Course Credits and References

Course Developer JoAnn Luttman (BS) began her professional career working in non-profit positions after earning her B.S.in Sociology with a minor in Religion and Philosophy.  She has years of experience working with addicts, molested children, homeless, MH/MR, sex offenders, poverty-stricken families, those struggling with major medical disorders, battered women, those with crisis pregnancies, adult victims of domestic violence and child abuse, felony offenders, and more. She’s advocated for animals, the environment, social justice, and the rights of any person who has been the victim of bigotry, injustice, and cruelty.  She believes in changing our own, individual communities and those around the world.  JoAnn has taken up the flag for victims of female genital mutilation, human trafficking, those with physical and/or mental disabilities, and individuals that are mistreated, discounted, ignored, forgotten, and maligned. She’s managed programs and staff, balancing the needs of the community with the resources of the organization.  JoAnn has worked in administration, writing and distributing press releases for upcoming fundraisers and screening and hiring applicants for new positions.  She has written grants, been awarded grants, then administered the grants, reporting back and ensuring compliance. At the core of every project she undertakes is a belief, a value in the mission of the program and of the organization itself.  

Course Instructor Dr. Dennis Mithaug (BA, MA, M.Ed., Ph.D.) is Professor Emeritus at Teachers College, Columbia University. He has over 40 years experience of teaching students at the college level in all subjects he is an expert on, including--psychology, sociology, cognition, special education, behaviorism, disabilities, self-determination, social policy and education policy--to name a few. He is prolific writer and author, having published and edited over 10 books and hundreds of journals and articles. He has conducted extensive research in the field of cognition, behavior, vocational training, and special education, and his studies and research are some of the most respected and referenced in his field. 

Course Editor Dr. Bret Staples (BA, MS, Ph.D.) is a highly motivated, personable scientific professional with multiple college degrees and a successful 34-year track record of scientific research and publications. After completing his Ph.D. at the University of Maryland, he became a research chemist for the US Department of Energy. Dr. Staples has authored professional papers in scientific journals and reviewed other scientists’ publications and has performed scientific research in solution chemistry. Dr. Staples is extraordinarily talented in proofreading and editing journal publications, online course curriculum, as well as a strong knack for quickly mastering technology – using and programming computers since 1964.