Training & Organizational Development

• Ph.D., Religious Studies, Boston University
• Master of Divinity, Yale University
• B.A., Northwestern University

As assistant vice president for organizational culture and performance and senior director of Training and Organizational Development (T&OD), Bob Parks works with his team and colleagues across HR and campus to continuously improve and strengthen UF’s culture and elevate performance. In his role as Sr. Director, Dr. Parks has focused on building UF’s leadership, organizational, and professional development programs and create a significant competitive advantage for UF. He has worked at UF as a trainer, leadership development specialist, and OD consultant for 20 years. Before joining UF, he taught or trained in both university and corporate environments for more than five years.

Dr. Parks earned his bachelor’s degree at Northwestern University, his master’s degree at Yale University, and his doctorate at Boston University. He is a certified executive coach and executive coach master trainer and certified to facilitate several leadership and professional development programs.

• M.B.A., Business Administration, University of North Carolina – Greensboro
• B.S., Psychology, Appalachian State University

Ross brings more than 25 years of leadership and organizational development experience to this role. Most recently, he served as a manager of human capital at Deloitte, where he spearheaded change management and organizational initiatives for various clients. Prior to that, Ross was the managing director of the Office of Transformation and Change at Virginia Tech, guiding leaders through both growth and challenges. He led a dedicated team that provided comprehensive organizational development leadership to 22 divisions representing more than 12,000 staff and faculty.  Leveraging integrity, transparency, and empathy, Ross builds trusted relationships with leaders and colleagues across campus, ready to assist and be of service to the university.

When not on campus, Ross enjoys time with his wife, three daughters and two dogs. 

• M.S. Ed., Learning Design and Technology, Purdue University
• B.A., Theatrical Design, New Mexico State University

Gwynn Cadwallader, M.S. Ed., is Associate Director of Training & Organizational Development at the University of Florida, where she leads the instructional design team in creating training programs, resources, and professional development events that strengthen leadership, team effectiveness, and employee excellence. She has advanced university-wide initiatives such as Onboarding, Fiscal Responsibility, and Lean process improvement training, and played a key role in elevating the Gator Business Administrator Services (GBAS) program. Gwynn holds a master’s degree in Learning Design and Technology from Purdue University and a bachelor’s in Theatrical Design from New Mexico State University.

Becky joined the Training and Organizational Development team as a Leadership Development Specialist in January, 2019. In this role, she leads several formal leadership development programs, facilitates learning sessions, and provides individual leadership coaching. Prior to this, she was a program coordinator for leadership development as well as a school- based administrator and educator with Pasco County Schools for 17 years.

Becky works collaboratively with stakeholders across the system to elevate leadership through the development of robust and inclusive learning pathways for all. She believes in the value each individual person brings to the organization and she demonstrates this by providing feedback and personalized growth opportunities in an honest and supportive manner. Becky attended Saint Leo University, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She enjoys spending time with her family including her husband, three children and two grandbabies!

• B.S., Graphic Design, University of Florida

Tricia is Senior Leadership and Organizational Development Specialist for the T&OD team. She has experience in strategic planning and assessment, organizational and team development, and leadership strategies. With more than 30 years of experience in both the corporate and non-profit sectors, she recently moved back to Gainesville after being gone for eight years to work as an executive for a national youth development organization.

She has lived in Connecticut, Tennessee, Nevada, Missouri, and Philadelphia. Tricia has successfully launched two children who are confident, joyful, and well-adjusted adults.

• M.B.A., Human Resources, George Washington University
• B.A., Economics and French, Wellesley College

Irma recently returned to HRS to support the Training and Organizational Development team as facilitator and trainer. Her human resources experience includes ten years as a generalist with involvement in recruitment, compensation, benefits and training. Irma moved to Gainesville from Washington, DC where she was employed by the Meridian International Center, Unisys Corporation and the Inter-American Development Bank. She first joined HRS in 1993 as a member of the Employee Relations staff at both the IFAS and PPD Satellite Offices. Irma is an active community volunteer and currently serves on the Board of the Alachua County Youth Orchestra.

• B.A., History, University of Florida

Courtney is a professional skills trainer for the Training and Organizational Development team. In her role, she is responsible for the development and facilitation of business communication and management skills training. Courtney also serves as an organizational development consultant, is certified to administer the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and is a 7 Habits of Highly Effective People instructor.

Prior to joining T&OD, she was a human resource manager with a Fortune 500 company. Courtney is a native Floridian and alumna of the University of Florida.

• B.A.S., Organizational Management – Human Resources Management concentration, Santa Fe College
• SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)

Verlissa is the Education and Awards Coordinator for Training & Organizational Development (T&OD). She brings deep expertise in customer service, leadership, and training to the T&OD team. In her current role, she designs and delivers growth opportunities for UF staff and faculty, including the Employee Education Program (EEP), the Higher Education Opportunity (HEO) scholarship, and the Business Communication courses she teaches. She is the driving force behind UF’s Service Recognition, Government Productivity, and Meritorious Service award programs, celebrating employees’ commitment to the university.

Her passion for human resources and professional development grew during her tenure in corporate leadership, where she honed skills in public speaking, training, and people development. She is a SHRM Certified Professional, currently completing her Master of Education at the University of Florida.

Raised in Gainesville, Verlissa balances work with a love of travel, hiking, and cheering on her favorite football team, the Florida Gators!

Nicole A. Harris designs workplace learning for the department. 

• M.S., Instructional Psychology and Technology, Brigham Young University
• B.S., Psychology, Brigham Young University 

Tina Davis is an instructional designer with more than 13 years of experience in higher education, specializing in online learning, course development, and learning technologies. Throughout her career, she has worked with both community colleges and graduate schools, partnering with faculty and subject matter experts to create engaging, accessible, and student-centered learning experiences. Prior to transitioning into instructional design, Tina spent several years as a middle grades math teacher in Southwest Florida, where she developed a strong foundation in teaching, curriculum development, and supporting diverse learners.

Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending time with her family and their two rescue dogs. She and her family enjoy life in Ocala, Florida, where she spends her free time golfing, reading, and crafting.

• Ph.D., Educational Technology, University of Florida
• M.Ed., Higher Education Administration, University of South Carolina
• B.A., Education, Université Quisqueya

Marc Francois, Ph.D., is an Instructional Designer with Training & Organizational Development (T&OD) at the University of Florida, where he supports the Empowering UF initiative—the university’s multi-year Workday implementation. In this role, he designs accessible, learner-centered training experiences that help faculty and staff confidently adopt new systems, processes, and tools.

Marc brings over five years of experience in instructional design, adult learning, and educational technology, with a strong focus on collaboration, accessibility, and continuous improvement. His work includes conducting needs analyses, partnering with subject matter experts, and developing engaging, ADA-compliant learning materials that support complex business processes and system adoption.

Prior to joining T&OD, Marc taught and designed courses within the University of Florida College of Education, while also contributing to applied research focused on inclusive learning design and emerging learning technologies. He is passionate about creating clear, practical learning experiences for adult learners. Outside of work, Marc enjoys quality time with his wife and two sons, coaches youth soccer, and has been active in nonprofit and community organizations for over a decade.

• M.F.A., Creative Writing: Fiction, University of Florida
• B.A., English (Minor: Creative Writing), University of Alabama

From his previous roles at startup software companies, Mitchell brings a rich background in project management, instructional design, and writing. He holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Florida.

Outside of work he enjoys going on long runs around Gainesville and spending time with family. 

B.S.,  Digital Cinematography 
M.S., Instructional Design and Technology 

Teaching Faculty – Visual Storytelling – CJC 
Adjunct Faculty – Center of Arts, Migration and Entrepreneurship – CAME 

Fabio Garcia is a multimedia storyteller, filmmaker, and instructional designer specializing in creating engaging learning experiences. Originally from a multicultural background shaped by deep connections to place and community, he is now based in Gainesville, Florida, where he works as an Instructional Designer with Training & Organizational Development (T&OD) at the University of Florida, where he supports the Empowering UF initiative—the university’s multi-year Workday implementation. 

Fabio’s work focuses on designing online learning experiences, developing educational media, and producing visual storytelling projects that connect people to culture, identity, and the living territory around them. 

Outside of his professional work, he is passionate about exploring the territory he is in and enjoying natural experiences like hiking or paddle boarding on the rivers and springs with his wife and son. 

• M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction, University of Florida 
• B.A., English, University of Florida 

Fidela is an Instructional Designer on the Training and Organizational Development Team. She brings a wealth of teaching experience to her role, having started her career as a teacher with assignments spanning Florida, Saudi Arabia, and China. Over her 5 years at UF, she has made her mark in various departments, including the College of Medicine, Environmental Health & Safety, and the ADA and Title IX office, specializing in developing engaging online courses. Her passion lies in crafting courses that not only impart knowledge but also inspire meaningful change in learners. Recognizing the power of technology to democratize education, she embraces instructional design to enrich students’ lives across diverse backgrounds and accessibility needs.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Fidela finds joy in cherishing moments with loved ones, exploring new destinations through travel, and delving into captivating books. With a genuine curiosity for different cultures and a desire to learn from the experiences of people worldwide, she embodies a spirit of openness and exploration that enriches both her personal and professional life.

Kandice is a Gainesville native and a double graduate of the University of Florida, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. She now brings her passion and expertise to the Training and Organizational Development team as an Instructional Designer. With a strong background in higher education and human resources, Kandice has built a successful career focused on enhancing learning experiences and driving performance improvement.

She thrives on creating engaging, effective training programs and loves empowering learners to navigate course content and systems with confidence. Kandice is dedicated to supporting the growth and success of UF faculty and staff, and her work consistently exceeds goals and expectations. She’s known for infusing personality, creativity, and a fun flare into the Business Communication courses she facilitates.

Outside of work, Kandice enjoys exploring new foods, traveling, Pilates, and spending quality time with her husband.

• M.S., Visualization, Texas A&M University
• B.A., Studio Art, University of Texas at Austin

Bria Peters relocated from Texas to Florida and brings over three years of specialized experience in higher education. She most recently served as an Instructional Designer at Texas A&M University’s Bush School of Government and Public Service, where she spearheaded initiatives in digital accessibility and ADA compliance to help ensure inclusive learning environments for all students.

Bria holds a Master of Science in Visualization from Texas A&M University and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from The University of Texas at Austin. Drawing from her specialization in 3D visualization and game environment design, she focuses on merging multimedia development with strict WCAG standards to craft accessible, dynamic educational content. 

Outside of work, Bria is an avid artist who enjoys drawing portraits and staying active on the tennis court. She treasures spending quality time with her family and friends and is excited to begin this new chapter as part of the Gator community! 

• B.S., Management, National American University