College of Education
Faculty

Dr. Pam Bailey holds a BS from West Virginia State College in secondary mathematics education. She also earned a MA in education, specializing in diverse learners, from the University of Phoenix. Her PhD is from George Mason University where her degree was in mathematics education leadership with a minor in administration and supervision.

Prior to coming to Mary Baldwin, Dr. Bailey was employed at George Mason University as an assistant professor teaching courses in mathematics education and secondary mathematics education. She also worked for several years as the secondary mathematics coordinator in Spotsylvania County Schools and as a secondary math teacher in Stafford and Westmoreland Counties.

Dr. Bailey became part of the Mary Baldwin faculty in 2014 teaching in the Master of Arts in Teaching and the Adult Degree programs. She also works as an advisor, assisting and guiding students as they pursue higher education.

As an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics and the Virginia Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Dr. Bailey has presented at several state, regional, and national conferences. Her research interests include leadership for school change involving mathematics education leaders (mathematics specialists) and the transformation of mathematics instruction using rich tasks and constructivist approaches.

While pursuing secondary education (social studies) as an undergraduate at the College of William & Mary, Dr. Potter was fortunate enough to student teach in a school that placed high value on collaboration and inclusive practices. She was drawn to continue her education at William & Mary through a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction (special education). She completed the program and accepted a position as a special education teacher in the Shenandoah Valley. During that time, Dr. Potter found herself called to explore coursework in leadership and supervision, moving into administrative and supervisory roles at both the central office and school level. Upon completion of her doctorate from the University of Virginia, she accepted a position as a principal of a juvenile detention facility in central Virginia. She began to teach part-time for Mary Baldwin University as well, moving into a full-time administrative role in 2011. In 2013, Dr. Potter became a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and is licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine to practice in that field.

Dr. Potter is a passionate advocate for public education, and enjoys examining how our College of Education effectively shapes the next generation of inquiry-minded practitioners. She has a particular interest in preparing students to work with diverse populations of varying experiences, abilities, and interests. Her research and professional development activities center mostly around topics related to Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis.

Dr. Stephanie Sebolt is an Assistant Professor in the College of Education at Mary Baldwin University. She holds a BA from Mary Washington College with certification to teach NK-4. She received her MA and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in Curriculum and Instruction with certification to teach French K-12 and English as a Second Language K-12.

Dr. Sebolt began her teaching career as an English as a Second Language teacher in Roanoke County in 1993. She was named Roanoke County Teacher of the Year for 2014-15. In addition, she has done adjunct teaching for the University of Mary Washington, Roanoke College, and Virginia Tech in their education programs.

Dr. Sebolt is actively involved in TESOL and VATESOL, professional organizations for Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. She enjoys traveling, reading, hiking, wildlife rescue, and spending time with her family. She lives in Salem, VA with her husband, three sons, a dog, and two cats. Research interests include second language acquisition, teaching diverse students, and promising practices in teacher education.

Carla Van Devander holds a bachelors degree in history from George Mason University and received her teaching endorsement from Mary Baldwin University.  She also has an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Strategist with a focus on “at-risk” populations from Eastern Mennonite University.  After spending several months teaching English to Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Czech students in Hastings, England, she spent eight years teaching social studies, reading, and writing in Augusta County.  From there, she became a Differentiation Specialist for Staunton City Schools, working at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.  She has been a teaching partner for a graduate level differentiation course for Mary Baldwin for several years.  She recently began teaching undergraduate courses on exceptionalities and assessment, advising students seeking a secondary endorsement, supervising student teachers, and serving as the coordinator for the Education Leaders Living Learning Community.  She is a passionate supporter of public education and enjoys collaborating with other educators to ensure all students grow and experience success.  She believes in “giving back” and is actively involved in a number of civic groups that are working to improve the local community. She enjoys reading, traveling, motorcycle riding, and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Paluszak spent 20 years of her teaching career in PK-12 education, mentoring new teachers, and supporting students with disabilities of all ages. She has led IEP teams as well as participated in these meetings as a parent and as an advocate.
She is a mom to three children, one doodle, and a cat and loves to spend time outdoors, especially in the Fall and Winter months.
Her undergraduate degree is in English, with graduate work concentrating on Special Education and Educational Leadership. Her doctoral work focused on increasing inclusive access for secondary students with low incidence disabilities in a public high school.
Dr. Paluszak is beginning her third year at Mary Baldwin University. Her first two years were spent as the Field Placement Coordinator, working with practicum students and Student Teachers and as an adjunct faculty member. She is now supporting students and colleagues as the Program Director of the Teacher Education Program and continues to work with students in special education and leadership coursework.