Kevin J. McCloskey

President

Kevin J. McCloskey is president of Direct Learning Systems, Inc. (DLS), a distance education publishing and services company, which he founded in 1999. In 2020, he purchased The Institute of Children’s Literature, and The Institute for Writers.  

Kevin’s previous experience includes over 15 years in senior management. He was Vice Chairman and managing partner of NLKK, Inc. the former operator of K12/Stride, Inc. owned Keystone School, a nationally accredited Internet-based secondary school with an annual enrollment of over 15,000 students. In 2000, he orchestrated the sale of NLKK, Inc. to KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc., a publicly traded firm. Prior to that time, he held various senior management positions in the medical equipment field. Kevin was primarily responsible for marketing, sales, business development and strategic planning throughout this period. He holds a BA degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.  

Professionally, Kevin is active within the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), served on the Business Standards Committee (Vice Chairman), and was Chairman of the International Marketing Workshop of the DETC in 2000. Other professional affiliations include membership in the Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools and the Coalition for Student Opportunity and Success. He is currently on the finance committee at St. Thomas More Church and spent several years on the school board as fundraising chairman. 

Valerie L. McCloskey, B.S. M.Ed.

Director of Education

Valerie joined DLS as the Director of Education in 2001. Prior to joining, she worked as a teacher, tutor, and reading specialist with students in various educational settings. With over 30 years of experience, she has devoted her career to assisting students to increase their skill set through site-based and distance education. As the Director of Education, she oversees program research, educational policies, and branded marketing strategies related to educational offerings along with the internal and external faculty. Valerie holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education.

Philanthropically, Valerie supports Mercy School For Special Learning whose mission is to provide all children and young adults with special needs the best opportunity to reach their utmost potential, both academically and in life, and Cay Galgon Life House whose mission is to provide shelter for homeless pregnant women and their newborns and offer them counseling and education opportunities leading to lives of self-reliance. This charity work reflects some of her core values, which are rooted in supporting community, education, and collaboration to make the world a better place.

Donnita Fisher

Accounting | Finance Manager

Donnita is the Accounting/Finance Manager and joins DLS with over 25 years of experience. A graduate of Franklin University with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and a Minor in Finance, her professional experience and educational background enables her to coordinate the financial needs and human resources development at Direct Learning Systems, Inc. She is a member of the National Association of Certified Accounting Paraprofessionals (NACAP), Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), and the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP).  In addition to being certified in desktop QuickBooks and QuickBooks online, she is also a certified public notary. Outside of work, Donnita spends time with her cats.

Stacy Feifel, B.S. M.Ed.

Director of Academic Programs

Stacy has been with Direct Learning Systems since 2007 in various administrative and educational capacities. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Telecommunications from Kutztown University and a Masters’ Degree in Education with a specialization in Instructional Design and Technology from the American College of Education. Her responsibilities include assisting the Director of Education, leading the educational and development team to construct and revise various educational material for the school, and working with the school’s administration to ensure that educational programs meet accreditation standards. She is also the administrator of the school’s online learning management system. Stacy also provides educational assistance to students with a special concentration on our veteran, military, and military spouse population. In her free time, Stacy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

Jacque Irizarry

Marketing | Business Development

Jacque holds a B. A. in Graphics and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. Since joining Direct Learning Systems in 2015, she has developed a comprehensive understanding of the education industry and its transformative impact on students and communities. Over the years, Jacque has worked and contributed across multiple departments including Student Services, IT, Graphic and Web Design, and Management – leveraging the power of education to enhance student support and operational effectiveness.  

In her current role, Marketing and Business Development, Jacque collaborates with internal team members to oversee brand messaging, communications, and strategic initiatives. She also works closely with external partners and organizations to develop and implement business improvement that supports sustainable, long-term growth. An advocate for lifelong learning and personal development, Jacque actively seeks opportunities to empower students, colleagues, and community members by honoring their unique skills, interests, and backgrounds.  

Outside of work, Jacque is a dedicated volunteer and active community member. She uses her passion for art and writing to inspire and support others. She enjoys basketball, traveling, photography, painting, and exploring other forms of creative expression. 

Institute of Children's Literature Staff

Anthony Germani

Manager of Operations | Admissions

Anthony is a Penn State graduate where he majored in Education. Professionally, he has worked in both education in sales.  At Direct Learning Systems, Inc., he collaborates with marketing and student service teams to improve prospective student communications. As an Admissions Advisor, he offers guidance and assistance regarding course offerings, career paths, military benefits, payment plan options, and the enrollment process. Anthony also answers questions about the school, accreditation, and certification to help potential students decide whether the school is a good fit for them. Outside of work, Anthony enjoys spending time with his family and enjoys playing/watching sports (especially basketball and golf).

Madeline Erk

Student Services Representative

Madeline graduated from Liberty University with a major in Strategic Communication and minors in Graphic Design and Business. She was a member of PRSSA while in college. Madeline interned full-time at Clear Channel Airports as a Marketing & Creative Intern in the summer of 2022. At Direct Learning Systems, Inc., her role involves writing and editing content as well as assisting students. On the weekends, Madeline enjoys volunteering in children’s ministry, hiking, and spending time with family.

James McCloskey

Admissions Advisor | Student Service Representative

James brings his experience in management, communications, and sales to the DLS team. After studying Communications & New Media at Coastal Carolina University, James started his career in an industry he’s passionate about: pro-golf management. James served as a leader at five country clubs in four different states, gaining a vast knowledge of excellent customer experience, sales, management structures and team building skills. In 2020, he left the golf industry to work in the mortgage industry. As a loan officer at AmRes Mortgage Company, James worked with insurance companies, banks, and title companies to ensure mortgages were taken care of. In his role at DLS, he manages day-to-day prospect relations, collaborates with marketing to enhance long-term strategy & communications, and drives the optimization of the admissions department.

Shannon Jacobs

Social Media & Advertising Manager | Student Services Representative

Shannon is a 2021 graduate of Kutztown University with a bachelor’s in Social Media Theory & Strategy with a minor in communication studies. She also earned an associates in graphic design from Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC). Shannon’s role in her internship at WebFX in Harrisburg was a social media specialist – account manager. There she managed multiple client accounts, created content designs, brand awareness, content calendars, and social media strategies. In Shannon’s free time, she enjoys the gym, listening to music, painting, and spending time with friends.

Tammy Kromer

Mail Room Manager | Student Services Representative

Tammy has over 20 years of experience in customer service and began at Direct Learning Systems in the fall of 2001. As a seasoned Student Service Representative, Tammy serves as a mentor to the staff. Her responsibilities include processing student enrollments, exams, payments, assignments, and graduation documents. She also assures each student has the appropriate course resources. Tammy assists in various duties including finances. Outside of work she enjoys playing games, knitting, and spending time with her family.

Denise Di Benard

Digital Production | Print Specialists

Denise studied Elementary Education at West Chester University and later pursued an Associates degree in Graphic Design at Delaware County Community College. She has many years of experience in print and design. At DLS her duties include printing student learning materials, maintaining warehouse inventory, shipping and receiving. Denise enjoys cooking, craft beer, kayaking, biking, running, and gardening and also volunteers as a trail steward with the National Park Service.

Morgan Laney

Graphic + Web Designer

Morgan is a Marshall University graduate where she majored in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Graphic Design. At BCI, her responsibilities include graphic + web design and assisting our Marketing Department with design assets. Outside of work, Morgan enjoys spending time with her family, including her two Boston Terriers, going to the movies (especially the drive-in) and painting.