Say Hello to Some of Chatham’s New Full-Time Faculty
A new school year at Chatham University means new students, new courses, and new professors. Some of the most recent additions to Chatham’s full-time faculty might have familiar faces, while others arrive after distinguishing themselves at some of the nation’s most recognized higher-ed institutions. All of them shared a desire to educate, energize, and empower Chatham students.
Listed below are a few of the new professors you might see at Chatham this year.
Angelica Fedorchak, PPOTD ’22, OTR/L
Assistant professor of occupational therapy
Where are you from?
I am from Pittsburgh, PA—specifically Greenfield. About 10 minutes from Chatham!
What did you do before coming to Chatham?
I graduated from Chatham University's Master of Occupational Therapy program in 2020. I completed my Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate degree at Chatham University in December 2022.
I worked as an occupational therapist at UPMC Mercy hospital until December 2022 and transitioned to outpatient UPMC.
I always knew I wanted to become a professor, and I was lucky enough to receive a position at Chatham! Full circle!
What are you teaching at Chatham, and what can students expect from you in the classroom?
In the fall semester, I will co-teach two courses focusing on neurological conditions and occupational therapy practice. I will also co-teach in an occupational therapy models-of-practice and occupational science course.
I hope to be an encouraging and welcoming professor while challenging students to reach their fullest potential as future occupational therapists!
What do you enjoy doing around Pittsburgh?
There is so much to do! I enjoy walking in North Park with my daughter; visiting local coffee shops, breweries, and restaurants; and visiting nearby state parks, such as Ohiopyle! The North Shore is also a good place to go during sporting events in the fall.
Greg Vojcsik, DPT ’10
Assistant professor of physical therapy
Where are you from?
I am originally from New Freedom, PA, which is in York County. I am a 2010 graduate of Chatham University, where I received my DPT.
What did you do before coming to Chatham?
After graduating, I lived and worked in inpatient neurological rehabilitation for the past 13 years. I started in Albuquerque, NM. Then, my wife, Jocelyn (who is also a Chatham DPT alum), and I moved back to the Pittsburgh area, and I have worked at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley since 2013. I returned to Chatham in 2016 as a problem-based learning facilitator in the neuromuscular physical therapy course. I have also functioned as a lab assistant in that course.
What are you teaching at Chatham, and what can students expect from you in the classroom?
I will be the course coordinator for neuromuscular physical therapy. Students can expect a commitment to presented course material that is evidence-based. The course will also be highly interactive and promote critical thinking skills that are crucial to physical therapists. I plan on being a supportive role that will help guide students to become not only comfortable with the content, but excited to use these skills in clinicals and in the professional world.
What do you enjoy doing around Pittsburgh?
My wife and I have three children, Donnie (10), Chase (8), and Riley (5), who are all highly active, so a majority of my free time is spent coaching or watching youth sports and activities in and around the Pittsburgh area. When there is more free time, I love to be outdoors running or hiking, taking in a Pirates game at the park, or exploring the local food scene in the community.
Molly Kelly, PsyD, PMH-C
Assistant professor of graduate psychology
Where are you from?
I was born in the Washington, D.C. area but raised in Pittsburgh for the most part. I'm a proud alumna of Pittsburgh Public Schools and the University of Pittsburgh. I'm married to another Pittsburgher and both of our families live here, so we made it a priority to raise our children here among our roots.
What did you do before coming to Chatham?
Prior to joining the faculty here at Chatham, I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at WVU Medicine in Martinsburg, WV. In that role, I did mostly individual psychotherapy and assessment with primary emphases on rural mental health, perinatal mental health, and trauma. I also did some inter-disciplinary teaching at West Virginia University School of Medicine while in this role. I currently have a small private therapy practice focused on women's reproductive mental health, which I operate concurrently with my role at Chatham. My ongoing clinical practice certainly informs my teaching and scholarly work, and vice versa. I have also worked as a birth doula prior to becoming a psychologist.
What are you teaching at Chatham, and what can students expect from you in the classroom?
This fall, I am teaching a counseling theories and techniques course, an upper-level doctoral course on clinical supervision, and a practicum (field-placement) course. I'm looking forward to each of these courses, and I strive to create an environment in which students can feel safe to jump in and get their feet wet, so to speak, while they build their clinical skills and professional identity. I love a collaborative, supportive, and fun classroom.
Inclusive of getting to know me as a person and instructor, students may expect to hear a little about my kids and my life as a mother, and not just because I love my boys so much; I actually do this intentionally because research shows that mothers are often discriminated against in the workplace and perceived as being less competent than coworkers who are fathers. This often leaves working mothers or mothers who are students feeling alienated and self-conscious, and balancing dual (seemingly opposing) identities, which I believe may take a toll on their mental health. I want to demonstrate that mothers don't have to hide this salient aspect of their identity in the workplace or in academic settings and that we could all benefit from expanding how we define professionalism. Now that I am in a position of relative power, I aim to adjust these norms and empower students who may also identify as mothers or parents.
What do you enjoy doing around Pittsburgh?
It may sound kind of boring, but one of my favorite things go do in Pittsburgh is walk! I love taking a walk around the East End or in Frick Park with a friend, with my kids, or by myself, so I can listen to a book. I enjoy admiring people's gardens and stopping for a coffee and a little treat. I do some of my best thinking and conversing while walking. I also love to dine out, whether it's casual or more upscale. I welcome students' food and beverage recommendations!
Matthew Lehet, Ph.D.
Assistant professor of psychology
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Vermont, but I live in Irwin now.
What did you do before coming to Chatham?
I went to undergrad in Oregon, worked at the University of Pennsylvania, then went to grad school at Carnegie Mellon University. Most recently I was working as a postdoctoral researcher at Michigan State University.
What are you teaching at Chatham, and what can students expect from you in the classroom?
This semester, I am teaching animal behavior, fundamentals of psychopathology, and psychobiology. I’m very excited to talk about neuroscience. I also want to make sure that students get the opportunity to explore their own passion within the course material.
What do you enjoy doing around Pittsburgh?
I enjoy walking in the many parks including Frick and Schenley.
Learn more about Chatham’s knowledgable and experienced faculty at chatham.edu.