Dear Community,

This is your Spring 2025 in-review of the Center for Transformative Learning. As institutions of higher education continue their conversations about the need for change, we pose a complementary question: What should remain? In the midst of rapid change, what practices, values, and programs are already serving our community—and how might we protect, extend and sustain them? Rather than focusing solely on what is missing or needs fixing, we are invited to consider: What do we have? Where are some of us most needed—and can we prepare to go there? These are just a few efforts that we have; there are many more. Which will you champion?

• EOF
• Veteran's Center
• Pell Grants
• Civility Week
• Brookdale Honors Program
• Science Mondays
• S-STEM
• Mentoring Fellowships and cohorts
• GEAR UP
• Student Clubs and Activities
• Autism Peer-to-Peer Group
• Professional development
• Leadership Brookdale
• Student Work study
• TLC
• Labs
• Displaced Homemakers
• 1st Gen

• International Education Center
• Global Citizenship Project
• Bankier Library
• WEST Club
• Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
• Accessibility Services
• Wellness Center
• Nutrition Hub
• Admissions Outreach
• Wilbur Ray Scholarship
• Whyman Scholars
• CPS’ JOBS Program
• Butterfly garden
• CVA Gallery
• Culinary program
• Alternate Route
• Center for Adult Transition
• And so much more...

Let us continue to ask not only what we wish to get, but also what we wish to preserve and strengthen. The work ahead calls us to deepen our stewardship of these efforts—and to continue showing up where we are needed most. Ask, "Where do you need me?"

Be well and be powerful,

Angela Kariotis, Director, Whyman Center for Transformative Learning, Academic Affairs

Want a snapshot of next year? At Brookdale, Franklyn Rother became a model of democratic courage, civic responsibility, and personal integrity. His memory is a reminder that democracy is earned—by standing up, speaking out, and showing up for others. We dedicate Civility Week to him and people like him and we look to contribute our own part.

The Engaged Pedagogy Faculty Working Group

At Brookdale Community College, teaching is a practice of connection, creativity, and care. This year’s Engaged Pedagogy Faculty Working Group brought together a passionate Beta Cohort of faculty committed to transforming their classrooms, their connection to their workplace and their pedagogy. 

We welcomed Elisa Elorza, from Architecture and the CVA gallery manager, Georgia Cassidy of Nursing, Alex Idavoy from Languages, Donna Pope from English, Raj Wesley from Psychology and Psychology faculty and chair Sara Burrill.

Topics ranged from cooperative learning to poverty-informed practice, inclusive pedagogy, and the pedagogy of play. Through case studies, practice, and peer feedback, faculty explored ways to create responsive classroom spaces for all students—regardless of discipline.

“This wasn’t just theory—it was practical, and immediately useful,” said one participant. “We walked away each week with a dozen things we could try in our classrooms—and they actually work.” 

Participants practiced disciplined techniques like “wait time,” collected weekly anonymous feedback from students, created inclusive ways to participate to support introverts, and celebrated student successes across varied and academic lines.

“It showed me the blind spots I didn’t know I had—like how students may feel excluded because of holidays or names I was mispronouncing.” -Christine Greco Covington, Faculty Fellow, Psychology

“I started designing activities that students could do regardless of whether they’d done the homework. Everyone could contribute meaningfully.” -Donna Pope, English

“We’re not therapists, but we can support students by creating classroom environments that understand their real lives.” -Alex Idavoy, Languages

“This was not just another committee. You actually look forward to coming here.” - Georgia Cassidy, Nursing

“It’s about being brave enough to ask questions and care deeply about your students—and yourself.” -The beta cohort

They will continue their fellowship into next year:

• Bringing together the alpha and beta cohorts
• Poverty-informed practices for the classroom
• Supporting students across the autism spectrum
• Produce interdisciplinary projects together
• Build AI tutors with TLC
• Have fun and enjoy

Be part of a creative, critical, and caring community of educators who believe teaching can—and should—change lives—including their own.

The first cohort remained active through monthly sessions, deepening their camaraderie and commitment to poverty-informed practices. Together, they created space to support one another during uncertain times, demystify a shifting educational landscape, and stay grounded in shared values of care, clarity, and connection. Greg Liano, Math, Amy Faris, Art & Design, Christine Greco-Covington, Psychology, Elisbaeth Eittreim, History, Emily Hoeflinger, English and not pictured but part us is Nicole Jackson Walker, Psychology.

From Civility Week to Convocation

Poverty-Informed Practice in Higher Education

In the Cut: A pop-up barbershop

The Art of Dialogue with Chhange

This was my first time collaborating with Chhange. I'm deeply grateful to Executive Director Asya Darbinyan for her invitation to this professional development effort, The Art of Dialogue. We're here with educators learning techniques to integrate art across the curriculum and build their capacity to invite generative conflict in the classroom. How might we consider the diversity of thought? How might we set the stage to change and be changed? It was serious and seriously fun. Ask me to contribute to your learning event.

Culture Share with Red Bank Regional High School

We all come from somewhere. A culture share is an interactive event where we are prompted to share stories and artifacts that represent our home, family, culture, journey and people we love. You can participate in another way. Click the button below to submit your photo, video, or written account about your immigrant journey. Visit Brookdale social media pages to see and hear immigration stories from employees and students. It's these stories that make up our beloved United States.

Living Room Conversation GCP Big Read: Make Your Bed

We hosted a Living Room Conversation on Make Your Bed, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for an hour of honest, interactive dialogue. Using themes from the book—daring greatly, giving people hope, and becoming stronger after failure—we explored questions like: “When have you stepped outside your comfort zone?” “What small act gave you or someone else hope?” and “How did a past failure make you stronger?” This was an approachable and un-intimidating book, even for those who don’t get the chance to read often, and we appreciated the chance to take away the lessons that resonated most. Gratitude to Ashley Zampogna-Krug, Barbara Barrella, and Elisa Elorza for leading campus wide efforts via their collaboration around this practical and accessible book. Ask me to lead an interactive Living Room Conversation on many topics for your group.

Scholarship Essay Writing Pop-Up with the Writing Center

Writing scholarship essays can feel intimidating—sometimes students worry their stories aren't "interesting enough." At a Scholarship Essay Writing Pop-Up, co-hosted by the Writing Center's incomparable May Jampathom and Kathy Vasile, students learned that every story matters and "you've gotta be in it to win it," just like the NY Lotto. How might we direct traffic to this super important bi-annual event? In one pop-up, JP Guerdy, Brookdale alum and Graduate Student Trustee, participated in a "celebrity interview" and shared valuable insights from his own experiences. Inspired, our students dove right in, starting their essays and booking follow-up appointments with our amazing Writing Center staff. Committees want to read student stories. Our authentic stories are good, deserving, and enough!

Immigration Policy with Alumna Itzel Hernandez

We welcomed back alumna and beloved community advocate, Itzel Hernandez, for a powerful immigration workshop co-hosted by SOL, Brookdale’s Latino student organization. Recognizing the importance of alumni as mentors and role models, students and alumni came together to explore how to thoughtfully navigate. Itzel's insights provided clarity, practical strategies, and a strong sense of community support. Brookdale continues to support alumni who inspire current students and empower future generations through their impactful advocacy. Itzel received the Community Award from the Global Citizenship Project. Here Itzel is joined by Hermione and Julie, who was honored with the Russ Berrie Making a Difference award.

Supporting Students Across the Autism Spectrum

April is Autism Awareness Month. We welcomed back Timothy Rohrer, an autistic youth advocate. He offered a presentation on the importance of social inclusion. How might we facilitate student friendships between autistic and alltistic (non-autistic) students? How can student clubs create inclusive space for autistic students? What if facilitating friendships was a student success and retention effort?

I was lucky to have been invited to present to CPS the same workshop I offered to Leadership Brookdale on culture and work. We participated in an interactive workshop. Yes, we got up on our feet and talked to each other! We reviewed dominant culture and then reflected on an alternative framework for learning and processing. There are more sustainable ways toward excellence that are in deeper alignment with our stated values. Gratitude to Karin Swan (of Leadership Brookdale fame) and Susan Pagano for their willingness. This is a great unit on our campus and it's the people who make it so. Invite me to work with your willing group.

NJCCC Student Leadership Summit 2025

At the 2025 Student Leadership Summit hosted by the New Jersey Council on County Colleges on our own Brookdale campus, I was lucky to lead a workshop called "Creative Leadership. Student and college leaders explored how the arts shape leadership through a high-energy, participatory workshop. Students reflected on how artists act as change-makers, considered public speaking through storytelling, and tackled real-world leadership challenges with imaginative problem-solving. The session sparked deep dialogue, movement, and reflection—and reminded us that leadership doesn’t require a title, just the courage to create, connect, and care. Creativity takes courage. Invite me to present this to your group.

Innovation Station Award: Academic Access

Academic Access via Laura Kirkwood and Barbara Barrella at Brookdale received funding for an exciting co-curricular project aligned with this year's Global Citizenship theme—Wellness. Students engaged with the Global Read book, Make Your Bed, through chapter assignments and interactive campus-wide events. Additionally, a new jigsaw puzzle stand will enhance their art area, creating a calming, communal space for students. Inspired? Faculty and staff are encouraged to propose creative co-curricular collaborations that enrich student learning and community-building across campus.

Movement Generation: Human Services Mentoring Fellowship

For the third consecutive year, Integrated Care Concepts is mentoring a cohort of Brookdale Human Services students, offering a professional development experience that addresses the emotional demands of careers in social services. With a 100% retention and graduation rate among participants, this impactful model is one we hope to scale to other departments. Students—many of whom are first-generation college students—say the mentorship provides real-world insight, camaraderie, and support not often found in the classroom. The group, diverse in every sense, also presented their experience to MACTS, a county-wide social services consortium, inspiring other organizations to consider similar partnerships. Last year, this initiative was honored by Senator Vin Gopal with a New Jersey State Senate Citation as a “Program to Emulate.” We’re proud to support both our students and a local organization doing meaningful work in our community. Produced in collaboration with Psychology Chair Sara Burrill, Christine Greco-Covington and Nicole Jackson Walker.

Transformative Learning Student Fellows at Civility Week:

Alternatives to Violence Project

Movement Generation is a 20-hour professional development experience I produce with and for student fellows. This year we returned with The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP), a communication workshop focused on building self-esteem, empathy, and cooperative problem-solving, empowering participants to handle conflicts constructively. Fellows teach back the work to their peers in CSSC classes, to Brookdale's Reading Circle, and for Spring Civility Week. Congratulate BSSI students Joi, Hayden, and Jessica on a job well-done. Encourage students to apply and join. We will be reprising the Alternatives to Violence Project next year. It's timely. Invite us to host your group or class next year.

Living Room Conversation: Fight Poverty Not The Poor, A Civility Week Event

Civility Week closed with an intimate Living Room Conversation with co-chair Ave Latte where students, staff, and new employees gathered in circle to share lived experiences and generate actionable ideas to combat poverty on campus. Surrounded by compassion and creativity, participants reflected on how institutions can shift from punitive practices to supportive ones. The conversation was grounded by striking artwork from Summer Deaver—bold prints reading "Fight Poverty Not the Poor"—offered as visual reminders for doors and workspaces across campus. Ideas that emerged included organizing a “No" Audit of Campus grounds and Friday employee broadcasts of student-facing events to students to cultivate a culture of participation. So much is generated from this type of conversation. What topics would you like to be a part of?

Pi Day with the Brookies

For the first time in a long time, Brookdale Community College celebrated Pi Day on its actual date—March 14, 2025—and it added up to a joyful day!

Co-hosted by the STEM Institute and the Center for Transformative Learning, this celebration continued a beloved tradition: welcoming the Brookies—our affectionate name for young students from local schools invited to spend a day exploring campus and discovering their potential; imagining themselves as future Brookdalians. The point is to create a memory imprint of how Brookdale made them feel to be here. The point is to grow our future students. We were thrilled to host 75 fifth graders from Long Branch's Gregory Elementary, GLC Elementary, Anastasia Elementary for a day full of inspiration, discovery, and delight. This joy was a respite and a relief for all of us too.

At the Wellness Center, students practiced affirmations and built a positive math mindset to kick off their visit.

In the Math Lab, led by our amazing WEST Club students...

In the Biology Lab, where Bio Lab students helped them explore with microscopes and furry tarantulas...

With S-STEM scholars, where they played critical games and experimented...

We had full-circle moments: Some Brookdale faculty were delighted to recognize the Long Branch teachers as their former students. And Brookdale students were spotted and celebrated by elementary staff who remembered them as kids.

One Brookie declared,

"This was the best day ever. I can't wait to come to college here."

Adolescence is a fork in the road—when young people begin to wonder who they might become. We want them to choose hope. We want them to see themselves in college. We want them to feel they belong. This is long-game work. It takes vision, patience, and heart.

Thank you to those who have it: Robert Gant & Sally Kimble, Susan Monroe & Daniel Lopez, Arianne Pathak, Samantha Doluweera, Nicole Jackson Walker, Summer Deaver, Elisa Elorza and all the student volunteers- recognized by Global Citizenship Project awards.

One magical day on campus can inspire a lifetime of learning.

Introducing Transformative Learning Faculty Fellows

Some Anonymous Feedback from the Fall

"I didn't give much thought to it before this event, but understanding the difference between saying 'I'm sorry' and 'Thank you for correcting me.'"- Inclusive Classrooms for Gender Non-Conforming Students

"Thought-provoking; I really like the idea of adding something in the syllabus. Yes, enjoyable and again thought-provoking."- Keynote w/Chad Dull

"I found the whole presentation enlightening. I learned that I'm a financial hybrid of personalities, and yes this was both educational as well as enjoyable."- Financial Resilience Workshop

"It's important to incorporate practices that support neuro-divergent learners into your regular classroom teaching. These practices help EVERYONE and just make for good teaching."- Supporting Neurodivergent Students

"These discussions humanized the material, showing how we meet communication struggles in everyday work."-Crucial Conversations Reading Circle

"I felt very connected to everyone on a different level. We bonded over our differences and stories."- Culture Share

"The presentation was interactive and inspiring. I learned more about myself, as well as my Leadership Brookdale colleagues. It inspired further conversation about bias, stereotyping, and culture in positivity among the group. A powerful presentation. This should be done more often!"- Work Culture Workshop

"One takeaway from today's event was that you never know what somebody else is going through. I learned how to solve conflict in ways without violence. It was enjoyable, I even made a friend!"- Alternatives to Violence Project

People Make the Magic. Behind every meaningful event is a person who says yes, who shows up, and who leads with love. Markus Rodriguez from Long Branch Public Schools is one of those people. He played a vital role in organizing this unforgettable Pi Day visit and has been a steadfast partner to Brookdale—committed to his students, his community, and the larger project of possibility. In recognition of his contributions, Markus was honored with a Global Citizenship Project Community Award—a symbol of the bridges he builds between institutions, people, and futures. At the Center for Transformative Learning, we may be new. We may not have every resource. But what we do have is powerful: relationships, imagination, shared purpose, and people like Markus.

What can we learn from nature about resilience in the face of adversity, about flourishing, what can we learn from nature about courage?