Millennium Magazine_5th Ed

148 Millennium - A Marquis Who’s Who Magazine D r. Tam Dang Wei holds an MEd and PhD in educational psychology from the University of Illinois, as well as a licentiate in education and psychology from the University of Geneva. Her journey to becoming a mental health educator was challenging. After experiencing a familial tragedy, she felt she had nowhere to turn. She then came across a private religious school, where a nun guided her in teaching. From there, her interest in teaching and counseling blossomed. Since finding her path, Dr. Wei has worked as a mental health specialist at the East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center in Urbana, Illinois, from 1985 until her retirement. Beginning her career in 1948, she has also served as director of a bilingual center, school psychologist, elementary school teacher, assistant professor and instructor of educational psychology. Dr. Wei said working with refugees in 1975 was the most rewarding part of her career. She attributes her success in the field to Professor Jean Piaget, a renowned Swiss psychologist who pioneered the theory of cognitive development. She learned much from him, but mainly the humanistic aspect of the development of knowledge. MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center Urbana, IL TAM DANG WEI, PHD T homas Vaughn received a BA in history and geography from Mount Carmel College in Canada in 1968, an MA in physical geography from Boston University in 1972 and an MEd in secondary educational administration from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1977. He additionally received a C.A.G.S. in computers and education from Lesley University in 1985. Mr. Vaughn currently teaches earth science at Northeastern University, Middlesex Community College, Cambridge College and Thomas Edison State University. Possessing 51 years of professional experience, he is a past president of the New England section of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (twice) and the Massachusetts Association of Science Supervisors. Mr. Vaughnwas amember of a study group for science education reform of the Massachusetts Department of Education and is on the board of directors for the Independent University Alumni Association at Lowell. His greatest career highlight was being invited to Washington, D.C., to be presented the Presidential Award for excellence in teaching the sciences by President Clinton. He was also a co-author of the book, “Integrating Computers in Your Classroom: Middle and Secondary Science” in 1994. EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATOR, ADMINISTRATOR Northeastern University Billerica, MA THOMAS VAUGHN EDUCATION