Meet our team

Alexandra's professional philosophy aligns with a personal mission that is grounded in leveraging the transformational power of inquiry, community and collaboration to benefit lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Her role as an educator and author is defined by diverse professional experiences as well as in building sustainable learning communities and partnerships that bolster student skills and enhance the pipeline of learners and practitioners. In 2021, her book Numbers and Sense: Ensuring Student Success One Cohort at a Time (Rowman and Littlefield) was published. A multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, Alexandra also is founder and CEO of DelMarVa Digital Learning Association, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization and Bestemming Yoga LLC a wellness retreat and yoga continuing education provider. 

Alexandra serves on several boards: United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), Pennsylvania Council for International Education (PACIE), and  Ventures for Good, a nonprofit foundation serving the needs of underserved school children in the U.S. and Uganda. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrasalas

Nichol, a Certified Trauma Support Specialist and Certified Resilience Professional, brings nearly two decades of experience teaching anthropology, sociology, and trauma-informed care at the collegiate level. As a co-author of the Trauma-Informed Care in Higher Education White Paper for the State of Delaware and co-designer of a trauma-informed model for higher education, Dr. Killian has played a key role in shaping trauma-informed practices in academia.

In her current administrative leadership role at a New Jersey community college, Dr. Killian integrates the core principles of trauma-informed care—safety, trust, empowerment, and cultural awareness—into her daily work. She is also a passionate advocate for student success, focusing on building resilience, addressing inequities, and fostering inclusive communities that support healing and growth.

linkedin.com/in/nichol-killian-dsocsci

Michael (Mick) brings a unique blend of expertise to both academia and industry.  With over 20 years of experience teaching undergraduate mathematics at all levels, Mick has a deep commitment to fostering mathematical understanding and empowering students.  He holds a Master’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. His work with ACT 101 and Upward Bound programs has supported underserved students in preparing for college, demonstrating a passion for equity in education.

In addition, Mick has an impressive 33-year career in engineering, specializing in aerospace, inertial navigation, and radar systems. His multidisciplinary research, sponsored by national, state, and local agencies, spans diverse topics such as service learning, academic coaching, opioid education, youth development, experiential learning in fields like fashion, art, technology, and theology, as well as faculty development and open educational resources. A dedicated social work volunteer, Mick also supports students with learning disabilities and is deeply invested in innovative educational practices, including digital learning and artificial intelligence. His work exemplifies a lifelong dedication to integrating technology, education, and social impact.