Chelsea Gambles, LCSW is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Life and Human Development at Southern Utah University. She received her masters of clinical social work from the University of Utah. Chelsea has owned a clinical mental health private practice for 14 years. She specializes in trauma with intersectionality between spirituality/faith transitions and sexuality and trauma. Chelsea has worked with diverse populations related to gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc and applies theory to practice with a feminist-multicultural and systems lens. Chelsea spent five years at the Counseling and Psychological Services at Southern Utah University where she developed an interest in development, particularly amongst college-age students. Chelsea is most passionate about mental wellness, trauma recovery and trauma-informed education. This led Chelsea to teaching college students. Chelsea implements trauma-informed education in her pedagogy and finds a great deal of meaning in educating future social workers. Chelsea takes pride in being a constant learner by attending conferences frequently in the field of mental health and education, maintaining licensure in a number of areas, as well as staying present in literature and best practice. Chelsea enjoys anything outdoors and time spent with her three daughters.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Chelsea Gambles, LCSW is an assistant professor in the Department of Family Life and Human Development at Southern Utah University. She received her masters of clinical social work from the University of Utah. Chelsea has owned a clinical mental health private practice for 14 years. She specializes in trauma with intersectionality between spirituality/faith transitions and sexuality and trauma. Chelsea has worked with diverse populations related to gender, religion, sexual orientation, ethnicity, etc and applies theory to practice with a feminist-multicultural and systems lens. Chelsea spent five years at the Counseling and Psychological Services at Southern Utah University where she developed an interest in development, particularly amongst college-age students. Chelsea is most passionate about mental wellness, trauma recovery and trauma-informed education. This led Chelsea to teaching college students. Chelsea implements trauma-informed education in her pedagogy and finds a great deal of meaning in educating future social workers. Chelsea takes pride in being a constant learner by attending conferences frequently in the field of mental health and education, maintaining licensure in a number of areas, as well as staying present in literature and best practice. Chelsea enjoys anything outdoors and time spent with her three daughters.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Brianne Kramer, Ph.D., is an award-winning Associate Professor of Education in the College of Education and Human Development at Southern Utah University where she teaches Social Foundations of Education courses. Additionally, she coordinates the Educational Foundations and Policy major for the Master’s of Education and Master’s of Interdisciplinary Studies programs. Her research focuses on teacher workforce issues, diversity, equity, and inclusion, educational policy, and teacher activism. She has co-edited the 2022 book Children and Trauma: Critical Perspectives for Meeting the Needs of Diverse Educational Communities, and the 2024 book Activists, Advocates, and Agitators: Justice-Oriented Organizing in the 21st Century. She also currently serves as a series co-editor for The Badass Teachers Association Education Series through Myers Education Press.

Dr. Kelly Goonan is an Associate Professor of Outdoor Recreation in Parks and Tourism at SUU. She has a Ph.D. in Human Dimensions of Ecosystem Science and Management from Utah State University. A self-described “hybrid recreation ecologist/recreation social scientist,” Dr. Goonan's expertise is in the management of outdoor recreation in parks and protected areas. She teaches courses in the ORPT program and collaborates with community partners to provide engaged learning opportunities for students. Dr. Goonan also serves as the Associate Dean of the College of Health Sciences and served as the Faculty Senate President in 2023-2024.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

As a student, Ashleigh graduated with almost $30,000 of debt and became obsessed with learning as much about our financial system as she possibly could. She firmly believes you have to learn the game to break the rules and she is excited to share the ways the financial system can work for and against you.

Her goal is to not only prepare students with the hard skills to budget, save, and invest but also to help them take control of their relationship with money. College is an awesome time, full of potential for new adventures. At SUU, she is here to make sure students' finances don't get lost in the mix or end up holding them back. She genuinely believes SUU can become America's most financially savvy campus by breaking the taboo around money and creating a positive support network for students' financial success.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

John Lisonbee serves as Southern Utah University's (SUU) Staff Association President. John is also part of SUU's IT department. In his professional journey, attention to detail is non-negotiable, and his passion for teamwork fuels his drive for excellence. Whether aligning SUU's group efforts towards a common goal or ensuring clients and colleagues nod in satisfaction, his is there to ensure high standards are met and exceeded.

As John puts it, "Technology is my arena, and I get a real kick out of blending innovative tech solutions with everyday business challenges. It's about keeping things running smoothly and being part of the progress shaping our work and world." He finds excitement in the tech industry's fast pace and is keen to contribute to its leading edge by providing forward-thinking solutions that matter. Beyond his technical know-how, he values genuine connections and aim to cultivate a work environment where people can speak openly, creativity is encouraged, and everyone is geared up for success.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Former Southern Utah University Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services joins host Tony Pellegrini to discuss the world of education and finances. Marvin Dodge took the opportunity to join the Department of Government Operations as Executive Director in April 2023. In this role, Marvin is responsible for Administrative Rules, Archives, Purchasing, Fleet, Finance, Risk Management, Facilities and Construction Management, Technology Services and Human Resource Management for state agencies in Utah.

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Sylvia Bradshaw, Director, SPARC Office
Area of Expertise: Grant Life Cycle

Meet Sylvia, the spirited leader of SPARC! Hailing from the breathtaking landscapes of southern Utah, she's the SPARC Director with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master's in Research Administration from Johns Hopkins. Sylvia's true joy comes from learning, but it's multiplied when she's surrounded by mountain air, aspen leaves, pine trees, and her beloved family!

Jenn Stewart, Research Administrator 
Area of Expertise:  Pre-Award

Introducing Jenn, the epitome of brilliance and curiosity! Hailing from Arizona, she conquered English during her undergrad years. With a master's degree in technical writing and digital rhetoric, she's a scholar extraordinaire. Her thirst for knowledge with her pre-award role at SUU makes Jenn an unstoppable force!

Katie Gomez Freeman, Research Assistant
Area of Expertise:  Life-Cycle Compliance

Introducing Katie, another superstar of SPARC! From Mapleton, Utah, she's been rocking the office for 7 amazing years. From intern to full-time team member, she's the longest reigning member of the SPARC team. With a passion for pickleball, outdoor adventures, and movie marathons, Katie knows how to have a blast!

Carrie Childs, Research Administrator (Post-Award)
Area of Expertise:  Post-Award

Meet Carrie, the SPARC office's incredible Assistant Director! With a background in Accounting Services and fluent "Banner" skills, she's a powerhouse. Armed with an accounting degree and an MBA from SUU, she can’t be stopped. Catch her exploring nature, experimenting in the kitchen, or immersed in a captivating book. 

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.

Southern Utah University's Sponsored Programs, Agreements, Research, & Contracts (SPARC) office provides assistance to faculty, staff, and administrators seeking external funding for their projects and programs. From concept development and planning (pre-award) through implementation and management of funded projects (post-award), we will support you every step of the way. Assistance is provided in identifying potential extramural funding sources, developing proposal narratives and budgets, completing standardized application forms, assuring compliance with all applicable federal, state and university regulations, negotiating grant awards and contracts, and administering and closing out funded projects.

Learn more about SUU's SPARC Office

These comments made as part of the podcast reflect the views of the episode participants only and should not be construed as official university statements.