Meet the Team

MA | Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension

Jessica is the Principal Investigator for OneOp’s Building Communities team, supporting military families through promoting collaborative leadership and systems thinking. Co-host of Practicing Connection, Jessica holds a BA from UW-Green Bay and an MA from Gonzaga, and is dedicated to fostering resourceful, well-connected communities.

MAg | Co-Principal Investigator

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Rachel Brauner is an Extension Program Specialist for Military and Community Health with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and Co-PI of the OneOp Lifespan Caregiving team. She develops and delivers educational programming for military-connected populations and leads statewide Alzheimer’s and dementia initiatives in Texas.

PhD | Co-Principal Investigator

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Andy Crocker is part of the Lifespan Caregiving Concentration Team. He is an Associate Professor and Extension Health Specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Crocker earned a B.A. in Biology and an MS in Gerontology from Baylor University, and a PhD in One Health Sciences from the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine.

MS, RDN, LD | Program Coordinator

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Bethany is the Nutrition and Wellness Program Coordinator for OneOp.  She works to provide professional development for Registered Dietitians, Extension Educators and other public health providers serving military families. She received a MS in Nutrition Science from Purdue University, and a BS in Dietetics from the University of Illinois.

PhD, RDN, LDN | Principal Investigator

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Kristen DiFilippo serves as Principal Investigator for OneOp’s Nutrition and Wellness team. She is an Associate Teaching Professor in Health and Kinesiology at the University of Illinois, where she prepares students for health careers. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Dr. DiFilippo’s research focuses on enhancing nutrition education and promoting behavior change to prevent chronic disease.

EdM | Project Coordinator

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Robyn is the Military-Connected Children and Youth Program Coordinator for OneOp at the University of Illinois. She develops online professional development, leads equity-focused initiatives, and co-authors research. With a master’s in Education Policy and Leadership, she is committed to empowering professionals and families to support all children’s diverse needs.

PhD, LMFT | Principal Investigator

East Carolina University

Kayla Fitzke is the Spouse Employment Principal Investigator. She is also an Associate Professor in the Human Development and Family Science Department at East Carolina University. Her work promotes health and resilience among military families. Kayla earned a BS from Virginia Tech, MS from the University of Kentucky, and PhD from Florida State University.

PhD, CFLE | Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Nichole Huff is the Personal Finance Principal Investigator for OneOp. Dr. Huff is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Kentucky. Her work focuses on improving financial well-being and resiliency. Dr. Huff earned a BA from the University of North Carolina, MS from East Carolina University, and PhD from the University of Kentucky.

MS | Principal Investigator

Virginia Tech

Kalin is a Program Development Specialist and Co-Principal Investigator with Military Community Advocacy. In this role, she collaborates with subject matter experts to create professional development for those serving military families. Kalin holds a MS in Sociology and a BFA in Communications from Valdosta State University.

MS | Program Coordinator 

University of Kentucky

Kristen Jowers is an Extension Specialist with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. As a Program Coordinator for OneOp, Kristen uses her background in marriage and family therapy, project management, and community engagement to support the coordination of resources for service providers and military families.

PhD | Principal Investigator

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Michaelene M. Ostrosky, PhD, is the Grayce Wicall Gauthier Professor Emerita and Professor Emerita of Special Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She worked in academia for 30+ years. Throughout her career, Dr. Ostrosky enjoyed mentoring graduate students and conducting research in inclusive early childhood settings.

Program Coordinator

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension

Erin Carlson Rivera is the Building Communities Program Coordinator for OneOp. She serves as co-producer of the Practicing Connection podcast while coordinating other projects that focus on building connections and equipping individuals to help their communities thrive. Erin earned her BA in communication from the University of Wisconsin – Steven’s Point.

PhD | Principal Investigator

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Amy Santos, PhD, is Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Professor of Special Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She leads initiatives in faculty mentoring, career support, and leadership development. A noted scholar, her research examines how families and culture shape the development of young children with disabilities within early intervention and EI/ECSE.

MS | Program Coordinator

East Carolina University

Kim serves as the Spouse Employment Program Coordinator. With over 25 years in higher education, she designs professional development for those serving military families. Kim holds degrees in Business Education and Technology Management and has extensive experience supporting service members and families through research, innovation, and a commitment to access and opportunity.

MS | National Project Leader

North Dakota State University

Bob Bertsch is the National Project Leader and Co-Principal Investigator. Bertsch, an Extension Specialist at North Dakota State University, has been an integral part of OneOp since 2011. He oversees strategic initiatives to enhance OneOp’s ability to support military family service providers and strengthen the Military Family Readiness System.

MS, PMP | Director of Programming

Virginia Tech

Molly provides strategic oversight for cross-disciplinary professional development serving military families. Since 2011, she has shaped innovative programming. She advances OneOp’s mission by leading the annual Academy. She holds degrees from Appalachian State University and North Carolina State University.

PhD | Director of Evaluation

Auburn University

Dr. Hlavaty is responsible for leading OneOp’s programming evaluation efforts to measure the impact of our programming. Utilizing mixed-methods approaches, She provides data-driven insights that inform strategic decision-making and drives continuous improvement. She earned her PhD in Human Development and Family Science from Auburn University.

MFT | Continuing Education Manager

Virginia Tech

Jason is the Continuing Education Manager for OneOp and Co-Principal Investigator with Military Community Advocacy. Jason serves as the lead for continuing education efforts as well as collaborates with professionals on programming topics that support work with military families. Jason earned his BS and MFT from Valdosta State University.

PhD, CFLE | National Project Director

Auburn University

Dr. Kostelecky is the National Project Director and Principal Investigator for OneOp. He is also an Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Science at Auburn University. Kyle has been with the project since its inception. He enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, international travel with his wife, Michele, and hanging out with his students.

Communications Manager

Auburn University

Maggie Lucas serves as the Communications Manager for OneOp. She leads the organization’s website and ensures learners can easily access both on-demand and live learning opportunities. Maggie incorporates OneOp’s mission and vision throughout all programming while prioritizing accessibility for all content from beginning to end.

MS | Programming Manager

Auburn University

Amy Smith serves as the Programming Manager for OneOp. She coaches team members to design and deliver engaging webinars and manages the technical production process. Amy holds a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling Industrial and a second master’s in Organizational Psychology.

MBA, PMP | Director of Communications

Auburn University

As Communications Director, Joyce leads marketing, communications, and PR strategy. She brings years of experience driving growth through roles in operations, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder relations. Her expertise includes project management, marketing, and building partnerships across military, industry, and academic sectors.