Towson University Continuing and Professional Studies is committed to providing educational opportunities to working professionals to enhance expertise and advance careers. One of our most in-demand certification courses is the Human Resources Certification Prep Course, which teaches the technical and operational aspects of HR management to prepare you for a more senior HR positions. This course is offered two ways—online with live instruction or a self-paced option, where you learn on your own schedule—and is taught by HR experts with varying viewpoints who have real-world, first-hand knowledge of human resources management. Get to know our new instructors.
Maria Green, DBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CEBS
Maria Green has over 20 years of human resources experience in healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and human services. She currently is Director of Human Resources at Melwood, where she manages HR administration including employee relations, benefits, compliance and HRIS. She is an adjunct associate professor at the University of Maryland Global Campus where she teaches human resources management and organizational communication courses. Maria taught human resources management courses, as well as the SHRM Learning System and Certified Employee Benefits Specialist certification courses, at The Catholic University of America.
Maria received a doctor of business administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Maria holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s degree in counseling. Maria also completed executive certificate programs in training and organizational development at Georgetown University’s School of Continuing Studies.
Maria holds the following credentials:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Workplace Certificate
- Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
- Senior Human Resource Professional (SPHR)
- SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP)

Gina Pomilla, MBA, SHRM-SCP, GPHR
Gina Pomilla is an HR leader specializing in global benefits and total rewards at the corporate level and is dedicated to leading change management initiatives and maximizing organizational efficiency. She currently serves as Director, Human Resources, Compensation, Retirement, Classification and Benefits, at District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). Gina is recognized as an expert in matters relating to executive leadership, strategic planning, change management, HR, and employment law compliance.
Gina received her master of business administration from Our Lady of the Lake University, as well as an MS in organizational leadership, concentration in HR, and BA in political science and psychology.
Gina holds the following credentials:
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
- Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR)

Jennifer Stano, DM, PHR, SHRM-CP
Jennifer Stano serves as Director, Talent Management and Total Rewards, at Towson University. In this role she has oversight of talent acquisition, benefits, pay, and training and development. Jen has been with TU for over 11 years and has implemented several new programs, including a hiring pipeline with workforce development partners, moving talent acquisition from paper to an online applicant tracking system, and applying research to create evidence-based HR practices. Prior to joining TU, Jennifer served as an Educational Program Manager for a restaurant seafood chain, followed by a Human Resources Generalist in the defense industry.
Jennifer received a master of business administration from Suffolk University and a doctor of management from University of Maryland University College with a dissertation on effective socialization strategies to increase the retention rates of a diverse workforce.
Jennifer holds the following credentials:
- Doctor of Management (DM)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Professional in Human Resources (PHR)
- SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP)
