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Behind the Resume #29 – Kaitlyn Dodge

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

I am the Program Assistant for Outreach and Highschool Programs. I will be scheduling and coordinating on-campus visits, and working closely with student ambassadors. I’ll also be doing a lot of behind-the-scenes planning for OHSP’s various campus events.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

With WSU's mascot, Butch T. Cougar! — With WSU’s mascot, Butch T. Cougar!

I graduated from WSU with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development & Sociology. I was an orientation counselor, Resident Advisor and I also worked as office staff. I found my passion for working in higher education during my time at WSU.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

WSU graduation photo with my college sign and with WSU's mascot, Butch T. Cougar! — WSU graduation photo with my college sign

Definitely an orientation counselor for WSU. Being able to welcome new students, help them find their way and make them feel at home was amazing!

What does a typical day look like for you?

I’m still trying to figure out what that will look like at work, but after work, I enjoy spending time outside with my Australian Shepherd and my husband.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I had way too much energy, playing lots of soccer and spending quality time with my two younger brothers.
If you had to eat one meal – every day for the rest of your life – what would

Visiting the Ice Caves in Granite Falls with my pup

it be?

Oh, definitely tacos. Tacos are life.

What is your favorite movie and book?

Any and every Disney movie, and the Little House on the Prairie series will always have a special place in my heart. Basically, I’m a child at heart.
If your house was burning down, what’s the one non-living thing you would save?

Probably my grandma’s wedding ring that was passed down to me at my own wedding.

Favorite travel spot?

I recommend that everyone visits Yellowstone National Park and Lewis & Clark Caverns in Montana. Iv’e been twice and try to go every year with new people.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Spending time with my huge extended family! I love canning and preserving! I

My husband's family at their favorite annual event, Hoopfest. — My husband’s family at their favorite annual event, Hoopfest.

have all sorts of jams, pie fillings, salsas and pizza/ pasta sauces from my garden or local farmers’ produce. I love being able to preserve the bounties of fall/ summer and share with family and friends.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges, such as the EvCC Library’s Super Heroes Summer Reading?

Honestly, my last book was probably a sociology textbook. Right now, I have a bunch of community college training books checked out from the library, that I am looking forward to.

My mom & brothers at my wedding (my biggest support system!)

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

All of the chocolate things. Mmm chocolate.

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

I was born and raised in Lake Stevens and Marysville, WA.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I hope to continue working in Student Services or Student LIFE. I’d love to pack up and move to a random state for a new experience!

Family photo of my own little family! My husband, Jerodan. Australian Shepherd, Mellie, and our cat, Sybbie.

What do you like to do on your days off?

My husband and I are renovating our home, so our weekends aren’t very relaxing. But we love it! We also enjoy visiting new restaurants with amazing or new food.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

My favorite and most meaningful piece of advice came from my dad. “Never care what anyone thinks.” It helped me to enjoy and find my unique style and attitude on life, and always stay true to myself.

Behind the Resume #28 – Arantxa Gallegos

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 Program Manager A (Outreach Specialist) in the Outreach and High School Programs Department. My focus will be on sustaining and strengthening our relationships with K-12 partners and community based organizations, as well as building our social media presence. From prospective student recruitment events to class presentations on college readiness, I’m looking forward to working directly with students, teachers, and families!

Tell us a little about your professional background.

A day on, not off for AmeriCorps members.

I worked two years as an AmeriCorps Volunteer Infrastructure Project (VIP) Fellow – Literacy Coordinator at a children’s literacy non-profit organization in Los Angeles.

What was your most memorable job? Why?

My most memorable job was as a student security guard at Wellesley College’s on-campus art museum. I witnessed the fruition and development of art exhibitions, expanded my knowledge on art movements and artists, watched artists create on-site pieces, and met Madeline Albright. Most importantly, I developed an immense appreciation and respect for security guards at large art institutions.

What does a typical day look like for you?

I just started working, so I’m unsure of how my days will unfold. I will say that every morning will start with an English muffin with avocado and coffee, followed by a 45 minute commute in the fog, and, then, work.

Family picture: Arantxa, her mother, two sisters, and baby niece celebrating Mother's Day. — Family picture: Arantxa, her mother, two sisters, and baby niece celebrating Mother’s Day.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

At 10 years old, I was extremely observant and melodramatic.

If you had to eat one meal – every day for the rest of your life – what would it be?

This is such a difficult question to answer! If I had to choose, I would want to eat mole every day. And tamales.

What is your favorite movie and book?

My favorite movie is My Family/Mi Familia. My favorite book is Southland by Nina Revoyr followed by the Harry Potter series.

Arantxa and her younger sister at Dodgers Stadium.

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

My LA cap.

Favorite travel spot?

During my junior year, I studied abroad in Santiago, Chile and I fell in love with two cities, Valparaiso and Valdivia. Valparaiso is a vibrant, brightly colored port city outside of Santiago. Valdivia, located in the southern region of Chile, is a quaint city with beautiful German architecture and delicious chocolate.

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Exploring cities on foot or on public transportation.

honey — Honey, the lovable family bulldog, wearing her Dodgers gear.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges, such as the EvCC Library’s Super Heroes Summer Reading?

The last book I read was Jesmyn Ward’s The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race and I highly recommend it to everyone. The next book on my list is Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Pecans! Nuts are healthy, but a healthy portion is only 6 to 8 pieces. That’s too small.

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

I was born in East Los Angeles, but I was raised in Lynwood, CA, which is a small urban city in Southeast Los Angeles County.

Arantxa learned to dance Latin American folkloric dances in college and annually performed at the Latin Cultural Show.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself pursuing a PhD in a new city in a new state.

What do you like to do on your days off?

Go for a jog, buy a cup of great coffee, and hang out with friends.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

“Every time someone gives you a formula for what you should be and what you should do, you should know they’re giving you a pair of handcuffs.” – Junot Díaz

Behind the Resume #20 – Stephanie Coxon

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

Administrative Assistant 4 – Student Services (Dean’s Administrative Assistant) to Laurie Franklin.

Tell us a little about your professional background.

I worked in Retail for 7 years in order to put myself through college. After college, I went into Banking for 2 years, worked for 3 years in Social Work, held Administrative Assistant roles for 13 years, and most recently was a Human Resources Generalist for 3 years.

What was your first job?

I was 13 and had an all-summer babysitting/mother’s helper job watching a 2 year-old boy while his parents were landscaping and remodeling their summer cabin at the lake. I canoed to work every day!

Riley - our Chocolate Lab — Riley – our Chocolate Lab

What does a typical day look like for you?

Work, make dinner, spend time with my husband, play with our dog.

Describe yourself at 10 years old.

I was a kid that was outside as much as I could be. I’d be playing Little League softball, basketball, swimming, fishing, climbing trees, making forts, traveling with my family during summer vacation (I think that year it was a road trip to down Highway 101 to Oregon’s Sea Lion Caves, The Wharf in San Francisco, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World and Tijuana, Mexico).

What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

Caffeine!

Are you messy or organized?

I am organized at work – I have the 5S Lean Principles ingrained in me from past manufacturing and aerospace companies I have worked for. However, at home, not as much…I try but life gets in the way.

What is the most important/valuable thing you have learned in the last five years?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. – You won’t remember it 5 years from now.

What’s on your bucket list?

Go to the Grand Canyon and to see a Mariner’s Spring Training game in Peoria, AZ

What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Reading, fishing, cooking.

What are you reading right now/ what was the last book you read? Are you participating in any reading challenges?

Last book I re-read was Saving Cascadia by John J. Nance. The story takes place on the Washington Coast. I also love True Crime. Ann Rule is my favorite author; I had the opportunity to meet her at a book signing.

If you could witness any historical event, what would you want to see? Why?

Maybe not a specific event, but I would love to visit the Age of Enlightenment. So many extraordinary thinkers and doers!

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

Arlington, WA – Born and raised in the same place.

How many homes have you lived in since you were born?

4 homes and 1 college dormitory

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

Not sure. I am still writing the chapters in my “book”. When writing, I have always had the inspiration for a title to come to me when I finished.

Do you have a favorite quote/ piece of advice?

The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

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.