Our Staff | Transformative Learning

Dr. Molly Reynolds

Executive Director of Transformative Learning

Molly A. Reynolds is the Executive Director of Transformative Learning. Before serving as the Executive Director, Molly served as the Director of Presentation U, Faculty Fellows & Student Tutoring coordinator, and a Faculty lecturer in the Division of Instructional Communication and Research. In addition to her duties as the Director of Transformative Learning, Molly teaches part-time in Department of Communication. Molly completed her PhD in 2013 and has focused her teaching and research on interpersonal and instructional communication.

Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:

Instructional & Interpersonal Communication
Professional and curriculum development, support, & design
First year student retention
Developmental Education
Tutor training (CRLA)

Christie Maier

Assistant Director for The Study

Christie Maier currently serves as the Assistant Director for Peer Tutoring, overseeing the administration of The Study’s Peer Tutoring Program. Christie joined the team in January 2015, starting as the Program Coordinator, and brought with her extensive experience in peer leadership and a passion of student success. Christie holds a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Colorado State University and a M.Ed. in Student Affairs and Higher Education from the University of South Carolina.

Peer Leadership, Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:

College Student Development
Program Administration
Peer Tutor Training
Academic Coaching

Julie Bradley

Assistant Director of Academic Coaching

Julie Bradley is the Assistant Director of Academic Coaching in the division of Transformative Learning. Julie comes to Transformative Learning from Kentucky State University, where she served as the Kenan Charitable Trust Director of Student Support Services. There she helped develop 3:1 Systems of Support (Academic, Social-Emotional, and Access-to-Opportunity) for students in the preschool through college pipeline. In addition, she has many years teaching experience of students of all ages in a variety of settings, and most recently taught developmental reading and writing at Bluegrass Community and Technical College. Julie received her BS in Special Education from the Ohio University and her MA in Special Education from The Ohio State University.

Chance Davenport

Analytics & Assessment Director, Transformative Learning

Chance Davenport is the Analytics & Assessment Director for Transformative Learning. Chance joined the Transformative Learning team in May 2015, and is responsible for the assessment of Transformative Learning’s programming and services. Chance holds an M.A. in Communication (foci in Interpersonal and Instructional) from the University of Kentucky and a B.A. in Communication, minor in Spanish, from the University of Kentucky.

Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:

Programmatic Student Learning Outcomes
Program Assessment
Research Methodology
Statistical Analysis
Rubric Development and Implementation
Instructional Communication; Interpersonal Communication

Rachael Deel, ABD

Director Academic Preparation and Placement

Rachael Deel is the Director of Academic & Placement. Prior to her role in the APP program, Rachael served as the Assistant Director for Presentation U and Marketing Director for Transformative Learning since 2014. Rachael is also writing her dissertation on gender and class politics experiences for working-class woman enrolled at the University of Kentucky with an anticipation of earning Ph.D. from the Educational Policy & Evaluation program in the spring of 2020.

Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:

Higher Education policy
Student development
Curriculum development
Development Education
Peer Tutoring

Bailey Ubellacker

Math Academic Preparation and Placement Coordinator

Bailey Ubellacker is the Math Academic Preparation and Placement Coordinator within Transformative Learning. Bailey started with Transformative Learning in 2015 as a math academic preparation course instructor. She has teaching experience in global settings, including Spain, Costa Rica, and New Zealand as well as school levels, including elementary education. She received her BA in Elementary Education, BA in Spanish, and M.Ed in Educational Leadership. Bailey is currently a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of Kentucky.

Areas of Research Interest and Expertise:

College Readiness
Developmental Education
Teacher Leadership Development
Instructional Coaching and Mentoring
School Technology Leadership

Loretta Stafford

Program Coordinator

Loretta Stafford is the Program Coordinator for Transformative Learning. Loretta previously worked with Transformative Learning as a marketing intern and Student Program Coordinator, but also has experience in public relations. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Strategic Communication from the University of Kentucky in May of 2017.