Meet Our Faculty

Newsom Educational College's (NEC) Faculty provides education and guidance to this visionary nonprofit organization founded by Blake Newsom in March of 2025. They are dedicated to empowering adults with special needs to live fulfilling, independent lives. At NEC, the Faculty ensures everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, develop essential life skills, and actively participate in their community.

The Faculty's mission is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals with special needs can thrive academically, socially, and personally. They aim to equip NEC students with the tools to lead purposeful and independent lives through tailored educational programs, vocational training, and community involvement.

The NEC Faculty's leadership combines diverse expertise and a shared commitment to hands-on experiences, fostering growth in career readiness, social integration, self-advocacy, and daily living skills. The Faculty members, the caring staff, and passionate volunteers strive to nurture each student’s potential, building a foundation for lifelong success.

By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, Newsom Educational College, guided by its Faculty, is a beacon of hope and empowerment for special needs adults and their families. Join us in our mission to make dreams a reality!

Our Faculty

The Newsom Educational College Faculty comprises an extraordinary group of professionals, scholars, and advocates who share a united passion for creating a brighter future for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Together, our Faculty provides strategic guidance, academic insight, and community leadership to help Newsom Educational College become a transformative force in higher education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Our future faculty and staff will bring together over 200 years of combined teaching experience and more than a century of expertise working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their collective knowledge and commitment ensure that every student at Newsom Educational College receives the highest quality education and support.”

Dr. Naomi Cortez, Ed.D.

English Adjunct Faculty 

Biography

Dr. Naomi Cortez is an educator and leader dedicated to promoting inclusive learning and empowering students. She holds a Doctor of Education in General Education from Northcentral University, a Master of Arts in English with a minor in Women’s Studies from New Mexico State University, and a dual bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. A lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing a BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies.

With over a decade of experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dr. Cortez brings a supportive, engaging, and inclusive approach to working with students, helping them to achieve their educational goals. Her teaching philosophy is simple: Let your work be guided by principles that emphasize belonging, accessibility, and equity. Be adaptable, treat each learner as the unique individual they are, and genuinely invest in their success.

Her research focuses on the experiences of non-traditional, marginalized students, and she is currently investigating the impact of virtual education on their sense of belonging and mental health. When she is not working, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with her two cats and three dogs. 

Dr. Eeman Salem, Ph.D.

Biology Adjunct Faculty

Biography

Dr.  Salem, is an experienced educator and academic leader with over twenty years of expertise spanning K–12 and higher education. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Instructional Curriculum from Northcentral University and advanced degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Salem has served in diverse leadership roles, including a demonstrative Dean, Instructional Coach, Trauma-Informed Education Specialist, and Science Chair, where she mentored teachers, advanced data-driven instruction, and promoted inclusive, student-centered learning. Her background bridges educational leadership and health sciences, with a focus on trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching practices. Dr. Salem is passionate about empowering educators and fostering environments where every learner can thrive. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to social change, educational equity, and the development of compassionate, evidence-based practitioners.

Dr. John Q. Belt, Psy.D.

Environmental Science Adjunct Faculty 

Biography

Dr. John Q. Belt has been a Global Online Educator for 16-years that includes being a Visiting Remote Adjunct Professor at Universidad del Salvador in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as well as a domestic university instructor. He possesses a very multidisciplinary education holding a BS in Geology-Lamar University, MS in Physical Sciences-University of Houston, MS in Human Relations/Business Psychology and MA in Professional Development/Counseling-Amberton University, MBA in International Business-Dallas Baptist University, MBAs in Finance and Project Management-Aspen University, and PsyD in Psychology-California Southern University. His professional career spans working for both Fortune 500 Companies, and additionally, developing and operating his own small business/entrepreneurial ventures in the Oil & Gas and Environmental Industries. Dr. Belt’s educational and career background reflects his passion and dedication in working with multicultural and diverse populations in both the United States and Globally. He believes in establishing a very positive and rewarding course environment from the “first day of class” in asking his students to please; just call him “John,” which sets-the-stage for ALL of his students to have a very relaxed, rewarding experience in their courses with “John.”

Danelle Bernten, M.A., J.D.

Art History Adjunct Faculty 

Biography

Danelle Bernten is an accomplished and published art historian, art critic, and attorney. A PhD Candidate in the field of Art History, Bernten focuses on the image of the Black and white child during the eighteenth century in Great Britain, France, and the US-American South. Bridging scholarly analysis with curatorial work which showcases Southern artists or images of childhood, Bernten encourages her students to study traditional narratives and the contributions of underrepresented artists including the disabled. Her most recent scholarship has been supported by organizations such as the National Committee for the History of Art and The Johnson Collection. Her teaching encompasses a range of topics from art history surveys, humanities, and legal disputes in cultural heritage and preservation.

Biography

Dr. Amanda Walker, Ph.D.

Communications Adjunct Faculty

Biography

Amanda Walker-Pethick, Ph.D., is an adjunct faculty member in Communications at Living the Dream University, where she brings over 23 years of experience as an educator, skills trainer, and advocate for diverse learners. Holding a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Education: Special Education from Northcentral University (2023), an M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Oklahoma (2008), 24 graduate hours in Counseling Psychology from Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and a B.A. in Communications/Political Science from Austin College (2002), Dr. Walker-Pethick specializes in fostering effective communication, emotional regulation, social skills, and executive functioning.

Her career includes direct college-level teaching as an Adjunct Special Education Professor at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, alongside roles as Special Education Coordinator, Director of Student Support Services, and Educational Consultant at Lotus Rising (her current practice). She has designed inclusive curricula, led SEL programs based on the CASEL model, facilitated crisis intervention, and delivered numerous presentations on topics like social-emotional learning, executive functioning, autism, and inclusive practices at conferences and schools.

Passionate about equitable, student-centered education, Dr. Walker-Pethick is excited to support LTDU's mission of accessible higher education for overlooked adults, including those with disabilities. Her work emphasizes building resilience, rapport, and practical communication skills to empower learners in academic and personal growth.

 

Dr. Michael Fienberg, Ph.D.

Statistics Adjunct Faculty 

Biography

Michael Fienberg, Ph.D., is a passionate educator committed to helping students succeed. He spent 5 years as a mathematics teacher at Calabasas High School before earning his Ph.D. in Education at the University of Southern California in 2024. He currently does policy research as an analyst for the United States Government Accountability Office and tutors students in Calculus, Pre-Calculus, Statistics, and ACT/SAT test prep. 

Biography

Dr. Kenshara Cravens, LMSW, CCM, LCDC(CI)

Sociology Adjunct Faculty

Biography

Dr. Kenshara Cravens-Knoxson is a social work educator, clinician, and administrator with extensive experience in clinical practice, community-based programming, and higher education. She holds a Doctorate in Social Work and has taught undergraduate and graduate-level courses in human behavior and the social environment, diversity, field education, crisis intervention, and professional practice.

Dr. Cravens-Knoxson brings over a decade of applied experience in medical social work, youth development, trauma-informed care, and program evaluation. In addition to her academic role, she serves as a clinical supervisor and operates a private practice and consulting firm. She is also the founder and executive director of a nonprofit organization focused on social-emotional learning, mental health access, and workforce development for youth and emerging adults.

Her teaching philosophy emphasizes experiential learning, cultural humility, ethical practice, and the integration of theory into real-world application. Dr. Cravens-Knoxson is committed to preparing students to become competent, reflective, and socially responsible practitioners.

Dr. Tony Schellenberger, Psy.D. 

Psychology Adjunct Faculty 

Biography

Dr. Schellenberger is an accomplished educator and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology with over fifteen years of experience in higher education. He holds a Psy.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University Southeast. Dr. Schellenberger has taught a diverse range of college-level psychology courses and has extensive experience supporting students on the Autism Spectrum and with other learning differences. His professional focus combines inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices with a commitment to fostering critical thinking, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Dr. Schellenberger is passionate about creating academic environments where all students, regardless of ability, feel empowered to reach their full potential. His work reflects a dedication to diversity, equity, and the development of compassionate, capable learners and practitioners.

Dr. Karen Hughes, Ph.D.

Psychology Adjunct Faculty 

Contact Us Today

We are here to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to us to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one achieve their dreams.