Meet Our Faculty

Dr. Allison Buskirk-Cohen’s research has focused on how interpersonal relationships influence academic success and well-being. Her doctoral work addressed the role of peer relationships and mental health as students transitioned from elementary to middle school. Once Dr. Buskirk-Cohen began teaching at DelVal, her interests shifted to exploring factors underlying student success in higher education. Her early work examined the role of a learner-centered approach in the college classroom, while her current work considers how professor-student relationships influence student success. She is particularly interested in understanding how the developmental stage of emerging adulthood affects college students’ adjustment. Most often, Dr. Buskirk-Cohen’s research relies on self-reports which allow individuals to capture their own experiences through survey questionnaires. Overwhelmingly, her research has demonstrated how powerful the need to connect with others is, particularly within education.

Dr. Audrey Ervin, the academic director of Delaware Valley University’s graduate counseling psychology program, is a practicing, licensed psychologist. She teaches counseling psychology courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dr. Morgis emphasizes connection and positive relationships in all her work. Clinically, as a Marriage & Family Therapist, she helps individuals, couples, and families correct negative patterns of interaction.

Dr. Matthew Mutchler brings his passion for teaching and clinical practice to the counseling psychology programs at Delaware Valley University. In his teaching, Dr. Mutchler strives to relate course material to students' past experiences, current lives, and future goals. He emphasizes vibrant class discussions and experiential learning. His research interests include counselor development and self-efficacy, ethical dilemmas, and developing methods to work conjointly with divorced or separated parents.

Dr. David D. Timony holds a Ph.D. in educational psychology and is a teacher, speaker, and researcher with more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. Dr. Timony draws upon his life as an artist and musician to bring creativity to his educational work. He has been recognized for his approach in creating and developing tailored programs for individuals, groups and institutions. He currently chairs the Board of Directors at Miller Rothlein.

Dr. Ahmed Ghuman is a licensed clinical psychologist who earned a PsyD in clinical psychology from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also holds an MBA in general business administration from La Salle University. In his clinical work, Ahmed utilizes an integrative approach of humanistic and cognitive behavioral therapy.  Additionally, he specializes in positive psychology and uses a strengths-based approach rooted in positive psychotherapy with his clients.  His areas of interest include self-esteem, happiness, motivation, resilience, meaning and purpose, religious and spiritual identity, and multicultural concerns.  Ahmed has been teaching at De Val since 2012 for both the undergraduate and graduate programs.  His graduate courses include Group Counseling, Assessment in Counseling, Career Counseling, Lifespan Development, Concepts of Psychopathology and Wellness, Advocacy and Social Justice, and Multicultural Counseling.

Dr. Hopkins holds her doctorate in Education Leadership and Policy from the University of Pennsylvania. While working on her doctoral studies in leadership and policy she began researching the social skill needs of students with low incidence disabilities. This research led her to co-develop and instruct in the Autism Certificate program at Arcadia University where graduate students could specialize in the field of Autism. Dr. Hopkins is currently the Director of Special Education at the University of Pennsylvania where she founded the VAST LIFE program. Additionally, she serves as adjunct faculty and curriculum developer in the Graduate School of Education at Delaware Valley University. Dr. Hopkins continues her work with adolescents who have low incidence disabilities at Council Rock High School South.