Welcoming New Faculty Members to the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University

As the 2024-25 academic year approaches, the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University (USU) is thrilled to announce the addition of several new faculty members. This diverse group of educators brings a wealth of experience, innovative research interests, and a commitment to advancing the college’s mission. Al Smith, the Emma Eccles Jones endowed dean, expressed enthusiasm about the new hires, stating, “We are excited to add these innovative, committed colleagues to our team. They will meaningfully advance our research and programming at Utah State.”

Anjanette Todd: A Focus on Self-Care and Mindfulness

Joining the Department of Psychology as an Assistant Professor, Anjanette Todd comes with a rich background in counselor education. She earned her doctorate from the University of South Florida and has spent 13 years as a school counselor across various educational levels. Todd’s research interests center on school counselor self-care, self-compassion, and mindfulness, reflecting her dedication to the well-being of both students and educators. Outside of her academic pursuits, she enjoys hiking and spending quality time with her family, embracing the tranquility of nature.

Bobbie Liechty: Championing Communication for Children

As a Clinical Assistant Professor in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Bobbie Liechty brings extensive experience from both school and private practice settings. Specializing in speech and language disorders, she is particularly passionate about helping children with complex communication needs, including those with autism. A third-generation Aggie, Liechty is deeply rooted in Cache Valley and is committed to giving back to her community. When not working, she enjoys traveling and creating lasting memories with her family.

Naima Bhana Lopez: Enhancing Social Communication for Diverse Learners

Naima Bhana Lopez joins USU as an Assistant Professor in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling. With a doctorate from Penn State University, Lopez’s research focuses on increasing social-communication opportunities for young children with developmental disabilities. Her work aims to improve the quality of life for ethnically and racially diverse students and families. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and exploring Utah’s beautiful parks.

Christine Rains: A Passion for Nursing Education

Christine Rains, a Professional Practice Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role teaching nursing students in Alabama. With a background in oncology and pediatric nursing, Rains is dedicated to providing hands-on learning experiences for her students. Now residing in the Tooele area, she aims to inspire both her students and her family through her teaching and example.

Jennifer Hunsaker: Advocacy in Rehabilitation Counseling

Jennifer Hunsaker, also a Professional Practice Assistant Professor in Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling, has a diverse background that includes small business consulting and clinical mental health counseling. She is passionate about disability advocacy and serves on the board of the Utah Mental Health Counselors Association. Hunsaker co-owns a private mental health care practice focused on serving underserved populations, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference in the community.

David Longhurst: Expertise in Behavioral Health Assessment

Joining the Behavioral Health Clinic as a Clinical Assistant Professor, David Longhurst earned his doctorate in school psychology from USU. His expertise lies in the assessment of autism and related neurodevelopmental disabilities. Longhurst is dedicated to supervising graduate students and enhancing their skills in developmental disorder assessment. In his personal life, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and skiing, as well as supporting USU athletics.

Lindsay Sundloff: Advancing Nursing Education

Lindsay Sundloff, a Professional Practice Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing, has a unique educational journey that began with a degree in mass communication. After pursuing nursing at USU, she completed her master’s degree in nursing education. Sundloff is excited to contribute to the nursing program at the Tooele USU Statewide campus, where she aims to inspire future nurses.

Cherish Sarmiento: Supporting Language and Literacy

Cherish Sarmiento, an Assistant Professor in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership, recently completed her doctorate in Special Education at Michigan State University. As a first-generation college student, she is passionate about supporting students with language and learning difficulties, particularly in science education. Originally from California, Sarmiento looks forward to exploring Utah’s national parks and engaging in outdoor activities.

Ronen Sebag: Fostering Self-Advocacy in Education

Ronen Sebag joins the School of Teacher Education and Leadership as a Lecturer, bringing 17 years of high school teaching experience. His student-centered approach emphasizes self-advocacy, empowering students to identify their struggles and develop informed decision-making skills. Sebag enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and camping, taking advantage of Utah’s stunning landscapes.

Brooke Hall: A Commitment to Speech-Language Pathology

As a Clinical Assistant Professor in Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education, Brooke Hall is a clinically certified speech-language pathologist with a broad range of experience. Her commitment to evidence-based practice and interdisciplinary collaboration enriches her students’ learning experiences. Hall is excited to return to Cache Valley, where she aims to contribute to the community that shaped her early career.

Qi Si: Exploring Literacy and Bilingual Education

Qi Si joins the School of Teacher Education and Leadership as an Assistant Professor, holding a doctorate in elementary education. Her research focuses on literacy education and bilingual education, exploring how these areas intersect with various content disciplines. Si is passionate about travel and cultural experiences, which she believes enhance her teaching and research.

Erik Reinbergs: Addressing Youth Mental Health

Erik Reinbergs, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology, is a licensed psychologist with a focus on suicide prevention and self-harm. With a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he aims to help youth and families build fulfilling lives. Reinbergs is dedicated to reducing emotional and behavioral challenges through various interventions, including clinical behavior therapies.

The Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at Utah State University is poised for an exciting year ahead with the addition of these talented faculty members. Their diverse backgrounds, research interests, and commitment to education will undoubtedly enrich the college’s programs and contribute to the success of its students. As they embark on this new journey, the USU community eagerly anticipates the positive impact these educators will have on the field of education and human services.