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. Brian Goldstein is an accomplished teacher, scholar and academic leader with more than 25 years of experience in higher education at public and private universities with multiple locations.

Dr. Maria Puzziferro’s experience spans more than 25 years at public and private institutions in roles related to the advancement of innovative teaching and learning approaches.

Dr. Tia Hughes joined the University in June 2020 as Associate Dean of the College of Rehabilitative Sciences for Occupational Therapy.

Dr. Elaine Lonnemann is the Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences, Interim Associate Dean, Physical Therapy Programs and Program Director of the transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy Program.

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,

Dr. Sunddip Aguilar is the Program Director for the Doctorate of Education program in the College of Health Sciences.

Dr. Helen Carey is the Program Director of the Occupational Therapy programs on the St. Augustine, FL campus. She joined the University in March 2020 from the United Kingdom.

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. Manuel (Tony) A. Domenech is the Program Director of and an Associate Professor for the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program on the Austin, TX campus.

Based at the St. Augustine, FL campus and leading both Florida DPT programs, Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Ennis joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in 2022  

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,

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

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. Karen Menard joined the University in 2012 as contributing faculty and became Program Director in March 2015.

Dr. Cherie Peters-Brinkerhoff joined the University in 2008. A graduate of Loma Linda University in California, Dr. Peters-Brinkerhoff received her NDT certification in 1996 for Pediatrics.

Dr. Kathleen Polley-Payne joined the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in December 2020.

Michael Roscoe, PhD, PA-C is an experienced physician assistant (PA) educator and clinician. He has been a PA for more than 20 years, with a primary specialty in emergency medicine.

Meghan Savage, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is the Program Director and an Associate Professor in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program.

Dr. Erin Schwier is the Program Director for the Master of Occupational Therapy program on the San Marcos, CA campus, where she also serves as an Assistant Professor. 

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

Dr. Thomas “Thom” Werner joined the University in 2012 and has more than two decades of experience in private practice.

Dr. Mary Zadnik is the Program Director for the entry-level Occupational Therapy programs on the Austin, TX campus.  She formerly served as an assistant scientist at John Hopkins Bloomberg School

As CIO, Damien Cooper serves provides leadership and direction IT strategies and initiatives to meet the complex needs of the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences.

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

Rakosky has 30+ years ‘ experience in consumer products and higher education. She is a results-oriented marketing executive with experience in developing and executing global strategies for internationally recognized brands.

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.

Melanie Davis, DHED joined the University in 2021. Dr. Davis worked in K–12 education for 13 years, first in the classroom and then as a curriculum and assessment administrator.

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,

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.

The Executive Director, Admissions and Registration Services is responsible for the integrity of the admissions process and regulatory compliance of the Registrar’s office, from the time an application is completed

Dr. Mariesol Wallace joined the University in 2017 as an academic coordinator of clinical education.