Jean Dearden is on the faculty of the National Labor College, and works with the Center for Advanced Instructional Technology. She is a member of the Faculty Senate and the Chair of the Academic Standards Committee. She holds a Master’s degree from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in Instructional Systems Development, a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Communications/Journalism from Shippensburg University, and a certificate in Online Teaching from the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA Extension. 

She currently teaches Theories of Adult Learning and Instructional Systems Development, and has taught Educational Planning and Survey Research. She has developed curriculum for the AFL-CIO Solidarity Center for unionists in Egypt, Jordan, and South Africa and has traveled to each country for program analysis and implementation.

She has written for the American Society of Training and Development publication Info-Line. She has won First Awards in the International Labor Communications Association Film & Broadcasting Competition Radio Program Category. She is a member of The Newspaper Guild/Communications Workers of America (CWA) and has been a member of the National Association of Broadcast Employees and Technicians/CWA, and International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees, and National Federation of Federal Employees.

Email: jdearden@nlc.edu Phone: 301-431-5430

Hong Li has been working as an instructor, multimedia developer, web designer, graphic designer and instructional designer in the higher educational setting for over 18 years. She has participated in developing e-learning programs for various industries. She has been responsible for determining appropriate instructional strategies, developing multimedia content, and conducting evaluations. Her most recent project was the Web-based Mine Supervisor Training program with the Department of Labor. Her favorite hobby is to explore special effects in videography and digital still photography. She holds Master of Education in Instructional Technology with the Immersion Program at the Department of Instructional Technology at George Mason University, Master of Arts in Interactive Multimedia at Southern Illinois University, and Bachelor of Law at SD University in China. She is a member of The Newspaper Guild/Communications Workers of America.

E-mail: hli@nlc.edu Phone: 301-431-5456

Lesley Melamed has worked in various departments at NLC since January, 2006 and officially joined the CAIT team in September, 2006. Lesley provides administrative support and coordination for CAIT faculty, programs and staff. Her background in higher education includes eight years at University of Maryland University College (UMUC). At UMUC she assisted with the marketing of graduate and online programs, provided pre-admission support and advising, and supported UMUC students engaged in distance learning. She was a member of AFSCME and is currently a member of Office & Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU).

E-mail: lmelamed@nlc.edu Phone: 301-431-5415 Fax:  301-431-5411

Robert Morriss Instructional Design and Online System / Content Engineer

Rob Morriss is a faculty member at the National Labor College, as well as being an instructional designer in the Center for Advanced Instructional Technology.  He teaches courses in Distance Learning, Instructional Technology, Multimedia Technology, and Microsoft Office. He also serves as the administrator for the college's Blackboard system and the webmaster for the NLC web site.   Rob Morriss holds a B.A. in History and Psychology from Drury University, a B.S. in Mathematics/Computer Science from Towson University and an M.A. in Instructional Systems Development from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  He is a member of The Newspaper Guild/Communications Workers of America.

E-mail: onlinesupport@nlc.edu Phone: 301-431-6400
Web site: www.robmorrissonline.com

Jennifer Wicklein Tech / Instructional Support

Jennifer Wicklein joined the CAIT support team in July of 2006.  Jennifer provides administrative and organizational support for the Blackboard learning system, including account creation, course creation and course enrollment functions.  She also provides online learning support to instructors and students. Before joining the National Labor College, her business experience includes customer and computer support, as well as office management. Jennifer has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.