Monal Patel is pursuing masters in College Teaching and Leadership at UCF. She has served as K-12 educator, advising juniors and seniors in high school. She has led student advising and peer mentorship programs throughout undergraduate studies. With a background in Sciences from UCF, she has walked the path of rigorous courses, campus experiences, and everything in between that comes with being a first-generation immigrant student in a large university.

Monal Patel is the LEAD Graduate Teaching Assistant.  She teaches courses in the U-LEAD program as well as coordinates many aspects of the program. She also assists with Leadership Week, LSA, and LEB.

A native Ohioan and long-time Chicago area resident, Dr. Koch earned her BA in Sociology/Anthropology from the University of Akron and a MA in Student Personnel Services from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. In 2012, she earned a PhD in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago. For over 35 years, Dr. Koch has worked in higher education as an administrator and faculty member at one private and three public institutions. She has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University, and she is certified as a Working Genius facilitator, True Colors facilitator, and Catholic Mindset Coach.

Dr. Mark Allen Poisel, originally from Crown Point, IN, earned his Bachelor’s in Accounting and Master’s in College Student Personnel Work from Indiana State University and his Education Specialist and Doctor of Education degrees from The Florida State University. Dr. Poisel previously worked at UCF from 1999-2011 in Student Development and Enrollment Services and returned in Summer 2021 to a full-time role with LEAD Scholars Academy. He has over 30 years of college and university experience as an administrator and instructor.  He is passionate about travel and has been to all 50 states and the seven continents.

Dr. Malaret serves as the Director of the LEAD Scholars Academy at UCF. Originally from Orlando, Florida and attended The University of Southern Mississippi for her B.A. degree in Psychology. She then graduated in 1998 from The University of Central Florida with a M.A. in Student Personnel and in 2007 with her Doctorate in Educational Leadership. She has worked in the student development field since 1999.