Professor at Saint Leo. He specializes in online communication and teaches several courses including podcasting and digital literacy. His main areas of focus are both the production and theory behind how people create and consume online content.

Angelia Griffin, DM

Angelia Griffin has 25+ years serving as an Executive Level Management professional. She has a BS in Education, an MBA in Business Administration, DM in Management and Organization Leadership, and Completed 50% of the curriculum for a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Human Services with a concentration in Nonprofit Agency Management. Angelia’s research interests include management, leadership development, nonprofit agency management, organizational behavior, and criminal justice-related topics.

Judy Holcomb, Ph.D.

Judy Holcomb is an Associate Professor in International Hospitality Management. She has been a member of the Saint Leo community since 2011. Judy received her Ph.D. in hospitality education from the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management. She has spent over 25 years in the hospitality industry, 13 of those in the hotel industry in the Central Florida area, and over 12 years in various other segments of hospitality such as contract food service, restaurants, and private clubs.

Padraig Lawlor, Ph.D.

Pádraig Lawlor is Assistant Professor of History at Saint Leo University, having earned his Ph.D. in European History at Purdue University. His scholarship and teaching interests focus on medieval and early modern Europe.

Tamika Lett, Ph.D.

Tamika Lett is an adjunct at two universities where she facilitates courses in human services, sociology, and criminal justice. In addition, she is a clinical supervisor over a substance abuse case management and jail re-entry program. She has a Bachelor of Science from Old Dominion University, a Master of Science from the University of Cincinnati, and a Ph.D. in human services from Walden University. Her research interest includes domestic violence, substance abuse, restorative justice, adult learners, leadership, and study abroad.

Debra Mims, DBA

Debra Mims is an Assistant Professor/Instructor of Criminal Justice and a member of the Saint Leo community since 2011. She earned her doctorate degree from Northcentral University researching Forensic Investigators’ Perceptions of Animal Assisted Intervention during Investigations of Child Sexual Abuse. Debra is a retired Tampa Police officer where she served on the Mounted Patrol Unit, Bicycle Unit, worked as an Undercover and Community Service Officer. Her research passion is the animal/human bond and animal-assisted interventions that contribute to the health and well-being in the lives of individuals, both young and old.

Christine Picot, Ph.D.

Christine Joseph Picot is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education and Social Services. Her research interests include disciplinary literacy with a focus on academic vocabulary and mathematics instruction. This disciplinary literacy focus has led to the development of numerous publications, conference presentations, global work, and professional development. Christine’s work with pre-service and in-service teachers includes coaching and mentoring in cross-curricular connections for teaching and learning.

Brandy Pollicita, M.S.

Brandy Pollicita is an Instructor of Health & Wellness. She has a passion for educating students and faculty on health and wellness topics. Prior to her position in higher education, she held management positions at several corporate wellness facilities. An adjunct faculty member at the University of South Florida since 2007, Brandy came to Saint Leo University in 2016.

Iona Sarieva, Ph.D. 

Iona Sarieva is an Associate Professor and the Bridge Program Director. She is responsible for developing the program curriculum and serves as an academic advisor for all Bridge students during their studies in the Program. Iona's research agenda is focused on student-centered approaches to language teaching, teacher training, intercultural communication, and computer-assisted learning.

Zachary Smith, Ph.D.

Zachary Smith is an Assistant Professor of Economics and Finance. After serving four years in the United States Marine Corps, Zachary joined Merrill Lynch. After six years at Merrill Lynch, he decided to transition to academia and obtained a full-time position at Saint Leo University. He also earned his MBA and Ph.D. with concentrations in Finance. Zachary’s primary research interest is focused on evaluating financial market anomalies, investment performance, and topics related to economics/finance in general.

Lionel Thomas, Ph.D.

Lionel Thomas is an Associate Professor in the Department of International Hospitality, Hotels, and Event Management at Saint Leo University. His research/research interests are centered on tipping, Foodies, and safety and security in the hospitality work environment. Lionel teaches courses in Lodging Management, Event Planning, Foodservice, and Guest Service Management.

Debra E. Thrower, MSW, Ph.D. Candidate in Social Work

Debra E. Thrower is an Undergraduate Social Work Instructor in the College of Education and Social Services. She has a master’s degree in clinical social work and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Social Work. Debra is actively involved with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence to enhance her teaching skills to engage, support, and retain undergraduate social work students for professional practice.

Tammy Lowery Zacchilli, Ph.D., MSID

Tammy Zacchilli is a Professor of Psychology in the Social Sciences Department. She enjoys course development and received a degree in Instructional Design from Saint Leo University in 2016. Tammy teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate psychology courses. Her research interests include close relationships, social media use, the teaching of psychology, and bullying.