Co-facilitators
Sujata Pisharoty-Norman, PhD
My name is Sujata Pisharoty-Norman, I have a bachelor's degree in science (BSc) and education (B Ed.) from the University of Madras (Chennai, India), and a master’s degree in Anthropology from the University of Madras. I received a postgraduate diploma in Special Education from the University of Waikato in New Zealand. After which in 2012, I received an Educational Specialist (EDS) in Special Education from Jacksonville State University, AL. In 2018, I received a PhD in Special Education from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL. As a PhD candidate I was a graduate assistant in the School of Education at the University of Alabama.
I have more than 20 years of teaching ELL, world history, and special education in the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.S. I have worked as a special education teacher in Alabama from 2008 to 2018. I was a committed teacher, intent on providing the best education for students from various socio-economic settings and multi-cultural backgrounds.
Soon, after my PhD, I joined PASSHE (Pennsylvania State Higher Education) system as an assistant professor in special education. I worked at Edinboro University until summer of 2021 and West Chester University until spring 2023. In the summer of 2023, I started my new role at the University of Hartford as an assistant professor at the Department of Education.
I am dedicated to teaching and research, with experience teaching in special education secondary education at middle-secondary and university levels. I am very passionate about neurological study in mind and body intervention. My dissertation focused on alternate behavior interventions such as mindfulness and yoga with a foundation in neuroscience and to neuro-divergent groups. I include mindfulness techniques while instructing pre-service teachers.
Dr. Barbara Sanchez, PhD, CSCS
Dr. Barbara Sanchez is an assistant professor of Exercise Science at the University of Hartford, where she brings her extensive expertise in kinesiology, health, and exercise science to her teaching, research, and mentorship. She earned her PhD and MS in Kinesiology - Health & Exercise Science from The Ohio State University, and a BS in Exercise Science from the University of South Florida, graduating summa cum laude.
Dr. Sanchez is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and holds numerous certifications in first aid, inclusive teaching, and women's coaching. Her research primarily focuses on women's health, examining the impact of resistance exercise on female physiology across various life stages and conditions. She has authored several peer-reviewed publications, including a significant narrative review on the role of exercise in managing premenstrual syndrome, contributing to the understanding of sex differences in energy metabolism and the influence of the menstrual cycle on exercise performance.
In the classroom, Dr. Sanchez employs a student-centered, culturally responsive teaching philosophy. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive, engaging learning environment that fosters critical thinking and personal growth. Her commitment to mentorship extends beyond academic instruction, as she actively involves students in research, guiding them through hands-on assessments and real-world applications of exercise science principles.
As a new faculty orientation series facilitator, Dr. Sanchez aims to support and inspire her colleagues by sharing her passion for teaching and research. Her approach emphasizes human connection, authentic engagement, and the development of professional skills, preparing students and fellow educators to excel in their fields and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Her research endeavors focus on enhancing and empowering women through strength training, highlighting the positive impact of exercise on women's health and well-being.