Dylan Young is a doctoral student enrolled in the COE's School Psychology program. At Lehigh, Young balances her doctoral studies with a leadership role as the assistant director of the Lehigh University School Study Council.
For Lauren Tillstrom Biegley, the decision to pursue a doctoral degree was rooted in a desire to bridge the gap between research-based theory and the realities of K-12 schools. After years spent in elementary classrooms, she was looking for more than academics; she wanted a partner in progress.
While most students in the 4+1 Accelerated Master’s program begin their transition in their sophomore year, Sarah McDermott took a unique path, jumping in during her junior year. Now in her first year as a graduate student, she is fast-tracking her way to the classroom, proving that the program’s flexibility is one of its greatest strengths.
Kaelee Mackey’s journey to the classroom wasn't a straight line, but every step along the way brought valuable perspective. She began her undergraduate studies in education, then switched to psychology and later completed a master’s in criminal justice. After working in a variety of fields, she realized her true calling was education.
After years of work in the field, Kristin Tester returned to Lehigh in 2023 to pursue her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification. When looking for a doctoral program, she sought an environment that championed multiculturalism and student support. Tester found that community before she even took her first class. This intentional culture of connection reassured her that she was joining a community that truly cared about the success and well-being of its individual students.
With over 14 years of experience in education, Jennifer Levernier knows what it takes to lead a school. Currently serving as the principal of the Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts in Bethlehem, Jennifer is passionate about school climate, educator well-being, and creating supportive learning environments.
But her work doesn't stop at the school doors. Jennifer is also a wife, a mom, a writer, and the creator of Shattering the Glass Ceiling LLC, a platform dedicated to leadership, mindfulness, and personal growth in education. When it came to choosing a doctoral program, she needed an institution that valued her as a whole person.