Administration
Kevin J. McCloskey
President, CEO
Kevin J. McCloskey is the President of Direct Learning Systems, Inc. (DLS), a Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania–based distance education publishing and services company he founded in 1999. Under his leadership, DLS owns and operates Blackstone Career Institute (BCI), licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, State Board of Private Licensed Schools, and MGS Trade School (MGS), approved by the Delaware Department of Education. Both institutions deliver comprehensive Internet-based distance learning curricula and are accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency for distance education, as well as the Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools.
In addition to BCI and MGS, DLS also owns and manages The Institute of Children’s Literature, The Institute for Writers, and 123ce.com, further broadening its portfolio in online education and professional development.
Prior to founding DLS, Kevin accumulated over 15 years of senior management experience. He served as Vice Chairman and Managing Partner of NLKK, Inc., the former operator of Keystone School—an Internet-based, nationally accredited secondary school owned by K12/Stride, Inc., with an annual enrollment exceeding 15,000 students. In 2000, Kevin successfully negotiated the sale of NLKK, Inc. to KinderCare Learning Centers, Inc., a publicly traded corporation. His earlier career included various senior management roles within the medical equipment industry, where he was primarily responsible for marketing, sales, business development, and strategic planning.
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania.
Professionally, he remains actively involved with the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), having served as Vice Chairman of the Business Standards Committee and as Chairman of the International Marketing Workshop for the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) in 2000. He is also a member of the Mid-Atlantic Association of Career Schools and the Coalition for Student Opportunity and Success. Locally, Kevin contributes his expertise to his community as a member of the finance committee at St. Thomas More Church and has served as fundraising chairman during his tenure on the church’s school board.
Zeke Stout
Director
Zeke Stout is a certified firearms specialist with IFSA (International Firearms Specialist Academy) and a Uscca certified firearms instructor. To share his gun knowledge and expand his reach, he started one of the most popular podcasts in the firearms industry, He went on to help build one of the largest online gunsmithing schools as an Executive Vice President. In that role, he was certified through the DEAC as a Higher Education Professional in leadership and became an armorer in several platforms, including the 1911 and Penn arms grenade launcher. He was also the host and gunsmithing subject matter expert for the Discovery channel show Master Of Arms.
In 2020, Zeke brought his expertise in firearms to MGS Trade School. As Director, he provides direction and oversight of the school while maintaining the creative consciousness and ensuring proper coordination with other companies in the firearms industry. Mr. Stout also oversees the development and execution of marketing strategies to ensure they align with the MGS mission and goals. In keeping with accreditation standards, he recommends firearms programs and products to enhance student performance and benefit the industry as a whole.
Valerie L. Behrle
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
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.
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).
Jacque Irizarry
Project Manager | Development
Jacque earned a B. A. in Graphics and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University. Since joining Direct Learning Systems in 2015, she has developed a deep understanding of the education industry and its transformative impact. Throughout her career, she has utilized the power of education to enhance student support across Student Services, IT, Graphic and Web Design, and management. She is a proponent of self-growth and the building blocks of learning – at work and in life. Jacque seeks opportunities for students, coworkers, and community members to have their unique skills, interests, and histories fostered, understood, and celebrated.
In her current role as Project Manager | Development, she collaborates with internal and external developers to oversee the planning, testing, and implementation of projects that enhance our day-to-day operations, technology, student data, and compliance. Her passion is rooted in leading a team that fosters creativity and innovation. Outside of work, Jacque is an active community member who volunteers with local organization and uses her passion for art to help others. She also enjoys playing basketball, traveling, photography, painting, and other forms of creative arts.
Faculty & Staff
Harry “Skip” Walters III
Master Gunsmith | Instructor
A graduate of the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School, Skip has worked as an Engineer, Technician, Model-maker, and Gunsmith for over 40 years. In addition to his role at MGS Trade School, Skip worked as a gunsmith for Sarco, Inc., one of the world’s largest suppliers of gun parts, kits, and accessories.
With his extensive education and real-world experience, Skip provides MGS students with unique insights into what it takes to be a successful gunsmith. Have a question about your course work or the firearm’s industry? Skip’s expertise and experience in the firearm’s industry is an invaluable resource.
James McCloskey
Admissions Advisor | Student Services 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.
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.
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 Bernard
Digital Production & Print Specialist
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.