Instructors and Staff

Debra Holley, Ed.D., currently serves as the ATDM Director. ATDM, or Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing, is a 16-week program with a hands-on curriculum that rapidly develops skilled workers with industry-recognized credentials for employment in the defense industry. With 29 prior years of experience in community college education, Holley has worked in various roles, including her position as a psychology instructor and her last role as Vice President of Academic and Student Support at Danville Community College (DCC). In the latter, she served as Chief Academic Officer, led student support services, and worked with stakeholders to align the curriculum with community needs. Holley has also held leadership positions at Wilson Community College and instructed at Wake Technical Community College. She has a Master of Clinical Psychology and an Education Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership.

James Hubbard joined ATDM in January 2021 as the Curriculum Developer for the Additive Manufacturing Program before moving into an instructional role for its kickoff. James brings a background in advanced manufacturing and mechanical engineering to one of the most rapidly expanding fields in the manufacturing sector. Prior to studying at Virginia Tech, he obtained his A.A.S. in Integrated Machining Technology and worked as both a machinist and CNC programmer at a custom, small-batch supplier. Additionally, James has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech where he has extensive research and project experience in mechanical behavior of materials; design for manufacture, stress, and failure analysis; and advanced geometric mathematics skills. Using the combination of manufacturing and mechanical skill sets, James has worked on multiple engineering projects at Volvo Group, Mack World Headquarters, and the Center for Vehicle Systems and Safety.

Karen Hardy is the ATDM Program Manager at The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. Her responsibilities include information management, data collection, and ensuring that project activities are implemented in a timely manner. Karen has a broad range of experience ranging from the medical field to the manufacturing sector, serving in administration and management. She graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts.

Joyce Culley is the ATDM Recruitment and Placement Coordinator. Before joining ATDM, Joyce was Director of Career, Technical, and Adult Education at Danville Public School. Previously, she served as the Associate Director of Admissions for Averett University. With over 30 years of experience in higher education and public k-12 education, Joyce has a passion for student learning and success. She has a Master’s of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Averett University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and reading.

Daniel Hyler serves as the Additive Manufacturing Technician. He completed both the ATDM CNC Machining course and the ATDM Additive Manufacturing course. After working in industry, he returned to ATDM to help others obtain their goals while also helping built the American workforce.

Brian was born in Hampton, Virginia, and raised in Halifax County, Virginia, in a small town called Alton. After graduating from high school, he decided to attend the local community college in Roxboro, North Carolina, where he earned a welding certification in 1988. In 1990, he accepted a welding position at Newport News Shipbuilding in Newport News, Virginia. Brian accepted a position as an apprentice through their Apprentice School as a welder and graduated in 2006 as a welding journeyman. He welded on aircraft carriers and submarines in new construction as well as repair and overhaul welding. After 20 years there, he was given the role of welding supervisor at Newport News Industrial, a subsidiary of Newport News Shipbuilding, where he worked for seven years as a welding foreman. After being in the Hampton Roads area for 30 years, he longed to return to his hometown and take what he learned and teach it to the next generation of welders. Brian has always loved working with his hands and developing his craft as a welder. He feels the best way to give back to all those who helped him in his education and career path was to show the defense manufacturing community that their efforts were not in vain and that the ATDM welding program will produce the best entry-level welders possible. He spends his free time with friends and family and enjoying the outdoors – admiring the smells and sounds of nature, fishing, and hunting.

Justin Scarce serves as the Industry Engagement and Outreach Coordinator for ATDM, or Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing. In this role, Scarce will support the ATDM initiative by collaborating with industry partners to ensure the needs of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) are being met. Prior to joining IALR, Scarce gained industry experience at Abbott Laboratories, a leading global manufacturer of liquid nutrition products. There, he served in various roles ranging from project coordination to production supervision. Scarce also has DIB experience from BWX Technologies, a manufacturer of Naval nuclear components. Scarce earned his Bachelor of Science from Liberty University in 2008.

Kevin Gatewood is the ATDM Manager of Student Support Services. Gatewood manages student services, including transportation, housing, and wrap-around services for students of the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Gatewood has a passion for student success. Before joining ATDM, he served as the Student Activities Coordinator at Danville Community College for four years. Gatewood has a Bachelor of Marketing Management from Virginia Tech and will obtain a Master of Business Administration from Longwood University in May 2023. In his free time, he likes to spend time with his family and travel.

Stephen Gonzalez serves as the Veteran Recruitment Specialist for ATDM or Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing. In this role, he supports the ATDM initiative by prospectively recruiting the most qualified applicants within the Military affiliated communities. Prior to joining IALR, Stephen served eleven years (2011-2022) in the United States Marine Corps. While there he served in various Leadership roles ranging from Transmissions Chief to Senior Talent Acquisition Manager. Stephen Is a family man who on his free time enjoys road trips and outdoor adventures with his loved ones.

Malik Shafaq serves as the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) Afghan interpreter. In this role, Shafaq works with Afghan allies in the ATDM program. He provides students with interpretation, assisting them with job placement, translating course materials and terminologies, and providing other related support.
Shafaq has worked in various positions with different international organizations such as Relief International and American Corners (known as Lincoln Learning Centers). His last role was as a TV Reporter for Voice of America. Shafaq has participated in four overseas training sessions in different countries. He has a bachelor’s degree in literature and plans to pursue his master’s degree in international relations.

Sherri Dickens is the Senior Support Specialist for Student Support in the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. She joined IALR in 2020 with the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) program as the Multimedia Technician, hosted and supported by IALR. Previously, she served as an AmeriCorps member with IALR’s IT department. Dickens has over 20 years of experience in business, finance, and the medical field, including her time as the former owner of Infinity Eyecare of Danville. She received her IT Systems Management certificate and two Associate Degrees from Danville Community College, Associate in Business Management, Business Specialization, and Associate in Business Management, Project Management. She is currently enrolled at Bellevue University to receive her Bachelor of Business Administration. She has also received a certificate from Southern Virginia Higher Education Center/IT Academy for CompTIA A+ and Server +. In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family and take trips to the beach.

Misty Roveta is the Senior Support Specialist for Recruitment in the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. This role will be critical in the transition of students to the ATDM program. Roveta will work with adult learners as they begin a new journey in a fast-paced, highly motivated learning environment. Prior to joining IALR, she worked for Danville Public Schools, providing support to the Career, Technical, and Adult Education Department. Roveta has associate degrees in Liberal Arts Social Science and Humanities Specializations from Danville Community College.