Empathy Empowers
Faculty
Learn more about the APL faculty.
Kim Church-Ferris
MS Ed, CHES
Kim has over fifteen years of experience working in educational services for a number of nonprofit organizations. She acquired a Master's Degree in Inclusive Education from Nazareth College of Rochester and is a Certified Humane Education Specialist through the Academy of Prosocial Learning. She has experience as a classroom teacher and YMCA Camp Director. Kim has been the Humane Education Manager at Lollypop Farm since 2015, serves as adjunct faculty for APL, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Humane Educators. Kim is the instructor for the camp development class.
Erin Comaskey
EdD, CHES
Erin has been working internationally in education for nearly 20 years both in the classroom and in education research. She currently works with non-profit organizations to build evidence-based and effective educational programs as a consultant for the Academy of Prosocial Learning. Erin holds a B.S from The College of New Jersey in Early Childhood Education, an M.A in Education Psychology from McGill University in Montreal, and an Ed.D. from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. She serves on the board of directors for the Humane Education Coalition. She is an APL faculty member for the program evaluation class.
Sandy De Lisle
MS Ed, CHES
Sandy worked as a formal educator before being employed by various humane organizations. She is a Curriculum and Content Developer, CHES credential holder, and holds one of APL's author in residence positions.
Caitlin Gill MA
Caitlin has a background in conservation and animal welfare, receiving a BS in wildlife biology and an MA in biology and community outreach with a specific focus on volunteer engagement and humane education in animal welfare. Caitlin worked in wildlife field research before discovering the world of animal sheltering. Since then she has held various roles spanning volunteer management, community outreach, program planning and development, education, and hands-on animal care while working within environmental and animal welfare organizations. She is a developer and instructor for the VEP micro-credentialing program.
Stephanie Itle-Clark
EdD, CHES
Stephanie is the Founder and President of the Academy of Prosocial Learning. She received her B.S. in Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, M.Ed. in Educational Curriculum and Development from Wilkes University, and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Fielding Graduate University where she focused on the impact of humane education professional development for teachers. She also holds Certified Humane Education Specialist credentials. Prior to founding the Academy of Prosocial Learning, she taught in both private and public education sectors and was the Director of Learning at The Humane Society of the United States. She specializes in empathy development for all ages as well as humane pedagogy and supporting educators as they develop lessons that infuse humane and prosocial education into the curriculum in order to increase learner growth in the cognitive, affective, and behavioral domains. She is a past board president of the Association of Professional Humane Educators and is a current board member of the Humane Education Coalition and the United Federation of Teachers Humane Education Committee.
She is faculty for the CHES credential program as well as a self-care course.
Michelle Tinkham
PhD, CHES
Michelle holds advanced degrees in Animal Behavior and Nursing Education as well as CHES credentials. She is actively
involved in multiple arenas of animal welfare and promotion of volunteerism.
Michelle is a content developer and instructor for the VEP micro-credential program.