Meet the TCOM FDC team

Sharon Manson, EdD

FDC Director

Sharon Manson is Interim Director/Senior Educational Program Manager for TCOM FDC. She is responsible for coordinating the educational activities of the Center, conference planning and promotion, and helping develop the curriculum for GCAM.

As a former Director of Housing Sharon brings a wealth of experience from a career in Student Affairs, mostly working with first-year students in on-campus housing.  She has over fifteen years of teaching leadership, professionalism, supervision, time management, crisis intervention, counseling/feedback, and other skills to students and staff, and has led local, state and regional training workshops and conferences with audiences of 5 to 250. Working with undergraduates, graduates, and professional staff, Sharon has seen many similarities in the challenges we face in education and training.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts, Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services, and her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, and is a member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine (STFM).

Elizabeth Burleson, EdD

Education Program Manager

Elizabeth Burleson is an Educational Program Manager for TCOM FDC.  She received a B.S. in Early Childhood & Elementary Education as well as Master of Education in Educational Leadership.  She also received her Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Wesleyan University in 2018.  Elizabeth has spent twenty years in public education, with the majority of her career teaching early elementary and special education.  She believes every student, regardless of age, is unique and must have a stimulating learning environment in which they can grow.  In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, her people, and her pets.  She also enjoys being outdoors, gardening, reading books, and trying new recipes out on her daughter.

Tina Bernard, EdD

Educational Program Manager

Tina Bernard is an Educational Program Manager for TCOM FDC. Tina holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction. Her research has primarily focused on metacognition, critical and creative thinking, neuroplasticity, and improving educator pedagogy. She holds a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, Graduate Academic Certificate in Gifted Education, and a B.S. in Applied Learning and Development. Tina served in public education for over two decades, with much of her career as an advocate for gifted and talented learners. She has authored several journal articles and book chapters concerning engaging the learner through motivation and empowerment.

Tina is a skillful educational thought leader whose passion is encouraging others to become their best version. She volunteers for several organizations, including the Child Advocacy Center, Casa Manana, The Ronald McDonald House, and is the Founder and CEO of “Socks for Moms.” Tina is a member of Kappa Delta Pi and serves in a leadership position for Toastmasters International. She enjoys spending time with her three children, husband, and extended family in her spare time. She also loves Elvis, BBQ, and fishing. Ask her about the one that got away!

Melanie O’Donnell

Administrative Coordinator