Course Credits and References

Course Developer Dr. April McDowell (BA, MA, Ph.D.) is a highly talented and accomplished writer, researcher, and therapist with several years experience conducting and evaluating social social science research including quantitative and qualitative. Additionally, Dr. McDowell has several years of clinical experience as a couple and family therapist in the D.C. area. She entered the social sciences field in 2000 as an undergraduate student in North Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies with a minor in Public Health. She began her graduate education as a student at the University of Maryland, earning a Masters of Science degree in Couple & Family Therapy, and then a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Family Science. 

Course Instructor Dr. Deirdre Mithaug (BA, MA, M.PHL, Ph.D.) is a leading educator in the fields of psychology, cognition, sociology, special education, disabilities, and teacher education. She has also worked professionally, consulted, and taught at the college level in the areas of psychology, special education, education policy, and teacher education. She holds a B.A. in psychology and two Master’s degrees and a Ph.D. in behavioral disorders and special education from Teachers College, Columbia University.  Dr. Mithaug has also worked as a special education teacher in both NYC public and private schools and as an Associate Professor at St. John's University. She has written and edited several articles on teacher education, social psychology, special education, and distance learning and conducted extensive research on children and adults with behavioral, physical and mental disabilities.