Staff & Faculty
Ronald W. Ogrodnik, Ph.D.
Founder and PresidentIdeation – Strategic – Maximizer – Relator – Activator
After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. Ogrodnik became a licensed Psychologist and began his career in colleges as both professor and administrator. His path in life lead him to a variety of careers including many personal business ventures and leadership roles in a variety of educational and business settings. His expertise are in the areas of Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategic Planning, Organizational Development, and Leadership Development/Selection. His vision is to enhance the lives of people through Sarasota University. Email: ronald.ogrodnik@sarasotauniversity.edu
Doug Riedmiller, Psy.D.
Vice President for Academic AffairsMaximizer – Strategic – Relator – Learner – Empathy
Dr. Douglas G. Riedmiller has over twenty-five years of experience in higher education teaching and administration. He has held various titles within educational institutions from lecturer to professor and from associate dean to Vice President. He received his bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Pitzer College of the Claremont Colleges located in Southern California. He obtained his masters and doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Professional School of Psychology at The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida. Following his internship and residency at The University of Tennessee College of Medicine Dr. Riedmiller returned to Florida. His training and experience in higher education curriculum design and leadership as well as organizational, group and individual dynamics supports his current service to Sarasota University. As a licensed Clinical Psychologist Dr. Riedmiller understands, respects and is fully invested in Sarasota University’s unique commitment to Strengths Based Learning. His focus with Sarasota University is to help it reach the goals of providing superior education to students and playing a vital role in the well being of the university community and society in general. Email: doug.riedmiller@sarasotauniversity.edu
Chuck Mlynarczyk, Ph.D.
RegistrarAchiever – Intellection – Adaptability – Ideation – Maximizer
Dr. Mlynarczyk has more than 40 years experience in higher education both as a teacher and administrator in the public and private sectors. He has served as department chair of Teacher Education, department chair of Information and Communication Technology, Associate Dean of Professional Studies, Dean of Education and Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning and Budgeting. In addition, he has directed several National Science Foundation in-service professional development grants for the improvement of mathematics, science, and technology education. His doctoral degree is in Educational Administration with an emphasis on Operations Research and computer management systems. His current teaching focus is on instructional and administrative uses of computer technology and data driven decision making. Dr. Mlynarczyk believes in the inherent worth of individuals and is an advocate for strengths-based leadership. He enjoys helping others work toward improvement and achievement of personal and professional goals. Email: chuck.mlynarczyk@sarasotauniversity.edu
Ryan Ogrodnik, MFA
Director of Financial ServicesFuturistic – Includer – Connectedness – Ideation – Self-Assurance
Ryan has earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from John Carroll University, a Master of Fine Arts from Miami International University of Art & Design, and is currently working on a second Masters degree in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University. He has an eclectic mix of professional experiences in a number of different industries. He has spent time at NFL Films in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, at Ameriprise Financial in the Washington, D.C. Metro Area as a Financial Advisor, and in Admissions and Advising at several institutions of higher learning including Kent State University, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, and Robert Morris University. Email: ryan.ogrodnik@sarasotauniversity.edu
Michael Dorer, Ed.D.
Executive Director of Montessori Programs & Faculty in College of EducationStrategic – Maximizer – Context – Input – Intellection
Dr. Michael Dorer is an internationally trained Montessori educator, specializing in Montessori curriculum and materials, and Montessori teacher education. He has worked with children from toddlers to middle schoolers in Montessori education beginning in 1969, and with teaching graduate student adults in Montessori education since 1978. Michael’s educational background includes a doctorate in Instructional Leadership, and Montessori credentials from both the American Montessori Society and the Association Montessori Internationale. Michael has written and published multiple Montessori album textbooks. Michael is retired as Founding Director of the Institute for Montessori Innovation at Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT, and was Director of the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Email: michael.dorer@sarasotauniversity.edu
Robin Howe, Ph.D.
Program Chair & Faculty in College of EducationSelf-Assurance – Context – Learner – Significance – Focus
Dr. Daniel Robinson (Robin) Howe began his Montessori career at the age of two at the Barrie School in Silver Spring, MD, which he attended through the eighth grade. Graduating from Dickinson College with two majors (Spanish and Religion), he went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Bioethics from University of South Florida.
After successfully pursuing a career in the restaurant industry, Robin decided to return to his Montessori roots. He earned his Primary certification from Palm Harbor Montessori School (AMS) then attended St. Catherine’s University to earn his Lower and Upper Elementary Certification (AMS). He also attended NAMTA’s Orientation to Adolescent Studies (AMI).
Robin holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Argosy University and is a Senior Montessori Foundation School Consultant.
In his free time, Robin is an avid marathon runner and is working towards running marathons in all 50 states.
email: robin.howe@sarasotauniversity.edu
Maria Eva Chaffin, M.S., M.S.Ed.
Director of Admissions & Faculty in College of EducationInput – Ideation – Arranger – Activator – Self-Assurance
Maria Eva Chaffin is originally from Venezuela. She is married with three boys and two dogs. She is in the process of completing her Doctoral Dissertation in Organizational Leadership. She holds a Master of Science in Exceptional Student Education, a Master’s Degree in Business Education, a Bachelor’s in Special Education, as well as a Montessori Teacher Certification in early childhood. Maria Eva is the founder of Challenging Children and Montessori, a consultant for the Montessori Foundation, and a Faculty member of Sarasota University, where she is a professor in the Montessori Masters Program. She has over 20 years of teaching experience and has been in the Montessori field for over 10 years. It is her great passion to work with children with special needs and since completing her Montessori training she has fallen in love with the method. With her background and experience, she is convinced that the Montessori method is the best way for children to learn. Because the Montessori method is so well suited for children with special needs, Maria Eva founded Challenging Children and Montessori with the intention to help school leadership and administrators better support teachers and parents with the challenges associated with these children. Email: mariaeva.chaffin@sarasotauniversity.edu
Krista Cross, MA.Ed.
Faculty in College of EducationAchiever – Maximizer – Individualizer – Relator – Responsibility
Krista Cross has been working in Montessori education for twenty years. After graduating From Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Hearing Sciences, and an emphasis in Child Language Development, she studied Montessori education. Her training includes Early Childhood through St. Nicholas and certification in Elementary I and II through the Center for Montessori Teacher Education (CMTE). Both are AMS affiliated. She also has Master’s Degree in Montessori Education and Curriculum. Ms. Cross was one of four Arizona educators awarded the prestigious National Educator Award in 2000 by the Milken Family Foundation. Throughout her years teaching in classrooms ranging from Pre Primary through Elementary II, Ms. Cross trained in programs such as Project Read and Read Naturally. She works with both students and teachers on Montessori curriculum as a Program Coordinator and Director of Education. She has also been a charter holder and Executive Board member of Montessori Academy in Paradise Valley, Arizona since 2002. Email: krista.cross@sarasotauniversity.edu
Norman Lorenz, Ph.D.
Faculty in College of Education
Dr. Norman Lorenz possess over 42 years of education and experience within school systems, including 26 years direct service in Montessori primary and elementary education, the direction of a post secondary Montessori teacher education institution, and combined part and full time faculty dedication of 21 years with the California community college system using Montessori in higher education. He is a tenured Professor of education studies, teaches Human Development and early education, and is the college coordinator for Professional Development with the Center for Learning and Teaching at Sacramento City College in Sacramento, CA.
Included across more than 42 years of educational experiences are founded in Montessori pedagogical principles. Dr. Lornz is a cofounder of a Montessori charter public school, The California Montessori Project, Charter Public School and, and a past board member and President of River Montessori Charter School.
Dr. Lorenz became involved with Sarasota University teaching with the masters program as well as partnering with a team to assemble a doctoral program which is in process.
Email: norman.lorenz@sarasotauniversity.edu
Julius L. Wynn, Ed.D.
Faculty in College of EducationStrategic – Discipline – Achiever – Belief – Connectedness
Dr. Wynn earned his EdD in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida. He earned his BS from Florida State University and his MA from the University of South Florida. He holds an active Florida professional Educator’s Certificate and is currently a middle school assistant principal in Pinellas County, Florida. He has worked in Pinellas County Schools for 27 years. He has also worked at several colleges and universities and serves as a Quality Matters trainer. He received a kidney in January 2008, from a member of the church in which he is the Pastor in Tampa. This restored life opportunity has fueled Dr. Wynn’s goal of helping students and educators to learn as Immanuel Kant states, “Do the right thing because it’s the right thing.” He has a passion for Educational Leadership, Ethics and Diverse populations. He has served on several college committees and has also designed courses. He is excited about helping students learn how to incorporate a Strengths-Based approach into their education practices. Email: julius.wynn@sarasotauniversity.edu