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Behind the Resume #9 – Steve Tuggle

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the college?

Aviation Maintenance Instructor. I build lesson plans and presentations, as well as utilize all available training aids in an effort to provide an effective and rewarding classroom and lab learning environment for our students.

Outside our O'Fallon, MO home just prior to the pack up effort for our WA move. 10 July 2015 — Outside our O’Fallon, MO home just prior to the pack up effort for our WA move. 10 July 2015

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Taking an airboat ride with Jean's parents in the FL Everglades, Nov 2014. — Taking an airboat ride with Jean’s parents in the FL Everglades, Nov 2014.

Post-high school, I tried a few different blue-collar trades, but none provided the fulfillment or career path I was hoping for. Having a strong mechanical background, and an interest in airplanes, I decided to enlist in the U.S. Air Force. During my nearly 23-year career, I maintained, taught, and managed personnel and processes in support of C-141B, KC-135R, C-17A, F-16CJ and B-52H aircraft operations. Upon retirement, I held instructor positions with the Federal government at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, an Airframe & Powerplant institute in Mukilteo, and an F-15 foreign military sales contractor in St. Louis. When this EvCC opportunity arose, I jumped at the chance to return to the beautiful PacNW.

What was your first job?

My first wage-earning job was working in the kitchen at a place called Showbiz Pizza, a franchise that was later renamed Chuck E. Cheese.

What was the most interesting job you ever had? Why?

Jean and I at Busch Stadium to watch the Cards beat my lovable losers, the Cubs. May 2015.

My time as a KC-135R Pneudraulics Instructor. In addition to the typical hydraulic-related aircraft systems, our career field was responsible for troubleshooting and repairing everything on the refueling boom. That meant we had to be well-versed in electrical, instruments, cable and surface rigging, and fuel systems. I thoroughly enjoyed the variety.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

Nephew and Aunt sitting on Grandpa/Daddy's lap in Lacey, WA. June 2015 — Nephew and Aunt sitting on Grandpa/Daddy’s lap in Lacey, WA. June 2015

I was an active, adventurous boy who also liked to tinker and disassemble, reassemble or modify toys, bicycles, lawn mowers, etc. Sometimes successfully, sometimes not.

What is your favorite meal?

I can’t nail down one meal, rather I enjoy many cuisines, such as: German, French, Indian, Mediterranean, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, the list goes on and on…

14-week-old Bogie and Johanna in Kirkland. 22 August.

What do you do in your spare time?

Regardless of what we are doing, I enjoy spending time with my family.

What is your wish for EvCC 10 years from now?

To be recognized by industry partners and the general populace as the premiere school for aspiring aircraft mechanics.

One of the numerous hi-fi components I've had the pleasure of restoring and owning over the years. This all-tube McIntosh MX110Z tuner/preamplifier was manufactured in July 1967. — One of the numerous hi-fi components I’ve had the pleasure of restoring and owning over the years. This all-tube McIntosh MX110Z tuner/preamplifier was manufactured in July 1967.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

As an audiophile, I enjoy a modest hobby of collecting, building, and refurbishing hi-fi gear, with the ultimate goal of sitting back, relaxing, and getting lost in the music.

What are you reading right now?

Flying South: A Pilot’s Inner Journey, by Barbara Cushman Rowell.

Visiting with my parents at their home in Limestone, TN. June 2015.

Who is your hero/heroine? Why?

It may seem a default choice, but it’s genuine; my parents. Primarily because they made the hard choice of leaving everyone and everything they knew in southwest Virginia, and moving to the Chicago area where skilled tradesmen were in demand. Without an extended family network to lean on, they still were successful in raising two kids on their own.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

On the beach at the Gulf of Mexico while visiting Jean's parents in Venice, FL. Nov 2014. — On the beach at the Gulf of Mexico while visiting Jean’s parents in Venice, FL. Nov 2014.

Incompetence, especially if one refuses to acknowledge his/her shortcomings and redirects blame elsewhere.

Where is your hometown?

Buffalo Grove, IL. 35 miles NW of Chicago.

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

Navigating Around the Thunderheads of Neurosis

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” Mark Twain

Under the Spectacle of Lights, Disney World Hollywood Studios, Nov 2014. L to R: my son Nick, Jean, me, daughters Alissa and Stefani, and her boyfriend Devin.

Johanna sitting on Jasper, while his son, Thomas, looks on. TN, June 2015.

Johanna and our late Great Dane, Orion, in our O'Fallon, MO home. June 2015, and Fall 2014. — Johanna and our late Great Dane, Orion, in our O’Fallon, MO home. June 2015

Behind the Resume #8 – Kristina Saunsaucie

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

Director of the Early Learning Center. Day to day oversight of the center to ensure high quality programming for children and a growth opportunity for teachers. Each day will always be a little different and usually not quite what you planned!

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I went to University of WA for undergraduate and then went on to Antioch University for a Masters in Child, Couple and Family Therapy. It has always been my passion to support children and families, and after doing therapy for a few years, I realized I wanted a chance to work with a broader range of families. I was hired to be a consultant at a non-profit Early Learning Center and within a few months became the Executive Director. After almost ten years there, I expanded my work to Snohomish Co and King Co and did coaching and consulting with many ECE administrators and teachers. During this time, I was also the Mental Health Consultant for early childhood programs at Skagit Valley College. Over the past few months, I realized how much I missed the leadership role and the on-going relationships built in an ECE environment-which led me to the Everett Community College.

Oliver's Graduation — At my son, Oliver’s graduation in June 2015

What was your first job?

I worked at my parent’s Ice Creamery on Whidbey starting from 11 years old. We had the first espresso on the island long before anyone knew what it was or how to order it a million different ways. We also had stand up arcade games like Missile Command and Asteroids, and table versions of Pac Man and Donkey Kong. It was the center of Langley for many years.

What was the most interesting job you ever had? Why?

I hope it will be this one!

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

The best word would be shy. Plus, I was finished growing, so at ten I was considered tall.

What is your favorite meal?

I love breakfast any time of the day.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to be outside- especially walking on the beach and love to do Mixxedfit, kickboxing, and dancing. I also have a Fashion Consulting business that enables me to spend time with amazing women playing with clothes and finding our most stylish selves.

What is your wish for EvCC 10 years from now?

To be a thriving, growing environment for students and staff that attracts bright minds and creative thinkers. I also envision an ELC that is partnered with the academic departments so that the children in our care are benefiting from

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Dancing

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? (Or, what is on your Summer Reading List?) Are you participating in EvCC’s Summer Reading “Book Bingo” this year?

I just finished Ann Patchett’s “Patron Saint of Liars” while I was on the OR coast for a few days. I am not participating, but I would be interested in the future.

Who is your hero/ heroine? Why?

I really have two- my mother Janet and my Grandma Olive. They are both incredible examples of strong women who make the best of the situation life throws at them.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I have two- the first is being patted on the head either literally or figuratively. The second is people who believe the rules apply to everyone else but them.

Where is your hometown?

Born in Seattle, but will always consider Whidbey to be home.

Amphibian Vehicle Fun at Xplor in Cancun

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

If my Life were a Book..I would want it to be titled. “To Be Continued…”

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Behind the Resume #7 – Christopher Russell

What is your title at EvCC, and what will you be doing in your day-to-day endeavors at the College?

I am the Logistics and Resources Advisor for the Aviation Maintenance Technology Department at Paine Field. It is my job to make sure that the facility and all of the aircraft and equipment inside are maintained and ready for students to use. I also handle ordering of parts and supplies, and prepare the lab assignments for the quarter.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I began working in network administration after completing the CCNA course right after graduating from high school. Quickly, I decided that I wanted to return to my first passion, which was aviation. I attended the Aircraft Maintenance Technician School here at Everett Community College, and while I was here I was offered a fantastic opportunity to participate in an exchange program with a college in Cosford, England. That opportunity helped me make a great deal of connections, and only a couple months after I graduated I was working in restoration and operation at an aviation museum here at Paine Field. Since then, I have worked in restoration and historical research for a few museums prior to coming back to EvCC.

What was your first job?

My first job was for a Macintosh-centric server hosting facility in Tukwila. It was a paid internship, and I spent most of my time crawling around to run network cables to new server racks.

What was the most interesting job you ever had? Why?

The first museum job I had. I was the crew chief for a North American B-25 and P-51 for many airshows, which meant I got to travel around all summer in some very cool vintage aircraft. I met a lot of people, made some good friends, and was able to interact with a very enthusiastic public. It also took me to some very interesting places, like the Reno Air Races and Seafair.

Chris 1 — Making new friends at Airshows c. 2010

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

At 10 years old, I would have been a complete nerd. I loved computers, video games, and Star Wars. I was obsessed with aviation back then too, and I would constantly beg my parents for trips to the airport or the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

What is your favorite meal?

Some King Crab and Prime Rib surf and turf.

Chris 5 — Malissa and I dropping in to a soda fountain on vacation.

What do you do in your spare time?

In my spare time I build computers, read, watch movies or work on restoring antique and vintage items for my collection. Right now I am working on a 1943 GE desk fan. I also like to find time to volunteer with various organizations when possible. My wife Malissa and I also like to travel, and I will drag her along to whatever aircraft museums I can find. I acquired my Pilot’s License when I was a teenager and still occasionally fly when I can find the time and money. Being a devout Husky fan, I spend a considerable amount of time tailgating and attending games during the football season.

What is your wish for EvCC 10 years from now?

Particularly for the Aviation Department, I would like to see the program continue to grow and develop, and continue producing industry-leading technicians.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

That is a difficult decision, but whenever I have the time, I love to get a day of beer brewing in. It can be difficult and time-consuming, but the payoff is great!

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? (Or, what is on your Summer Reading List?) Are you participating in EvCC’s Summer Reading “Book Bingo” this year?

I just finished re-reading The Art of War, and am starting in on Slaughterhouse Five. I’m not participating in Book Bingo this year, but maybe next year!

Who is your hero/ heroine? Why?

Chris 4 — Gaining new perspectives in a P-51, Reno 2012

My grandfather. He fought during WWII in the Navy, and when he came home he devoted himself to his family. He never approached any job thinking it was beneath him, and lived his life as one of the most steadfast and principled people I’ve ever known.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Excessively loud chewing. Seriously, it drives me crazy.

Where is your hometown?

I grew up around South Everett/Lake Stickney, but realistically I spent most of my time around Paine Field.

If your life were a book, what would it be titled?

Procrastination for Dummies.

Chris 2 — At the Arlington Fly-In in 2009

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“All men dream: but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” – T.E. Lawrence

Behind the Resume #6 – Alicia Christiansen

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 Facilities Department. I will be coordinating invoice processing, Megamations Dispatch, and other processes for EVCC facilities.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I am a 2014 college graduate of Everett Community College with an ATA Degree in Business Technology and a Medical Receptionist Certificate and a Medical Administrative Support Certificate. I have over 9 years’ experience in the customer service industry.

What was your first job?

My first job was a courtesy clerk at Allen Creek Thriftway in Marysville, Wa. I got the job after 6 months of asking the store manager if there was a job opening. I didn’t get an interview because they all knew me by then. I bagged groceries, filled supplies, helped customers, and gathered up shopping carts. The owner of the store would sit across the street and watch me run as I retrieved carts. Yes, I ran when I gathered carts and the owner witnessed it with his own two eyes. He called my store manager and told him that they hired a great courtesy clerk. After that my nickname was “speedy.”

My family: Husband (Ken), daughter (Laila), and son (Easton)

How do you commute to work? What is your favorite radio station/ program to listen to on your commute (if any)?

I drive to work listening to Spirit 105.3. Worshipping the Lord on the way in to work is the best way to start off my day!

Growing up, what did you see yourself doing for a career?

I saw myself being a Marine Biologist living on a research ship traveling the world.

What are your goals/ ambitions in your position at EvCC?

My long-term goals involve growing with EvCC where I can continue to learn, take on additional responsibilities, and contribute as much of value as I can.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I absolutely love fishing! In July, my family and I go on our annual fishing /camping trip to Baker Lake, WA. We get up at 3 am and drop our lines in the water by 4:30 am. Can you guess who is driving the boat in the pitch black at that time in the morning? You guessed it! Me! The kids will sleep in the bow of the boat while we troll the lake. At around 7 am poles start going off. We catch our limit before the kids even wake up! It gets pretty exhausting waking up at 3 in the morning the entire weekend to fish for sockeye salmon, but it is worth it!

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? (Or, what is on your Summer Reading List?)

I am currently reading “Women of the Word” by Jen Wilkin.

Are you participating in EvCC’s Summer Reading “Book Bingo” this year?

Not this year, but maybe next year!

Who is your hero/ heroine? Why?

My hero is my mother because she is an independent, motivated individual who has sacrificed so much to give our family a wonderful life.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? Why?

“Live below your means” quoted by my 91 year old great aunt Lilly before she passed several years ago. This is the best advice I was given because it shows that you don’t need all the riches in the world to be happy, just your basic needs and my aunt Lilly was living proof of it.

Behind the Resume #2 – Bilal Abdallah

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 the Director of Workforce Funding: As a Director, I provide leadership and manage the day-to-day operation of Financial Referral Center and WorkFirst. The two departments, which I currently supervise, encompass Worker Retraining, Opportunity Grant, Basic Food Employment and Training (BFE&T), WorkFirst, Emergency Book Loan and the Job Center.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

As a child, I developed a strong interest for the criminal justice system because I was fascinated by the T.V show Criminal Law. Based on my interest with the show, I then oriented myself to pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Washington. Upon graduating from the University of Washington, I realized that a career in the criminal justice system was not my passion and that’s when my career took a turn toward the educational field. Eventually, I went back to school and received my Masters of Education from the University of Washington. I have a very diverse career path! I jump-started my career an early age with East African Community as Educational Engagement Personnel. In this role, I tutored the after school homework club children with their homework including Reading, Writing and Math then Employment Specialist with Center Career Alternative, then a Career Counselor with Asian Counseling Referral Services, then a Workforce Project Manager with Green River College, and now here Everett Community College as the Director of Workforce Funding.

What was your first job?

Educational Engagement with East African Community Services. I tutored kids with their homework in Reading, Writing and Math. Part of this position required me to confer with parents or guardians, teachers, administrators and other professionals to discuss the children’s progress and resolve resolve problems.

How do you commute to work? What is your favorite radio station/ program to listen to on your commute (if any)?

I commute to work by car and my favorite radio station is Movin’ 92.5 FM. My commute is long, approximately an hour and a half, so I like to keep my mind occupied with upbeat music and sometimes documentary-style radio.

What are your goals/ ambitions in your position at EvCC?

My goals/ ambitions in my position at EvCC is to foster the economic growth in the region by leveraging all Workforce and Financial Referral Center Funds (internal and external) to provide high quality and cost effective training solutions to Everett Community College’ students. Because of my professional experience, I bring a unique perspective and an enthusiastic spirit to this position. I’m excited to see what the future holds!

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I enjoy watching sports on TV, and definitely rooting for the Husky Football team – Go Dawgs!

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read?

Currently, I’m reading workforce policy.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? Why?

Give everything at your very best and eliminate excuses. I believe this is something that everyone can do!