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Our Teachers

We value authenticity and the courage it takes to offer vulnerability in unearthing truth, to reflect on lived experiences, and to foster empathy and love for self, others, and the world. 

We value all unique voices, individual perspectives, and we recognize that this work in self-actualization is a messy, meandering, lifelong journey. 

 

We value love and of course, nachos.

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Dr. James Noyes

Co-Founder & Stress Educator

Dr. Noyes spent twenty years in the hospitality and recreation industry working in a variety of leadership positions including operations, food and beverage, retail, and adventure/activities. Drawing upon these diverse experiences has allowed him to create a multi-layered approach to his teaching in which students are challenged to think conceptually about their work while remaining grounded in the current realities facing business industries. He has also served as a professional development trainer for supervisors and business leaders focusing on business management theory and competency-based practices in a variety of industry sectors.

 

Dr. Noyes believes that students who engage in experiential learning gain the dual reward of engaging critical inquiry and practical experience, which better prepares them to live fulfilling lives and rewarding careers. His extensive experience in developing and facilitating co-operative learning models and field-based practicums has allowed for the creation of a holistic educational environment in which students work with community partners on projects ranging from organizational behavior analysis to evaluating technology needs for local businesses. This project-based learning opportunities have created unique and meaningful learning experiences, as well as grounded the work of the institution into the fabric of the community in addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing our local communities.

 

Dr. Noyes research has continued to focus his research on the effects of stress in the work environment and how leaders can learn to reorient themselves and their relationship with stress through the integration of contemplative practices to develop a new way of being.

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Education: 

Ed.D., Learning, Leadership, Community Plymouth State University, 2020

MA., Organizational Wellness, Plymouth State University, 2021

MBA, Organizational Change, Castleton University, 2022

MEd, Curriculum & Instruction, Plymouth State University, 2015

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Selected Presentations & Publications

  • Doctor of Education Dissertation (August 2020) The Effect of Contemplative Practice on Faculty Perceptions of Stress: This study analyzed perceptions of stress and mindful awareness and the impacts that frequency, duration, and type of contemplative practice have on perceived stress and mindful attention. Additionally, tenure status, length of time teaching in higher education, and years teaching at current institution were analyzed for their possible impact on perceptions of stress.

 

  • Roundtable Discussion: Engaging First-Year Students in Team-Based Projects in and Out of the Classroom: Discussion facilitated by James Noyes and Stephanie Giese, NVU: The purpose of the roundtable discussion was to share ideas about how we as educators, programs leaders, and institutions are engaging our first-year students both in and out of the classroom.

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Dr. Jessica A. Orf Dutille

Co-Founder & Love Educator


Dr. Jessica (Jess) A. Orf Dutille has served as an educator and non-profit leader for sixteen years. She serves as the Director of Student Life & Community Impact at Plymouth State University and teaches in the Department of Elementary Education & Youth Development and in the Organizational Leadership master's program.  She graduated from Plymouth State with her B.S. in Marketing in 2003, her MBA in 2004, and her Ed.D. in 2020. She conducted her doctoral research on the significance of love and love-based practices in educational environments.

 

Jess served as the Executive Director of the Pemi Youth Center for twelve years and co-founded the Faith, Hope & Love Foundation of NH. She is also the Co-Host of the Happiness Quest PBTV show and Co-Host of Loved Ones in the Loop podcast.

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Jess believes that leadership is about honoring our interconnected nature and harnessing collective intellect. In recognizing the inherent worth of every human being, Jess fosters safe learning environments where students feels valued, loved, and connected. She is a practitioner of experiential and contemplative pedagogies that allow students opportunities to explore and discover their interests and passions in meaningful ways. As a parent and educator, Jess focuses on cultivating meaningful relationships in efforts to envision and co-create a beautiful and more equitable world. 

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Education: 

Ed.D., Plymouth State University, 2020

MBA, Plymouth State University, 2004

B.S. Marketing, Plymouth State University, 2003

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Awards & Honors

  • Jesse Lewis Choose Love Champion, 2021

  • CADY Inc. John W. True Award for Excellence in Commitment to Youth, 2018

  • Plymouth Rotary Citizen on the Year, 2016

  • Patricia Storer P.A.T. Award, Plymouth State University, 2015

  • Outstanding Social Work Field Instructor Award, Plymouth State University, 2015

  • Member of Phi Alpha Honor Society, 2015-present

  • NH Governor’s Proclamation, 2013

  • Alumni Award of Excellence, Plymouth Sate University, 2008

  • New Hampshire Union Leader’s Forty Under Forty Award, 2007

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Selected Presentations & Publications

  • The Power of Connection: Service Learning Workbook. 2022

  • Cultivating Love and Connection in the Lives of Our Children, University of New Hampshire, Child Study and Development Center. March 2021

  • Cultivating Love and Connection in the Lives of Our Children as They Navigate Pain and Disconnection, CADY Inc. December 2020.

  • Societal Leadership, Panel Presenter, HOBY CLeW, PRHS, Plymouth, NH. November 2020.

  • Cultivating Love and Interbeing in the Lives of Our Children as They Navigate Pain and Disconnection, Coalition of Schools Educating Mindfully. November 2020.

  • An Exploration of Contemplative Practices and Love as Interbeing, Doctoral Externship Presentations, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH. September 2019.

  • Body Beautiful, Your Mind Matters: Mental Health Summit, Pemi Youth Center, Plymouth, NH. August 2019.

  • Project-Based Learning Panel, Open Learning & Teaching Collaborative, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH. July 2019.

  • Service is Love in Action, Keynote, Spirit of Hope & Kindness Awards, Meredith, NH. April 2019.

  • Supporting Student Employee Growth Through the Habits of Mind, Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH. January 2018.

  • Love Your Body, NH Young Women’s Conference, Plymouth, NH. November 2018.

  • Implications of Mindfulness Based Research for Philosophy of Communication:  Community, Connection, Alterity, and Intercultural Sensitivity, Eastern Communication Association Convention. Pittsburgh, PA. April 2018.

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Dr. Lisa Ranfos

Co Founder & Leadership Educator

Dr. Ranfos has been in the field of early childhood education for over 20 years as a classroom teacher and administrator.  Since being out of the classroom Dr. Ranfos has embraced the leadership side of working with early childhood teachers and programs. For over 15 years, she has worked with various teachers to embrace their strengths to support their goals through meaningful interactions and feedback.

Dr. Ranfos believes that teachers have the power to address their areas of growth with individual support from their administrators rather than using a one size fits all evaluation tool. Teachers who can self-reflect on their knowledge and skills are able to embrace their growth in meaningful ways which far exceeds the top-down approach historically provided to them.

Dr. Ranfos has a Doctoral Degree in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Plymouth State University, where her research was centered on how leadership affects program quality and culture. She continued to center her research on the impact of leadership on organizations.

Education

  • Ed.D, Plymouth State University

  • M.S., Early Childhood Education, Wheelock College

Selected presentations and speaking engagements

  • Enhancing professional development by giving and receiving feedback, 2016

  • Creating a Positive Climate in the Workplace to Enhance Professional Development, 2016

  • Transforming relationships and practice using a coaching model, 2016

  • Forum on the Future – invited speaker: discussing significance of early childhood and the importance of training for professionals working with young children, particularly the training that occurs in our lab schools, 2019

  • The art of leadership: Understanding yourself to be a more effective coach, 2019

  • Keynote speaker – Giving them the best of us: Fostering emotional literacy, 2019

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