Rikkisha Gilmore-Byrd
Title: Adjunct Instructor
Programs/Classes Taught:
- BS Health Care Leadership
- HCL 311 - Professional Writing and Presentation Skills in Health Care
- HCL 316 - Team Development in Health Care
- HCL 410 - Health Care Supervision and Human Resources
- HCL 421 - Ethical and Legal Issues in Health Care
Areas of Expertise: Experienced Department Chair with a demonstrated history of working in the education management industry. Skilled in Curriculum Development, Public Speaking, Training, Staff Development, Student Affairs, and Teaching. Passionate and experienced in Diversity and Inclusion strategic planning.
Biography: I have worked in the field of Health and Human Services since I could work at the age of 16. I have worked with almost every population in Human Services. I am currently a Guardian Ad Litem for Brevard County youth in Melbourne, FL in addition to my teaching. In addition to work, I have an 18 year old son, an 11 year old daughter, and a 9 year old son. While it is important to work within the constraints of the educational arena or institution, the students and my knowledge, it is very important to also be flexible. An instructor can make modifications and changes without actually changing the curriculum. This type of flexibility will allow one to see that something is not working and make modifications that work with that particular group of students. The whole dynamics of a class can easily change based on the group of students that are included. It is important to realize this and feel comfortable making adjustments.
In higher education, teachers and instructors should serve as facilitators and not dictators. Although sometimes necessary, it should only be used in brief periods in addition to several other techniques. Being creative enough to identify methods of relaying information in methods other than lecture can get tricky. I believe it is the job of a facilitator to look for those ways to facilitate in a variety of ways for each lesson.
Lastly, I believe motivation and feedback are extremely important. The motivation will help the students want to keep going. Everyone could use a personal cheerleader. Included with the motivation, is timely feedback. Feedback is necessary regardless of whether the student is doing well or not. It is most important to make sure that the feedback is given directly following the action. This will ensure that the student gets the most out of the presented feedback.
Education:
- Research Doctorate, Public Health - Capella University
- Professional Counseling Certificate - Capella University
- MS Human Services - Capella University
- MPH Public Health - Purdue University Global
- BS Community Health and Preventive Medicine - Clark Atlanta University
Research and Interests: Diversity and inclusion, Health disparities
Contact Information:
- Email - rgilmorebyrd@nl.edu
