Dennise Cardona (Director)

Dennise Cardona, with a master’s degree in Learning and Performance Technology, is at the forefront of shaping expert educators and trainers. As an academic advisor for the Instructor Certification Program at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation, Dennise plays a pivotal role in upskilling professionals to master and pass on their craft with confidence.

Her expertise extends to the International Transportation Learning Center, where she facilitates train-the-trainer programs, ensuring a gold standard in training facilitation. Dennise’s skill in developing top-tier faculty development training is evident through her work with prestigious institutions like UNCP and Northeastern University, where she has been instrumental in creating robust knowledge repositories that serve as foundations for academic excellence.

Beyond her development and advisory roles, Dennise is a guest lecturer at UMBC. There, she infuses the graduate programs in Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Leadership, as well as Learning and Performance Technology, with her rich industry insights and forward-thinking approaches.

Additionally, Dennise is a cohost of Instructional Design From the Ground Up YouTube channel with Dr. Chuck Hodell, an esteemed leader, educator, and writer in the ISD field.

Dennise’s blend of academic rigor and real-world application sets her apart, making her a sought-after educational technology and training strategist.


Dr. Chuck Hodell (Consulting Learning Designer)

Chuck Hodell has been writing, practicing, and teaching instructional systems design for many years. His books and articles have earned him the title of “The Man Who Wrote the Book on ISD.” His bestselling Introduction to Instructional Systems Design, 5 editions of ISD From the Ground Up and his SMEs From the Ground Up books are used internationally both in academic settings and in the practice of instructional design. He is also the author of many ATD Infolines, TD magazine articles, Best on ISD and is an ASTD Handbook contributor. He has appeared in ATD videos and participated in numerous online and ATD international conferences, including teaching preconference programs in ISD.

Hodell has designed thousands of training programs for the White House, major corporations, nonprofits, numerous apprenticeship programs as well as assisting clients in Egypt, Africa, Europe, and other locations around the world.

He presently serves on the faculty of the Phd and graduate programs in Palliative Care at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. He is also on the faculty of Northeastern University in their Learning Experience Design and Technology graduate program.

Hodell served as deputy provost at the National Labor College and has held faculty positions at Antioch University and other institutions. He formerly served as the academic advisor for the Instructor Certification Program at the International Masonry Training and Education Foundation. Hodell holds a PhD and a master’s degree in ISD from UMBC, and an undergraduate degree from Antioch University.


Debra Ferranti (Consultant)

Meet Debra M. Ferranti, a visionary leader whose expertise spans the intersecting worlds of education and business. With an exceptional educational foundation that includes four bachelor’s degrees in marketing, Economics, Mathematics, and History, coupled with a master’s degree in education administration, Debra embodies the essence of transformative leadership.

As a consultant, Debra leverages her extensive background to drive growth and excellence across various industries. Her approach is deeply rooted in a profound understanding of individual and organizational needs, making her services invaluable to educational institutions and businesses seeking strategic renewal and development. Debra’s ability to foster environments of trust and collaboration is unparalleled, ensuring that every client feels valued and understood.

What truly sets Debra apart is her commitment to empowering leaders and educators. Through targeted training and professional development programs, she equips them with the tools and insights necessary to navigate challenges and embrace opportunities. Her focus on mentorship and effective leadership has been pivotal in enhancing organizational success and fostering cultures of innovation and continuous improvement.

Join us in embracing the transformative changes she brings to organizations worldwide, shaping a future where excellence thrives in every endeavor.