human resources – Admini{sphere}

Behind the Resume #30 – Jennifer Enger

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

I am the Instructional Classroom and Support Technician for I-CATCH (Innovations in Creating Access to Careers in Health). I will be leading study sessions for students, tutoring students one-on-one, assisting in the classroom, and helping to plan workshops for the students.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I have an associates degree in Veterinary Technology, a certificate in Medical Transcription, and I am currently finishing my bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I worked for over 15 years in the veterinary field. For the past four years, I worked at Seattle Pacific University in their Health Clinic as a medical receptionist.

steve-and-jennifer — My husband, Steve, is my best friend.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

My most memorable job was working as a veterinary technician. Sometimes, the patients were not thrilled to see you. I was often the “cat wrangler” at the clinic. This required donning leather gloves and “making the cat into a burrito” a.k.a. wrapping it up in a towel. This job required a lot of multitasking. One minute you were taking an x-ray, the next minute you were drawing a blood sample, or placing an IV catheter. I was never bored, and it was very rewarding.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I spend time in the mornings either planning study sessions for students or leading study sessions. By mid-day, I am helping in the classrooms. At the end of the day, I am entering attendance and completed workbook points into Canvas.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

My childhood friends and I would hang out in a nearby church parking lot. Since there were no cars using it on the weekdays or Saturdays, we would ride our bikes around it, roller-skate there, or play lava monster tag.

What is your favorite meal/ snack in autumn? Favorite fall beverage?

My favorite thing to eat in Autumn is pumpkin pie. A close second would be my family’s homemade apple pie with crumble crust. My favorite Autumn beverage is apple cider, but I also love pumpkin spice lattes.

What is your favorite movie and book?

My favorite book is Jane Eyre. My favorite movie is Pride and Prejudice.

If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save?

I would save the hamster cages, so that our hamsters would not be homeless.

fort-casey — Fort Casey is one of our favorite hangouts. (Picture of my son and myself).

Favorite travel spot?

I love to go to Whidbey Island. We enjoy camping at Deception Pass, and my family also likes to visit Camp Casey.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love to go camping with my family. I also love to crochet and spend time reading.

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 the Social Life of DNA.

What one food do you wish had zero calories? Dark Chocolate

Where is your hometown? Were you born and raised in the same place?

I grew up and was raised in Seattle.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself finished with my Bachelor’s degree and enjoying all of the hobbies that I have put on hold.

long-beach — Having fun with my family at Long Beach, WA. (Windy picture with kids)

What do you like to do on your days off?

Spend time having fun with my two children.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

My favorite quote is from Barbara Johnson: “Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.”

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 #5 – Becca Garate

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

I am the new Associate Director of International Education. My days will find me developing and strengthening cross-campus partnerships to ensure the best educational opportunities for our students who come from overseas. My role is to ensure they understand how the U.S. college system works and where they can find the on- and off-campus help they need and guide them through the troubleshooting process. I will assist with international student admissions, coordinate international student orientation, and serve as the international

Hiking in Cajas National Park in Ecuador

office’s liaison for our high school completion program. As part of the recruitment team I will also work with our partners abroad to promote the fantastic academic program options we have available here.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

Trying a really spicy noodles on the beaches of Thailand — Trying really spicy noodles on the beaches of Thailand

I have been working in international education (primarily study abroad) since 2007. In 2007 I began assisting remotely with the development of an immersion program in Ecuador. From 2008-2010 I worked as a Study Abroad Advisor and Faculty-Led Program Coordinator at Central Washington University. In 2010, I was offered a fulltime on-site position with El Nomad Study Abroad Programs and relocated to Ecuador where I worked in curriculum integration, outreach, and relationship development with foreign institutions until March of this year.

What was your first job?

Although my first job was when I was in high school working at Longs Drugs in Kirkland, I have held a variety of interesting jobs during my young adulthood including: selling duty free cigarettes through a Canadian outsourced call center located in Buenos Aires (Argentina) to U.S. clients, marketing manager for a water taxi and jet boat company on the Sydney Harbour, and a university professor in Cuenca, Ecuador.

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

In the yellow metal "tarabita" (cable car) is in Mindo, Ecuador (the cloud forest) — In the yellow metal “tarabita” (cable car) in Mindo, Ecuador (the cloud forest)

I drive. It is the first time I have driven to work in 7 years! You can find me shamelessly blasting music and singing along as loudly as possible. I like everything from Latin ballads, to rock, to Indie American folk music, it just depends on the day… but one guarantee is that I’m always singing.

If you could have any super power (flying, time travel, etc.), what would it be?

Some kind of super speed or teleportation so I could spend my weekends exploring far off lands and still make it back for work on Monday morning.

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

Wow. I have so many. First off, to fill the very big shoes that are being left behind. I hope I do the position justice!

I am looking forward to developing new partnerships in Latin America, using my cross-cultural and Spanish language abilities to reach out to prospective new partners throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Also, I am excited about working with my co-workers to improve our office’s use of online technology and social media for exposure and recruitment purposes.

Last, but not least, this job is all about the students! I look forward to getting to know our current and future students (local and international alike) and hope I can work to make their EvCC experience all it can be!

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love traveling, being abroad, exploring new countries, and floundering with new languages. That is by far my favorite pastime. My other passion is running. I am an aspiring distance runner and will be attempting to finish the Bellingham Bay Full Marathon at the end of September. My hope is to continue my training and run the 2016 Ragnar Relay and become an ultra-marathoner. Needless to say, you’ll find me at the gym during my lunch hour.

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

I am currently reading Daughters of Distance by Vanessa Runs. It’s all about being a woman in ultra-running and how feminism can meet athletics head-on allowing women to be themselves while still participating in extreme sporting events.

Who is your hero/ heroine? Why?

My mother. Lord knows how she has survived having me as a daughter!

Trying fried crickets and larva in Bangkok, Thailand

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

I tend to have a unique way of seeing the world and choose interesting paths. So I have always taken to heart the following from Alice in Wonderland:

The Mad Hatter: “Have I gone mad?”

Alice: “I’m afraid so. You’re entirely bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret. All the best people are.”

Behind the Resume #4 – Karen Ehnat

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

I am the Director of the Center for Disability Services, and I provide leadership and manage the day to day operations of the department as well as work directly with students. My job is to ensure that students with disabilities are free of discrimination and given the same opportunities as all other students. This doesn’t happen in a vacuum, and one of my favorite parts of my job is collaborating with and supporting others on campus in providing a barrier-free environment.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I am a proud Husky, having earned my BA in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from the UW. Prior to working in higher education I served as a juvenile probation officer, a counselor of teens and their families, a director of a group home and foster home licensor. My first experience in a college environment was at the Art Institute of Seattle serving in a variety of roles for over 22 years. My greatest accomplishment there was to advocate for and develop their first disability services office.

What was your first job?

At 17 years old, my first job was tutoring and supervising the other tutors serving underserved children. It really was a strange situation since I had no supervisory experience.

How do you commute to work? What is your favorite radio station/ program to listen to on your commute (if any)?
I drive from Shoreline and usually listen to KIRO radio to be aware of any traffic issues and catch up on the news. On the way home, I frequently talk to a friend on my hands-free phone.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I have a tiny cabin on the coast and love to walk on the beach, read and play with my dog Shasta and cat Zoe. (Shasta is at the cabin in the photo below.) I have been a Seahawk fan since the 80s, and sat through many losing games until the end when only the diehards remained in the stadium. So exciting to see them on top!

If you could have any super power (flying, time travel, etc.), what would it be?

If I could have any power, it would be to eliminate hate and discrimination on the planet. Imagine a world always at peace, and everyone treated respectfully and equally- the possibilities of that world are endless and amazing!

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

Of course, I want EvCC to be in compliance with the civil rights laws protecting those with disabilities. To do so, my major goal is to establish EvCC as a cultural leader in always designing and providing accessible electronic materials (such as websites, instructional materials and software) for students, employees and the community.

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

The Boys on the Boat about the UW crew team who won the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. This is an inspiring story about underdogs overcoming barriers and the author cleverly paralleled the events in Germany to provide the context.

Who is your hero/ heroine? Why?

I was blown away by Barbara Jordan when she gave her speech at the Democratic Convention in 1976 and spoke of “equality for all and privilege for none.” She was the first African American woman from a southern state to serve in Congress and a powerful and eloquent leader in the civil rights movement. She embodied how and who I wanted to be: passionate about justice, live by my values and a voice to help others to be heard.

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

“Choose your battles” has been helpful in both my career and personal life. It goes along with the question, “How important will this be in 5 years?” It is important to determine and start with those that are truly important and evaluate the situation to decide which approach to take. It definitely focuses me and helps me to stay sane!