phd in organizational development and change

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PhD in Organizational Development and Change

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Organizational Development and Change

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$9,890/ term

3 – 5 Years

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NEXT START DATE

Jan. 6, 2025

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The  PhD in Organizational Development and Change  (OD & Change) is a multidisciplinary degree for scholar-practitioners who want to expand their capacities to bring about positive change in today’s organizations and communities.

Excel as a Scholar-Practitioner

OD & Change doctoral students develop the knowledge to help organizations and communities thrive in today’s complex world. Emphasizing a multidisciplinary integration of human and organizational systems, this degree creates new approaches to inclusive leadership and sustainability. Students gain knowledge, practice, and research skills to empower themselves and others and meet today’s organizational and social challenges.

Engage in a Flexible Learning Community

Application requirements.

As a doctoral program in a distance-learning environment, students have the freedom to live and work wherever they choose, taking part in a learning community that crosses national and disciplinary boundaries. Students can customize their curriculum by selecting electives and  concentrations  from other Fielding doctoral degrees.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree
• Minimum GPA of 3.0
• Online Application Form
• Statement of Purpose
• Reflective Essay
• Writing Sample
• Official Transcript
• No GRE Required

Start your application NOW!  

If you have completed doctoral credits within the last 8 years, you may be a candidate for the Fielding degree completion program. In this program, students can transfer up to 40 credits towards their PhD.

Learn More >

Advance your Unique Goals

Our graduates are uniquely qualified to become leaders in their chosen professions. They are consultants, educators, entrepreneurs, coaches, and leaders in human resources, health care, and at nonprofits.

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Ph.D. in Organization Development & Change

Begin your journey take the next step.

Professionals across various fields can advance their expertise in organization development with our cohort-based online Ph.D. program, which includes select in-person residencies on campus. The program can be completed in three years and classes begin in the late spring.

Earning a Ph.D. in Organization Development & Change prepares professionals to navigate change nimbly while leading teams and organizations with purpose. Our program provides experiential learning, expert guidance from recognized thought leaders and a high-quality, rigorous academic curriculum. SHU's program is the first to combine a traditional organization development education with a forward-focus on strategic organization development and change, as well as social responsibility.

What makes the Ph.D. in Organization Development & Change at SHU unique?

Sacred Heart University’s organization development & change doctoral program is designed for professionals committed to practicing ethical behavior, humanistic values and social responsibility in organization, community and workforce development. This interdisciplinary program is suited to business professionals, public administrators, military personnel, governmental civil servants, nonprofit managers and education administrators, among others.

Our program prepares mid- and senior-level executives, managers and experienced consultants for significant contributions to their workplaces and communities. Our students critically evaluate and advance theory, research and practice in organization development, change management, leadership and related social and behavioral sciences.

Earning this Ph.D. will position you to advance significantly in fields related to organizational change, leadership, design and effectiveness.

• Work with faculty members who are highly respected leaders in the field and will support your specific research interests and professional goals.
• Engage in interdisciplinary research involving disciplines such as psychology, business, sociology, leadership and communication.
• Enhance your understanding of global leadership practices and organizational behavior.
• Collaborate closely with a talented cohort of fellow Ph.D. candidates in multiple on-campus residencies and virtual residencies throughout the year.
• Participate in teaching and research assistantships to gain hands-on experience in academia.
• Develop your dissertation with the support of the faculty to address a complex problem of practice.

Online Program for Working Professionals

This program is tailored for working professionals, offering a cohort-based model with students taking courses together in seven- to eight-week sessions. The program begins with a week-long residency and includes additional in-person residencies throughout—combining online synchronous sessions and independent dissertation research.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

Our faculty prioritize creating inclusive environments for students from diverse backgrounds. The program emphasizes ethical practice, social justice and the application of comprehensive, integrated frameworks to organization development.

Opportunities for Research, Teaching & Practice

Starting from the second semester, Ph.D. students have opportunities to serve as teaching assistants or to conduct field or organizational research for real-time experience and enhancement of their professional skills.

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Discover the benefits of earning your degree from Sacred Heart University.

Why Earn Your Ph.D. in Organization Development & Change from SHU?

Located in Fairfield, CT, Sacred Heart University is a dynamic, progressive institution dedicated to academic excellence and real-world experience. Home to a vibrant community of scholars and practitioners, SHU offers cutting-edge graduate programs that prepare students for leadership in today's global marketplace.

Courses cover a range of topics essential for organizational leaders and change agents, including, but not limited to the following:

• Evolution of organization development and change
• Advanced leadership
• Quantitative, qualitative, mixed and advanced research methods
• Group dynamics and teams
• Ethical practice and social responsibility in organizations
• Organizational strategy, assessment and design

Career Advancement Opportunities

A Ph.D. in organization development & change focuses on developing research skills and theoretical and practical knowledge that prepare graduates to influence and lead organizational change effectively. This degree is particularly valuable for those aiming to pursue careers in organizational management consulting, senior leadership and management roles in organizations, academia and corporate research.

What can you do with a Ph.D. in Organization Development & Change?

Graduates with this degree find themselves well-prepared for a variety of roles, including:

• Senior Consultant in organization development and management consulting
• Faculty in schools of business, management and applied behavioral sciences
• Director of organizational development, human resources, change management, corporate social responsibility or related positions
• Lead researcher in organizational studies
• Strategic leadership roles in corporate and nonprofit sectors

These positions are pivotal in shaping organizational cultures and practices across both private and public sectors, making a direct impact on organizational success and employee satisfaction.

Now accepting applications for late spring 2025.

Apply Online

More Information

Keith hassell, related links.

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Can Organization Development & Change (ODC) Principles Transform Your Workplace?

Organization Development & Change Program Director Leads by Example

Class of 2028 SHU Student ‘Returns Home’

• Harvard Business School →
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Organizational Behavior

• Technology & Operations Management
• Program Requirements

Scholars in the doctoral program in Organizational Behavior at Harvard Business School are prepared to pursue an interdisciplinary inquiry into issues that are broadly related to the functioning of individuals within groups, at either the micro or macro level. Graduates of our program go on to become the leading researchers and thinkers in organizational behavior, shaping the field and advancing theoretical understanding in posts at schools of management or in disciplinary departments.

The Organizational Behavior program is jointly administered by the faculty of Harvard Business School and the Department of Sociology in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty from both the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Business School.

Curriculum & Coursework

Our program offers two distinct tracks, with research focused either on the micro or macro level. Students who choose to focus on micro organizational behavior take a psychological approach to the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and groups, and the effects that groups have on individuals. In macro organizational behavior, scholars use sociological methods to examine the organizations, groups, and markets themselves, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives.

Your core disciplinary training will take place in either the psychology or sociology departments, depending on the track that you choose. You will also conduct advanced coursework in organizational behavior at HBS, and complete two MBA elective curriculum courses. Students are required to teach for one full academic term in order to gain valuable teaching experience, and to work as an apprentice to a faculty member to develop research skills. Upon completion of coursework, students prepare and present a dossier that includes a qualifying paper, at least two other research papers, and a statement outlining a plan for their dissertation. Before beginning work on the dissertation, students must pass the Organizational Behavior Exam, which presents an opportunity to synthesize academic coursework and prepare for an in-depth research project.

Research & Dissertation

Examples of doctoral thesis research.

• Cross-group relations, stress, and the subsequent effect on performance
• Internal group dynamics of corporate boards of directors
• Organizational mission and its effect on commitment and effort
• Psychological tendencies and collaboration with dissimilar others

Justine Murray

Jaylon Sherrell

“ In HBS’s Organizational Behavior program I receive outstanding, rigorous training in disciplinary methods and also benefit from the myriad resources that HBS has to offer. HBS scholars are looking to apply their research to real-world problems, come up with interventions, and make a real difference. ”

Recent Placement

Hanne collins, 2024, evan defilippis, 2023, hayley blunden, 2022, lumumba seegars, 2021, karen huang, 2020, stefan dimitriadis, 2019, elizabeth hansen, 2019, julie yen, 2024, jeff steiner, 2023, ahmmad brown, 2022, yanhua bird, 2020, jeffrey lees, 2020, alexandra feldberg, 2019, martha jeong, 2019, nicole abi-esber, 2023, elliot stoller, 2023, ariella kristal, 2022, leroy gonsalves, 2020, alicia desantola, 2019, catarina fernandes, 2019, current organizational behavior students.

• Jennifer Abel
• Silvan Baier
• Yajun Cao
• Grace Cormier
• Megan Gorges
• Bushra Guenoun
• Elizabeth Johnson
• Akshita Joshi
• Caleb Kealoha
• Kai Krautter
• Justine Murray
• Mandi Nerenberg
• C. Ryann Noe
• Elizabeth Sheprow
• Jaylon Sherrell
• Yoon Jae Shin
• David Shin
• Erin Shirtz
• Samantha Smith
• Tiffany Smith
• Channing Spencer
• Yuval Spiegler
• Emily Tedards
• Aurora Turek

Current Harvard Sociology & Psychology Faculty

• George A. Alvarez
• Mahzarin R. Banaji
• Jason Beckfield
• Lawrence D. Bobo
• Mary C. Brinton
• Joshua W. Buckholtz
• Randy L. Buckner
• Alfonso Caramazza
• Susan E. Carey
• Paul Y. Chang
• Mina Cikara
• Christina Ciocca Eller
• Christina Cross
• Fiery Cushman
• Frank Dobbin
• Samuel J. Gershman
• Daniel Gilbert
• Joshua D. Greene
• Jill M. Hooley
• Rakesh Khurana
• Alexandra Killewald
• Talia Konkle
• Max Krasnow
• Michèle Lamont
• Ellen Langer
• Joscha Legewie
• Ya-Wen Lei
• Patrick Mair
• Peter V. Marsden
• Katie A. McLaughlin
• Richard J. McNally
• Jason P. Mitchell
• Ellis Monk
• Matthew K. Nock
• Orlando Patterson
• Elizabeth A. Phelps
• Steven Pinker
• Robert J. Sampson
• Daniel L. Schacter
• Theda Skocpol
• Mario L. Small
• Jesse Snedeker
• Leah H. Somerville
• Elizabeth S. Spelke
• Tomer D. Ullman
• Adaner Usmani
• Jocelyn Viterna
• Mary C. Waters
• John R. Weisz
• Christopher Winship
• Xiang Zhou

Current HBS Faculty

• Julie Battilana
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Ethan S. Bernstein
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Edward H. Chang
• Amy C. Edmondson
• Robin J. Ely
• Alexandra C. Feldberg
• Amit Goldenberg
• Boris Groysberg
• Linda A. Hill
• Jon M. Jachimowicz
• Summer R. Jackson
• Leslie K. John
• Jillian J. Jordan
• Rakesh Khurana
• Hyunjin Kim
• Joshua D. Margolis
• Edward McFowland III
• Kathleen L. McGinn
• Tsedal Neeley
• Michael I. Norton
• Leslie A. Perlow
• Jeffrey T. Polzer
• Ryan L. Raffaelli
• Lakshmi Ramarajan
• James W. Riley
• Clayton S. Rose
• Raffaella Sadun
• Emily Truelove
• Michael L. Tushman
• Ashley V. Whillans
• Letian Zhang
• Julian J. Zlatev

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

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Doctorate in Organization Development and Change (DODC)

Organization Development and Change

The Doctorate in Organization Development and Change (DODC) at Bowling Green State University is an elite AACSB-accredited program for enterprising professionals aspiring to become scholar-practitioners who make lasting impacts in their organizations and communities.

This three-year degree is versatile, collaborative and flexible. It opens the door to high-level leadership, consulting and teaching opportunities. Experienced professionals who enroll in the BGSU doctoral program come from a variety of roles and industries. They are empowered with the tools and insight to transform organizations, revitalize communities and develop human potential. 

Those exploring a doctorate in organizational leadership or even a doctorate in business administration (DBA) discover that the DODC program at BGSU checks all the boxes while going well beyond the conventional education experience. It’s designed as an experiential, life-changing program for seasoned practitioners to add scholarly academic skills to their practice. 

Whether you're an executive, consultant, or educator in fields such as organization development, change management, industrial-organizational psychology, human resource management, talent development or higher education, the DODC program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to excel and make profound positive differences.

Admission Information

Additional Resources

• Program requirements
• Course descriptions
• Program schedule
• Program fees
• DODC faculty

Program  highlights

• AACSB accreditation. BGSU is among just 20% of graduate business programs worldwide adhering to the rigorous standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This translates to a globally-recognized, high-quality education. Our graduates have a competitive edge for bigger salaries and better career opportunities. 
• Flexible and engaging class design. Achieve work-life balance with hybrid courses (primarily online) and one weekend residency per class. Small class sizes allow for highly engaging applied learning experiences that leverage everyone’s knowledge. Supportive faculty provide personalized career coaching and support. program in the country. Choose from sites at more than 800 U.S. agencies. Make contacts that lead to future jobs.
• Accelerated executive format.  Our program is ideal for busy working professionals in virtually all fields. It is designed to be completed in three years with two classes per semester, including summer. Each new cohort starts in August, but you can begin any semester upon acceptance. 
• Scholar-practitioner model.  We offer a cohort-based learning that combines evidence-based theory with best practices.
• International experience.  A unique study abroad symposium advances cross-cultural competencies and connects topics to international perspectives.
• Interdisciplinary and interprofessional.   The DODC program is open to students worldwide with diverse experiences, professions and goals.
• Lifelong leadership connections.  This is more than professional networking. It’s a robust learning community, cultivated through in-depth discussions, collaborative projects and weekend residencies.
• Competitive fee structure.  The BGSU DODC program offers high ROI as one of the most affordable doctoral programs in leadership.
• National reputation.  BGSU business graduate programs have been on The Princeton Review’s list of Best Business Schools for 10+ consecutive years. 

BGSU was the first university in the U.S. to offer graduate-level courses in organization development and change and the first to offer a master's in organization development .

Career  opportunities

Renew your passion, purpose and  professional joy  by becoming a thought leader in your field, capable of creating innovative, scalable solutions to longstanding challenges. 

We teach proven methodology and change management frameworks for practical application to real-world scenarios. The organization development and change doctorate teaches students to carve strategic paths toward greater resilience, reach, efficiency, inclusion and innovation. 

DODC graduates can:

• Rise up the ranks to “C-Suite” level
• Lead organizational strategy
• Shape academic discourse 
• Facilitate corporate collaboration
• Innovate strategic solutions
• Consult at the highest levels
• Maximize the impact of community initiatives 
• Help other people reach their highest potential
• Teach the next generation

Organizational development and change skills are in great demand in all sectors and organization sizes – corporate and private, NGO/nonprofits, government and academia. Core competencies in this field can influence how effectively organizations are run, how quickly goals are achieved, and how much it costs to do both. 

Our students publish in reputable publications and present at leading conferences, often landing keynote speaking opportunities while in the program. Having a doctorate in organizational leadership is an asset to employers. It can be leveraged for promotions and exciting new opportunities. 

Career paths

• Change manager
• Chief executive officer
• College president, dean, department chair
• Director of organization development and change
• Executive coach, leadership coach, life coach
• Healthcare administrator
• Human capital officer/HR lead
• Program/project manager
• Keynote speaker
• Learning officer
• Management consultant
• Nonprofit executive director
• Organizational effectiveness lead
• People officer
• Professor, lecturer
• Strategy officer
• Superintendent
• Talent development lead
• Training and development director
• Transformation officer

Quick Facts from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

View Average Salaries

93% graduation rate of first BGSU DODC cohort, compared to the national average of 31-51% for most doctoral degrees.

The majority of students complete their dissertation in under 4 years , compared to the national average of 6.7 years.

The overarching goal of organization development and change is advancing the health and well-being of people, organizations and society. The BGSU DODC curriculum prepares students to do just that in high-level leadership careers. 

Courses teach evidence-based approaches to facilitate collaborative change and innovation, smart decision-making, talent development and action research.

The program consists of:

• 18 credit hours of core courses
• 15 credit hours of research
• 3 credit hours of customized international study experience
• 3 preliminary exam credit hours
• 16 credit hours for your dissertation

Required courses

Sample courses

• Introduction to the Field and Profession of OD&C
• Transformational Change in Complex Systems
• Managerial Judgment and Decision Making in Changing Environments
• Collaborative Change and Innovation
• Coaching and Developing Talent in Transition
• Use of Self as an Agent of Change
• The Science of Organization Development and Change
• International Symposia Experience

Dissertation

The culminating experience of the DODC program is an evidence-based dissertation that examines compelling challenges and opportunities within each student’s professional interest. 

From the start, students are constantly examining lessons through the lens of their own practice area. This creates a structured experience that helps continuously build toward their dissertation. 

The third-year dissertation support program at BGSU ensures students receive ample support. 

• Dissertation research and writing courses with 1:1 coaching throughout the process
• Close collaboration with the dissertation chair and committee to ensure compelling, robust, meaningful dissertations. 

Results are evaluated and prepared for public dissemination. They contribute to practical solutions within the student’s profession and bolster their authority as a thought leader.

Existing completed dissertations

Doctorate in Organization Development and Change at BGSU: Preparing leaders and change agents

The DODC support staff and faculty are incredible. Coming here to BGSU, everyone has been incredibly supportive and they feel like family.

Cortney Smalley ’24

Recruiter, Federal Bureau of Investigation

The residency experiences are transformational and enable students to refine their leadership and collaborative approach to managing and developing teams regardless of years of experience.

Frank Fulco ’26

CEO, America’s Beauty Show

Students should choose BGSU if they are committed and want to make a difference as a thought leader. They should choose it if they are committed to a cause worthy of their life.

Steve Cady, Ph.D.

Graduate faculty, director of the DODC program

The Doctorate in Organization Development and Change (DODC) program is part of the BGSU Graduate College and BGSU Schmidthorst College of Business .

Accreditation | Professional Licensure

Accreditation

The Schmidthorst College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) and is in good standing. 

More information on accreditation .

Other BGSU Criminal Justice programs

Updated: 03/22/2024 10:51AM

Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Department of Educational Leadership Research and Technology Western Michigan University Kalamazoo MI 49008-5283 USA (269) 387-3897

Organizational Change Leadership Ph.D.

At Western Michigan University, we believe that change is not simply a reaction to external forces—it is an opportunity to shape the future. The Ph.D. program in Education and Human Development with a concentration in Organizational Change Leadership is designed to empower the next generation of change leaders and scholars to revolutionize organizations and industries.

Throughout the program, students engage in a rigorous curriculum that prepares them to become scholars and practitioners in the dynamic field of organizational change and transformation. Students gain a deep knowledge of cutting-edge organizational theory, advanced applied research methods, and effective strategies to facilitate change within and across diverse organizations. By integrating theory with practical applications, students develop the skills necessary to drive meaningful and sustainable change in complex organizational environments and the perspective and disposition required to serve as leaders in their organizations and communities.

We are committed to cultivating a vibrant community of change leaders and scholars who are equipped with not only the latest research and practical tools but also the competencies needed to navigate the complexities of organizational ecosystems and drive impactful change. Our students excel as organizational leaders, change consultants, and thought leaders, collectively making a meaningful impact on organizations and society.

Why Organizational Change Leadership at Western Michigan University?

Applied research - The curriculum includes a strong emphasis on applied research and scholarly inquiry. Students delve deep into the theoretical foundations of organizational change, engage in advanced research methodologies, and contribute to the existing body of knowledge through their doctoral research, which is embedded in organizations and has a lasting impact on the field.

Skills and mindsets - The program is intentionally designed to foster the development of essential skills for change leaders, such as an entrepreneurial mindset, systems thinking, and effective change leadership, equipping students with the competencies needed to navigate the complexities of organizational ecosystems and drive impactful change.

Scholar practitioner development - We are dedicated to developing scholar-practitioners who can integrate both theory and practice. The program offers comprehensive training in research methodologies, academic writing, instruction, and consulting. Students gain the skills needed to effectively communicate research findings with multiple audiences, influence change agendas, and inspire others to embrace transformation.

Interdisciplinary approach  -   The program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, integrating concepts and theories from fields such as psychology, organizational behavior, sociology, anthropology, technology, and management. This interdisciplinary perspective enables students to gain a holistic understanding of organizational dynamics as well as the larger ecosystem, fostering innovative thinking in their research endeavors and change interventions.

Personalization and relevance  -   Through a variety of elective experiences, students are provided with the opportunity to personalize their learning and focus on an area of inquiry that aligns with their individual interests, career aspirations, and daily work. Faculty mentors support the design and development of these learning pathways. In addition, flexibility is built into key benchmarks such as the comprehensive exam portfolio model, allowing students to tailor their learning toward career goals.

Dynamic learning environment  -   The program offers a dynamic and collaborative learning environment where doctoral students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty and fellow scholars through interactive seminars, consulting projects, and collaborative research. Students represent leaders in a wide range of industries and organizational settings, which contribute unique perspectives and insights. This environment fosters intellectual exchange, the co-creation of knowledge, and the development of a strong scholarly community.

Faculty expertise and mentorship - At Western Michigan University, we are committed to providing our students with a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Our distinguished faculty, who are both experienced practitioners and renowned scholars, offer mentorship and guidance to students throughout their doctoral journey, helping them to develop their research interests, refine their research methodologies, and disseminate their research. The structure of the program is designed to support individual mentoring and faculty-student collaboration, thus supporting students throughout their coursework and dissertation process.

View all upcoming virtual information sessions.

For more information, contact  Dr. David Szabla

Applications can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed in November for Spring Semester admittance and March for Summer and Fall Semester admittance.

• Required program of study
• Doctoral student handbook
• Comprehensive exam portfolio model
• Tuition and fees
• Cost of attendance
• Scholarships
• Assistantships
• Employer-paid tuition
• College of Education and Human Development
• International Admissions and Services
• Graduate College
• Office of Military and Veterans Affairs
• Visit Campus

"We focus on the development of marketable skills—skills wanted by employers in a vast array of industries." 

- Dr. David Szabla, Program Coordinator

Admission requirements

Note: When completing your application, be sure to complete the supplemental form section by selecting Organizational Change Leadership.

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution indicated on an official transcript
• An overall grade point average of at least 3.0 for all graduate work undertaken beyond the bachelor’s degree
• Official transcripts, as required by WMU
• Career and professional goals written narrative in which an applicant describes their professional goals and how this doctoral program fits with those goals
• Three graduate reference forms completed by individuals who can address an applicant’s ability to complete doctoral-level work successfully
• A professional curriculum vitae or resume

OCL-PHD Application Review Schedule

The OCL-PHD Program accepts applications year-round. However, applications are reviewed at two specific points each academic year: in the Fall for Spring admittance and in the Spring for Fall admittance.

Spring 2025 Admittance Review Schedule

• Application Review : Applications for Spring 2025 admittance will be reviewed during the week of November 4, 2024.
• Interviews: If selected for an interview, interviews will take place the week of November 11, 2024.
• Admittance Notifications: Applicants will be notified of their admittance status during the week of November 18, 2024.

Fall 2025 Admittance Review Schedule

• Application Review: Applications for Fall 2025 admittance will be reviewed during the week of March 17, 2025.
• Interviews: If selected for an interview, interviews will take place the week of March 24, 2025.
• Admittance Notifications: Applicants will be notified of their admittance status during the week of March 31, 2025.

Dr. David Szabla

Dr. Tova Sanders