Faces of Life U: Ghislaine Guyot, Ph.D.
College of Online Education; Biology Faculty Member
“Not so slow but keeping steady”
Dr. Guyot’s research interests from early on in her academic career had been heavily focused on conservation biology and herpetology. Specifically, she interacted with endangered species and reptiles, such as turtles.
Faces of Life U: Ashley “Sunshine” Linton
Ashley “Sunshine” Linton is the perfect example of thriving where you are planted while also being willing to take on new places and experiences. Linton was the first of her family to be born in the U.S., as a first-generation Jamaican American.
Faces of Life U: Daekiara Smith-Ireland
Daekiara Smith-Ireland grew up in Pasadena, Maryland, with her mom and two younger brothers. She was an active child in both sports and academics. She moved to Atlanta in her teen years and then attended college at Clark Atlanta University to earn a B.S. in Biology. A profound passion for science, research and health care accelerated her career growth.
Faces of Life U: Joshua Missouri
Missouri is a very much a new recruit to the Life University (Life U) family, having just assumed the role of Director for the Center for Veteran Services and Engagement (CVSE) in April 2025. “I found in a very short period of time that people are very genuine, and people sincerely care about the community and about the work that we’re doing. And that’s really refreshing and that’s endearing,” Missouri said.
Faces of Life U: Monica Hackett
At Life University (Life U), we’re proud to spotlight the fantastic individuals who bring passion, innovation and spirit to our campus community. Today, we’re excited to introduce Monica Hackett, a Digital Marketing Specialist and Web Developer who’s infusing her creative energy and strategic mindset into the heart of Life U’s digital transformation.
Faces of Life U: Lori Beard
Meet Lori Beard, the Executive Director of Marketing at Life University. Beard joined Life U in November and has settled into the role seamlessly. Born in Alabama, she moved to a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio where her father landed a job after college. Though she loved growing up in the Midwest, her family roots are deeply planted in the South.
Faces of Life U: Dr. Astrid Cabrera
Bayamón, Puerto Rico is a rural but attractive suburb known for museums, family-friendly attractions and various sports facilities. Dr. Astrid Cabrera grew up in Bayamón as the youngest of three kids, surrounded by the natural wonders of picturesque mountains and the livestock of neighbors. She completed all schooling in Puerto Rico up through her undergraduate Biology degree from the University of Puerto Rico, and then she began to look farther afield for her next steps.
A Legacy of Love and Service: Larrie Smisson’s 45-Year Journey at Life University
For 45 years, Larrie Smisson has been a familiar and beloved face at Life University (Life U). As the front desk associate for the CC-HOP Student Clinic, Smisson has not only witnessed generations of chiropractic students come and go – she’s supported them every step of the way with compassion, patience and unwavering dedication.
Faces of Life U: Angelina Prado
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and that rings true in a sense for Texas-bred Angelina Prado, approaching everything in life with a big heart full of passion and gusto. The El Paso native grew up in a close-knit family made up of her parents, brother and grandmother close by, grateful for the personal “village” that helped shape her into the woman she now is. Though used to travel as a high school wrestler, Prado knew it would be a considerable change when she pondered accepting an offer for a scholarship to wrestle for Life University (Life U), if for no other reason than the distance from her home state.
Faces of Life U: Dr. Veronica Garcia Chaparro
Life University is home to a diverse array of faculty, staff and students, each bringing their unique stories and experiences. Among them is a former student, now a Life U alumna and faculty clinician, Dr. Veronica Garcia- Chaparro. Her journey to Life U is both inspiring and reflective of the twists and turns that life can take.
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