Work with thought leaders and academic experts from Kenyon College

Dr. Taryn A. Myers earned her M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Kent State University, where she served as a Teaching Fellow and Assistant Director of the Psychological Clinic. She received her B.A. in Psychology with an interdisciplinary minor in Women's and Gender Studies from Kenyon College. A native Midwesterner, Dr. Myers completed her clinical residency at the Medical College of Georgia and the Charlie Norwood Veteran's Affairs Medical Center prior to moving to Hampton Roads in 2010. She chose to come to Virginia Wesleyan because of her passion for teaching and the liberal arts. Dr. Myers' research interests include risk and protective factors for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. She enjoys integrating stories from her clinical work and findings from her research into her teaching to make the material come alive for students. She also engages in editorial activities for such journals as Body Image and Sex Roles. In addition, Dr. Myers enjoys sharing her research with students through independent projects and encourages them to present their work at state and national conferences. Dr. Myers is currently serving as Chair of Psychology as well as Chair of Special Interest Groups of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT). She is the 2017 recipient of an Early Career Achievement Award from the American Psychological Association, the 2018 recipient of the Samuel Nelson Gray Distinguished Teaching award from VWU, and the 2019 recipient of the ABCT Women's Issues Special Interest Group Early Career Award.

<br> Dr. Sara Murdock is an award-winning, globally known expert in organizational power dynamics. Dr. Murdock serves as a pioneer in the field of People & Culture, with a focus on building innovation, inclusive Leadership Development, and aligning organizational objectives with actual Impact. She has led initiatives and departments with global organizations, startups, and traditional corporations alike due to her ability to establish respect and rapport in a way that fuels meaningful growth and drives authentic company strategy. Sara cements her mantra, “Change isn’t hard, it’s human” into every thread of her proven methodology, responsible for helping hundreds of organizations set the standard in People, Leadership, and Impact. With a 20+ year track record in catalyzing profound and necessary shifts in how organizations "do business," Sara is frequently sought after as an advisor, speaker, and author in addition to her executive role. Sara’s training includes a Ph.D. in Social Impact, an MA in Organizational Development, a BA in Culture, and Agile coaching Certifications. An award-winning ballroom dancer, in her free time, Sara enjoys partner dancing, traveling, and writing.