Have Questions? We have answers.
Contact UsCHHS Faculty Sabbaticals Spotlight: Advancing Teaching, Research, and Global Engagement
How CHHS faculty sabbaticals turn learning, research, and global experiences into student impact.
Sabbaticals give CHHS faculty the chance to dive deep into research, teaching innovation, and global experiences that directly benefit students. From international classrooms to national conferences, here’s a look at how faculty used their sabbatical time to grow – and bring that growth back to MSU Denver.
Amy Dore, Ph.D., Health Professions
Fall 2025
Dr. Dore (third from the left) and fellow researchers at the LeadingAge 2025 Annual Meeting and Expo presenting on workforce strategy in aging services.
During her sabbatical, Dr. Amy Dore led a national research project exploring how colleges and universities prepare leaders in aging services. As a Vision Centre Distinguished Scholar, she connected with programs across the country to better understand what’s working – and where support is needed – in this critical field.
Her work also had a direct impact on students at MSU Denver. Dr. Dore strengthened the Aging Services Leadership curriculum by aligning digital badges with course outcomes and expanding real‑world learning opportunities. Students attended national conferences, networked with professionals, and even co‑presented, helping them see where their education can take them after graduation.
Kristin Danhoff, Ph.D., Social Work
Spring 2026
Dr. Danhoff at international workshop in Ericeira, Portugal.
Dr. Kristin Danhoff used her sabbatical to focus on something many students care deeply about: well‑being. She advanced a qualitative research study examining how undergraduate social work students understand self‑care and professional wellness after taking a course rooted in healing justice.
Dr. Danhoff also traveled to Portugal to participate in an immersive international workshop on trauma‑informed practices. What she learned will directly shape her “Be Well” elective, giving students tools to better understand themselves, prevent burnout, and build sustainable careers in social work.
Ann Diker, Ph.D., Nutrition
Spring 2026
Dr. Ann Diker’s sabbatical focused on improving how students learn introductory nutrition concepts. She led a major revision of the open educational resource (OER) textbook used in Introduction to Nutrition, adding updated content, visuals, and interactive features to support different learning styles.
She also created a new Canvas resource hub for faculty, making it easier to share activities, videos, and teaching tools across sections. For students, that means a more consistent, engaging learning experience – without the cost of a traditional textbook.
Jessica Ritter, Ph.D., Social Work
Spring 2026
Dr. Jessica Ritter (center in black) with students from her guest lecture spot at the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences.
While on sabbatical, Dr. Jessica Ritter took her teaching overseas, co‑teaching a graduate social work policy course at the University of Florence in Italy. The experience gave students in both countries a chance to learn from one another and compare social work policies across cultures.
Dr. Ritter also shared her work across Europe through conference presentations and guest lectures, helping raise MSU Denver’s global profile. Her sabbatical highlights how social work education connects local action to global policy issues – and how students fit into that bigger picture.
Jessica Rossi-Katz, Ph.D.; Speech, Language, Hearing Sciences
Spring 2026
Dr. Jessica Rossi-Katz (left) in San Marcos, California at the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art.
Dr. Jessica Rossi‑Katz spent her sabbatical exploring contemplative practices and how they support student well‑being, especially in healthcare‑related fields. As a visiting scholar with the Center for Contemplative Practices at Cal State San Marcos, she worked with educators and students to study mindfulness‑based teaching approaches.
From reflective practices to experiential learning, this work will help shape future courses and learning experiences at MSU Denver, supporting students as they balance academics, clinical work, and personal wellness.
Michelle Tollefson, Ph.D., Health Professions
Spring 2026
Dr. Michelle Tollefson presenting to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, The Princess Royal of Thailand.
Dr. Michelle Tollefson’s sabbatical focused on women’s health across the lifespan, with special attention to midlife, menopause, and optimal aging. Her work took her around the world, including presentations at international conferences and collaborations with leaders in lifestyle and women’s health.
Through these experiences, Dr. Tollefson is developing practical tools and resources for healthcare professionals – work that ultimately benefits students preparing to enter health professions and care for diverse populations across the lifespan.
Together, these sabbatical experiences show how CHHS faculty continue learning, exploring, and innovating in ways that directly enrich the student experience. By bringing new ideas, global perspectives, and fresh approaches back to campus, faculty help ensure that CHHS students are learning from work that is current, meaningful, and connected to the real world.