Staff Bios

Mendi Benigni, Instructional Technologist

Mendi is an Instructional Technologist and works primarily with the School of Education, Health & Human Performance and the departments of English and Philosophy.  She has a degree in International Relations from Roanoke College but has always loved computers.  So when an opportunity opened to become a Mac tech she couldn’t say no.  She’s been working in the computer/technology field since the early 90s and loves every minute of it, especially working with mobile and video technologies.  She is married to Vince Benigni, a professor in Communication, and has an awesome daughter who keeps her on her toes.

Zach Hartje, Assistant Director

Zach is an Instructional Technologist and Assistant Director of Teaching, Learning and Technology.  As an Instructional Technologist he primarily works with the School of Business and the departments of Psychology and Political Science.  Zach has a degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Dayton.  He enjoys working with faculty, and finding ways to use technology to enhance the learning process and to solve problems.  Zach finds being able to teach classes and run seminars as probably the most enjoyable aspect of the position.

Monica Lavin, Director

Monica Lavin is the Director of the Teaching, Learning and Technology. She earned a Master’s degree in Education from West Virginia University. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Instructional Design and Technology at Virginia Tech. Monica worked at the NASA IV&V Facility in Fairmont, W.V. where she first realized her passion for educational technologies.  She also taught an Educational Technology course for the School of Education at the College. She is a newlywed who loves her dog, Gracie and is a big fan of spontaneous cartwheels:

Bryan Luce, Instructional Technologist

Bryan is the Instructional Technologist for the School of Science and Mathematics; this means he enjoys Technology, Science, Math, and School.  Against his better judgement, he earned a Master’s degree in Gifted and Creative Education from University of Georgia.   He also haz Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Engineering from Western Carolina University, but that was so long ago, he really doesn’t remember much about it.  Along with his duties for TLT, Bryan is an adjunct faculty for the Computer Science Department.  He  teaches #creativity,  a course focused on the intersection, influence, and symbiosis of technology and creativity.

Bryan is very modest about his rich history of personal and professional experiences.  He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ghana, West Africa, a small business owner, an outdoor wilderness instructor, a high school mathematics faculty, a social worker in public schools, an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, and a social media consultant.  Alas, he still doesn’t know what he wants to do when he grows up.  When Bryan isn’t spending time with his two little toddlers (and a dog named Carina), then he is probably cleaning his house, taking a nap, or maybe eating bacon.

Amy Ostrom, Instructional Technologist

Amy Ostrom is an Instructional Technologist who works primarily with the School of the Arts, Department of Communication, and the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.  She has a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Education and Theater from Erskine College.  She also has a Master’s plus 30 in Special Education, specializing in Educational Technology and Content Delivery from the University of South Carolina.  She loves collaborating with faculty to find ways to integrate technology into the classroom and beyond to meet the needs of all learners.  At home, Amy enjoys hanging out with her husband, new son, and two cats: Hawkeye and Honeycutt.

Laura Plotts, Instructional Technologist

Laura Plotts is an Instructional Technologist and works primarily with the School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs and the Departments of History and Religious Studies.  She has a degree in English from the Ohio State University.  She started working with faculty as a sales representative for Harcourt Brace, where she helped integrate the publisher’s technology resources into their teaching.   She is married to Chris Warnick, an associate professor in English.