Academic Programs
The College of Graduate and Professional Studies has graduate programs in Applied Nutrition, Education, Health Informatics, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, and Social Work, as well as a suite of a-la-carte post-baccalaureate science prerequisite courses.
Program Directors

Ellie Dodge, M.S., Ph.D.
Director, Graduate Programs in Applied Nutrition
(207) 221-4785
Ph.D. University of Maine, Food and Nutrition Sciences
M.S. University of Maine, Food Science and Human Nutrition
B.S. University of Maine, Food Science and Human Nutrition
Food Systems and Sustainability
Environmental Nutrition
Instructional Technologies
Online Course Design
Curriculum Development, Implementation and Evaluation
Nutrition Education within the community, especially nutrition for children and the incorporation of experiential learning through the use of gardens as instructional tools. Other research includes using online and instructional technologies in course design program development and implementation of a blended delivery (online and face-to-face) weight management program for University of Maine Employees.

Matthew Kaszubinski
Program Director, Health Administration and Informatics
(207) 221-4726

Jennifer O'Neil, PhD, LCSW
Director, Graduate Programs in Social Work Online
(207) 221-4926
Ph.D. Adult Learning and Development Lesley University,
M.S.W. Simmons College
Women Veterans
Trauma
Adult Learning and Development
Perrin, J., O’Neil, J., Grimes, A., & Bryson, L. (2014). Do learners fear more than fear itself: The role of fear in law student’s educational experiences. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2(2), 67-75. doi:10.11114/jets.v2i2.290
Kindschy, E., Perrin, J., & O’Neil, J. (2014). Exploring women’s experience in Ivy League law school’s classroom. Journal of Education and Training Studies, 2(4),82-95. doi:10.11114/ijsss.v2i4.482
Perrin, J., O’Neil, J., E. Kindschy, L., Grimes, A. (2014). Using Qualitative Methods to Explore the Personal Experience: Two Collaborative Projects in Process, Lesley University Community of Scholars Day
O’Neil, J., (2013). Women in the Military: Combat, Sexual Assault and Mental Health. The Big Picture. Lesley University Guest Lecture
O’Neil, J., (2013). Sexual Assault in the Military, Lesley University Guest Lecture
Perrin, J. O’Neil, J. (2013). Fear and Processes of Learning, International Journal of Arts and Sciences Conference
Perrin, J. O’Neil, J. Bryson, L., Grimes, A. (2013). Fear and Processes of Learning, Lesley University Community of Scholars Day
O’Neil, J., (2012). Women and the Military: A Historical Overview of Trauma and Suicide, Lesley University Community of Scholars Day
O’Neil, J., (2012). Women in the Military: Barriers to Reintegration, Lesley University Guest Lecture
O’Neil, J., (2012). Military Trauma Across Genders, Lesley University Guest Lecture
O’Neil, J., (2011). Women in the Military a Historical View, Lesley University Guest Lecture
Women Veterans, Women Veterans in Higher Education


Public Health
M.P.H., Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
J.D., Northeastern University School of Law, Boston, MA.
B.A., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Policy and Advocacy, Public Health Administration, Community Based Participatory Research, Public Policy, Public Health Law and Ethics.
Academic Administration


Titilola Balogun, MBBS, MPH, DrPH
Assistant Director for Public Health Practice
(207) 221-4689
Public Health, Center for Excellence in Public Health
DrPH University of Texas School of Public Health
MPH University of Texas School of Public Health
MBBS Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Community Health Practice
Maternal and Child Health
Adolescent Health
Epidemiology
My background is in clinical medicine. I practiced medicine in Nigeria for about 8 years before getting my MPH in 2012 and my DrPH in 2016 – both from the University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston. My research interests are maternal and child health, and adolescent health. As a resident in pediatrics I was initially interested in neonatal health, and malnutrition in children aged less than 5 years, but as I transitioned into public health and completed a fellowship in maternal and child health, my interests broadened to include adolescents. Most of my research on adolescent health has focused on juvenile justice-involved youth with particular reference to mental health, sexual health, and substance use.
- Balogun, T., Troisi, C., Swartz, M. D., Lloyd, L., & Beyda, R. (2020). Juvenile Justice-involved Youth: Preventive Health Services Received Prior to Detention. Journal of Correctional Health Care. Accepted February 2020.
- Balogun, T., Troisi, C., Swartz, M. D., Lloyd, L., & Beyda, R. (2019). Factors associated with Knowledge of where to Access Health Care among Youth in Juvenile Detention: A Mixed Methods Study. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health. doi: 10.1515/ijamh-2018-0128
- Balogun, T., Troisi, C., Swartz, M. D., Lloyd, L., & Beyda, R. (2018). Does juvenile detention impact health? Journal of Correctional Health Care, 24(2), 137-144. doi:10.1177/1078345818763174
- Balogun, T. B. & Yakubu, A. M. (2015). Recent illness, feeding practices and father’s education as determinants of nutritional status among preschool children in a rural Nigerian community. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics, 61(2), 92.
- Ella, E. E., Ahmad, A. A., Umoh, V. J., Ogala, W. N., Balogun, T. B., & Musa, A. (2011). Studies on the interaction between IgA, lactoferrin and lysozyme in the breastmilk of lactating women with sick and healthy babies. Journal of Infectious Diseases and Immunity, 3(2), 24-29.
- Ella, E. E., Ahmad, A. A., Umoh, V. J., Ogala, W. N., & Balogun, T. B. (2011). Breast milk IgA levels as a possible index to predict the onset of sepsis in infants in Kaduna State, Nigeria. South Asian Journal of Experimental Biology, 1(3), 163-167.
Perinatal health, under-five morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, adolescent health.

Jennifer R. Ceide, MPH, CHES
Assistant Director, Public Health Workforce Development
(207) 221-4879
Public Health
Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Addiction Professionals Certification Board, Inc, 2016
Program Planning and Evaluation
In the fifth grade we were given an assignment to bring in our favorite book to share with the class. With a strong sense of pride and a desire to help others, I squeezed The Doctors Book of Home Remedies in between the row of colorfully decorated Judy Blume and Goosebumps novels. In reflection, what was I thinking? My teacher probably thought my childhood was being suppressed, my fellow 10 year old classmates were most likely confused by my contribution, and I just felt proud to share my fascinating book on “cures”. Needless to say, I knew from a young age that health would be my area of focus.
My undergrad and graduate degrees are in public health and for close to ten years, I have focused on education and program planning for a variety of communities and professionals in the areas of asthma, tobacco treatment, and nutrition.
Public health was one of the best things that has happened to me. I am excited about my future in this amazingly diverse field and to be working in workforce development by bringing creativity and innovation to the field through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Social Work
Argosy University
Dr. Coccoma earned her MSW degree from Adelphi University in Long Island, New York and a Doctorate in Education (Counseling Psychology) from Argosy University Sarasota, Florida.
Originally from New York, her social work career included multiple positions from a social worker to Assistant Executive Director at a large child caring agency providing services and program development addressing the mental health needs of children, families and adults. She has taught in MSW/BSW accreditated programs for 15 years in state and private university settings. Additionally, she is an active clinician maintaining a private clinical social work practice providing psychotherapy to adults and families. She has been active member of NASW throughout her career.
Her research focus has been in trauma, trauma informed care, ethics and mental health. She has published in peer reviewed journals and co-authored a book entitled “Trauma Informed Care: How Neuroscience influences Practice” (Routledge Taylor & Francis Group). Additionally, she has lectured on topics including social work ethics, and adolescent mental health.
Coccoma, P. (2014) Transitions and Tradeoffs: A social worker’s snapshot of the American military family. Reflections: Narratives of the Social Work Profession.
Coccoma, P. (2013) Comparative Study of Evidence Based Treatment Modalities for Adolescents with Depression. Annals of the American Psychotherapy Association v. 16 no.1 pg. 84-89
Coccoma, P., Peppers, C., & Molhoek, J. (2012) Creativity and Wikis: Partnering Virtual Team Technology and Social Work Education. Journal of Online Learning and Teaching. v. 8#2 pg 147- 158
Bruster, B., & Coccoma, P. (2013) Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth Utilizing Core Competencies. Journal of Human Behavior and Social Environment. DOI:10.1080/10911359.2013.764218
Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2012, fall) Social Work and the Community Mentoring Teens: Preparing Their Future. College of Health Professions and Social Work; Social Work Review
Coccoma, P., & Anstadt, S. (2011) Considering an Alternative: Interest in use of spiritually based activities as deterrent to substance abuse behavior. The International Journal of Child and Adolescent Health; 4(3) pp. 247-256
Evans, A., & Coccoma, P. (2014) Trauma Informed Care: How Neuroscience Influences Practice. New York: Routledge Publishing.
Evans, A & Coccoma, P (2016). F.E.A.R.: A Rubric for Understanding Trauma – Informed Care NSAW-FL Annual Conference Orlando, Florida
Evans, A & Coccoma, P (2014). F.E.A.R.: A Rubric for Understanding Informed Care NSAW-FL Annual Conference Ft. Lauderdale, FL. June 2014. Invited presentation.
Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2011). Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth. NASW-FL Annual Conference Tampa, Fl. 6/11 Presented
Bruster, B., & Coccoma, P. (2012). Mentoring for Educational Success: A partnership between Children’s Network of SWFL and FGCU. Daniel Memorial Conference on Independent Living. Sept 4-7, 2012 Atlanta, Ga.
Coccoma, P., & Evans, A. (2012). Trauma and Recovery: How Neuroscience Influences Interventions. NASW National Conference: The Power of Social Work. Washington, DC July 2012. Accepted
Peppers, C., Coccoma, P., & Molhoek, J (2012). Creativity and Wikis: Virtual Teams and Social Work Education. Poster session presented at: Florida Gulf Coast University 11th Annual Research Day – April 20, 2012 Fort Myers, Florida.
Coccoma, P., & Bruster, B. (2011). Mentoring for Educational Success: Advancing Foster Care Youth Utilizing Core Competencies. Mississippi Child Welfare Institute, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mi. Feb 16-17., 2011.
Coccoma, P. & Bruster, B. (2010). Mentoring for Success: A service learning partnership with independent living foster care youth and social work students Mississippi Child Welfare Institute. Jackson State University Jackson, Mi. Feb. 4 -5, 2010. Presented
Coccoma, P. (2009). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice. NASW South Carolina Annual Conference. Myrtle Beach, SC 3/09 Presented
Coccoma, P., & Evans, A. (2008). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice American Psychotherapy Association Annual Conference. San Diego, Ca. Sept. 2008.
Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, Emerald Coast Unit; NASW Florida Chapter. Panama City , Fl.
Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, Northwest Unit NASW Florida Chapter. Pensacola, Fl.
Coccoma, P. (2017). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, SW Unit NASW Florida Chapter. Fort Myers, Fl.
Coccoma, P (2016). Trauma Informed Care Panel. Barry University. Fort Myers, Fl.
Coccoma, P. (2015). Ethical Issues in Clinical Practice, National Association of Social Workers, SW Florida Chapter. Fort Myers, Fl. College of Health Professions and Social Work (2014) Promotion Workshop. Panel presentation. FGCU Fort Myers, Florida
Trauma, Trauma Informed Care
Teletherapy and Covid 19, draft manuscript


Carol J. Ewan Whyte, Ph.D., M.Sc.
Assistant Director, Public Health Research & Service
(207) 221-4128
Public Health
Ph.D. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
M.Sc. The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
B.Sc. (Hons) The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, Jamaica
Certified Professional Career Coach, The Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, 2018
Career Coaching
Cultural Competency
Global Health
Health Disparities
Health Literacy
Healthy Aging
Maternal and Child Health
Nutrition
Research Project Development and Management
Women’s Health
Dr. Ewan Whyte has a background in human nutrition and epidemiology with a focus on child development. For over 20 years, she has worked in academic settings internationally and in the US conducting longitudinal studies that examined the long-term consequences of maternal characteristics, choices and perceptions, and intrauterine insults on infant growth, morbidity and mental development, early life stunting, infant feeding practices, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. While child development has been her primary focus, her work has included vulnerable groups from infants and adolescents to menopausal women and 65 and older adults. This unique experience has given her exposure to factors affecting health outcomes throughout the lifespan. Consequently, she developed expertise in shared decision-making, audience segmentation, and other research methodologies, and has developed culturally and linguistically appropriate data collection tools, research protocols, and educational resources for diverse populations.
Prior to joining UNE/GPPH in 2016, Dr. Ewan Whyte held an appointment as Assistant Professor of Medicine, and worked as Research Project Manager, Scientist and Co-Investigator on several successful grants and contracts. Her work with vulnerable populations continues with her latest funded research that examines the nutritional status of Maine’s older adults residing in long-term care facilities. Dr. Ewan Whyte is also a certified professional career coach, and shares her knowledge of maternal and child health as a teaching faculty for GPH 721 Foundations of Maternal and Child Health.
- Col NF, Haskins AE, Ewan-Whyte CJ. Measuring the impact of menopausal symptoms on quality of life: methodological considerations. Menopause 2009 Jun 26.
- Col N, Fairfield K, Ewan-Whyte C, Miller H. In the clinic. Menopause. Annals of Internal Medicine 2009; Apr 7; 150 (7):ITC4-1-15; quiz ITC4-16.
- Walker SP, Ewan-Whyte C, Chang SM, Powell CA, Fletcher H, McDonald D, Grantham-McGregor SM. Factors Associated with Size and Proportionality at Birth in Term Jamaican infants. J Health Popul Nutr, 2003 Jun;21(2):117-126
- Ewan-Whyte C, Walker SP, Powell CA, Chang SM. The effects of term low birth weight on growth in Jamaican infants in the first year. West Indian Medical Journal 2002 April 24-27;51(suppl 2): 25-26, Abstract
Award-Winning Presentations
Tailoring Web-Based Interventions To Young Female Smokers Using Audience Segmentation. Best Presentation – Innovation in Practice Management (IPM) category. Society for General Internal Medicine, 31st Annual Meeting, April 2008
Factors associated with term low birth weight at Victoria Jubilee Hospital.
National Recognition for Outstanding Research Quality and Relevance to the Jamaican Society, 2001. The Gleaner 2001 August 9; D8
Peer-Reviewed and Invited Presentations
2013
Ewan Whyte C. Understanding our Minority Populations: Cultural Competency for Spiritual Care Practitioners. Maine Medical Center. January 17, 2013
2012
Ewan Whyte C. Addressing Cancer Prevention Education Needs among the New American Populations of Greater Portland, Maine. Maine Cancer Foundation Annual Meeting. June 26, 2012. Gray, ME
2011
Emery I, Ewan Whyte C, Lucas L, Feinberg M, Blackburn K, Gibbs A, Chase B, Grillo B, Hedlund J, Larsen E, Miesfeldt S, and members of the Clinical Trials and Disparities Subcommittee. Maine Medical Center NCI Community Cancer Centers Program: Progress in Improving Access to Clinical Trials. NNECOS Annual Conference, 2011 and MMC Quality Improvement Fair, 2011
Lucas FL, Ewan Whyte C, Siewers AE, Bancroft J. Representativeness of segments in Cumberland County, Maine, with respect to birth characteristics. Maine Study Center. The National Children’s Study Expanded Steering Committee Meeting. NIH. August 2011
Ewan Whyte C, Soule A, Moran S, Lucas L, Miesfeldt. Addressing Cancer Prevention Education Needs among the New American Populations of Greater Portland, Maine. Maine Public Health Association. Fall Conference. Portland, ME. November 22, 2011
2009
Kuhl LN, Ewan Whyte CJ, Keller S, Pbert L, Slater M, Weber G, Morgan D, Farina-Henry E, Chang E, Haskins A, Col NF. Challenges Implementing Web-based Decision Support at Point-of-Care for Young Female Smokers. 5th International Shared Decision Making Conference. June 14-17, 2009. Boston, MA.
Haskins A, Ewan Whyte C, Kuhl L, Pbert L, Keller S, Slater M, Druker S, Col N. Smoking and Drinking Patterns and Beliefs Among Young Female Smokers. 5th International Shared Decision Making Conference. June 14-17, 2009. Boston, MA.
2008
Ewan Whyte CJ, Keller SN, Slater MD, Pbert L, Chang E, Druker S, Kuhl LN, Col NF. Tailoring Web-Based Interventions To Young Female Smokers Using Audience Segmentation. Society for General Internal Medicine, 31st Annual Meeting, 2008. Pittsburg, PA.
Nutritional Assessment of Maine’s Elders – A Preliminary Look Using a Validated Tool: The NAME Study.

Melissa Ferrigno
Assistant Director, Science Prerequisites for Health Professions
(207) 221-4779

Elaine Hughes, MSEd, PMP
Assistant Director, Graduate Programs in Education
(207) 221-4793


Carry Oostveen-Buterbaugh, Ph.D., M.S.
Assistant Director, Public Health Thesis Advising
(207) 221-4791



Tracey Spinato, MSW, MPH
Assistant Director, Career Services in Public Health
(207) 221-4916
Public Health
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LABSWE #12710
Behavioral Health
Adolescent Health
Trauma Informed Care
Reproductive Health

Autumn Straw, MSW, LCSW
Assistant Director, Graduate Programs in Social Work Online
(207) 221-4856

Alli Welch
Assistant Director, Science Prerequisites for Health Professions
(207) 221-4727
Administration



