Faculty & Staff

 President/CEO 

Dr. Mitchell is passionate about empowering the under-served and fighting for social justice within the Cannabis industry . She has spent the majority of her life advocating for women and girls, attending Unit Theological Seminary where she earned her in Doctoral degree, focusing on women and sexual violence. She also received two Masters Degrees from New Brunswick and Princeton Theological Seminary respectively. She has worked as a Social Worker/ Counselor, serving such populations as: the homeless, mentally challenged, victims of domestic violence, HIV positive, substance abusers, abused and neglected children, and incarcerated women.

Dean of Online Programs 

Hieu Cooney is an educator and technology specialist. She has a passion for helping students develop the skills and knowledge that employers are seeking, as well as helping other educators develop and manage their online courses. She is a nationally certified pharmacy technician with over six years of experience in the field and over 18 years of teaching and training. She is also an experienced online faculty manager, curriculum developer, and learning management systems administrator, including Moodlecloud. Her goal is to mentor and support instructors, as well as ensure the successful progress of students pursuing a career in the cannabis industry. 

Dean of Finance and Administration

Naura is an adaptive, multi-faceted, energetic goal-getter who is dedicated to shining a light on the broad health benefits of cannabis and bring awareness to the unjust war on drugs in her community through education. She has an extensive background in demanding administrative, billing, and operational functions working directly with CEOs and C-level executives. After graduating from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, she has plans to incorporate her enthusiasm for film and photography production with her devotion to the cannabis business. 

Dean of Admissions 

In 2003, I started my journey as a mentor and career in Higher Education—working with international students, becoming an Articulation Coordinator, and evaluating their credentials for school. During that time, I also decided to start my journey into graduate school, eventually leading me to obtain my Master of Arts degree in Psychology. I found a passion for being of service to others, specifically guiding students through mentorship, due to my immigrant roots, and navigating higher education all on my own. 

I have 15+ years in Admissions and as an Adjunct Faculty member on-site and online. I assist students and their family as they explored different programs of interest, educated familiesand students with financial aid programs, developed enriching curriculums, and provided all other logistical support needs during the admissions process. There may be obstacles for students deterring them to be their best academic self with issue that root from anxiety, family dynamics, stress, relationships, and finances; however, I’m here for you.

I am here to serve the community with my experience and passion, and the belief that each person should be given the opportunity to shine.

Dean of Student Affairs  

Rhonda is a dynamic, enthusiastic and motivated educator and administrator. She has a passion for helping others strive to reach their true potential. Rhonda has spent the last 25 years of her career working in reentry, social services, public relations and education related fields. A native of Newark, she attended Queen of Angels School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School. She graduated from Monmouth University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, concentrating in Public Relations and Journalism, and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. She is married with one daughter, who is considered their miracle child. 

Business Coach 

For more than 20 years, Nick held management positions with high-tech New Jersey companies such as AT&T, Perkin Elmer, Telcordia Technologies, and Ericsson. He has also taught business, technical, and math courses at several NJ colleges and universities. Since 2001, his consultancy, NJS Marketing Services, has helped businesses across a wide range of industries develop and implement strategies to achieve their growth objectives.

Nick is currently founder and CEO of NJ Cannabis Consulting, serving the business needs of entrepreneurs and companies interested in becoming involved in the legal recreational marijuana market in New Jersey.

Business Coach

Laurana Edwards is a well-known business coach and a certified business trainer. Her expertise in training has enabled her to offer courses online or on-site for start-up entrepreneurs, existing small businesses, workforce managers, law enforcement leadership, special trade groups and non-profit directors. She is the author of “My Business Plan Book” New Venture Starter Kit, which is also available in Spanish under the title “ Mi Plan de Negocios: Una Guia Facil Para Convertir Sus Suenos a Realidad”. Laurana received her Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing Management and Business Administration from New Jersey’s Thomas Edison State College. She also attended New York City Technical College and Bernard M. Baruch College, in New York where she studied advertising, graphic design, public relations, and sales management.

Business Coach 

Chad is an enthusiastic, hardworking, and dedicated leader who is passionate about educating the under-served in New Jersey, nationwide, and across the globe. He has a proven track record of entrepreneurship, and empowering students through leading by example and character development. Chad is able to design systems and create a customer experience that is unique and unmatched. He graduated from Rutgers University, with a Bachelors degree in sociology. 

Dean of Marketing and Communications 

Graduating with a MBA in Marketing from the University of New Haven, the Newark NJ native was gained experience in the entertainment industry working with BET Music Matters and Summer Stage NYC.

While working as an executive assistant and A&R, Livingston was involved in developing innovative marketing branding and business strategies to market their artists along with their social channels. Livingston works as marketing consulting for several clients in a variety of industries to work on their social media presence and marketing. He has developed photography and videography skills creating  and shooting videos for music videos and social media content for clients helping to market their brand. In early 2020, he established ARTillery Creative Cannon that specializes in creative marketing campaign and needs.