What’s going on Trainwrecks? I’ve been having a blast reaching out and networking with many of my classmates over the past year. Since I began this leg of my journey,
I’ve been brainstorming about a better way to strengthen this network by bringing together some of the brightest and most talented people this world has to offer.
In this LIVE video I talk with fellow Walden University Doctoral students Larry Silvert Richards, Rebekah Bundesen and Marlo Greponne. Together we discuss our observations of cultural diversity, racism and differences of personal perspective.
I’m really excited to share this interview with you because four professionals have come together to discuss these important topics and learn from each other. Even more personal to me has been the realization I am once again working to bring people together to share and learn from one another. This project has been an absolute BLAST for all four of us and I cannot thank my fellow students enough!
Dominick Juliano is a PhD student in the discipline of Industrial/Organizational Psychology
A military veteran with over 18 years working in resource protection and antiterrorism, he has developed a keen understanding of motivation and execution in the face of rapidly escalating challenges. Dominick ultimately seeks to facilitate people understanding one another and working together.
Author of his blog, https://www.beautiful-trainwreck.com and his Youtube channel, Beautiful Trainwreck, Dominick explores an array of Psychology topics ranging from group dynamics to understanding individual human behavior.
Originally from the coastal state of Delaware, Dominick enlisted in the Air Force in 1998. Dominick pursued his education amongst back to back deployments to the Middle East where he would work with personnel and organizations under high stress situations assigned to the forward operating theater.
Dominick was medically retired from the military in 2016 and is currently pursuing his PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with Walden University. Facilitating his research on Veteran suicide, he works with select combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. He lives in Waterloo, Illinois with his wife, his son and his Schnoodle.
In Dominick’s spare time he participates in competitive shooting, brewing craft beer and studies Shorinji Kempo martial arts. Dominick is also a proud captain of his son’s elementary school chess team.
Larry Silvert Richards is a PhD student in the discipline of Business Administration.
Larry is originally from Trinidad and Tobago – born on the island of Tobago, the smaller Island. He attended the University of the West Indies in Trinidad, later returning to Tobago to further his career potential. Larry is the the holder of a BSC in Chemical and Process Engineering, a Master of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, and an MBA in International Finance.
Larry is currently pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration at Walden University, with a specialization in Leadership. He is often called Silvert by family members and childhood friends, and goes by Larry at work.
Larry worked as a Process Engineer for 13 years, switching careers in 2016. He is currently the Manager of Park Maintenance and Administration and is responsible for the strategic maintenance management of physical assets at the only eco-industrial park in Trinidad and Tobago.
Larry has studied computational fluid dynamics at the MPhil level and Finance at the MBA level and finds leadership a major and welcome switch. He enjoys leadership because he believes he can contribute more to the area than computational fluid dynamics or finance.
Marlo Greppone is a PhD student in the field of Human and Social Services
Marlo is a loving wife and mother of three Amanda (27) Julian (23) and Cocoa Puff (4). Marlo is a proud Puerto Rican born in the Bronx and raised on the island. HRA’s Director of Planning and Programs. She has over 23 years of experience in the field of community action. A passionate advocate for eliminating childhood poverty, she specializes in the design and implementation of comprehensive service models. Both the state of Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Connecticut Association for Community Action have recognized her leadership in this capacity as one of the best in the state.
At HRA Marlo works with the Board of Directors, the senior management and program staff to successfully implement Results Oriented Management Accountability (ROMA) principles and practices throughout all aspects of the agency including the development of the Community Action Plan and Strategic Plan. She also works with the team to develop and pilot new projects within all divisions of the agency.
One such project is the Foundation for Financial Independence Program which she launched in 2009 and which includes Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Financial Literacy Education and Individuals Development Accounts (federal and state).
An active community collaborator, Marlo holds leadership roles in the New Britain Asset Building Coalition; the New Britain High School Academy of Finance; the New Britain Food Security Collaborative; the New Britain Mayor’s Plan to End Homelessness; the Connecticut Fatherhood Advisory Council; the Coalition for New Britain’s Youth; and the New Britain Working Cities Challenge.
Marlo is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a Certified Peer Assessor by the Northeast Institute for Quality Community Action, and is a nationally certified Results Oriented Management Accountability (ROMA) trainer. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Services from Springfield College and is a doctoral candidate in Human and Social Services at Walden University. She has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Springfield College.
Rebekah Bundesen is a PhD student in the discipline of Epidemiology
Rebekah currently holds a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration and is 2 years away from a PhD in Epidemiology. She has 10 years of experience in the health delivery system with her last 7 years in epidemiology and population health. In her current role as a Senior Provider Performance Specialist, she has spent the last 4 years coaching executives and providers on their MACRA compliant Alternative Payment Models along with their HEDIS and Medicare 5-Star score improvement strategies.
Being considered a national expert in Value Based Reimbursement models, The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) selected her to write the official language for competencies required to be a Healthcare quality practitioner. The publication is referenced throughout the industry and even won the 2017 Power of a Gold award for its effectiveness.
Material Rebekah has written is referenced on both the CPHQ and HQ Principles certification exams. As a result of her work, NAHQ profiled her career as an example of a Quality Review and Accountability professional.
Rebekah currently serves as the President of the Michigan Association for Healthcare Quality where she continues leading and mentoring others in MACRA compliant processes. She performs CME approved training for physicians and nurses. She is also an accomplished Professor, designing and teaching accreditation approved healthcare courses.
During this interview I learned a lot about bringing others together. I learned a lot about staging professionals in an opportunity to share their experiences and offer their experience as a valuable asset to the community. During this interview I even learned about camera angles, keeping my dog occupied (and quiet), and other adjustments I can make to this project to make it more successful.
If you are a student, faculty member or even an alumni at Walden University and would like to be interviewed, please reach out to me as I look forward to sharing your story. We can do this!
