CETL PIE Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsay Amiel, Economics instructor at Madison College, and Ellen Lansink-Top, visiting faculty member from Aventus in the Netherlands. Through a faculty exchange program, they share their experiences across cultures, comparing classrooms, exploring educational systems, and reflecting on what connects students and teachers around the world. Whether you’re passionate about global education, cross-cultural collaboration, or new perspectives on teaching, this conversation offers a meaningful look at how educators learn from one another across borders.Lindsay Amiel is an economics instructor and program director for the University Transfer Economics and Business Pre-Major at Madison College, where she’s been teaching since 2014. A Wisconsin native from Monroe—the self-proclaimed cheese capital of the U.S.—she earned her undergraduate degree from UW–Madison in Economics and International Studies. She went on to complete a Master’s in Secondary Education at the University of Pennsylvania and later earned a Master’s in Agricultural and Applied Economics from UW–Madison, focusing on regional economics and community development. Lindsay is passionate about community development and creating equitable, sustainable economic systems. She enjoys helping students think critically about the kind of world they want to live in, and how economic structures and institutions can be designed in support of those visions. At Madison College, she also works closely with students exploring pathways in economics, business, and public policy—guiding them as they reach their academic goals and prepare to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Ellen Lansink-Top is a teacher from Lochem in the eastern Netherlands, where she lives with her husband, Marco, and their two sons. She has been an educator for 22 years, beginning her career in primary education for eight years before transitioning to secondary education as a math teacher, a role she held for nearly 15 years. For the past three years, Ellen has taught at Aventus, a Regional Training Centre (ROC) serving the Stedendriehoek area including Apeldoorn, Deventer, and Zutphen. Aventus offers secondary vocational education (MBO), adult education, and upper secondary general adult education (VAVO). At Aventus, Ellen has many roles: she teaches math/calculation, coaches all math teachers in the Economics, Trade, and Creative Industries sector, participates in the national Learning Network for Mathematics, supports student guidance at the Zutphen location, and oversees educational quality for the Fashion, Interior Design, and Spatial Design programs.For more information on the Faculty & Staff Exchange Program see the Illinois Consortium for International Studies and Programs website.

Sensitive Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including crime, victimization, and incarceration which may be distressing to some listeners.In this thought-provoking episode we sit down with Dr. Amy Nemmetz, program director and faculty member in Criminal Justice at Madison College. Dr. Nemmetz shares her journey from working in the justice system to shaping the next generation of criminal justice professionals through education and restorative practices. We explore the role of real-world learning, her students' work at Oakhill Correctional Institution and The Grow Academy, and how empathy, reflection, and community engagement are woven into the curriculum. Whether you're interested in justice reform, higher education, or the power of human connection, this episode offers meaningful insights and inspiration.Amy Nemmetz joined the Madison College Criminal Justice program in 2018. Her interest in the criminal justice field began in 1992 when she was hired part-time to transcribe mini-cassette tapes for detectives at a Sheriff’s Department. She instantly knew this was the field for her; she subsequently pursued a career working with offenders and victims in the criminal justice system.Amy has been fortunate to teach for 20 years and work in a variety of criminal justice and social work roles to include-community service officer & telecommunicator with police departments, case manager at a juvenile group home, social worker with a jail diversion court program, social worker with human services (child protection), restorative justice facilitator with offenders, and treatment provider.Amy is currently the Program Director for the Criminal Justice Program at Madison College. She holds State of Wisconsin licenses in social work and substance abuse counseling. Simply stated, her passion is truly helping those in the criminal justice system to include facilitating restorative-justice based service-learning projects with her students for Department of Corrections every semester for the last 10+ years. She has presented on Restorative Justice at numerous conferences to include the Wisconsin Juvenile Court Intake Conference and the National Restorative Justice Conference.She was a tenured faculty member with UW-Platteville’s Criminal Justice program before joining the Madison College Criminal Justice Program. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice from UW-Platteville and a PhD in Criminal Justice from Capella University.  She has been fortunate to receive awards for teaching and service to include the Madison College Leader Impact Award in 2022. Amy is super grateful to be a part of the Wolfpack!

In this episode we step into the kitchen with Suzanne Daly and Cheryl Weise, the two full-time faculty behind Madison College’s Baking & Decorative Arts program. Suzanne and Cheryl share their paths into professional baking, their specialties in cake artistry, and how they bring real-world experience to their students—both in the classroom and through the college’s student-run bakery. We explore what it means to be a professional baker versus a home baker, the impact of baking competitions and TV shows, and how hands-on learning prepares students for sweet success. And yes—pie baking tips are included!Suzanne Daly is the Director and Lead Instructor of the Baking & Decorative Arts Program at Madison College. She earned the designation of International Certified Judge in June 2019, as both a visual and tasting judge. Suzanne enjoys helping students grow in the art of baking and decorating by being the student mentor for the Skills USA Baking & Pastry Arts competition. She is also a member of the Wisconsin Bakers Association in which she was awarded the Wisconsin Baking Instructor of the Year in 2024.Cheryl Weise grew up surrounded by a mother and grandmothers who baked everything from scratch and were also cake decorators. Their influence led her to continue baking and decorating while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts management with a concentration in graphic arts. She ended up as a project manager for a printing company learning the business and marketing side of a business while keeping her baking and decorating passion on the side. She became a member of the International Cake Exploration Society and became passionate about taking formal cake decorating classes from the world’s finest instructors including Nicholas Lodge, Colette Peters, Ron Ben-Israel, and Robert Hayes. As a lifelong learner she has taken over 100 classes to build on her skills. Cheryl started out teaching Wilton Cake decorating classes and did private decorating classes. She started her own licensed cake baking and decorating business, Frosted Memories, where she does cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked products in 2010. She became a full-time instructor in the Baking and Decorative Arts Program at Madison College in 2017 and has loved passing on her excitement to create something out of basic ingredients.Madison College Student-Run Bakery FacebookMadison College Student-Run Bakery Instagram

In this episode, we talk with Sara Finesilver, an English as a Second Language (ESL) faculty member at Madison College. Sara shares her passion for helping non-native English speakers succeed, both in and out of the classroom. She discusses her innovative patient health portal project, which helps ESL students build health literacy and digital fluency.  Sara also introduces the "Teaching the Skills That Matter" (TSTM) program and how project-based learning transforms her classes. Additionally, we explore her perspective on the rise of AI tools in education.   Sara Finesilver is a collaborative and creative ESL Instructor, with over 20 years of experience. She began her teaching career within the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) in 2004 and has been a full-time faculty member at Madison College since 2018. Sara holds a BA in English with a TESOL certificate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s in Higher Education from Capella University.   Her expertise includes contextualized instruction, authentic assessment, curriculum development, and faculty training. She is particularly passionate about EL-Civics, including areas such as Health Literacy and Job Readiness & Employability, and enjoys finding ways to integrate Digital Literacy into diverse teaching contexts. Sara finds deep fulfillment in working with refugees and immigrant professionals, supporting their career and employment goals, and helping them connect with our community.   Outside the classroom, Sara enjoys writing poetry, kayaking, hiking, being silly playing board games, spending time with loved ones under twinkling lights, and most importantly: finding joy in small things. Check out the AI song Sara created for me on Suno! Teaching the Skills that Matter

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Cherif Correa, an English faculty member at Madison College and the lead for the college’s new African Studies Certificate. Cherif shares his journey from being an international student to becoming a leader in both educational and DEI initiatives at the college. We explore his work on the African Studies Certificate, including the course topics it covers and the opportunities it creates for students. Cherif also discusses his involvement with the Institute of Equity and Transformational Change, as well as the college’s efforts in developing global partnerships and study abroad programs in Africa. Join us as Cherif shares his perspectives on African Studies, his role in fostering global connections, and his vision for enriching the educational experience at Madison College.   Resources:Madison College African Studies Certificate Dr. Correa's Publications: Islam in Europhone African Literature. The Palgrave Handbook of Islam in Africa. Eds., Toyin Falola, Fallou Ngom, and Mustapha Kurfi. Palgrave, 2020. "Islam and the Question of Identity in Ousmane Sembene's Film, Ceddo." Ousmane Sembène and the Politics of Culture. Eds Lifongo Vetinde and Amadou T. Fofana. New York: Lexington Books, 2014. Re-Union (A Poem). Postcolonial Text, Vol.2. No.1. Postcolonial.org, 2006 https://www.postcolonial.org/index.php/pct/article/view/434/834

To kick off season three of the podcast, we welcome Lynn Baldwin, faculty in the Business Technology program. Lynn shares her Madison College journey, from teaching in the Business Technology area to using her Instructional Design expertise to co-develop training for the college’s transition to the new LMS, Brightspace. She also offers advice on how faculty can prepare their courses for this migration. We also explore Lynn’s recent Teach Access Fellowship, which focuses on embedding accessibility into education. Lynn discusses how the fellowship has shaped her teaching approach and how she’s integrating accessibility into her courses. Join us to hear Lynn’s insights on fostering an inclusive, future-ready learning environment at Madison College. Lynn Baldwin is a Business Technology instructor in the School of Business & Applied Arts. She teaches a variety of computer software, customer service, and business classes and is a certified Entrepreneurial Mindset Facilitator. In her teaching career, Lynn was awarded the 2021 Provost Award for Faculty Excellence and the 2015 Devi Bhargava Award for her focus on promoting student accessibility. This year, she was selected as a 2024 Teach Access Fellow working to advocate for accessibility and help equip learners to build a more inclusive world. Prior to her employment with Madison College, she held a variety of marketing, management, and administrative positions with Baker Tilly, The Douglas Stewart Company, and U.S. Cellular. Lynn has earned bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Comprehensive Business-Economics, and a master’s degree in Instructional Design and Learning Technologies. In her free time, she enjoys following Wisconsin sports teams, running, travel, and gardening. Show notes: Teach Access Fellowship

In this last episode of the season, we speak with Paul Flogel, the program director and a long-time instructor of the Automotive Technology program at Madison College. Paul discusses how he manages the program and prepares students for the evolving automotive industry. He also shares insights into the future of the industry, the importance of hands-on experience, and the success of the program’s job fairs and outreach programs. Paul Flogel is a faculty member and program director for the Madison College Automotive Technician Program. He has extensive experience in the field and brings this into his work in the classroom and automotive repair lab. He is the program lead for student advising, scheduling, program accreditation, ASE student certification, and coordinates student job fairs each year.

In this episode we chat with Oana Martin, an instructor and program director in the Biotechnology Program at Madison College. Oana delves into the fundamentals of biotechnology, shedding light on its importance and the cutting-edge developments within the field. Listeners will gain insights into the career paths available to graduates, how the program aligns with industry trends, and the skills students acquire to succeed. Oana also discusses her approaches to teaching, focusing on collaborative testing and self-assessment to enhance learning experiences. Whether you're a biotech enthusiast or interested in getting some student assessment ideas, this episode has something for you. Oana Martin, Ph.D. is a full-time faculty at Madison College and director of the Biotechnology Program. She has worked at the college since 2012. Oana started as a part-time faculty in Biotechnology Program and the Chemistry Department and then became a full-time faculty member in 2015. Before joining Madison College, Oana was a lecturer at UW-Madison in the Department of Chemistry and the School of Pharmacy, where she earned a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Oana is passionate about education and science communication. As part of the Biotechnology Program, she is involved in helping students find rewarding career pathways in the Biotechnology industry. Also, she is actively participating in science outreach in high schools, educating students and teachers about careers in the biotechnology field. She is interested in curriculum development with an emphasis on career training and in equitable assessment.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Jodi Goldbeck, a dedicated instructor and innovator at Madison College. Jodi, who oversees the Small Business Entrepreneurship Program and serves as the Faculty Liaison for the Second Chance Pell Program, shares her inspiring journey into the realm of mindfulness, grit, and well-being. After facing personal challenges, Jodi developed the transformative "Mastering Mindfulness" curriculum, aiming to enrich students' lives with courses on gratitude, resilience, habit building, and more. Throughout our conversation, Jodi delves into the impact of these courses on students, her approach to integrating mindfulness into education, and her role in supporting incarcerated students through education. She offers insights into the challenges and rewards of teaching within the Department of Corrections. Jodi also shares her personal journey towards a minimalistic lifestyle, revealing how it has influenced her happiness and well-being. Join us for a conversation about the power of mindfulness in education and the impactful work Jodi is doing at Madison College. Jodi Goldbeck has been a full-time instructor at Madison College since 2009.  She began studying mindset, grit, and well-being in 2015 after experiencing a series of unexpected challenges in her life.  Based on her studies and the unwavering belief that individuals can change the trajectory of their lives, she developed a curriculum called Mastering Mindfulness, which is a series of one-credit courses that focus on topics such as gratitude, resilience, habit building, listening and many other topics related to living a happier life.  Jodi is currently the Program Director for the Small Business Entrepreneurship Program at Madison College, as well as the Faculty Liaison for the Second Chance Pell Program (SCP).  The SCP Program focuses on students in the care of Wisconsin Department of Corrections (DOC) state prisons.  Jodi teaches several DOC courses, as well as serving as a conduit between DOC Education Directors and faculty that teach for the SCP Program at Madison College.  Jodi has certifications in Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and University of North Carolina.  She has also completed a certification in the Science of Well-Being from Yale University and The Foundations of Well-Being Program through the University of California-Berkeley. Jodi has presented on the topics of mindfulness and well-being at numerous conferences, including the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurs (NACCE), Online Learning Consortium (OLC), International Forum for Women in E-Learning (IFWE) and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International (HSMAI).  Jodi has been a full-time instructor at Madison College since 2009 and received the Excellence in Full-Time Teaching Award in 2017.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master's degree in Public Administration from Northern Michigan University, embracing her roots as a proud Yooper! Additional Resources: Building Blocks of Well-Being Certificate Jodi's favorite author on the topic of habits Books on the topic of decluttering

In this episode, we talk with Dixie Burns, who teaches physical science and astronomy at Madison College and has been with the college for 25 years. Dixie shares her experience in teaching, especially how she got interested in astronomy and how she uses that interest to teach her students. We also discuss the changes she's seen at the college over the years and her action research project on neurodiversity and mental health. This project aims to make the college more welcoming for neurodivergent students and those with mental health challenges. Dixie offers tips for faculty on supporting these students and talks about her own experience as someone who is neurodivergent. Dixie Burns has served as a physical sciences instructor at Madison College since 1998. She completed her undergraduate studies in astronomy, physics, and math at UW Madison, followed by a master's degree in astrophysics from Ohio State University. After two years of part-time teaching, she transitioned to a full-time teaching role. Dixie's teaching focus is on astronomy, although she has also instructed courses in physics and earth science. Her classes are primarily held at the Truax campus, employing both online and hybrid teaching formats. Additionally, she is actively engaged in research concerning neurodiversity and mental health inclusion at Madison College.

This episode of the CETL PIE – Peek Into Excellence - Podcast features a conversation with Loise Kirore and Rocky Blanco, faculty from our Certified Nursing Assistant program. Loise discusses her role in the Centro Hispano CNA program and advising the Multicultural Nursing Student Organization, highlighting how these activities addresses the needs of diverse student populations. Rocky shares his experiences working with the CNA program at local high schools, emphasizing the importance of this community outreach to connect students with opportunities in the healthcare field. Together, they explain the unique aspects of our CNA program, its integration with other nursing courses, and chat about their teaching strategies. They also offer advice for aspiring CNAs and nurses and share a bit about their personal hobbies and interests. This episode provides an enlightening glimpse into the heart of nursing education at Madison College. Loise Kirore (she/her/hers): I am a passionate geriatric nurse at heart. I was a Certified Nursing Assistant for 10 years, Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for 1 year, and a Registered Nurse for thirteen. Five of the 13 years I have been teaching at Madison College. I have taught in the LPN Program, but nursing assistant is where my soul is fed, being able to prepare entry level healthcare workers is a responsibility I take very seriously and an honor. Since my first semester at the college, I have been a mentor for the Scholars of Color Mentoring Program (SCMP), active member of the School of Nursing (SoN), Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and Multicultural Student Nurses Organization (MSNO) faculty advisor. Advocating and supporting our students feeds my soul! Rocky Blanco (He/Him/His) brings over twenty years of expertise in human physiology to his roles as an Exercise Physiologist, Exercise/Molecular Biology Researcher, and Registered Nurse. His dedication to human health is evident, but his true passion lies in educating and training others in these fields. Rocky began his professional journey at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), where he earned a Bachelor's in Exercise Science and became a nationally certified Exercise Physiologist with the American Academy of Sports Medicine (ACSM). He gained valuable experience working in cardiac rehabilitation and with private gym clients to enhance their health. Rocky then returned to FAU for his Master's in Exercise Physiology, contributing to research on exercise's effects on health and fitness. His research pursuits continued at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he delved into the molecular changes in muscles induced by exercise. Seeking a more direct interaction with patients and clients, Rocky transitioned to nursing. He began as a Nursing Assistant after graduating from Madison College and later completed his Associate’s in Nursing. Graduating in 2020 at the start of the Covid Pandemic, Rocky worked with the complexities of this new disease and other complex diseases in a step-down ICU setting in Madison for over 4 years. Truly missing the aspect of the academic setting, he recently joined the Madison College Family as a Nursing Assistant Instructor. Currently, Rocky is on the verge of completing his Master’s in Nursing Education and is preparing to embark on a Doctorate in Nursing Education Leadership. He is deeply committed to nurturing strong foundational skills in students and new nurses, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and culturally competent care. Outside of his professional life, Rocky's personal story is rich and diverse. Born in New Jersey to Cuban parents, he grew up in the vibrant city of Miami, FL. He has been happily married to Laura Cruz for over 15 years. Together, they share a love for travel, fitness, board games, and video games.

In this first episode of the spring semester, we welcome Marco Torrez-Miranda, a former faculty member of Madison College's Human Services Program and the current Director of the Institute for Equity and Transformational Change (IETC). Marco shares his journey from starting at Madison College to his extensive experience as a licensed psychotherapist and trauma treatment specialist, highlighting how his background informs his commitment to equity and inclusion in education. He delves into the mission and evolution of the IETC, its role in supporting faculty and staff, and the professional development opportunities it offers to foster a more inclusive learning environment. Marco Torrez-Miranda (he/him/his) is a licensed psychotherapist, trauma-treatment, and substance-use disorder specialist making significant contributions to the behavioral health field in Wisconsin. He embarked on his remarkable journey through academia, earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate at UW-La Crosse, focusing on Student Affairs Administration and Leadership, with a strong emphasis on social justice and equity in higher education. His dissertation focuses on developing systems and structures to recruit, retain, and develop employees and students of color at two-year, predominantly white institutions. With over fifteen years of invaluable experience, Marco has been a driving force in creating interventions and innovative programs to enhance accessibility, foster engagement, and cultivate a profound sense of belonging for individuals on their path to healing. His multifaceted career includes roles as a clinician, clinical supervisor, mentor, consultant, program director, faculty member, and administrator. At Madison College, Marco served as Faculty and Director of the Human Services Program at Madison College. He currently holds the inaugural role of Director for the Institute for Equity & Transformational Change (IETC). The Institute for Equity and Transformational Change is dedicated to developing, implementing, researching, and advocating for equity-centered and anti-racist policies and practices to foster an inclusive and affirming learning community at Madison College. The IETC serves as an inclusive hub where faculty, staff, and the college community are empowered to advance equity-based practices across data interpretation, professional development, curriculum reform, and action research to catalyze the transformation in policies and practices. Marco Torrez-Miranda's unwavering dedication to making a difference in the fields of behavioral health and higher education has already left an indelible mark, and his journey of transformation and advocacy is far from over. His passion for social justice, equity, and inclusivity continues to drive positive change in the lives of many. Connect with Marco via: Email: TransformationalChange@madisoncollege.edu or LinkedIn

In the final episode for the fall semester, we welcome Peter Dettmer, a faculty member and Program Director for the Electromechanical Technology program at Madison College. Peter shares his journey and how he discovered his passion in the dynamic field of Electromechanical Technology. He emphasizes the innovative methods Madison College employs to ensure students are thoroughly prepared for the ever-changing landscape of advanced manufacturing, focusing on hands-on experience and practical skill development. Peter also highlights the significance of partnerships with local industries in providing practical, industry-relevant exposure for our students. His insights into the essential skills needed for success in advanced manufacturing, combined with personal stories from his teaching experiences and a faculty exchange program in Denmark, provide a fascinating look into this field, deepening our appreciation of the significant contributions made by our faculty at Madison College. Peter Dettmer is a highly accomplished educator with over 20 years of experience in the field of manufacturing automation and system integration. He is currently an instructor at Madison Area Technical College, where he teaches courses in Industrial Robotics, Automated Manufacturing, and Programmable Logic Controllers. Dettmer is also the recipient of numerous awards, including the NISOD Teaching Excellence Award and the WACTE Best New Instructor Award. Dettmer is a passionate advocate for STEM education and is committed to providing his students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the manufacturing industry.

In this episode, we have a conversation with Paul Barribeau, an English faculty member at Madison College. Paul passionately discusses the transformative impact of his participation in the Grading Practices Academy, a year-long professional development experience that provides peer support and empowers faculty to make key adjustments to their grading practices. He describes his shift to a 4-point grading scale and the changes he has implemented in providing student feedback. Additionally, drawing from his over two decades of experience at Madison College, Paul emphasizes the significance of gathering feedback from students during the semester, explains his approach to obtaining this feedback, and details how it shapes his teaching approach. Join us as we delve into the world of English instruction, explore strategies for supporting student writing across various courses at the college, and gain insights from what Paul considers "the single most transformative professional development experience" in his career at Madison College. Paul Barribeau has been an English instructor at Madison College since 2003. He earned his master’s degree, with an emphasis in composition theory, from Colorado State University. From 2003-2021, he was based in the Eastern region, but now teaches primarily at the Truax campus. His current research and teaching interests include writing instruction, equitable grading practices, and corequisite writing courses. In addition to teaching, he is a writer for the college’s HLC accreditation team. 

In this episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Chef Catherine Pippitt, a certified pastry chef and dedicated part-time faculty member in the Culinary Arts program at Madison College. Our conversation delved into Cat's wealth of experience as a culinary arts educator, spotlighting her approaches to nurturing student teamwork and collaboration. We also explored the influence of popular cooking shows on her students and her teaching methods. Additionally, Cat shared some career highlights and the transformative impact of her professional development experiences at Madison College. And, of course, she generously revealed her secrets to crafting an exceptional pie! Chef Catherine (Cat) Pippitt got her pastry start rolling Play-Doh on a cutting board and has always loved to bake. Originally a very picky eater, she began to expand her palate after college and got really excited about food after a few great experiences in fine dining. Cat is an alumna of Madison College, graduating in 2000 from the Culinary Arts program.  She returned to work as a lab assistant in the Baking & Pastry Arts program in 2003, got gently distracted pursuing a degree in the Court Reporting program in 2005, and finally returned to teach in the Culinary program in 2014. Cat earned her Certified Working Pastry Chef certification with the American Culinary Federation in 2017. She loves building her pastry skills, especially with in-person and online courses from the French Pastry School in Chicago. She also works at Wisconsin Cutlery and Kitchen Supply, selling great kitchen gear and sharpening knives, scissors, and garden tools. Cat lives in Madison with her husband Jim, and their two wily dogs, Lili and Buddy.

In this episode we have a conversation with Carolina Bailey, Ph.D, Spanish faculty member and Area Coordinator in the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Madison College. A seasoned educator, Carolina shares her techniques to crafting captivating learning experiences by harnessing students' prior knowledge and interests. We also learn about her experience leading students through a course-based research project in a Spanish Five class, a journey that not only challenged students but also honed their Spanish research skills. We talk about Carolina’s research into the campus climate and the vital role of accountability measures, and she shares examples of progress in diversity and inclusion at the college. Finally, Carolina explains a how she is incorporating virtual reality in her language instruction, offering students immersive cultural experiences while practicing their language skills. Join us as we get to know Carolina Bailey and delve into her innovative approaches to language instruction and crafting engaging learning experiences for students. Dr. Carolina Bailey is a Spanish instructor as well as Area Coordinator for the School of Art, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Madison Area Technical College. In her current role she supports six departments with instructional-related needs.  At the college level, she has actively participated in Equity and Inclusion efforts to help the college move forward with their equity and inclusion journey.   In addition to her academia work, her passion for equity and inclusion led her to be an advisor for Step Up: Equity Matters. This company focuses on helping different industries through assessment, trainings, and coaching to update their processes and policies to be more equitable and inclusive in their practices.  She has also supported the City of Madison with its Language Access Program to have Community Connectors in order for the city to have a better out-reach program for the Spanish, Hmong, and Chinese (Mandarin) communities in Madison.   She earned her Ph.D. degrees in Second Language Acquisition as well as in Linguistics from UW-Madison. She earned her Master's in Linguistics at UW-Madison and her Master's in French as a Foreign Language in Montpellier-France. She did her undergraduate studies in her native country, Colombia at Universidad del Valle. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family and friends, riding her bike when it's sunny and warm, salsa dancing, and taking acrobatic classes.

In this episode, we have the pleasure of sitting down with Dorothy Conduah, an inspiring faculty member who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Accounting program. Dorothy shares her insights on how technology has transformed the accounting field, the importance of teaching students how to effectively utilize AI, and her experiences in promoting accounting as a career. We delve into Dorothy's passion for educating students about the practical aspects of accounting and how it relates to personal and business finances. We'll also discover her unique approach to engaging students through the use of quotes that reflect their own values and beliefs. Furthermore, we'll explore Dorothy's passion for travel and how it has influenced her personal and professional life. Join us as we uncover Dorothy's journey in the world of accounting, her experiences as a full-time instructor, and the impact she has had on her students' lives. Dorothy Conduah, CPA, MBA, CGMA, is an accounting faculty member at Madison College. She teaches financial accounting, management accounting and business management courses. Dorothy started her accounting career in a public accounting firm gaining diverse and practical experience in the business field, before transitioning to the private sector. She has 20+ years of accounting experience spending 16 years of her career at American Girl’s corporate headquarters in Middleton. She obtained her MBA from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and her undergraduate degree from the University of Hertfordshire in England. While at American Girl, Dorothy taught both graduate and undergraduate courses in accounting as an adjunct instructor at Lakeland University. Dorothy came to Madison College in 2014 as an administrator in the Controllers office. In 2017, she transitioned to teaching full time in the accounting program.   In her spare time, Dorothy enjoys spending time with family, travelling, reading, exercising including, hiking, running, yoga among other pursuits to stay balanced.  Check out Dorothy in the On Balance Magazine.

In this first episode of Season Two of the CETL PIE podcast, we get to know our new Interim Provost, Dr. Beth Giles-Klinkner. Dr. Giles-Klinkner talks about her journey from initially having no intention of going to college to becoming a passionate educator and advocate for educational equity. Beth also shares her vision for faculty-driven professional development, strategic planning and dreaming in the face of budget constraints, and creating a sense of community within the college. Tune in to discover more about our Interim Provost’s goals for this year at Madison College. Beth Giles-Klinkner has spent her career in education at multiple levels and multiple systems.  She began as a TA during her master’s degree program at Miami of Ohio and quickly realized teaching was where she wanted to spend her energy.  She went on to teach middle school in both public and private schools but the most impactful experience to her was being a Milwaukee Public Schools teacher.  This work drove Beth to pursue a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction.  Upon her completion, she taught in the teacher education field, lead teacher education efforts and ran the University of Wisconsin’s Institute for Urban Education which provided UW System students with a pathway to become a well-prepared urban educator in the Milwaukee Public School District.  She then led the University of Wisconsin Madison’s Office of Education Outreach and Partnerships for many years.  The office provided meaningful professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers and other education professionals.  After a year in policy work at the Department of Public Instruction, Beth returned to higher education becoming the Associate Dean for the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science at Madison College.  Her love for Madison College and its mission was evident in the relationships she built with faculty, leadership and students. She is currently serving as the Interim Provost for the College and providing strategic leadership for Academic Affairs. 

In this episode, we sit down with Karen Romanowski, a highly experienced Madison College Occupational Therapy instructor. Karen shares her vast knowledge and expertise in the field, discussing the problem-solving skills and diverse range of activities that Occupational Therapists address. She emphasizes the importance of reflection in student assessments, shares her go-to teaching techniques, and offers valuable insights into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives happening in the School of Health Sciences. Karen also shares a touching student story and offers advice for new faculty members at Madison College. Karen Romanowski (she/her/hers) has been teaching at Madison College for almost 25 years in the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program. Prior to this, she worked as an Occupational Therapist managing a community behavioral health program for adults. She was also a part-time clinical instructor in the Occupational Therapy Program at UW-Madison. During her time at Madison College, Karen has served as the Program Director and Academic Fieldwork Coordinator for 13 years. Throughout her tenure in the program, she has collaborated with over 500 students to reach their educational goals of entering the Occupational Therapy profession. In addition, Karen has been actively engaged in numerous college initiatives including faculty learning communities, various quality improvement processes, and creating best practices for student advisement, curriculum development, and strategic planning. Over the years she has thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with colleagues to advance the mission of Madison College. For the past two years, Karen has worked as the Faculty Lead for Equity and Inclusion in the School of Health Sciences. Responsibilities in this role include leading, organizing, and supporting academic efforts to infuse equity and anti-racism in our pedagogical practices and school community. Karen is also serving as an Equity Partner in the Institute for Equity and Transformational Change. Karen enjoys gardening, reading, hiking out west, collecting and refurbishing mid-century furniture, and most importantly spending time with her husband, two children, a faithful Norwegian Elkhound and a sassy Maine Coon cat.

In this episode, we sit down with Allie Berenyi and Sandy Thistle, two experienced instructors from the Construction and Remodeling program at Madison College. They share their insights into the world of construction and remodeling, and how they've made changes to the program to help their students succeed. Allie and Sandy not only discuss the common misconceptions about the construction and remodeling industry, but also shed light on their efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the field. In addition, they discuss how they've reimagined their assessments to better fit the needs and skills of the industry, and how that work came in tandem with their efforts towards equitable grading practices. They highlight the importance of aligning assessments with industry practices and incorporating hands-on work into the learning process. Allie and Sandy also share an inspiring student success story that showcases the impact of the program and how it's changing lives. Allie Berenyi is a highly experienced carpenter, having worked in the industry for over 30 years. For the past 18 years, she has been sharing her expertise with the next generation of carpenters as an instructor of Construction & Remodeling at Madison Area Technical College. Throughout her career, Allie has been passionate about making the construction industry more accessible and welcoming to everyone, especially those who haven’t traditionally seen themselves in the skilled trades. She is committed to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce. In addition to her work at the college, Allie enjoys challenging herself to learn new skills, such as reupholstering furniture, building cabinets and furniture, and even riding a motorcycle. As an educator, she believes in putting herself in her students’ shoes by experiencing the vulnerability that comes with learning something new. Sandy Thistle has been teaching at Madison College full-time for 13 years and part time for around 30.  Her teaching journey began while she was still a carpenter apprentice, with the Tools For Tomorrow program, which focused on facilitating women's entry into the trades. Throughout her career, both in the field as a carpenter and in the classroom, Sandy has been committed to opening doors wider for all folks who are underrepresented in the building trades. She recognizes that many high school counselors still have little understanding of the building trades and who would be a good fit in this arena. Sandy herself found the trade by luck and continues to spread the word about what a satisfying career and perfect fit carpentry can be for those willing to pursue it. Sandy shares with Allie a willingness to place herself in the student's role as a reminder of the bravery it takes to learn something new. She understands that the experience of having expectations that don't meet reality can be challenging. Despite this, Sandy maintains a positive attitude, continually challenging herself to learn and grow. She even admits to having experienced the juxtaposition of her vision with her results when trying out new things like ceramics. In her personal life, Sandy lives with her partner of 27 years, Daithi Wolfe, and her dog Trixie in a 100+ year old house. She enjoys outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing in winter and bicycling in summer. Resources: CampBUILD Article by Allie Berenyi: ⁠The Value of a Diversified Workforce⁠