Dr. Carole Hruskocy
Dr. Hruskocy’s expertise includes curriculum, instruction, assessment, instructional design, adult education, online teaching and learning, and instructional technology. She has many publications and conference presentations at the national and international level. Her background in teaching and learning spans over 30 years. She first taught elementary school for 10 years and for an additional 10 years, served as a Professor of Education overseeing two master-level, online programs in the areas of Instructional Technology and Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Dr. Hruskocy has worked as an instructional designer at the corporate and higher education levels; she also consults as an instructional designer. Additionally, she has mentored doctoral students as both a committee member and doctoral chair.
Her international experience includes Education Lead of a curriculum redesign for Jesuit Worldwide Learning where she led a team of course developers through the redesign of a 5-course sequence to be offered online to students in refugee camps. Dr. Hruskocy also serves as Board Executive Director for A New Dimension of Hope, a non-profit focused education in Liberia. ND Hope’s first school will open in September 2019
Dr. Hruskocy is currently an Associate Director for Diversity and Inclusive Pedagogy.
Laura Smallwood
Laura has been an educator for over 20 years. She has been a teacher, an immersion coach, and an administrator. She has taught multiple subjects pre-school through college at universities and in private and public schools.
Laura was born in Romania and moved to Germany when she was 4 years old. There, she grew up among different cultures, speaking three languages. Later on, she learned four additional languages. She went to University of Braunschweig in Germany and holds three masters (English, Philosophy, and Education). She has lived the in Denver since 2003 where she has continued to enhance her learning about new language and cultures. Laura believes that giving students the opportunity to learn multiple languages not only is an important step to opening their doors to new career opportunities, but it also paves the way to building a better world. Learning new languages builds an understanding for different cultures and communities. By doing this, we learn how to be tolerant and celebrate diversity. In her home, four different languages are spoken. In her free time, she enjoys eclectic music, spending time with her family, cooking for friends, and being active. Traveling and trying new foods are always on the list