Meet Our Faculty
Living the Dream University's (LDU) Faculty provides education and guidance to this visionary nonprofit organization founded by Blake Newsom in March of 2025. They are dedicated to empowering adults with special needs to live fulfilling, independent lives. At LDU, the Faculty ensures everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams, develop essential life skills, and actively participate in their community.
The Faculty's mission is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where individuals with special needs can thrive academically, socially, and personally. They aim to equip LDU students with the tools to lead purposeful and independent lives through tailored educational programs, vocational training, and community involvement.
The LDU Faculty's leadership combines diverse expertise and a shared commitment to hands-on experiences, fostering growth in career readiness, social integration, self-advocacy, and daily living skills. The Faculty members, the caring staff, and passionate volunteers strive to nurture each student’s potential, building a foundation for lifelong success.
By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, Living the Dream University, guided by its Faculty, is a beacon of hope and empowerment for special needs adults and their families. Join us in our mission to make dreams a reality!
Our Faculty
The Living the Dream University Faculty comprises an extraordinary group of professionals, scholars, and advocates who share a united passion for creating a brighter future for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Our faculty is made up of:
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Worldwide authors whose work has inspired and educated diverse audiences.
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Ph.D. candidates and doctoral scholars contributing cutting-edge research in psychology, education, and the social sciences.
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Social workers and medical doctors (MDs) are committed to serving vulnerable populations with compassion and expertise.
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Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) lead applied behavior analysis and evidence-based support.
Together, our Faculty provides strategic guidance, academic insight, and community leadership to help Living the Dream University become a transformative force in higher education for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
“Our future faculty and staff will bring together over 200 years of combined teaching experience and more than a century of expertise working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their collective knowledge and commitment ensure that every student at Living the Dream University receives the highest quality education and support.”
Department of General Education & Foundations Faculty
Science Department Faculty
Dr. Eeman Salem, Ph.D.
Biology Adjunct Faculty
Biography
Dr. Salem, is an experienced educator and academic leader with over twenty years of expertise spanning K–12 and higher education. She holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Instructional Curriculum from Northcentral University and advanced degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Salem has served in diverse leadership roles, including a demonstrative Dean, Instructional Coach, Trauma-Informed Education Specialist, and Science Chair, where she mentored teachers, advanced data-driven instruction, and promoted inclusive, student-centered learning. Her background bridges educational leadership and health sciences, with a focus on trauma-informed and culturally responsive teaching practices. Dr. Salem is passionate about empowering educators and fostering environments where every learner can thrive. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to social change, educational equity, and the development of compassionate, evidence-based practitioners.
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LTDUniversity.@yahoo.com
Environmental Science Adjunct Faculty
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Biology Adjunct Faculty
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English Department Faculty
Dr. Naomi Cortez, Ed.D.
Email:
LTDUniversity.DrCortez@yahoo.com
English Adjunct Faculty
Biography
Dr. Naomi Cortez is an educator and leader dedicated to promoting inclusive learning and empowering students. She holds a Doctor of Education in General Education from Northcentral University, a Master of Arts in English with a minor in Women’s Studies from New Mexico State University, and a dual bachelor’s degree in English and Philosophy. A lifelong learner, she is currently pursuing a BA in Gender and Sexuality Studies.
With over a decade of experience teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Dr. Cortez brings a supportive, engaging, and inclusive approach to working with students, helping them to achieve their educational goals. Her teaching philosophy is simple: Let your work be guided by principles that emphasize belonging, accessibility, and equity. Be adaptable, treat each learner as the unique individual they are, and genuinely invest in their success.
Her research focuses on the experiences of non-traditional, marginalized students, and she is currently investigating the impact of virtual education on their sense of belonging and mental health. When she is not working, she enjoys volunteering and spending time with her two cats and three dogs.
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African American Literature
Adjunct Faculty
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English Adjunct Faculty
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Mathematics Department Faculty
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Algebra Adjunct Faculty
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Statistics Adjunct Faculty
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Algebra Adjunct Faculty
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Elective Faculty
Department of Communication & Media Studies Faculty
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LTDUniversity.@yahoo.com
Adjunct Faculty
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Department of Psychology Faculty
Dr. Tony Schellenberger, Psy.D.
Email:
LTDUniversity.DrSchellenberger@yahoo.com
Psychology Adjunct Faculty
Biography
Dr. Schellenberger is an accomplished educator and a Doctor of Clinical Psychology with over fifteen years of experience in higher education. He holds a Psy.D. and M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a B.A. in Psychology from Indiana University Southeast. Dr. Schellenberger has taught a diverse range of college-level psychology courses and has extensive experience supporting students on the Autism Spectrum and with other learning differences. His professional focus combines inclusive, evidence-based teaching practices with a commitment to fostering critical thinking, personal growth, and lifelong learning. Dr. Schellenberger is passionate about creating academic environments where all students, regardless of ability, feel empowered to reach their full potential. His work reflects a dedication to diversity, equity, and the development of compassionate, capable learners and practitioners.
Dr. Karen Hughes
Email:
LTDUniversity.DrKHughes@yahoo.com
Psychology Adjunct Faculty
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Department of Photography & Visual Arts Faculty
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Department of Business & Management Faculty
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Contact Us Today
We are here to answer any questions you may have. Reach out to us to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one achieve their dreams.