Contact Us
Email: digitallearning@msmc.edu
Phone: 845-569-3457
Summer Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00a – 4:00p (Closed Weekends)
About Us
The Office of Digital Learning & Instructional Design Services at Mount Saint Mary College partners with faculty and students to support effective teaching and meaningful learning experiences. We believe that student success begins with well-supported faculty, and that thoughtful course design and technology use help create engaging, accessible learning environments for all.
Our team of Instructional Designers collaborates with faculty to develop and refine courses, integrate instructional technologies, and apply evidence-based teaching strategies. We work closely with instructors to bring their ideas to life while enhancing learning across all modalities, with a focus on online and hybrid education.
We also support students by providing the guidance and resources needed to succeed in digital learning environments. From navigating eClass to engaging with course materials and online tools, we strive to create user-friendly, inclusive experiences that promote confidence, connection, and academic success.
Getting Support
General eClass Support
Have a quick question or need immediate assistance? We’re here to help.
📞 845-569-3457
Faculty/Staff Consultations
Student Consultations
*Live chat is available on our website during the business hours listed on this page. Click the chat bubble located in the bottom-right corner of your screen to begin. If you reach out to us after business hours, leave us a message! We will respond the next business day.
Meet Our Team
Kayla Gori
Director
Kayla has been a member of the office since 2011, serving in a range of roles and contributing to its growth and impact. Throughout her career, she has partnered with faculty to design and develop high-quality online and hybrid courses across disciplines including Business, Healthcare, Humanities, and the Social Sciences. As Director, she provides strategic guidance to faculty and administrators developing programs in flexible and online formats. Her professional interests include innovative online course design, faculty development, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance student engagement and success.
In addition to leading the office, Kayla is actively involved in campus governance, serving on the Curriculum Committee and Mount Assessment Committee, and recently contributed to the College’s MSCHE self-study and re-accreditation process as a Steering Committee member and Working Group Co-Leader. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Division of Math, Media and Computing Sciences and has taught both online and in-person courses for the past five years.
Kayla holds a Master of Science in Higher Education from Bay Path University and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology from SUNY Oneonta. She is a certified Quality Matters (QM) institutional peer reviewer and a Certified Instructional Designer through the Online Learning Consortium. She regularly attends and presents at conferences, sharing insights on emerging educational technologies and strategies to support student success in online learning.
William (Billy) Biersack
Assistant Director
Billy has been a member of the office since 2015, serving in a variety of roles and contributing to the development of high-quality online and hybrid learning experiences. He collaborates with faculty across the College to design and deliver effective courses, provides training in quality course design, and supports academic programs across all divisions and schools.
Billy plays an active role in facilitating the certification of faculty teaching online and regularly conducts peer reviews of online and hybrid courses. His professional interests include accessible course design, assessment and grading practices, and creating meaningful opportunities for student feedback.
In addition to his work within the office, Billy is actively engaged in campus service. He has served on committees such as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee, and contributed as a working group member for the College’s MSCHE self-study and re-accreditation effort. He also teaches as an Adjunct Professor in the Division of Math, Media and Computing Sciences and Education.
Billy is an MSMC alum, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and a Master of Science in Education. He is a Certified Instructional Designer and Peer Reviewer through Quality Matters (QM) and the Online Learning Consortium. He regularly attends and presents at conferences focused on digital and online pedagogy.
Kaitlin Zani
Instructional Design & Support Coordinator
Kaitlin joined the office in 2023 and plays a key role in supporting faculty and students in the effective use of eClass. She provides tailored training and guidance on best practices, ranging from course management fundamentals to advanced activity design and delivery, and serves as the primary support for students using eClass across campus. Kaitlin also contributes to the development of eClass resource materials and instructional videos. Her professional interests focus on student success, fostering engagement in online learning, and creating inclusive, student-centered learning experiences.
In addition to her faculty and student support work, Kaitlin provides departmental coordination and contributes to the team’s creative outreach initiatives. She supports the design and implementation of resources such as the Digital Teaching Toolkit email campaigns and the Online Learning Student Orientation Training (OLSOT). Kaitlin is actively involved in campus service, representing the office on the College Coordinating Committee and the Employee Affairs Committee.
Kaitlin is an MSMC alum, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations and Advertising, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Education in Childhood Education. She has also earned her Instructional Designer Certification through the Online Learning Consortium.