University Leadership

Vivian A. Sanchez brings extensive higher education and business experience to her role as Chancellor, having worked in public research universities in the U.S. and private institutions in nine countries.

Dr. Melanie Storms is the Vice Chancellor with the University and brings extensive leadership experience in higher education and healthcare.

Dr. Maria Puzziferro’s experience as a transformational academic leader, researcher and teacher spans more than 25 years at public and private institutions in roles related to the advancement of innovative teaching and learning approaches. She has served as a President, Provost and Dean with extensive experience developing, launching and operating online and blended programs.

Kimberlee Moore, EdD, MPP is a higher education and accreditation expert with global experience in quality assurance. As former Chief Accreditation Officer at ASHA, she oversaw nearly 380 graduate programs and continues to lead thought in the field through international presentations and advisory roles.

Meghan Savage, PhD, CCC-SLP is the Associate Dean of the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

Dr. Erin Schwier is the Associate Dean for the Occupational Therapy programs at USAHS. She also serves as the OT Program Director on the San Marcos, CA campus and is an Associate Professor.

Dr. Margaret Wicinski, PT, DPT, EdD, serves as the interim Program Director for the DPT program at Florida campuses and Assistant Program Director for the DPT program at the St. Augustine, FL campus.

Dr. Kathy Wood’s experience in higher education spans more than 20 years. In addition to her leadership roles, Dr. Wood has taught extensively in the fields of health care administration, business and health care finance.

Dr. Carey is an occupational therapist with a focus on adult rehabilitation and neurology. Since 1993, she has expanded clinical services in acute, outpatient and community care with a focus on neurological rehabilitation.

Dr. Cartwright is a doctoral-level registered nurse with expertise in clinical outcomes, informatics nursing and pain management. With specialties in health administration and population health, she has presented at numerous conferences, written chapters for multiple textbooks and published journal articles.

Claudia Chahin has a background in employment law, education and non-profits. She fosters a positive community for students, faculty and staff through her collaborative and thoughtful approach.

Dr. Jennifer Susong Crowder has taught full-time in the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) since 2018 and became Program Director in 2024.

Julie Gonick joined the University in 2016 with more than 15 years of experience in admissions and higher education.

Dr. Hamilton has practiced as an occupational therapist for 39 years. Her clinical experience is in diverse practice settings, including early intervention, outpatient rehabilitation, public and private schools, developmental disabilities, school settings, sub-acute care, private practice and primary care.  

Lori Hankins brings more than 20 years of operational experience to the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Dr. Eric Hicks joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2021. He is currently the Program Director, OT Programs for the Austin, TX campus.

Dr. Jim Mathews is Program Director, DPT Program on the San Marcos, CA campus.

Dr. Keith McWilliams is a client-centered and innovative occupational therapist with experience in brain and spinal cord injury treatment and research, oncology treatment, management, training/program development and client/family relations.

Dr. Ashley Bourque Meaux joined the University in 2021 as part of the MS-SLP leadership team.

Dr. Gabriel Somarriba is a licensed physical therapist and joined the University in 2009.

Dr. Archana Vatwani is the Program Director and Professor of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in Dallas, TX.

With robust experience in academics and physical therapy clinical practice, Dr. Wise has specialties in manual therapy, orthopedics, kinesiology and sports medicine. His clinical interest is orthopaedic manual physical therapy of the spine.

Dr. Furlough-Morris brings vast experience in higher education, having served for more than a decade in senior level finance and operating roles.

Corey Miller brings 25+ years of experience in higher education and marketing. With a powerful background of leading successful and high-performing teams, and vast industry, agency and corporate knowledge, his expertise spans all media, client management, sales, strategy and product development verticals.

Susan Waugh, Vice President of Human Resources, has more than 20 years of professional experience as a leader in human resources, with strong functional expertise in talent acquisition, operational efficiency, organizational design, training and development.

Dawn Werling joined the University in 2018 and has effectively advanced key organizational initiatives and student imperatives, leveraging her deep higher education experience and demonstrating strong judgement and commitment.

Zimic provides cross-divisional legal and compliance support to the University. She has practiced law for more than 30 years, with over 20 years of specialized higher education legal experience.