Ronald W. Ogrodnik, Ph.D.

Founder and President

Ideation – 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

Chuck Mlynarczyk, Ph.D.

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Achiever – 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

Futuristic – 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 

Julius L. Wynn, Ed.D.

Faculty in College of Education

Strategic – 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

Robin Howe, Ph.D.

Program Coordinator and Faculty member in School of Education

Self-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.

Faculty in College of Education

Input – 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   

Michelle Lee Thompson, M.Ed.

Faculty in College of Education

Strategic – Relator – Responsibility – Achiever – Connectedness

Michelle Lee Thompson has enjoyed over 20 years of educating children and adults. She is currently the Founder, Dean and Executive Director of Hand In Hand Christian Montessori, located in Roseville, Minnesota, which serves 250 children and their families. She also is a co-owner and teacher of KinderStudio of Musik that was held on Campus of University of Northwestern-St. Paul and recently celebrated its 20th year and with over 1000 registrants. She co-leads, along Mrs. Marlene Lee, the Child Alive Institute which purpose is to enlighten, educate and encourage the educator to see the child as intended to be – fully alive! A graduate of Montessori Centre International in London, England, Michelle holds a Certificate of Montessori Theory with Merit. Michelle’s Montessori mentors include Dr. Lorna Heyge, from Musikgarten, Mrs. Audrey Sillick from the Toronto Montessori Training Center and Dr. Paul Czaja. She holds an Elementary Education Degree with Business from Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota; and a Master’s Degree in Instructional Leadership with a Montessori Concentration from Argosy University, Sarasota, Florida. Email: michelle.thompson@sarasotauniversity.edu

Krista Cross, MA.Ed.

Faculty in College of Education

Achiever – 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