Dr. Peña earned her Ph.D. in Education with a concentration in Higher Education in 2007 from the University of Southern California (USC).  After teaching graduate level courses at USC for several years, Dr. Peña joined the California Lutheran University faculty in 2009. As an Associate Professor in Higher Education Leadership at Cal Lutheran, her research currently focuses on social justice issues for students with disabilities, particularly autism, in the preschool through higher education pipeline. Dr. Peña is a Founding Co-Director of the Autism and Communication Center at California Lutheran University.

Dr. Brennan earned her Ph.D. in Special Education in 1997 from Kent State University. Dr. Brennan joined the California Lutheran University faculty in 2011 as an Associate Professor. She currently serves as Associate Dean and Director of Special Education Programs in the Graduate School of Education. Dr. Brennan has worked in supervision and research at Family Child Learning Center in Ohio (a collaborative of Kent State University and Akron Children’s Hospital), as a site coordinator (San Francisco State University) with the Early Childhood Research Institute on Inclusion, and as the Special Education Program Director at Saint Mary’s College of California. Dr. Brennan is a Founding Co-Director of the Autism and Communication Center at California Lutheran University.

Jackie Greenhill teaches courses in foundations of education and methods of special education. She also provides field supervision and support to teacher candidates. She began her journey in education at Cal Lutheran as a student, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Family and Child Development. She then earned an Education Specialist teaching credential in Mild/Moderate disabilities and a Master of Science in Special Education. She spent 7 years as a special education case manager and teacher in a local public school district serving students with a wide range of abilities and needs in variety of service settings. Mrs. Greenhill then transitioned out of public education to run a business providing services, consultation and advocacy to students and families privately. She rejoined CLU in January 2013 as Adjunct faculty, and then in September 2014 became a Lecturer of Education.