What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
Associate Director in the International Education department. My main endeavors will be international marketing, recruitment and retention activities; advising international students on cultural, immigration, and assist with new international student orientation.
Tell us a little about your professional background.
With my family at a wedding
After graduating from community college, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in France, which had a huge impact on why I chose to work in the International Education field. My first job in education was at South Seattle (Community) College in International Marketing and Advising as an intern and later as a full-time employee for 3 years. After this, I took a position in the International Student Services department at Edmonds CC where I worked in a variety of roles developing relationships with international schools and agencies, working with faculty/staff on global engagement activities, and developing study abroad and short term programs.
What was your most memorable job? Why?
I delivered inflatable bouncy houses all around Western Washington for kids’ birthday parties for about a year. I loved the reactions of the kids as I inflated the giant dinosaurs and castles in front of them.
With my son and wife
What does a typical day look like for you?
Morning coffee and a bagel, off to work, return home, outdoor soccer game, go to bed, repeat.
Describe yourself at 12 years old.
Probably a bit nerdy, I recall spending a majority of my time playing the original 8-bit Nintendo, infatuated with pro basketball and the Supersonics, and lots of piano lessons (not by choice).
What is your favorite meal/ snack in winter? Favorite winter beverage?
I’d have to say raclette or fondue since I’m a big fan of cheese. Warm sake would be my go to winter beverage.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Fishing with my dad
Hakuna Matata
What is the first concert you attended?
Bush and Gwen Stefani
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
This is an easy one, soccer for sure.
With family in Japan
What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
Shoe Dog: A memoir by the creator of Nike.
What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Pumpkin Pie
Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I was born in Inglewood, California but raised partly in Washington and partly in Hawaii.
What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College? My title at EvCC is Director of Program Development – Criminal Justice/Fire Science, the Public Safety Programs of the Health Sciences and Public Safety Division. I act as the hub between faculty, staff, and the dean’s office, and I’m involved in partnerships and outreach to our programs’ professional sectors while driving recruitment and overseeing the staff side of our day-to-day efforts.
Tell us a little about your professional background.
Before EvCC, I was at the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington, where I managed a mid-career degree program and their continuing education courses. For much of that time, I also volunteered as the operations manager of a small pet rescue nonprofit based in Eastern Washington. Prior to that, I worked at Seattle Central (at the time, Community) College, from where I also attained my AA degree. The diversity and direct social impact of a community college can’t be beat, and I’m excited to be here at Everett Community College to experience that connection and impact again.
What was your most memorable job? Why?
Papken with an adoptable dog from the pet rescue
My most memorable job was probably my first public sector job, working at the US Census Bureau in their regional office at the age of 19. Basically, the area office had to hire an entire set of staff—trainers, payroll, selections (hiring), as well as the census takers who work in the field, obviously—and complete their count within a matter of months. Out of a degree of chaos and uncertainly, we completed the counts for the 2000 Census, which included obtaining a much-needed updated count of the population experiencing homelessness in Washington State.
What does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me includes meeting and fostering relationships with representatives of the fire services, emergency medical services, and criminal justice agencies in the region and state, as well as those at high schools and community organizations. I am also involved in curriculum and program planning, marketing and recruitment, supervising the staff, collaborating with faculty, and implementing process improvement so that we are delivering the best public value possible. A lot of my time in my first weeks has been spent learning EvCC systems and connecting with EvCC colleagues in other departments, to ensure we remain aligned with the College’s mission and encourage cross-campus cooperation.
Describe yourself at 12 years old.
At 12 years old, I was really creative and active physically. I trained in karate 4–5 days a week and was always running around (usually outside) whether with friends or by myself. I would spend a ton of time drawing and coming up with my own ideas for role-playing games, video games, and action figure toys. I was also really into environmentalism and music, and started to read books about cultures from outside my small, privileged sphere.
What is your favorite meal/ snack in winter? Favorite winter beverage?
My favorite meal/snack in winter is a tie between soup with salad and buttered soda bread, or mac and cheese with hot dogs (usually veggie dogs). My favorite winter beverage is black tea with milk, which is my preferred beverage most seasons. It just stuck after living in the British Isles.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Tough one. Maybe, From Jet City to Viking Town: A Mini-Odyssey of Animals, Imagination, Music, Combat Sports, and Public Service.
What is the first concert you attended?
I think it was a Tim Noah Christmas concert at the Bon Marché or Nordstrom—I guess, Snohomish County represent!
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
My favorite pastime is being outdoors with my dogs, in pretty much any weather.
What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
The last book I read was Green Island, a fictional memoir that follows a Taiwanese family’s experiences from the end of World War II, just after Taiwan had been a colony of the Japanese Empire, through its transition to the early Republic of China, and finally its transition to open democracy in the 1980s.
What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Chocolate. Perhaps not much of an original answer…but it’s precious to me!
Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
I was born in Seattle but actually grew up from the age of 12 in Dublin, Ireland. I also bounced around a bit before coming back to the Puget Sound area to finish college.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself still contributing to public service, hopefully with more education under my belt.
What do you like to do on your days off?
On my days off, I like to hike or walk with my dogs and sometimes go to concerts.
Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
I have two. One piece of advice that I try to follow imparts that, since there are no guarantees in life and ultimately, very few things matter, you should spend your time being happy, being kind, and loving what you do.
Another is that, although everyone has cowardice, the surest way to failure is to hang back out of fear. Rather, pursue challenges and engage in conflict with energy and joy, regardless of what the outcome might be.
What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?
Program Coordinator for the Center of Excellence. I will be assisting in many of our grants that aid in helping students in aerospace and advanced manufacturing programs prepare for employment in entry-level positions and apprenticeships.
Tell us a little about your professional background.
The past 5 years, I’ve worked as a professional service dog trainer for people with disabilities, helping to provide them with more confidence and independence. Before that, I was a student employee at Everett Community College and managed the student Programs Board, coordinating and implementing student events and activities.
EvCC Graduation 2011
What was your most memorable job? Why?
Working for Everett Community College as a student was one of my most memorable jobs because of the positive atmosphere and support provided by the advisors. Putting on campus events and managing peers was a privilege that helped me develop and strengthen many of my skills that I now use in my work field. I like to say that Everett Community College is where I “grew up.”
Training service dogs – 2017
What does a typical day look like for you?
On the job, my typical day is filled with meetings and lots of paperwork! I get to do a lot of data entry and budget management, as well as correspond with grant participants and partners.
Describe yourself at 12 years old.
At 12 years old, I already knew what I was going to do with my life. I wasn’t the most confident kid, but I had a big heart. I knew I wanted to do something with my life that would better other people’s lives, which is why I chose to train service dogs.
Sister Brittany and I with our nieces at the Rain Forest Cafe 2017
What is your favorite meal/ snack in winter? Favorite winter beverage?
My favorite food in winter is soup, and my favorite beverage is a peppermint white chocolate mocha!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Life’s a Rollercoaster: Learn to Enjoy the Ride
What is the first concert you attended?
“Skillet” back in grade school.
Family photo with Mickey – Disneyland 2017
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
Taking my dog for a walk, or spending time with my family.
What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
I just finished reading the original Beauty and the Beast story. So much different from Disney’s version!
What one food do you wish had zero calories?
Ice cream!
Sibling photo of us being us!- 2007
Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
Marysville is my hometown, born and raised!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully with children, a stable job, and nice house with a big yard for my dogs to play in!
What do you like to do on your days off?
Spend time with my family.
Photo of me with my dog – 2017
Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
Live every day with a purpose!
What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College? I am a Specialist III, Lead ECAP teacher at EvCC East County Location in Monroe, WA.
Steelhead fishing in Forks, WA
Tell us a little about your professional background. I have worked in the Early Childhood Education field for 8 years as a lead teacher. I am transferring from Bellevue College Early Learning Center, where I was a specialist II for Pre-K Head Start Students. I am currently finishing my last class at Bellevue College to obtain my AAS-T degree in Early Childhood Education. I plan to obtain my BA from WSU’s Global Campus in Human Development in the Fall of 2018.
Steelhead fishing on the Skykomish River in Gold bar, WA.
What was your most memorable job? Why?
Currently I feel my new position with EvCC is my most memorable job to date. I feel this way because I get to start up this new program, and use my creativity in designing my classroom. I am also excited to be teaching a half day program, with an AM and PM class.
My largest bass to date, catch and release.
Describe yourself at 12 years old.
Master Gardener, located in my father’s vegetable garden.
What is your favorite meal/ snack in fall? Favorite fall beverage? My favorite meal or snack in the fall is smoked salmon. And my favorite fall beverage is Cold Brew.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime? Gardening, hunting, and fishing.
What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
Inspiring environments for young children.
Waterfowl hunt with the boys in Newport, WA
What one food do you wish had zero calories? French Fries.
Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?
Duvall, WA.
What do you like to do on your days off? I love to steelhead fish on the Skykomish river, travel to the Olympic Peninsula, hunt, and garden.
Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice? “Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.”- Winnie the Pooh
What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College? Tenure Track Professor. I will be teaching the major series and advising students, as well as expanding the access to evolution and ecology courses.
Tell us a little about your professional background. I am a local who graduated from Marysville, went on to UW where I obtained by BS and PhD in Evolutionary Biology. I continued at UW as a teaching postdoc with Dr. Freeman. I research extinctions, and modern day environments, specifically how seagrasses respond to increased temperature, and decreased oxygen (eutrophication).
Boating on Lake Cavanaugh is a favorite pastime for sure!
What does a typical day look like for you?
Unknown here, but excited to find out!
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Man, I make lots of mistakes – but never said no.
What is the first concert you attended?
Linkin Park
Boating on Lake Cavanaugh
What is your favorite hobby or pastime?
I enjoy watersports. I grew up on a lake and enjoy waterskiing and wakeboarding. In the winter, I am in a bowling league (yep… what else is there to do on Monday evenings?)
What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?
Environmental science (for the course I am teaching… yep, I still have to read text books!)
What do you like to do on your days off? Hiking, skiing, football games, or anything outside.
Waterskiing
Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?
Don’t study a topic; practice it! If you cannot learn to drive a car by reading a book, then how can you expect to learn ecology by just reading a book? Get your hands dirty, explore your environment, and live it.
What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College? 
