The IMPACT awards recognize Alliant staff, faculty, and associates who make a positive and lasting difference in our communities, country, and the world. These individuals go the extra mile to ensure that Alliant students receive academic excellence, insightful mentoring, and unwavering support throughout their University journey. Each of the individuals below has made a significant contribution to making our University the remarkable institution it is.
Alliant’s IMPACT values serve as our core operational tenets. They represent the platform upon which we build and integrate our mission into our daily work as well as provide standards to return to for programmatic, systemic and personal evaluation and development. The IMPACT acronym represents our six core values of Inclusion, Mentorship, Passion, Accountability, Communication, and Teamwork. At Alliant, the importance we place on these values is reinforced through our IMPACT Awards.
We encourage you to read on and get to know these outstanding contributors, gaining inspiration and hope from their actions.
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Dr. Manijeh Daneshpour Program Director and Distinguished Professor, Couples and Family Therapy "Dr. Daneshpour takes a careful approach to assessing program candidates, keeping the focus on overall potential, intellectual abilities and skills in communication. By doing so, she has created a diverse and inclusive student body at the Irvine location." |
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Dr. Jan Estrellado Assistant Professor, CSPP, PsyD Clinical Psychology “Dr. Jan Estrellado stands for equality, fairness, humility and selflessness. They helped me view clinical work in a much more inclusive and justice-centered way. The level of compassion, cultural awareness and "realness" they conduct themselves with is exactly what this award symbolizes to me.” |
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Dr. Julii Green Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology “Dr. Green’s exemplifies the highest service through her dedication to teaching, advising, mentoring, volunteering, and community work. She is committed to inclusive excellence, and her dedication to diversity benefits everyone at Alliant and beyond.” |
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Dr. Valata Jenkins-Monroe Program Director and Professor, Clinical Psychology “Dr. Jenkins-Monroe is a leader in diversity on the campus and has had tremendous impact infusing cultural skills, awareness, and conversations into program meetings and student trainings. All are benefited by her instruction, encouragement and role modeling.” |
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Dr. Carrie Petrucci Adjunct Professor, Couples and Family Therapy “Dr. Petrucci is inclusive of all learning styles and abilities. She is dedicated to her students, and provides individual support while listening, collaborating, and instilling confidence to maximize learning and maintain motivation.” |
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Dr. Jennifer Staples Assistant Professor, Clinical Psychology “Dr. Staples is a mentor and guide who is passionate about her students and patients, making students and faculty aware of the importance of being sensitive to transgender issues and helping the University live up to its values of inclusion and diversity.” |
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Dr. Rene Naert “Dr. Rene Naert blends his extensive national and international consulting experiences into his teachings, and goes the extra mile to empower and encourage each student as a mentor... Thank YOU Dr. Naert for your selfless dedication and the shining light you bring to our Alliant Community.” |
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Dr. Michael Loewy Associate Professor, CSPP, CLPH "Dr. Loewy personifies the IMPACT values of Alliant International University. He is not only tolerant of people from other cultures and value systems different than his, but he welcomes them and encourages them to speak up and have their voices heard. He is passionate about social justice and is an outspoken advocate." |
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Dr. Donna Block Assistant Professor “Professor Block has made it her mission to bridge the online distance and truly connect and support each student in her courses with a passion and commitment, guiding learning and creating a supportive and enriching environment.” |
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Dr. Sandra Espinoza Branch Director and Assistant Professor, Couples and Family Therapy “Dr. Espinoza is an exemplary director, professor and mentor. She not only believes in diversity, but leads by demonstration through her research and advocacy, and is a strong mentor who values supporting up-and-coming professionals.” |
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Dr. Kasia Fuiks Systemwide Program Director and Assistant Professor, Organizational Psychology “Dr. Fuiks encourages innovation in learning even when teaching concepts of leadership development, making each course a team learning event. She creates an engaging environment for learning, and her effusive nature energizes her classes.” |
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Dr. Sarah Samman Assistant Professor, Couples and Family Therapy “Dr. Samman is the ultimate professional who compassionately listens to and supports her students through their personal challenges while at school. She’s a caring and capable clinician, a brilliant academic and theorist, and a wonderful person.” |
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Danielle Hankins Adjunct Faculty, CSOE, Education Psychology “Dr. Danielle Hankins exhibits all the hallmark characteristics of a mentor. She consistently communicates with her students, is readily available to answer questions as well as brainstorm ideas for class projects, and always takes the extra step to support her students.” |
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Dr. KJ (Conover) Conner Associate Professor & Acting Program Director, CSPP, Clinical PhD “She has continued to be a role model for me as she exemplifies the Alliant Core values. Her dedication to our students having access to coursework that will help them be more well-rounded and culturally responsive professionals outweighed any personal need for accolades. Dr. Conner serves on several university-wide committees, affecting policy on behalf of the ignored and underserved. She is, indeed, an impactful, model university citizen.” |
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Ashley Carter Associate Vice President of Student Engagement “Ashley deserves recognition for her extraordinary passion. She is great at bringing enthusiasm and intensity, always finding new ways to improve the student experience and developing creative strategies for improvement and growth for the team.” |
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Dean Jones Director of Library Services “Dean Jones exemplifies the core values of IMPACT by creating engaging events with unique art, passionate speakers, and relevant topics. He shows his love for the University through his willingness to serve and showcase Alliant in the community.” |
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Thomas Moore Operations and Facilities Manager “Thomas demonstrates his passion by lighting and maintaining a fire under projects like the IMPACT values, strategic planning, campus events, and staff council. He clearly cares about each of his University members individually.” |
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Dr. Rajeswari Natrajan-Tyagi Branch Director and Professor, Couples and Family Therapy “Dr. Raji shows true and authentic compassion for all that she does, is always kind, open and respectful to her students. She goes to great lengths to help all around her and is passionate about her work in the mental health field.” |
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Kimberly Gardner Sacramento Campus “Kim is full of passion and serves as one of the backbones of the Sacramento campus. She constantly manages and attends to the needs of all our students in a timely, professional, and enthusiastic manner. She is our go to when we need something. I don't think the Sacramento campus would function nearly as smoothly without her perpetual effort.” |
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Valerie Bramlage Event Director “Val’s ability to be creative, while meeting hard deadlines has positively impacted the student, staff, and faculty experience. Val truly cares about our students' experiences and making a positive impact on their educational journey. In short, Val has done everything from wearing our mascot suit to designing an entire campus, and she has done it all with great passion.” |
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Stephanie Byers-Bell Regional Director of Campus and Student Services “Stephanie does an outstanding job of watching over students, going above and beyond by making sure all needs are met, keeping her word, providing guidance and solutions in areas far outside her area of expertise, and ensuring resolutions are reached.” |
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Larissa Dizon Executive Assistant “Larissa is a pleasure to work with—positive, committed and kind. She makes an IMPACT every day for students, staff and faculty with her great attitude. Her help and her efforts to provide information in such a pleasant manner are very appreciated.” |
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Thanayi Karenga Senior Academic Affairs Specialist “Thanayi lives the IMPACT values every day. She uses her knowledge to educate and train her team to be successful. She says what she means and means what she says, working hard every day with a smile. The Alliant family is richer for her presence.” |
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Dr. Mary O’Neil Adjunct Professor “Dr. O'Neil goes above and beyond in reaching out to students and making sure everyone is on track. Her comprehensive feedback is extremely helpful, and her thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and creativity shows her passion for her work.” |
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Michael Sulger Director of Student Finance “Michael holds himself and team members accountable, empowering ownership for the work. He consistently focuses on doing what is best for the student, and his work ethic and openness in exploring different ways of doing things drives efficiency and success.” |
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Dr. Lynne Valek Associate Professor, Organizational Psychology “Dr. Valek maximizes class time and assignments, teaching students to create memory palaces, perform content analysis on TV shows, and even takes them to the local zoo to discuss sustainability, all with useful and constructive feedback.” |
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Kimberely Palmiotto “Dr. Kimberley Palmiotto is a strict professor that demands high standards. In addition, she is one of the kindest and loving professors towards her students. She generously shares her knowledge and contacts and makes it easy to talk to her and confide in her. She is consistently supportive and enthusiastic, and has demonstrated a genuine passion for learning.” |
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Jennifer Caudillo Associate Director of Student Finance “Jennifer goes above and beyond to assist students, staying on the phone until questions are resolved, addressing matters calmly and efficiency, and following up on all voicemails and emails within 24 hours. Alliant is lucky to have Jennifer part of the team.” |
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Emma Chery “Emma consistently brings a passion to her work. No matter how busy things are, Emma brings a sense of calm and extreme competence. Through her actions and attitude, she is a force multiplier increasing the output of everyone else in the department.” |
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Jenna Cruz Online Student Advisor “Jenna has been a constant source of guidance, kind words, and support. During times of hardship, Jenna has connected students to corresponding faculty. She has been a face and a voice of Alliant and represents commitment and presence!” |
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Dr. Marion Chiurazzi Professor, Clinical Psychology “Dr. Chiurazzi is an advocate for students, always enthusiastic and working collaboratively to improve the student experience. She goes above and beyond for her students and colleagues, removing roadblocks along the way. She is an excellent example of teamwork.” |
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Yolanda Miller Executive Assistant to the Provost and Senior VPAA “Yolanda works hard to support and serve the Provost, Deans, staff, faculty, and students. She has amazing customer services skills and shows great dedication to the University. She never hesitates to assist and is an example in how she interacts with all our personnel.” |
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Vivian Nguyen CFT Program Coordinator “Vivian is an excellent example of IMPACT values: she is inclusive and engages the CFT community in collaboration, works across systems to find solutions, contributes to the success of others, is passionate and authentic, and a great team player.” |
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Gabe Prendez Campus Director “Gabe is an exceptional leader and team player who goes above and beyond for our students, program directors, and staff. He collaborates with all stakeholders to problem-solve, innovate, and bring the changes our campus and communities need! He always creates a welcoming atmosphere.” |
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Scott Zimmer University Librarian “Scott represents the best of Alliant in every core value. His impact as the head librarian is made even better by his teamwork and communication style, going above and beyond in accommodating every request and improving library operations.” |
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Sacramento Staff Kimberly Gardner, Nicole Brighouse, Kristen Bahler “The Sacramento Campus staff are exemplary, supportive, inclusive, and create an environment of success. They are a wonderful team who bring passion to their work as creative problem solvers, and hold a high standard to strongly support Alliant’s mission.” |
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Ali Campot Student Advisor “I appreciate Ali’s clear communication, how she works to understand the issue at hand, asks questions, and writes excellent emails when addressing challenging issues with students. Ali goes above and beyond to provide accurate information to students and is committed to excellence. She is kind, an active listener, and follows through! Her attention to details and open communication have impacted our student service levels. Ali is always student centered.” |
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Darrick Bady IT Coordinator “Darrick is positive, responsive and great at building confidence. He is prompt, has great follow-up, and is always helpful at sharing his expertise, figuring out solutions, and entering every room with a warm, friendly attitude.” |
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Curtis Korn IT Director “Curtis is great at validating the user experience by asking questions and ensuring he understands all needs and requirements before he responds and takes action. He is helpful, responsive, wonderful, and generally amazing.” |
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Dr. Kristy Pruitt Dean “Dr. Pruitt provides clear information, always responding to questions and concerns in a timely manner. She is a tireless worker, an excellent problem solver, and handles all with professionalism, poise, and a gracious and collaborative attitude.” |
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IT Department All Campuses “The IT department has done an exceptional job during the transition to remote learning and working during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the shift as seamless as possible. They provide great service and are helpful in offering support in responding to tickets.” |