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Faculty

PROFESSORS

Meet Our Faculty

Our distinguished faculty blend rich academic credentials with professional expertise. They are passionate teachers and active scholars at the forefront of their fields. Their commitment to excellence provides students an outstanding education that positions them for career success.

Arts and Sciences

Melanie Weaver, M.Ed.
Melanie Weaver, M.Ed. Department Chair
MSWeaver@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1448
Todd Guevin, Ph.D.
Todd Guevin, Ph.D. Vice President of Academic Affairs
TGGuevin@valleyforge.edu
610.917.3948
Jenette Ellis, M.Ed.
Jenette Ellis, M.Ed. Professor
J_Ellis@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1518
Joseph Karpinski
Joseph Karpinski Professor
JMKarpinski@valleyforge.edu

Behavioral Sciences

Melissa Falk, D.Min.
Melissa Falk, D.Min. Department Chair
MAfalk@valleyforge.edu
610.917.3952
Lloyd Gestoso, D.S.W.
Lloyd Gestoso, D.S.W. Professor and Associate Vice President Academic Affairs
L_Gestoso@valleyforge.edu
610.917.3955
Kathy Caruso, Psy.D.
Kathy Caruso, Psy.D. Professor
KACaruso@valleyforge.edu
610.917.3913
Allison Faust, M.S.W.
Allison Faust, M.S.W. Professor
A_Faust@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1412
Shaina Ciaccio, M.S. Criminology
Shaina Ciaccio, M.S. Criminology Professor
S_Ciaccio@valleyforge.edu
Chinell Collins, Ph.D.
Chinell Collins, Ph.D. Professor
C_Collins@valleyforge.edu

Business Administration

Troy Gearhart, Ph.D.
Troy Gearhart, Ph.D. Department Chair
TEGearhart@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1477
Evan Curry, M.B.A.
Evan Curry, M.B.A. Dean, Business and Program Innovation
EDCurry@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1443

Digital Media

Leone Bilotta, M.M., CTS
Leone Bilotta, M.M., CTS Department Chair
L_Bilotta@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1448
Dominick Garcia, M.F.A.
Dominick Garcia, M.F.A. Professor
DAGarcia@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1406
Kimberly Clark, M.A.
Kimberly Clark, M.A. Professor
KAClark@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1459

Education

Marianne Modica, Ph.D.
Marianne Modica, Ph.D. Department Chair
M_Modica@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1495
Ginger Behnke, Ed.D.
Ginger Behnke, Ed.D. Dean and Professor
GLBehnke@valleyforge.edu
610.917.3965
Sharon Ellis, M.Ed.
Sharon Ellis, M.Ed. Professor
SSEllis@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1453

Intercultural Studies

Alan Totire, Ph.D.
Alan Totire, Ph.D. Department Chair
AGTotire@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1499
David Kim, D.Min.
David Kim, D.Min. President and Professor
PresidentAdmin@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1402

Ministry Leadership & Theology

David Dippold, D.Min.
David Dippold, D.Min. Department Chair
DMDippold@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1446
Thomas Keinath, D.Min.
Thomas Keinath, D.Min. Professor
TWKeinath@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1456
Bruce Marino, Ph.D.
Bruce Marino, Ph.D. Professor
BRMarino@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1449

Music

William DeSanto, D.M.A.
William DeSanto, D.M.A. Department Chair
WFDeSanto@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1438
Leone Bilotta, M.M., CTS
Leone Bilotta, M.M., CTS Professor
L_Bilotta@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1483
Kent Smith, M.M., D.M.A.
Kent Smith, M.M., D.M.A. Professor
KMSmith@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1442
Jason Harris, M.A.T.
Jason Harris, M.A.T. Professor
JBHarris@valleyforge.edu
610.917.1434
Seal of the University of Valley Forge: shield with cross, text UNIVERSITY OF VALLEY FORGE at top, 1939 at bottom.
1401 Charlestown Road Phoenixville PA 19460
800.432.8322 | 610.935.0450
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Admissions FAQs

Yes, most colleges and universities accept homeschool transcripts. You’ll need to create a transcript that lists all courses taken, grades earned, and a brief description of each subject. Many colleges may ask for additional documentation to verify the curriculum or learning outcomes. 

A homeschool transcript should include the following:   

  • Student’s name and contact information   
  • A list of courses by grade level (9th-12th)   
  • The grades and credits earned for each course   
  • GPA  

You can use online tools or templates to help structure your transcript.

Transcript Template (Right-click and “Save Link As” to download)

No, colleges understand that homeschool students may follow a non-traditional curriculum. You are not required to use a specific homeschooling program, but the courses should be rigorous and meet the academic standards of the college. 

UVF is test-optional, . It’s best to check each college’s specific testing policy. If you submit them, we will use those test scores for placement into math and English courses.  If you don’t submit test scores, we have placement tests that we designed that you will take instead. 

Homeschool students are encouraged to get involved in extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, volunteering, internships, etc.). For letters of recommendation, you can ask mentors, tutors, employers, or community leaders who are familiar with your work and character. We understand that your experiences may look different from those of traditional students. 

Homeschool students typically don’t have a GPA or class rank based on a standardized grading system. You may be asked to provide your grading scale (e.g., A = 90-100, B = 80-89, etc.) and explain how you evaluate coursework. . 

If your grading was pass/fail, a work sample does help us evaluate the rigor of your coursework. 

Yes, homeschooled students are eligible for the same federal and state financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) as other students. You are also eligible for institutional scholarships. 

You may be asked to provide documentation showing that your homeschooling complies with the laws of your state (e.g., notice of intent to homeschool, records of testing or assessments). We are familiar with most states’ homeschool laws. 

Yes, you can still apply as a homeschooled student if you were homeschooled for any portion of high school. You’ll need to explain the structure of your education and provide transcripts for both your public/private school and homeschool years, if applicable. 

A GED is not required if you have completed your high school education through homeschooling, provided you can submit a detailed transcript and meet the other application requirements. However, if you took the GED, you may submit those scores as part of your application if they are beneficial. 

We value the self-motivation and discipline that often come with homeschooling.  Our homeschooled students typically excel in academic curiosity, resilience, and ability to work independently. 

We always encourage students to come for an on-campus visit.  It can be a great opportunity to showcase your personality and explain your homeschooling background in person. It’s also a chance to ask questions about the college and demonstrate your interest in the school. 

Homeschooling allows you to tailor your education to your interests and strengths. We appreciate the diversity of perspectives that homeschool students bring, so don’t be afraid to highlight how your education has been non-traditional but still rigorous and meaningful. 

If you’ve taken college-level courses during high school (dual enrollment), make sure to include those credits on your application. You’ll need to request official transcripts from the college(s) where you took courses and submit them to your prospective schools. 

Some scholarships are specifically for homeschool graduates. These may be offered by homeschool associations, local foundations, or certain colleges. It’s a good idea to research scholarships in your area or inquire about opportunities at the colleges you’re applying to.