Meet our military education team

VP, Military Outreach
USN (veteran)
571-358-3100
[email protected]

John Aldrich oversees all military and veteran activities and is the main liaison between the university and Department of Defense agencies. He has been with the university since 2006 and has previously held the positions of: associate vice president of military and community college outreach; director for military outreach; west region senior manager for military outreach; and education coordinator for California and Hawaii.

Prior to joining AMU, John served as an education services specialist for Marine Corps Base Twenty-Nine Palms California; director of career services and job placement at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, Beaufort, South Carolina; and education specialist for Navy College Programs, Sicily, Italy. In addition, he served as academic advisor for undecided students and student athletes at the University of Rhode Island and as a naval hospital corpsman (USN), Fleet Marine Forces.

John served as the 2008 chair for the Joint Spouses Conference Hawaii, and received the 2004 College Administrator of the Year award from the State of South Carolina. He is currently the Vice President of the National Association of Institutions for Military Education Services.

John earned a B.S. in Human Sciences and Services and an M.S. in College Student Personnel from the University of Rhode Island. He is also a 2014 graduate of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association Leadership Forum.

AVP, Military Outreach, Eastern Region
CMSgt, USAF (retired)
478-390-7202
[email protected]

Dan joined the university he 2005. He retired from the Air Force, serving for 27 years and attaining the rank of Chief Master Sergeant (E-9). During his years on active duty he attended 11 different universities, completing two AAS degrees through the Community College of the Air Force, a B.A. in Human Resource Management and his M.A. in Management at AMU.

In addition to getting great enjoyment out of helping military members achieve their educational goals, Dan loves spending time with his family and watching his grandkids grow up. When not doing that, he spends time riding his bicycle and working on his golf game.

Director, Military Outreach, Eastern Region
MSgt, USAF (retired)
229-539-6042
[email protected]

Dan joined American Public University System in 2010. He served 24 years in the Air Force as an Inventory Management Specialist, a Military Training Manager, and his final 15 years assigned to five different positions within Air Force Recruiting.

Dan earned his B.S. degree in Organizational Leadership from Mountain State University and his M.S. degree in Sports Management from American Military University. Fully aware of the importance in completing educational goals, he is ready to assist anyone that is up to the rewarding challenge to pursue online education.

Dan is married to his wife Debbie and they are both extremely proud of their son, Jared. Dan's hobbies include playing golf, traveling, and watching his son play for the Olivet Nazarene University football team.

Military Education Senior Manager
1st Sgt, USA (retired)
210-540-0037
[email protected]

Chuck joined American Public University System in 2011. He served over 20 years in the Army as a tank commander, PATRIOT missile & phased array RADAR technician, First Sergeant and operations NCO. Additionally, Chuck spent time as a military science instructor at Fort Bliss, Texas and Fresno State University.

Prior to joining APUS, Chuck earned a Bachelor of Applied Science from Wayland Baptist University, served as Area Operations Manager for Loomis, and worked as an Academic Advisor at Wayland Baptist University.

Both Chuck and his wife Maria enjoy spending time seeking new destinations around the world, and both are avid travelers.

Military Education Senior Manager
808-384-7172
[email protected]

Nicole joined the American Public University System in 2018 bringing with her over seven years of experience in higher education. Throughout her higher education background, Nicole has had extensive experience assisting and supporting service members, their families, and civilians in pursuit of their educational goals.

Nicole earned her B.S. in Psychology from George Mason University. She currently is seeking a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Although Nicole has lived in various locations, she has lived in Hawaii for 15 years and currently resides in Honolulu on Oahu.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys reading, spending sunny days lounging in a beachside hammock or indulging in BBQ in the company of friends and family. Outside of her passion for education, she also has a passion for travel and a love of dogs, especially her Boston Terrier, Diesel.

Military Education Senior Manager

Nicole joined American Public University System in 2017. Previously, she worked as a Manager of Community Relations at Naval Base Coronado and Naval Base San Diego assisting and supporting service members and civilians in reaching their educational goals.

Nicole earned her B.A. in Social Science, with emphasis in Psychology, Sociology and Criminal Justice from Chapman University, and is currently working toward her Masters in Psychology from AMU.

Nicole is originally from Chico, CA, but currently resides in San Diego. Nicole enjoys going to the beach, paddle boarding, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and watching pro football.

Military Education Senior Manager
706-366-9043
[email protected]

Lisa joined American Public University System in 2015. She is proud to hold more than 9 years of experience in higher education, working primarily with military affiliated and veteran students. Prior to joining APUS, Lisa was an Administrative Support Manager for the Fort Benning Education Center and the Site Director for Central Texas College at Fort Benning, GA.

Lisa earned her B.S. in Health Administration from University of Phoenix, a Graduate Certificate in Neuroleadership, and a M.A. in Management with American Military University.

Lisa and her husband are both originally from Wisconsin although they currently call Tennessee home. In her free time, Lisa enjoys spending time with her family, and likes reading, gardening, kayaking, and camping.

Military Education Senior Manager
MSG, USA (retired)
540-336-2872
[email protected]

Eddie joined American Public University System in 2017 having previously served 20 years in the Army and his final 12 years within Army Retention.

Before coming to APUS, Eddie worked for five years at the Fort Gordon Education Center as the Troy University representative. He is thrilled to continue his passion of supporting students in the pursuit of their academic and professional dreams.

Eddie graduated from Baker College with a bachelor’s degree in Business. He earned an M.A. in Information Technology Management from Webster University.

Eddie currently resides in Evans and when he isn’t representing APUS he can usually be found jogging, weightlifting, or riding his motorcycle. He enjoys spending time with his fiancé, his two lovely children and walking his fun-loving beagle, Max.

Military Education Senior Manager
907-390-0598
[email protected]

Zayda joined the American Public University System (APUS) in 2020. She is a veteran with thirteen years of Active Duty service in the United States Air Force as a Public Health technician. She then went on to work for four years with the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services.

She holds a B.S. in Public Health, a Master of Public Health degree from American Military University, and a Doctor of Public Health degree from Capella University.

Originally from Long Island, New York, Zayda currently resides in Palmer, Alaska and enjoys spending any free time with her husband and three daughters.

Military Education Senior Manager
MSgt, USAF (retired)
850-428-0787
[email protected]

Keith joined American Public University System in 2016 having previously served 22 years in the Air Force as an Intelligence Specialist, Training Manager, and Professional Military Education Instructor and Commandant. He also was assigned for five years as the Superintendent, Campus Relations for the Community College of the Air Force.

Keith earned his B.A. degree in History from Auburn University in Montgomery and his MAEd in Curriculum and Instruction from University of Phoenix. He places great value on the importance of educational achievement and is eager to assist anyone desiring to pursue and achieve higher education degrees.

Keith is married to his wife Silvia and they are both extremely proud of their three sons. Keith enjoys playing golf, college sports, and deep sea fishing.

Military Education Senior Manager
254-423-7282
[email protected]

Michelle joined American Public University System in 2017. She completed her A.A. in Management, B.A. in Management with a concentration in Human Resource Management and her Masters of Public Administration (MPA) all from American Military University. Michelle is not only a proud AMU alumni, she is also a university ambassador.

Michelle has more than 8 years of experience with the military as her spouse is currently active duty in the Army and stationed at Fort Hood, TX. Before Fort Hood, Michelle and her husband were stationed at Schofield Barracks, HI. They have one little girl and a miniature Pinscher, and love camping, many water sports, the beach, and traveling.

Director, Military Outreach, Western Region
SMSgt, USAF (retired)
719-360-6979
[email protected]

Earl joined the American Public University System in 2014. He retired from the Air Force in 2013, after serving 26 years and attaining the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (E-8).

After entering active duty from his hometown of Knoxville, TN, Earl attended four different universities, completing two AAS degrees in Electronic Systems Technology and Human Resource Management from the Community College of the Air Force and ultimately graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration from Trident University.

Earl resides in Colorado Springs with his wife and 7 children. During his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, and playing golf.

Military Education Senior Manager
USMC (veteran)
304-590-1961
[email protected]

Rob joined American Public University System in 2009 where he started in the student services department before moving to his current position. Rob served four years in the United States Marine Corps as a Bulk Fuel Specialist and currently resides in Spotsylvania, VA.

Rob holds a B.S. in Legal Studies and an MBA from American Military University (AMU.) Rob's interests include watching the Baltimore Orioles and spending time with his family and friends. He is dedicated to providing exceptional service in order to help our nation’s service members reach their academic goals.

Military Education Senior Manager
757-375-6844
[email protected]

Rebecca joined American Public University System in 2009. Previously, Rebecca served as an education advisor for the United States Navy and education coordinator for Troy University. She also serves as an adjunct faculty member at AMU.

Rebecca originally hails from southeast Ohio and is a graduate of West Liberty State College where she received her B.A. in Business Administration. She received her M.S. in Management from Troy University.

She currently resides in Virginia Beach, VA. During her free time, Rebecca enjoys being with her husband and children.

Military Education Senior Manager
MSgt, USAF (retired)
304-919-9561
[email protected]

Brian joined American Public University System (APUS) in 2005. Prior to that, he served 25 years and attained the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7) in the U.S. Air Force. His many responsibilities included work as a Recruiting Service Flight Chief providing leadership, training, guidance, direction, and motivation to an Air Force recruiting team.

Brian earned a B.S. in Human Resources Management from Mount Olive College, Mount Olive, NC. He is an active member of the clergy in community activities and enjoys reading, fishing, working out, and gardening. His leisure past time is watching professional and college football. No. 1 Florida State fan!

Military Education Senior Manager
785-340-2039
[email protected]

Esra joined the American Public University System in 2020, bringing with her over eight years of experience in higher education mainly assisting and supporting active duty service members, veterans and their families. Prior to joining APUS, Esra was an Assistant Director with Central Michigan University at Fort Riley, a Site Director with the University at Oklahoma at Fort Benning, and an Administrative Support Coordinator with the Army Education Center also at Fort Benning, GA.

Esra earned a Master of Human Relations and a Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Diversity and Development from the University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor of Arts in English/ American Studies with a Minor in German Studies from the Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen, Germany.

As a military spouse of eight years, she is passionate about helping others in the community further their education. Esra and her husband, who is active duty in the Army, enjoy spending time with their son, traveling, working out and hiking.

Military Education Senior Manager
SGM, USA (retired)
304-590-1037
[email protected]

Ed joined American Public University System in 2010 and serves as a Senior Manager, Military Outreach & the Western States Liaison to National Guard members and Reservists. He retired from the Army having served over 24 years and attaining the rank of Sergeant Major. He is a graduate of the U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy and earned his M.A. in Management from American Military University.He served in various locations throughout his time in service, including deploying in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He enjoys helping all of our service members and transfer students achieve their educational goals. Ed and his family have been all over the world and now happily live in Geronimo, OK, where he had served as the city Mayor. He continues to serve his local communities and the Army through many volunteer organizations, including his appointment to the Army Chief of Staff Retired Soldier Council. Ed’s main focus off-work is always his family; his hobbies include hunting, fishing, and restoring classic cars.

Military Education Senior Manager
706-562-3928
[email protected]

Alyssa joined the American Public University System in 2018 bringing with her over six years of experience in military education. Since 2012, she has worked at the Fort Benning Education Center as an Administrative Support Manager. From there, she accepted a position with Central Texas College as a Site Registrar where she stayed over 3 years, further moving on to become the Site Director for the University of Oklahoma at Fort Benning.

Alyssa earned her AA in Liberal Studies, BS in Business Management, completed two Graduate Certificate programs dealing with Human Resources and Counseling and finally, earned her Masters of Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma in 2018.

Alyssa has been married to her husband of 14 years, and a mother to 4 amazing kids. In her free time, she enjoys the beach, trying new foods, traveling, attending festivals, and reading.

AVP, Military Outreach, Western Region
USA (veteran)
254-392-9799
[email protected]

Tonda joined American Public University System in 2010. She is a former U.S. Army Staff Sergeant with eight years of service on Active Duty. Originally from Michigan, she has served in numerous countries, including Germany, Kosovo, Kuwait, and Iraq. Following her eight years of service, she was a military spouse who supported her husband through his last 12 years of service and retirement.

Tonda started at the university on the Military Assistance Team, processing military TA and Veterans Benefits. She became the team’s manager in 2013, focusing on process improvement and regulatory compliance relating to the DoD and Veterans Affairs; ever the advocate for military-affiliated students. In 2014, she joined the Military Outreach Team as the Director of Team West, working primarily out of Fort Hood, TX.

Currently, Tonda is the Associate Vice President of the Western Region with Military Outreach. Her duties include the oversight of military and veteran Senior Education Managers within the 23 states of the Western Region. She and her team work with Active, National Guard, Reserve, and transitioning service members, military spouses, veterans, and dependents, ensuring complete understanding of education benefits and the successful completion of educational goals.

Tonda completed an MBA with AMU and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Analytics with AMU.

Military Education Senior Manager
MCPO, US Navy (retired)
915-330-8784
[email protected]

Laura joined American Public University System (APUS) in 2016. She proudly served 30 years in the U. S. Navy where she attained the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9). While on active duty, she was a Career (Vocational and Education) Counselor, serving thousands of enlisted sailors.

While in the Navy, Laura attended community colleges and two universities, ultimately attaining her B.S. in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, and her MA in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University.

After her Navy service, Laura continued her work with veterans and military families at Fleet and Family Support Center, and as the Student Veterans Coordinator at the University of San Diego.

Laura is a staunch advocate for our service men and women, veterans, and their family members, and she knows first-hand the challenges of being in uniform and attaining a degree.

In her spare time, Laura enjoys cooking, gardening and reading.

Military Education Senior Manager
Major, USA (retired)
703-489-2526
[email protected]

Paul is a retired Army officer with 21 years of service. Prior to joining APUS in 2016, Paul worked as an executive team leader for Target Corporation. He enlisted in the Army as a Private in 1993 and attended the Officer Candidate School in 2003, earning his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in Air Defense Artillery. While in the Army, Paul served as a Platoon Leader, Battery Commander, and numerous staff positions. Paul completed his military career as a Foreign Area Officer and as the Country Desk Officer for Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan while assigned to the U.S. Army Central Command.

Paul’s education includes an A.A in Turkish from the Defense Language Institute, a B.A. in the Humanities from Thomas Edison State University, an M.S. in Emergency and Disaster Management from Trident University International, a Master of Public Administration from National University, and an M.A. in International Relations from St. Mary’s University.

Paul is married and has four children. He and his family live near Seattle and they enjoy many outdoor activities. Paul is an avid reader and enjoys spending time with his family and travelling.

Military Education Senior Manager
619-457-2558
[email protected]

As a San Diego native Loren joined American Public University System in 2020. Previously, she worked as a Senior Military Academic Advisor at Ashford University assisting active duty, Veterans, and spouses on their higher education and career goals. She has been a volunteer with USO San Diego since 2010 and has recently joined Hire Heroes USA as a volunteer. Loren has a passion for education and doing what she can to help others and give back to the community.

Loren earned her B.A. from Arizona State University in Business with a Concentration in Communications. While working for Ashford University she earned her M.A. in Education with a Concentration in Higher Education.

Outside of work, Loren enjoys spending time with loved ones, baking/cooking, is an ASU Sun Devil football fan, and enjoys going to the beach and lake. She also has a passion for traveling and experiencing different countries and cultures throughout the world.

Military Education Senior Manager
757-335-2779
[email protected]

Heidi joined American Public University System (APUS) in June 2015. She has 13 years of experience working in military/distance education. Her involvement with the military started as the daughter of an Army Sergeant Major and in the role of a Navy wife for 25 years.

Heidi earned her B.S. in Human Services Counseling with a minor in Gerontology from Old Dominion University. In the intervening period of completing her degree, Heidi worked for Fleet and Family Services, providing support to military service members and their families.

Heidi lives in Jacksonville, N.C. In her free time she enjoys traveling, music, spending time outdoors, and meeting new people. She has two grown children, a dog Rusty and cat, Rae Rae.

Military Education Senior Manager
304-620-2762
[email protected]

Jill joined American Public University System in 2016. Previously, Jill worked as an Army Education Counselor at Fort Irwin and Camp Victory, assisting service members, veterans, and civilians with all aspects of higher education.

Jill earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies and a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Western Governors University. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school in the U.S. and overseas.

She is originally from Southern California, but currently resides in Las Vegas, NV. In her free time, she likes to travel, read, paint, and improve her photography skills.

Senior Manager, Military Outreach & the Eastern States Liaison to National Guard members and Reservists
MSgt (Ret), USAF
803-528-3077
[email protected]

Mik has been with American Military University since 2014 and currently serves as a Senior Manager, Military Outreach & the Eastern States Liaison to National Guard members and Reservists. Mik retired from the United States Air Force in 2004 after 20 years of service. While in the Air Force, he supplemented his quest for self-improvement by earning a variety of college degrees including three separate CCAF degrees in Electronics Technology, Personnel Administration and Instructor Systems Technology. His educational pursuits culminated with earning a dual M.A. degree in Management and Human Resource Development from Webster University in 1998.

He married his wife Laura in 1986. They live in Savannah and enjoy traveling, watching football and spending time with their five grandchildren whenever possible.

Military Education Senior Manager (Northeast Region)
585-815-5014
[email protected]

Rick joined the American Public University System in 2021. He retired from the Air Force in 2018, after serving 23 years and attainting the rank of Master Sergeant (E-7).

After entering the Air Force from his hometown of Batavia, NY, Rick completed 4 degrees 2 of which were from the Community College of the Air Force, one in Education and Training Management and the other in Human Resource Management. He then went on and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management and his Master of Science in Leadership, from Trident University.

Rick now resides in Batavia, NY with his wife, 2 daughters, 2 cats, 2 rabbits and our dog. During our family’s free time we like to golf, bowl, fish and go camping.