QM IDA Leadership

Steve has been an instructional designer for 17 years, and is a Senior Instructional Designer and Strategic Initiatives Coordinator at the University of Akron. Currently, he serves as one of the Quality Matters Ohio Consortium’s State Leads and is chair of their executive committee. Steve is also a certified APPQMR Facilitator, Course Review Manager, and Master Reviewer. Through his experience, he has been able to help grow online programs by providing insight and guidance into the course development process, and frequently coaches institutions on their QM implementation.

Rae Mancilla is the executive director of University Digital Education at the University of Pittsburgh Center for Excellence in Digital Education (Pitt EDGE). She leads institution-wide strategy and innovation in digital learning, advancing online and hybrid program development, academic excellence and cross-campus collaboration. A dynamic leader in higher education, she works closely with Pitt’s 16 schools and industry partners to strengthen the quality, accessibility and impact of digital education across the University.

Heather Braatz is an instructional designer at the New England College of Optometry (NECO). She has an MSEd from UW-Milwaukee, and a BFA from Columbia College Chicago, and is a former funeral service educator. She loves nerding out about AI, UDL, interactive learner experiences, and collaborative course design.

Megan VanBuskirk is Dean of Online Programs and Learning Support at Germanna Community College and an EdD candidate in Entrepreneurial Leadership, focused on applying social justice and systems thinking to address educational and systemic inequities. With nearly two decades of experience, she blends business sustainability with social impact to empower learners in their careers and communities. Megan champions quality as a Peer Reviewer, Facilitator, Research Colleague, and frequent presenter, reflecting her strong commitment to the QM community.