About the Authors

Dr. Christine Crefton is an accomplished leader in Educational Leadership and Management with a Doctorate in Education from Drexel University. Specializing in Organization Development and Adult Learning, she brings over 20 years of experience from both academic and public sectors. Her passion for lifelong learning and transformative leadership drives her to inspire teams and maximize employee engagement, while fostering inclusive environments that support student success. Dr. Crefton is currently the Educational Resource Program Manager at Montgomery College, where she leads initiatives in microcredentials and open educational resources, including Pressbooks. With a Master’s in Library Science and Information Systems, she is dedicated to integrating innovative solutions and enhancing professional development opportunities. An advocate for equity and accessibility in education, Dr. Crefton’s work empowers learners and educators alike through strategic vision and creative approaches.

Dr. Shawn Sanders is a dynamic leader in Organizational Psychology and Leadership Development with a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Adler University. Specializing in emotional intelligence, workforce development, and leadership coaching, she brings over 20 years of experience spanning not-for-profit, secondary education, higher education and corporate training. Her passion for cultivating resilient and high-performing leaders drives her to design transformative learning experiences that enhance communication, decision-making, and team effectiveness. Dr. Sanders is a professor of psychology and facilitates leadership development and emotional intelligence programs at Montgomery College. She holds certifications in The Leadership Challenge®, Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI®) Coaching and Everything DiSC®. A dedicated advocate for leadership excellence, she empowers professionals with the skills to navigate workplace challenges and drive meaningful organizational impact.

Dr. Tracey Smith-Bryant is an award-winning educator, mentor, and leader dedicated to empowering students and professionals through lifelong learning. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from Howard University, she has served as a college professor, department chair, and administrator, spearheading initiatives in student mentorship, leadership development, and workforce readiness. Dr. Smith-Bryant has earned digital badges in anti-racism, problem-solving, and creating microcredentials, positioning her as a thought leader in the evolving landscape of education. Recognized for her excellence in teaching and student engagement, Dr. Smith-Bryant received the Outstanding Faculty Award in 2017. As the creator of a successful mentorship program and an advocate for student success, she integrates research-backed strategies with real-world applications to bridge the gap between education and career advancement. A Leadership Montgomery Fellow, Dr. Smith-Bryant is passionate about coaching individuals and organizations to reach their full potential. Through her writing, she continues to champion innovative educational models that recognize and validate diverse skills, making lifelong learning more accessible and impactful.