School of Education and Human Development

Dr. Robert D. Hannafin serves as the Dean of Fairfield University’s Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. Prior to joining Fairfield, he was the Dean of the College of Education, Information, and Technology at Long Island University’s Post Campus. Dr. Hannafin’s rich background in higher education and his deep understanding of Jesuit education make him a vital asset to the Fairfield community. 

Dr. Anna Cutaia is a seasoned educator and the current Superintendent of Schools in Milford, CT. Dr. Cutaia’s commitment to education extends beyond academia, as demonstrated by her involvement in local organizations such as the Milford Chamber of Commerce and the Milford United Way. With a rich background in educational leadership and a passion for community involvement, she was honored as the Connecticut Parent Teacher Association 2021 Superintendent of the Year. 

Dr. Paula Gill Lopez, an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Psychological and Educational Consultation at Fairfield University, is an expert in self-care and mindfulness in education. With a rich background as a school psychologist, she now directs the school psychology program and has made significant contributions to dropout and bullying prevention, mentoring, and social-emotional learning. 

Dr. Emily R. Smith, Professor of Educational Studies & Teacher Preparation at Fairfield University, focuses on mentoring and faculty development. Since joining Fairfield in 2003, she has worked closely with students pursuing certification and Master’s degrees in English Education. Dr. Smith’s extensive publications include research on effective mentoring, teacher induction, and literature-based discussions. 

Suzanne Marmo, a licensed clinical social worker since 2001 and Certified Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Worker (APHSW-C) since 2019, holds a Master’s Degree from The State University of New York at Stony Brook and a PhD from Fordham University. Specializing in grief, bereavement, medical and oncology social work, hospice, and palliative care for older adults, she has received national acclaim for her published research. Awards include two peer-reviewed journal article awards (2019, 2022) and the 2022 Award of Excellence in Policy and Advocacy from the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network. Dr. Marmo, a master trainer for ESPEC, is dedicated to educating social workers in palliative and end-of-life care.

Julie Berrett-Abebe received masters degrees in Social Work and Pastoral Ministry from Boston College in 2004 and a PhD from Simmons University in 2017. Julie’s clinical background is in oncology, hospice, and community based care for older adults. Julie’s clinical practice has informed her scholarship in health equity, interprofessional education, and collaborative models of practices. She is the PI/PD of a $1.6 million BHWET HRSA Grant (2021-2025), FCHC Scholars (fairfield.edu/fchc-scholars). Julie enjoys teaching across the MSW curriculum. 

Dr. Yeddi Park, a Ph.D. graduate from the Silver School of Social Work at NYU, brings over 20 years of social work practice, earning her MSW from the University of Michigan in 1999. Her diverse experiences encompass working with refugees, individuals with chronic mental illness, the elderly, and children in public schools. Dr. Park’s research focuses on intergenerational issues in immigrant families, health service utilization among immigrants, and adolescent mental health. Actively engaged in community-based research and educational programs, she has contributed significantly in New York and New Jersey. 

Jay Taylor, a social worker with a Doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania, specializes in gender transformative interventions, focusing on equity and violence reduction. In Milford, CT, he works in private practice, addressing men’s issues, and actively advocates for non-violence and gender equality. As an educator for a decade at Fairfield University, Jay teaches courses in therapy, substance abuse treatment, social justice, and policy. Committed to intersectional social justice, he strives for a liberated world of safety and equity. His work with men promotes healthy masculinity, proven to reduce violence. Outside work, Jay enjoys CrossFit, comic books, movies, live music, and global culinary experiences. 

Dawn DeBiase is the Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs at Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences and has been integral to the institution’s growth. With a BA in Psychology from the College of the Holy Cross and an MSW from Boston College, she brings a rich academic background. Dawn’s impact extends beyond administration – she has created and taught courses in Human Behavior, Generalist Social Work Practice, Social Work Fieldwork, and Motivational Interviewing, showcasing her dedication to shaping the next generation of social work professionals. 

Dr. Robert D. Hannafin serves as the Dean of Fairfield University’s Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions. Prior to joining Fairfield, he was the Dean of the College of Education, Information, and Technology at Long Island University’s Post Campus. Dr. Hannafin’s rich background in higher education and his deep understanding of Jesuit education make him a vital asset to the Fairfield community.