University Leadership

Vivian Sanchez brings a wealth of higher education and business experience to her leadership role at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Having worked in public research universities in the United States and private institutions in nine countries, Ms. Sanchez offers -global insight into higher education for campus-based and in pioneering digital learning. Ms. Sanchez led several universities in the Laureate Network for the past three years.

Dr. Divina Grossman is President and Chief Academic Officer of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. Previously she was a tenured professor and former Chancellor of the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Dr. Grossman has more than 30 years of experience as a leader, researcher, and innovator in higher education and is nationally recognized as a visionary dedicated to developing culturally competent practitioners who are prepared to meet the health needs of diverse patients.

Terry Rakosky, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Enrollment, and Product Strategy, joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) with more than 30 years of experience in consumer products and higher education.

Dr. Karen Gersten has worked in higher education for more than 25 years, beginning her career as a part-time faculty member and eventually earning a tenured faculty position at Roosevelt University in Chicago. She formerly was the associate provost for academic programs and distance learning at Roosevelt University in Chicago, where she pioneered online programs and other innovative teaching and learning approaches and led assessment efforts.

Susan Waugh serves as Executive Director of Human Resources for University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Dr. Cindy Mathena is the Dean of Post Professional Studies at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. 

Dr. Jodi Liphart, PT, DHSC, Neurologic Certified Specialist is Institute Chair, Physical Therapy and teaches in the area of neuroscience and motor control and motor learning.

Dr. Anne Hull, OT, EdD is the Institute Chair, Occupational Therapy at University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

Dr. Debra L. Gray, with more than 35 years of experience, directs the Flex DPT Program at the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Dr. Manuel (Tony) A. Domenech is the Program Director of and an Associate Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program.

Dr. Werner is the Campus Director and Program Director for the DPT Program at the Dallas, Texas Campus.

Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff is the Program Director for the DPT program at the San Marcos, CA campus.

Dr. Erin Schwier is an Associate Professor and the Academic Program Director for the Occupational Therapy Programs on the San Marcos campus. She brings more than 15 years of experience working with children with disabilities and their families to her position.

Mary Zadnik, ScD, MEd, OTR/L, is an assistant professor and program director for the entry-level Occupational Therapy programs on the Austin campus.

Jose R. Rafols, OTD, MHSA, OTR/L, is the Program Director for Occupational Therapy programs at the Miami, FL Campus.

Dr. Karen Snyder, PhD, OTR/L, is the Program Director for the Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy program at USAHS.

Dr. Kathy Wheat brings more than 25 years of experience to her role as founding program director for the MS in Speech-Language Pathology program. Previously, she was founding program director for the Speech-Language Pathology Assistant program at Oklahoma City Community College. For nearly 20 years, she was a speech-language pathologist for the Lawton, Oklahoma public schools, including serving as department chair and as a lead member of the autism assessment team.

Graham Danyleyko is the Academic Program Director for the Master of Science Physician Assistant Studies program where he also works as an assistant professor. Graham brings over 17 years of experience as a Family Medicine trained PA working in several specialties of care in multiple practice environments to include family practice, urgent care, and occupational medicine clinics.

Dr. Robin Dennison serves as the Director of Nursing programs for USAHS and has extensive experience in critical care nursing, working as a staff nurse, nurse educator, clinical nurse specialist, consultant, and professor.

Dr. Jordan Utley is the Program Director and Associate Professor of the Master of Health Science (MHS) program in the College of Health Sciences.

Dr. Maria Puzziferro serves as the Executive Director for Innovation and Online Education. She has worked in the field of online education and higher education administration for more than 25 years at both public and private universities as a Director, Dean, Provost, President, faculty member, and researcher. She and her team provide leadership for teaching and learning innovation, faculty support for educational technology initiatives, and online course development.

Raymond Toledo serves as the interim executive director of student administration and services for all campus and distance students. From new student orientation to commencement and beyond, his teams provide co-curricular and support services including writing and subject tutoring, events, financial, advising, disability, career, and alumni services.

Matt Moline has more than 20 years of experience directing business transformation through innovation and technology in dynamic, emerging organizations. He is a proven leader with a passion for people development and a track record of recruiting and retaining top talent.

Joe Cockrell, Executive Director of Communications & Media Relations, is a former journalist with more than 20 years of professional experience in news, media relations and corporate communications. He serves as the institutional spokesperson and primary liaison to news media.

Jeffrey Lagasse is the Executive Director of Finance with the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences. In this role, he leads a team providing all aspects of finance, including financial analysis, accounting, and bursar.