General Education Faculty

Daniel Leu, Chairperson to the General Education Department

Dr. Daniel Leu received his Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Maryville University of St. Louis. He also has his Master’s in Global Supply Chain Management from the University of Southern California and his Master’s in Applied Leadership and Management from Thunderbird University of Arizona State University.

Professionally, he has experience with start-ups and has over 10 years of experience in logistics and supply chain, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 corporations. He spent the last few years overseas teaching, coaching, and working with college graduates in China and Taiwan. He’s been teaching at Stanton University since October 2023.

Daniel enjoys playing sports (basketball, golf, and cycling) and coaching basketball. He has his USA Youth Basketball license. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his children and reading or listening to books about education, management, business, and global economics.

Adriana Sekulovic, PhD

Email: a.sekulovic@stanton.edu

Dr. Adriana Sekulovic is a sociologist, researcher, author, and educator. Her teaching specializations are sociology of deviance; sociology of professions; sociology of sport; social problems; intersection between gender, race, ethnicity and crime; and quantitative and qualitative research methods in social sciences. Her overarching pedagogical goal is to help students become active participants in a constantly evolving social dialogue with others.

Her courses stress the value of theoretical frameworks, social processes and empirical application in local, national, and global contexts that call for an integration of the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Mona Mallery, Ed.D

Email:mmallery@stanton.edu

Dr. Mona Mallery holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University and Master of Science degrees in both Educational Administration from California State University, Northridge and Special Education from National University as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Learning from California State University, Los Angeles. She serves as a campus educational leader in one of the largest public school districts in the United States.

Her experiences include teaching students from diverse backgrounds and cultures, expanding their interests and aptitudes as learners. Alongside her teaching experiences, she has worked closely with businesses and education leaders to create, develop, and prepare young adults to succeed towards vocational success.

Dr. Mallery also served in the U.S. Army as a logistical specialist. She continues to believe that teamwork, collaboration and perseverance creates long-term success now and well into the future.

Iyad Afalqa, MBA

Email:iafalqa@stanton.edu

Professor Iyad Afalqa is an accomplished healthcare executive with 15 years plus of success in the medical field. In the healthcare management and policy arena, he is revered as an expert on the subject matter of the Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) as a policy, program and politics. He served on GE Healthcare Clinical and Revenue Cycle Management Advisory Boards. For the Past decade, he studied Health Care Systems around the world, which lead to his belief that the Scandinavian Universal Health Care is the one to go with in the U.S. in order to achieve the Health Care triple aim; Improved Patient Experience, Reduced Cost, and Improved Population Health.

Professor Afalqa holds B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a Certificate in Jewish Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Health Care Executive MBA from the University of California-Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business. While at UC-Irvine, he was awarded the merit base prestigious Executive Faculty Fellowship. He also served on the Dean’s Leadership Circle (DLC) Advisory Board as the Chair of the Marketing-Communications Sub-Committee, and DLC Healthcare Roundtable Coordinator.

Mary Jane Almeda, MA

Email: mj.almeda@stanton.edu

Ms. Mary Jane Almeda received her master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy and has worked in the Human Services industry and education for over 15 years. In addition to teaching psychology and human relations, she is a consultant trainer and curriculum developer for a community based-organization who has formed collaborative partnerships with other organizations and county agencies such as the Department of Mental Health and Public Health in Los Angeles and the Bay Area.

She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parenting Inside Out. Over the past five years, she has facilitated trainings and webinars to 5,000+ behavioral health service providers and leaders on evidence-based, innovative practices such as trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and cultural humility.

Mary Jane will continue to promote diversity, equity and inclusion across her classes. She is known for her enthusiasm in the classroom, the ability to connect with her students, and her commitment to student success. Her goal is to create collaborative and safe environments for students to demonstrate a healthy dialogic approach through reflection, creativity and practical application.

Luis Areyzaga, MS

Email: l.areyzaga@stanton.edu

Mr. Luis is a health and wellness professional with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Kinesiology. He has experience in prescribing exercise and rehabilitation programs for individuals, and he is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance at Concordia University of Chicago. Luis began his career as an assistant athletic trainer and physical therapist aide, which sparked his passion for health. He is now an exercise physiologist for Select Physical Therapy at the University of California Irvine, where he teaches health and wellness to over 130 people regularly. In addition to his work, Luis enjoys playing basketball and baseball, going to the gym, snowboarding, and traveling. He has visited six different countries and over ten states in America and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

Andrew Bruce, MS

Email: a.bruce@stanton.edu

Andrew Bruce is a Cybersecurity Professional with almost two decades of industry experience across several cybersecurity domains and specialties, including security testing, system engineering and design, and risk and compliance auditing. As an adjunct professor, he brings that professional experience to the classroom, with a passion for helping prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, through hands on and situational learning based in real world scenarios.

He earned a Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership from the University of Washington Tacoma Milgard School of Business. And among his numerous undergraduate degrees, he holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Network Security from Green River College, a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designated program CAE – Cyber Defense; and Applied Associates Degrees in several Networking and Systems Disciplines.

Ayah Elsamad, MS

Email: a.elsamad@stanton.edu

Ms. Ayah Elsamad obtained a Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona in Biological Sciences. She specializes in neuroscience, specifically studying the metabolic processes and neuropathology of Alzheimer’s disease. She has taught General Biology and Microbiology labs at Cal Poly Pomona, training hundreds of students to master lab skills and understand course material. Her love for science is demonstrated through her lectures, as she connects her course material to real life scenarios that students experience on a daily basis.

Ms. Elsamad believes education is the foundation for individuals to build their future and contribute to society. It equips people with knowledge and skills they need to lead fulfilling lives and become a beneficial member of society. Education instills a love for learning and encourages lifelong learning, allowing knowledge to be passed down to upcoming generations.

In a rapid changing world, continuous education is essential to adapt to new technologies and evolving job markets. Investing in education is crucial for personal growth, economic prosperity, and social progression.

Ruben Gonzalez, M.Ed.

Email: r.gonzalez@stanton.edu

Professor Ruben Gonzalez M.Ed, has obtained his undergraduate degree from California State University Los Angeles in Kinesiology and also two master’s degree in Physical Education administration from California State University Dominguez Hills and a master’s degree in education from Loyola Marymount.

Throughout his academic journey, he has gained a deep understanding of the principles of Kinesiology and gained skills in Sports Management, Psychology and other studies. He has had the opportunity to apply his knowledge in real world scenarios, fostering promoting health and wellness in sports. He continues to contribute in the development of individuals and communities throughout his career.

Caroline Harvey, MA

Email: c.harvey@stanton.edu

Professor Caroline Harvey is a Doctor of Philosophy in Education candidate with an emphasis in Disability Studies at Chapman University. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Religious Studies at Chapman University, as well as a Master in Communication Management degree with a focus in Organizational Leadership from the University of Southern California.

Professor Harvey is passionate about inspiring students to pursue academic excellence and inclusive education standardization while striving to create a challenging and engaging learning environment. She is professionally skilled in office management roles in non-profit organizations that provide support for children and adults with disabilities. Her research has a focus on inclusive education, the Social Model of Disability, and universal standardization of disability accommodations in higher education.

Patricia McClairen, MBA

Email: p.mcclairen@stanton.edu

Patricia McClairen is an accomplished innovative professional having served for nearly two
decades as a highly skilled educator and dynamic leader. For the past 18 years, her role in
creating school transformative educational experiences is noted through her role as both
director and professor at eight previous colleges and universities.

Professor McClairen earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Biology from San Diego State
University, in addition to completing a Dual emphasis Masters Degree from the University of
Phoenix in Business Administration and Healthcare Management Professor McClairen an
entrepreneur, a two time published author and is passionate in serving as a mentor, academic
coach and certified mental health advocate.

Professor McClairen considers herself a fun, engaging and compassionate educator, who is
inspired to transform education in a positive way. She believes in having a positive impact in the
field of higher education through transformative leadership. In addition, Professor McClairen
dedicated her earlier career as a Microbiologist for Johnson and Johnson in the health and
wellness division.

Professor McClairen’s teaching philosophy stems from her passion for cultivating positive
relationships, making an everlasting impression in the lives of students and living a life of
purpose. Professor McClairen’s teaching style embodies the roles of both mentor and facilitator.

Tamara McDonald, MBA

Email: t.mcdonald@stanton.edu

Professor Tamara McDonald is an experienced professional with a dual background in academia and management. With over 10 years of leadership, development, management, business consultancy, and workforce development experience. In addition, McDonald has over 10 years of facilitation and teaching experience coupled with 10 years of teaching. In addition, McDonald has served as a public servant for over 12 years. Her roles have included serving as the Chief of Administration for the CA Labor Commissioner Office under current Labor Secretary Julie Su and current Labor Commissioner, Lilia Garcia-Brower. Her expertise is curriculum and instructional design, facilitating high-impact teaching practices in digital environments, workforce, and career development.

She is a Candidate for a Doctorate in Psychology with an emphasis in Adult Learning at Grand Canyon University. She received her Master’s in Business Administration at Concordia University in Irvine, and a Bachelor’s of Science from Pepperdine University.

Fernando Eduardo Nuño, MBA

Email: fnuno@stanton.edu

Mr. Fernando Eduardo Nuño was born in Mexico, and educated in Mexico, Chicago, Whittier, and Los Angeles. He is a former UCLA Regents Scholar, and a cum laude graduate from UCLA’s College of Letters and Science Honors Program. From UCLA he has received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in psychology, a Masters in Latin American Studies, and a Master of Business Administration. His master’s thesis was entitled The Development of Management Education in Mexico, and his MBA thesis was entitled Apparel Industry Magazine: Analysis and Recommendations. He is a former UC Riverside doctoral fellow and conducted the initial primary research for the book Schoolhousing: Planning and Designing Educational Facilities, published by Dr. Flora Ida Oritiz, Professor of Education.

He began his career as an educator in 1973 while working as a teacher’s aide at Whittier Union High School. He has taught at private schools, for San Bernardino County funded programs, at Mountain View School District, for Rowland Unified School District, and has taught at several colleges and universities. He has also taught Spanish at Baldwin Park High School, at Temple City High School, and for the Southern California School of Interpretation. Moreover, he has a practice of training groups and individuals in the use and troubleshooting of various software, hardware and media communications programs, and applications in English and in Spanish.

Mr. Nuño also has had substantial experience in the private sector, particularly in the publishing industry and in real estate, and has worked as a management professional both in Mexico and in the United States. In Mexico he has worked as the “Jefe de planeación corporativa” for Grupo Industrial Alfa, one of the largest diversified conglomerates in the Spanish speaking world. In the United States he has worked as Financial Analyst and Technical Analyst for Bank of America, Financial Analyst with the Los Angeles Minority Development Center, Director of the Multicultural Center at Rio Hondo College, Managing Editor of Unión Hispana newspaper, General Manager of Mundo Artistico newspaper, and Market Manager of the Pacific Bell Spanish Yellow Pages.

Dania Silk, MS

Email: d.silk@stanton.edu

Professor Dania is a dedicated educator with two decades of extensive experience teaching and developing curriculum for various levels.

She earned her Master of Science in educational technology from National University in San Diego, CA.

As the head of the foreign language department in a WASC accredited school, she oversees the development, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive subject area action plan for each phase of the curriculum cycle including curriculum assessment, program support, and staff development.

This unique combination of her teaching experience and education empowers her to seamlessly integrate innovative digital tools into the educational landscape, enhancing the learning experience and preparing students for the challenges of the modern, tech-driven world.

Noura Sweed, MBA

Email: n.sweed@stanton.edu

Ms. Noura Sweed, a seasoned team lead at a nonprofit organization dedicated to refugee support, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with honors from the University of Houston, complemented by a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Stanton University.

At the non-profit organization, Noura Sweed leads the organization and orchestrates cultural orientation classes aimed at educating refugees about their new life in the USA. Through these classes, she imparts valuable insights about the benefits available to them during resettlement, ensuring refugees understand and access the support systems in their new communities. Her expertise in organizing these sessions underscores her commitment to empowering refugees, fostering understanding, and facilitating a smoother transition for them into their new environment for a brighter and more hopeful future.

Noura Sweed diverse background includes substantial experience in teaching history, art classes, and painting courses throughout her career, showcasing her versatile teaching abilities.