JMU FACULTY
Professors
Laura Miele, PhD, MA
Professor of Psychology and Sport Science
* Dr. Miele holds a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Sport and Counseling, Capella
University, MN, 2007. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, Diverse Learner/ Ed. Admin., University of Phoenix, AZ, 1998 and a Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science: Physical Education, Arizona State University, AZ, 1994. As owner of Miele Forensic
Consulting, Dr. Miele leads the company’s vision and sets goals. She oversees all work, contracts, administration, marketing, and financial management. With Miele Consulting, Laura also serves as a Sport, Fitness and Recreation Consultant-Expert providing technical analysis and fitness facility operations including personal training, risk
management, and injury prevention. As Owner an Entrepreneur of Mind Over Body Athletics, LLC / dba Miele Forensic Consulting, Laura is also Personal Trainer and Sport
Psychology Consultant training young athletes. With Connecticut Children’s Medical
Center, Sport Injury Prevention, Laura served as Program Manager & Research Coordinator managing all aspects of clinical trials. Dr. Miele’s University teaching
includes Adjunct Professor, Exercise Science and Wellness, Health Science Division at
Montgomery Community College. Adjunct Faculty, College of Online and Continuing Education, Southern New Hampshire University (Online) and Adjunct Faculty, Dept. of
Recreation and Sport Pedagogy Ohio University (Online). Dr. Miele has extensive coaching experience with both professional and student athletes and has numerous professional publications and has served as an editor and peer reviewer for Journal of Leisure and Recreation Patterns (JLRP) Journal of International Forensic Engineering Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics. Her Professional Memberships include AAPHERD -
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance (SHAPE America), A CSM -
American College of Sports Medicine, and ASTM - (F-24) American Society for Testing
and Materials (International). She is the recipient several awards including: Hall of Fame
Inductee: Christ the King High School, 2020 Teacher of the Year 2013: Universal Auden
Rei Charter High School New York City Golden Gloves Semi Finalist, 2004
* Dr. Miele holds a PhD in Psychology with an emphasis in Sport and Counseling, Capella
University, MN, 2007. She holds a Master of Arts in Education, Diverse Learner/ Ed. Admin., University of Phoenix, AZ, 1998 and a Bachelor of Science, Exercise Science: Physical Education, Arizona State University, AZ, 1994. As owner of Miele Forensic
Consulting, Dr. Miele leads the company’s vision and sets goals. She oversees all work, contracts, administration, marketing, and financial management. With Miele Consulting, Laura also serves as a Sport, Fitness and Recreation Consultant-Expert providing technical analysis and fitness facility operations including personal training, risk
management, and injury prevention. As Owner an Entrepreneur of Mind Over Body Athletics, LLC / dba Miele Forensic Consulting, Laura is also Personal Trainer and Sport
Psychology Consultant training young athletes. With Connecticut Children’s Medical
Center, Sport Injury Prevention, Laura served as Program Manager & Research Coordinator managing all aspects of clinical trials. Dr. Miele’s University teaching
includes Adjunct Professor, Exercise Science and Wellness, Health Science Division at
Montgomery Community College. Adjunct Faculty, College of Online and Continuing Education, Southern New Hampshire University (Online) and Adjunct Faculty, Dept. of
Recreation and Sport Pedagogy Ohio University (Online). Dr. Miele has extensive coaching experience with both professional and student athletes and has numerous professional publications and has served as an editor and peer reviewer for Journal of Leisure and Recreation Patterns (JLRP) Journal of International Forensic Engineering Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics. Her Professional Memberships include AAPHERD -
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, and Dance (SHAPE America), A CSM -
American College of Sports Medicine, and ASTM - (F-24) American Society for Testing
and Materials (International). She is the recipient several awards including: Hall of Fame
Inductee: Christ the King High School, 2020 Teacher of the Year 2013: Universal Auden
Rei Charter High School New York City Golden Gloves Semi Finalist, 2004
Brandy Breaux, MA, BSc
Professor of General Education
* As a public educator for over 20 years, Brandy has served instructors and students in the classroom and beyond. Working with student populations of over 1,900, Brandy has school leadership experience as an Assistant Principal for multiple schools in both Louisiana and Texas. During her time as an instructional leader, Brandy has hands-on experience with observing, mentoring, training, hiring, and evaluating staff in the 3rd largest public school district in Texas. Brandy holds a Masters of K-12 School Leadership from Nicholls State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University. Her teaching experience extends to Bayou Vista Elementary School, Hattie A. Watts Elementary School, Pope Elementary School, and currently a global online instructor and recruiter for English as a Second Language learning. As Teacher of the Year in 2013, she also served as Supervising Teacher at Nicholls State University and holds current teaching and Educational Leadership certifications in both Louisiana and Texas. Brandy earned her National Board Certification in 2008.
* As a public educator for over 20 years, Brandy has served instructors and students in the classroom and beyond. Working with student populations of over 1,900, Brandy has school leadership experience as an Assistant Principal for multiple schools in both Louisiana and Texas. During her time as an instructional leader, Brandy has hands-on experience with observing, mentoring, training, hiring, and evaluating staff in the 3rd largest public school district in Texas. Brandy holds a Masters of K-12 School Leadership from Nicholls State University and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Louisiana State University. Her teaching experience extends to Bayou Vista Elementary School, Hattie A. Watts Elementary School, Pope Elementary School, and currently a global online instructor and recruiter for English as a Second Language learning. As Teacher of the Year in 2013, she also served as Supervising Teacher at Nicholls State University and holds current teaching and Educational Leadership certifications in both Louisiana and Texas. Brandy earned her National Board Certification in 2008.
Lani Litchfield, MSc, BA
Professor of Sports Science
* Lani Litchfield holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University and an Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, also from Louisiana Tech. She has served as an athletic trainer for close to a decade in Louisiana,
including at Glenwood Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, and Willis Knighton Health Care System in Shreveport, LA.
Starting in 2016, Lani served as Dutchtown High School’s Director of Sports Medicine
Head Athletic Trainer Instructor Emergency Medical Responder and Sports Medicine
Coordinator of Middle School Athletic Training. Her current professional memberships include National Athletic Trainers Association and Louisiana Athletic Trainers
Association. Lani currently serves on Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners, Athletic Training Advisory Committee member (7 years) Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association -
Regional Representative (4 years) Ascension Parish Schools and Healthcare Advisory Committee (5 years).
* Lani Litchfield holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University and an Undergraduate Degree in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, also from Louisiana Tech. She has served as an athletic trainer for close to a decade in Louisiana,
including at Glenwood Medical Center, St. Francis Medical Center, Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Specialists, and Willis Knighton Health Care System in Shreveport, LA.
Starting in 2016, Lani served as Dutchtown High School’s Director of Sports Medicine
Head Athletic Trainer Instructor Emergency Medical Responder and Sports Medicine
Coordinator of Middle School Athletic Training. Her current professional memberships include National Athletic Trainers Association and Louisiana Athletic Trainers
Association. Lani currently serves on Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners, Athletic Training Advisory Committee member (7 years) Louisiana Athletic Trainers Association -
Regional Representative (4 years) Ascension Parish Schools and Healthcare Advisory Committee (5 years).
Jean Melvin, MN, BSN
Professor of Fitness Studies
* Jean Melvin holds a Master’s in Nursing (MN) in Nurse Anesthesia from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA (May 2011) and a Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA (May 1998). As Owner
and CEO of the business Independent Contracts for Anesthesia, Jean overseas financial management, including balance sheets, general accounting, and short-term and long-term
budgeting. She is responsible for human resources, oversight and management of employees. As Owner of Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Consultant from 2018 to
present, Jean overseas client contracts, financial management, and applies hands on exercise theory and practice with clients.
* Jean Melvin holds a Master’s in Nursing (MN) in Nurse Anesthesia from Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans, LA (May 2011) and a Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN) from Nicholls State University, Thibodaux, LA (May 1998). As Owner
and CEO of the business Independent Contracts for Anesthesia, Jean overseas financial management, including balance sheets, general accounting, and short-term and long-term
budgeting. She is responsible for human resources, oversight and management of employees. As Owner of Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Consultant from 2018 to
present, Jean overseas client contracts, financial management, and applies hands on exercise theory and practice with clients.
Shayna Yon, MSc, BSc
Adjunct Professor of Healthcare Administration and Kinesiology
* Shayna is a graduate of University of New Orleans- New Orleans, LA December 2020 with a degree in Healthcare Management, Masters of Science. She is a Louisiana State
University Baton Rouge, LA August 2019 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Public Health and Physical Fitness. Her campus leadership includes
Louisiana State University Women’s Track and Field and Fellowship of Christian Athlete, Baton Rouge and Food Bank, Her volunteer experience includes St. Agnes
Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, Volunteer; March 2019; Hams for Fams, Volunteer; November 2017/2018.
* Shayna is a graduate of University of New Orleans- New Orleans, LA December 2020 with a degree in Healthcare Management, Masters of Science. She is a Louisiana State
University Baton Rouge, LA August 2019 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology Public Health and Physical Fitness. Her campus leadership includes
Louisiana State University Women’s Track and Field and Fellowship of Christian Athlete, Baton Rouge and Food Bank, Her volunteer experience includes St. Agnes
Catholic Church Soup Kitchen, Volunteer; March 2019; Hams for Fams, Volunteer; November 2017/2018.
Darian Breaux, MA, BSc
Professor of Business
* Darian Breaux holds Master’s Degree from Northwestern State University in
Adult/Continuing Education, 2007, a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, 1998,
from Southern University at New Orleans, and a current Louisiana Teaching Certificate.
With MMR, Houston TX, Darian served as District Quality Coordinator, Project Manager,
HR/HSE District Manager. As America’s Regional Training and Development Manager for Oceaneering International (OII), Morgan City, Louisiana, Darian managed all aspects
of Regional Training Center established extensive cost cutting and cost saving
management. With OII, Darian further served as a Recruiter/Supervisor qualifying potential candidates for all divisions within the company; complying with federal and state laws concerning H/R regulations, and performing searches for qualified candidates
using computer databases, networking, internet recruiting services, cold calls, media, recruiting firms and employee referrals. With St. Mary Parish School Board in Louisiana
from 1999 – 2007, Darian served as Department Head of Business, teaching Accounting,
Computer Applications and Keyboarding. In 2006, Darian served Plant Performance Services LLC in Metairie, Louisiana as HSE Offshore Manager, P2S SECO, Assigned to
BP Deepwater Development “Thunder Horse” Project. Darian holds certifications in
Louisiana Teaching Certificate # B400003. • OSHA 501 – 2016; ISO audit training 2010;
Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (C.O.S.S. #1079709) – 2006; and Secondary Education and Development - 1998
* Darian Breaux holds Master’s Degree from Northwestern State University in
Adult/Continuing Education, 2007, a Bachelor of Science in Business Education, 1998,
from Southern University at New Orleans, and a current Louisiana Teaching Certificate.
With MMR, Houston TX, Darian served as District Quality Coordinator, Project Manager,
HR/HSE District Manager. As America’s Regional Training and Development Manager for Oceaneering International (OII), Morgan City, Louisiana, Darian managed all aspects
of Regional Training Center established extensive cost cutting and cost saving
management. With OII, Darian further served as a Recruiter/Supervisor qualifying potential candidates for all divisions within the company; complying with federal and state laws concerning H/R regulations, and performing searches for qualified candidates
using computer databases, networking, internet recruiting services, cold calls, media, recruiting firms and employee referrals. With St. Mary Parish School Board in Louisiana
from 1999 – 2007, Darian served as Department Head of Business, teaching Accounting,
Computer Applications and Keyboarding. In 2006, Darian served Plant Performance Services LLC in Metairie, Louisiana as HSE Offshore Manager, P2S SECO, Assigned to
BP Deepwater Development “Thunder Horse” Project. Darian holds certifications in
Louisiana Teaching Certificate # B400003. • OSHA 501 – 2016; ISO audit training 2010;
Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (C.O.S.S. #1079709) – 2006; and Secondary Education and Development - 1998
David Angeron, MSc, BSc
Professor of Healthcare Management, Business Management, Kinesiology, and Sport Psychology
* With two new books released in 2021, David is as a published Author with both books currently trending with Book Authority as “Best Sports Psychology Book of all Time" and "Best New College Baseball Book"! David is a published author and industry professional in the field of Sports Science. He is a leadership professional. David holds a Master
of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health & Physical Education from Nicholls State University. He holds current teaching certificates for Louisiana and Florida. As a Certified Sports Psychology Coach and Stress Management Professional, he provides
leadership counselling to athletes through mental, emotional and physical counseling. As a strategist and researcher, David served for over 10 years as Head Baseball Coach for the Louisiana School system working closely with students, parents, and administrators.
Having served as a Professional Baseball Scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and Global
Scouting Bureau as an International Baseball Scout for over a decade, David, additionally, has international career expertise.
* With two new books released in 2021, David is as a published Author with both books currently trending with Book Authority as “Best Sports Psychology Book of all Time" and "Best New College Baseball Book"! David is a published author and industry professional in the field of Sports Science. He is a leadership professional. David holds a Master
of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from University of New Orleans and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Health & Physical Education from Nicholls State University. He holds current teaching certificates for Louisiana and Florida. As a Certified Sports Psychology Coach and Stress Management Professional, he provides
leadership counselling to athletes through mental, emotional and physical counseling. As a strategist and researcher, David served for over 10 years as Head Baseball Coach for the Louisiana School system working closely with students, parents, and administrators.
Having served as a Professional Baseball Scout for the Milwaukee Brewers and Global
Scouting Bureau as an International Baseball Scout for over a decade, David, additionally, has international career expertise.
Bruce Litchfield, MA, BA
Professor of Sport Science and Health & Wellness
* Bruce brings 23 years of hands on experience in the field of Health and Wellness to JMU.
With a both a Master’s Degree and an Undergraduate Degree in Physical Education from
Azusa Pacific University, Bruce is highly versed in the theory and practical application of the field. Having served as a professional baseball played for 9 seasons, he has an innate understanding of athletic preparation suited to students in athletic programs. Bruce
served as a Physical Education Instructor at Caddo Parish School Board and with
Ascension Parish School Board. He is a current member of Louisiana Football Coaches
Association (LFCA). As an Instructor, he has taught Physical Education, Sports Medicine,
and Health.
* Bruce brings 23 years of hands on experience in the field of Health and Wellness to JMU.
With a both a Master’s Degree and an Undergraduate Degree in Physical Education from
Azusa Pacific University, Bruce is highly versed in the theory and practical application of the field. Having served as a professional baseball played for 9 seasons, he has an innate understanding of athletic preparation suited to students in athletic programs. Bruce
served as a Physical Education Instructor at Caddo Parish School Board and with
Ascension Parish School Board. He is a current member of Louisiana Football Coaches
Association (LFCA). As an Instructor, he has taught Physical Education, Sports Medicine,
and Health.
Brock Lowel, MEd, BSc
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
* Brock holds a Master of Education Degree in Special Education. Mississippi College.
Graduated April, 2020 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. BirminghamSouthern College. Graduated June, 1999. He graduated from Murphy High School in
Mobile, Alabama in 1995. From 2018 to Present, Brock has served as a Special Education Inclusion Teacher at Central Elementary School in George County School
District Mississippi. From 2015-2018, he was Owner/Operator at 3D Athletics in Lucedale, Mississippi. From 1999-2005, Brock played professional baseball for several different leagues and affiliations. In 1998 NAIA, he was 1st Team All-American and at
Birmingham-Southern College Sports, he was Hall of Fame Class of 2003.
* Brock holds a Master of Education Degree in Special Education. Mississippi College.
Graduated April, 2020 and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. BirminghamSouthern College. Graduated June, 1999. He graduated from Murphy High School in
Mobile, Alabama in 1995. From 2018 to Present, Brock has served as a Special Education Inclusion Teacher at Central Elementary School in George County School
District Mississippi. From 2015-2018, he was Owner/Operator at 3D Athletics in Lucedale, Mississippi. From 1999-2005, Brock played professional baseball for several different leagues and affiliations. In 1998 NAIA, he was 1st Team All-American and at
Birmingham-Southern College Sports, he was Hall of Fame Class of 2003.
Laura Melvin Sawtelle, MS, BS
Professor of Religious Studies and Business Accounting
* Laura is completing her Master of Science Degree in Non-Profit Administration at
Louisiana State University, expected Summer 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Nicholls State University. Currently, she serves as Accountant
and Administrative Assistant for Church of Pentecost, Ball, LA. In this role, Laura is Responsible for bookkeeping which includes accounts payable, monthly bank
reconciliations, fund balance reconciliation, general ledger entries, tracking of donor
contributions, and preparation of monthly financial reports, as well as administrative duties. Laura served as an Instructor at South Louisiana Community College with Morgan City, from LA 1998 to 2002. Laura has served as a teacher for Immanuel Christian School, St. Mary Parish School Board, Morgan City, LA and
Christian Life Academy, Baton Rouge, LA for close to 10 years.
* Laura is completing her Master of Science Degree in Non-Profit Administration at
Louisiana State University, expected Summer 2022. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from Nicholls State University. Currently, she serves as Accountant
and Administrative Assistant for Church of Pentecost, Ball, LA. In this role, Laura is Responsible for bookkeeping which includes accounts payable, monthly bank
reconciliations, fund balance reconciliation, general ledger entries, tracking of donor
contributions, and preparation of monthly financial reports, as well as administrative duties. Laura served as an Instructor at South Louisiana Community College with Morgan City, from LA 1998 to 2002. Laura has served as a teacher for Immanuel Christian School, St. Mary Parish School Board, Morgan City, LA and
Christian Life Academy, Baton Rouge, LA for close to 10 years.
Chris Lyle, MA, BA
Adjunct Professor in General Education
* Chris hold a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Mississippi State University . At L.E.A.D. Academy I, Chris serves
as Head Baseball Coach, December 2021 to Present. With Richland High School I in Richland, MS, from August 2016 – July 2021, he served as Government/Economics Teacher, Pitching Coach. His skill set includes problem-solving, management and leadership, organization and communication.