eLearning Support and Instructional Design Staff

Mary has taught online for over 20 years. She started her career in education at Carteret Community College as an adjunct instructor for Office Systems Technology, Information Systems Technology, and Continuing Education. In 1998, Mary transitioned to full-time faculty for Office Systems Technology. In 2000, Mary was promoted to Program Chair for Information Systems Technology, and then Division Director for Business Technologies in 2006.

Mary has been a strong advocate for online education since she offered her first online course in 1997. In 2012, Mary decided to make a transition to Director of Instructional Support and Distance Learning at Carteret. In October 2016, Mary decided to leave her hometown and join the team at Wake Tech as the director of eLearning Support and Instructional Design.

Emily Holliday began at Wake Tech in December 2014 and transitioned into her role as coordinator of eLearning Support in January 2017. She holds an undergraduate degree in information systems, as well as a master’s in business administration and a master’s in technology systems.

Emily has been teaching online via Blackboard and other platforms since 2008. Her teaching experience includes courses in computer applications, management information systems, leadership and social media. She enjoys technology and is always looking for new tools for online learning. She is EPIC certified and also has her Quality Matters Teaching Online Certificate and Quality Matters Peer Reviewer Certificate. Emily also serves on the Executive Board of the North Carolina Community College Association for Distance Learning (NC3ADL) as president.

Katie joined Wake Tech as an e-learning technologist in 2019. Prior to joining the eLearning Support and Instructional Design Department, Katie taught English for 15 years in the community college system. She holds a BA in English and Education, an MA in English from East Tennessee State University and is pursuing her M.Ed. in Instructional Design. Katie has over 10 years of experience teaching and developing courses online. Through that experience, Katie developed a passion for supporting students’ success through engaging content and design using technology.

Nancy joined the department in 2022 after completing her MS in Learning Design and Technology online from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Prior to that, she taught high school students in Raleigh for over 15 years with National Board Certification and an M.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies from Wake Forest University. She also has a BA in Sociology and Journalism & Mass Communication (Visual) from UNC-Chapel Hill and does graphic design and public education advocacy on the side.

Sharron started with Wake Tech as an instructional designer in January 2015. She holds a BA in English from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a M.Ed. in Instructional Technology from North Carolina State University. Sharron has over 15 years of experience in education and instructional design. Prior to coming to Wake Tech, Sharron worked as an eLearning specialist and a high school English teacher.

Erik started at Wake Tech during the summer of 2017. He was the instructional services librarian for the Scott Northern Wake and RTP campuses and served as an interim co-director for the SEP. In 2022, Erik transitioned to eLSID and took on a new role as an instructional designer. He looks to build upon his collaborative relationships and to work towards creative and equitable solutions for faculty, staff and students all throughout the Wake Tech community.

Debbie Barfield began at Wake Tech in March 2016 and is the technical assistant for the eLearning Support and Instructional Design Department. She provides administrative assistance to the staff and also Blackboard helpdesk student support. Prior to coming to Wake Tech, Debbie provided administrative and Helpdesk support for other organizations.

Ron joined Wake Tech as an Accessibility Technologist in 2023. Previously, he managed Denver Public Library's Community Technology Center. Throughout his career as a public librarian, his focus has been technology outreach and instruction. He holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama. He is currently enrolled in Alabama's Library and Information Studies graduate program.

Matt started with Wake Tech as an eLearning Technologist for eLSID in April 2023. Matt holds a graduate degree in multimedia technology, an undergraduate degree in digital design, and an associate degree in computer science. Prior to joining Wake Tech, Matt was an instructor and administrator at Living Arts College. For many years he served the Living Arts College community as an online and seated course Multimedia Instructor, LMS Administrator, and Campus Director as well as many other roles. Throughout his career, he has developed a passion for student success & support and creative technology.

Jamie returns to Wake Tech after eight years in California, spearheading the creative implementation of educational technology with Cañada College, 2U, Glendale Unified School District and Stanford University. In his previous work at Wake Tech, James served on Staff Council, spearheaded the first technology implementation with College and Career Readiness, co-developed state technology academic learning standards and created an online pedagogy professional development workshop as part of a first-of-its-kind instructor certification program for the North Carolina Community College System. When he is not at work, Jamie is a published songwriter and children's book author, and he enjoys spending time with his wife and their dog, Oscar.

Nadeen Russell is the eLearning support technician in the eLearning Support and Instructional Design Department. She has been with this department since May 2012. Nadeen is a Wake Tech and East Carolina University (Go Pirates!) alum. She is an avid supporter of students and instructors both online and in the classroom.

Patrick joined Wake Tech in 2003 as an instructor in the Information Technology Division, where he taught computer literacy and software application classes until 2018. He became an eLearning technologist in 2007 and has been providing online learning training and support at the college for more than 10 years. Patrick has a BA in History and Education from North Carolina State University and is a licensed professional educator. He is EPIC certified and has several industry certifications, including Quality Matters, Microsoft Office Master Specialist and IC3 Digital Literacy.

In addition to his regular duties, Patrick is also the Veteran's Club Advisor and a Green Zone veteran's program representative at the college. He is a six-year Navy veteran who served aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Boston (SSN 703).