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Affiliated Instructors

Rivera

Hector Rivera CW4(R)

Research Interests:

  • Experiential Learning in Public Service
  • Human Capital Strategy, Policy, and Development
  • Socio-cultural Development
  • Urban and Regional Policy

Areas of Expertise:

  • Executive Leadership and Development
  • Human Capital Management 
  • Public Policy & Adminstration (National & State)
  • Emergency Planning and Response
  • Interagency and International Relations
  • Stadia Security Management
  • Program Evaluation & Non-Profit Management
Bailey

Sheryl D. Bailey, Ph.D.

Research Areas and Areas of Expertise:

  • Economic Analysis and Public Policy
  • Public Finance, Financial Management and Financial Resiliency
  • Strategic Management, Organizational Change, and Performance Management 
Freshta Taeb

Freshta Taeb

Freshta Taeb is a mental health professional, educator, and community advocate known for her work supporting marginalized communities, promoting culturally competent behavioral health care, and bridging gaps between public institutions and underserved populations.

Taeb has built a multidisciplinary career that spans behavioral health services, education, community advocacy, and policy engagement. She has worked extensively with refugee and immigrant populations, providing trauma-informed care and culturally sensitive intervention programs addressing issues such as post-traumatic stress, domestic violence, anger coaching and community integration. She has led programs delivering emotional-wellness workshops and support services for youth, adults and veterans. In addition to her clinical and advocacy work, Taeb is the founder and managing director of FT Translation Services, a company that provides translation, cultural consulting, and interpretation services. Through this work she has collaborated with major media outlets including Al Jazeera America and The New York Times, supporting translation and subtitling projects and contributing to cross-cultural communication initiatives. Taeb has also been involved in academic and training initiatives with institutions such as Virginia Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Services, Virginia Tech, and University of California, Davis. Through these collaborations, she has delivered training and educational programs focused on behavioral health interpretation, cultural competency, and trauma-informed care for professionals working with diverse communities. Beyond her professional work, Taeb has been active in civic and political engagement in the United States. She has participated in grassroots outreach, voter mobilization, and advocacy initiatives aimed at increasing representation and engagement among underserved communities. In 2025, she ran for New Jersey State Assembly in the 12th legislative district.