Ginger Blurton received her BS in Psychology, MS in Higher Education Teaching/Psychology and Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership with an emphasis in Psychology from Texas A&M University Commerce, in Commerce, Texas.  She worked as a graduate admissions counselor and coordinator from 2007-2015 for Texas A&M University-Commerce.  In 2015, she came to work for TVCC as coordinator in the Continuing and Workforce Education Department and also teaches General Psychology, Lifespan and Human Development and Learning Frameworks, as an adjunct professor.  She is married to Brad Blurton and they live in Canton.  They have two daughters, Jade and Devon and one beautiful granddaughter, Sadie.  Ginger Blurton can be reached at ginger.blurton@tvcc.edu or 903/675-6314.

Natalie Brown received her AA from TVCC, BA and MA from the University of Texas at Tyler. She is a licensed professional counselor. She also has a Texas Adult Education Teacher Credential from Texas State University. Since 2011, Natalie has taught ESL and GED classes for the TVCC Adult Education department. She currently teaches psychology courses as an adjunct and is a guidance associate at the Palestine campus. Natalie Brown can be reached at natalie.brown@tvcc.edu or (903) 723-7033.

Dr. Elbert (Al) Cook earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Alabama, where he played football (National Championship Team)  for Coach Paul, “Bear,” Bryant, who encouraged a life-long philosophy stating that Every person starts out on an “equal playing field” and must prove himself with high motivation and hard work.” Dr. Cook embodied that philosophy through his years as a superb athlete, Captain in the USAF, exceptional graduate with a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University, teacher and researcher at the University of North Carolina, Corporate Director at CIGNA Health, Program Director for a non-profit Adolescent Addiction Treatment Program and Program Director of a Female Adolescent Residential Psychiatric Unit.

Beyond those leadership roles, he has excelled and found profound fulfillment as a Professor of Psychology and Sociology for more than twenty-seven (27) years at Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) where he has been recognized for teaching excellence, high standards, and a respectful, humanitarian approach to various populations from TDCJ (prison) populations to gifted, adult, and challenged populations. He has received the “Extra Mile” award and three (3) nominations over the years for the Ray Williams Teaching Excellence Award for his service to TVCC. And while Dr. Cook appreciates the honor in these awards, he maintains that the most significant tribute to his teaching efforts over the years occurred in the comments of one of many student “thank you” statements:

Professor Cook, thank you so much for such an invigorating semester! …I gained more knowledge and wisdom from your teaching than I could have ever imagined. I had no idea that your class would have impacted my life in such a profound way…. Thank you so much for convincing me to do “Honors”and for helping me figure out my college predicament. Teachers talk about wanting to make a difference…but you actually do…. I will certainly let you know what the future brings.

Following the “Bear’s” recommendation that he tackle each play (task) with every ounce of energy and heart contained within, Dr. Cook’s success testifies to that work ethic, not only in his many accomplishments, but also in the high motivation and hard work from his students. 

You may contact Dr. Cook at his email address: acook@tvcc.edu 903/675-6243

Wendy Elmore began teaching PSYC 2301 General Psychology and PSYC 2314 Lifespan Development part-time for Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC) on the Athens campus in 2007.  During the fall semester of 2017, she started teaching PSYC 1300 Learning Framework at the Terrell TVCC campus.  Employed full-time as an instructional administrator with TVCC, Dr. Elmore teaches her classes during the evenings and/or online. 

Dr. Elmore earned a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Lamar University, a master of arts degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a bachelor of science degree in Mathematics from Stephen F. Austin.  Prior to working for TVCC, she was a high school counselor and high school math teacher at Elkhart ISD for twelve years. 

Wendy is married to Brad Elmore, fellow TVCC instructor. She is very proud of her two grown children who live in Palestine, Katie and James. Dr. Elmore’s two young grandsons, Jax and Riley, are her pride and joy. 

Contact information for Dr. Elmore is (903)675-6231 or welmore@tvcc.edu. 

Dr. Vickie Geisel received a BS and MS and a PhD from ETSU/TAMU-Commerce.  She has continued with her post-doctoral studies at TWU.  She was a counselor for TVCC for a number of years before working for TJC.  At TJC she was a Director of Student Support Services and the Deal of College Preparatory Studies and Support Services.  She has been teaching at TVCC since 2010.  Dr. Geisel may be reached at vgeisel@tvcc.edu or 903/675-6320.

Maria Lippart received her BS from Messiah College in PA, and MA from Amberton University.  She is currently working on her doctorate in psychology through California Southern University.  Maria worked for 24 years in the defense industry before her career in higher education.  As a pastor’s wife, she has worked with her husband in many areas including youth, children, music, outreach and prison ministry.  Currently, she is the Counselor/Assistant to the Provost at the Palestine campus and teaches psychology classes as an adjunct instructor.  In her spare time, she enjoys reading, writing fiction stories and songs, motorcycles, and hanging out with the family on the ranch.  Maria Lippart can be reached at maria.lippart@tvcc.edu or (903) 723-7040.

Katherin Williams Prater received her Bachelor of Science degree from SMU and her Master of Science degree from University of Texas Tyler. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Supervisor, plus a Licensed Sex Offender Treatment Provider and Supervisor. She has 35 years experience in the private practice of counseling in Palestine, Texas. She conducts group therapy for sex offenders from several counties   She also has 4 years experience working as a therapist at Rusk State Hospital at the beginning of her career. She teaches General Psychology and Human Growth and Development on the adjunct faculty on the Palestine Campus. Mrs Prater can be reached at katherin.prater@tvcc.edu or by her office phone 903-723-3449.

Donna Rial-Baker is a psychotherapist, theologian, professor, writer, educator, and public speaker.  She maintains a private psychotherapist practice in Forney (www.DonnaRialBaker.com). She holds a Doctor of Ministry, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, and a Master of Education.  She is certified as a spiritual director, reading/language arts/speech-debate teacher, principal, and is a licensed professional counselor.

She currently teaches graduate psychology courses at LeTourneau University and undergraduate psychology courses at Trinity Valley Community College. She was an adjunct instructor at TVCC for approximately 19 years, but--to her delight-- began as a full time instructor in 2017. From the 1980s-2005 she was a public elementary and secondary school teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent--all in the Kaufman ISD. 

She is married with one grown daughter and two grown bonus children. They have given her many adorable grandchildren, and they are a joy! She most enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, reading, and writing.?  You may contact Donna Rial-Baker at donna.baker@tvcc.edu.