SPAIC Membership

SPAIC Co-Chairs

(photo credit: Severin Candrian via Unsplash): Image of a variegated Scindapsus Pictus with white-spotted green leaves in front of a white background.

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
  • Student Services Analyst, Office of Student Experience & Leadership
  • Diversity Advisory Council (DAC) Representative
  • [email protected]

About me: I am originally from Watsonville, CA, and moved to Glendale, AZ after receiving my Masters in Sociology of Education from New York University. I am a first-generation college graduate and a child of immigrant parents from the Philippines. My professional interests include creating opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to critically engage with topics on race and identity, and centering the needs of minoritized students. My partner and I have a dog (Sunny), a bearded dragon (Davis), and a Mexican Fireleg tarantula (Durantula Tapatio).

Acrylic painting of a field with brown waving grass and four white flowers and a hummingbird profile

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
  • Planning and Research Analyst, Institutional Research
  • [email protected]

About Me: I am a first-generation college graduate and am part of a military family. I identify as an ally and accomplice of minoritized populations. For 10 years, I taught Sociology at a community college with an emphasis Racial & Ethnic Relations and Urban Sociology. I have certifications as a Safe Zone (LGBTQAI+), in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace, and in Inclusive and Ethical Leadership. In addition to being a data nerd and social justice advocate, I enjoy being creative by baking and painting. My picture is of one of my favorite painting projects.

SPAIC Members

Photo image of a bright cloudy sky with two trees and the top of a building viewable at the bottom.

About Me: I’ve been working at SCC since November 2020. I moved to Phoenix from Madison, Wisconsin, where I worked as a high school librarian and teen services librarian at a public library. I was involved in the Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums Project out of University of Wisconsin-Madison, which was a really transformational experience for me! I’m a strong believer that books are ways to build community, connect with one another, and strengthen our empathy skills. Some other things about me: I love reading, writing letters, hiking, puzzles, and pinball.

Earth with a black background.

 

imy, She Laughs a Lot, is an Indigenous elder. Tia is wearing Northern traditional buckskin regalia in shades of blue and cream.

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
  • Counseling Emphasis, MS Higher Education, Certified K-12 Reading and Counseling endorsement, Counseling Faculty
  • [email protected]

I am a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla from the Walla Walla band, and Yakama on my mother’s side and Dine (Navajo) on my father’s side and born for Sleepy Rock People clan. Tsenabahiłnii bashishchiin. I am first generation to college, and worked for Scottsdale for 22+ years as Counseling Faculty, in American Indian Programs for my first 5 years then mainstream counseling at SCC.

I love and enjoy spending time with my three Grandchildren, KC Shine, Rozin, Atanum, and my son Cricket. I am dedicated and love to ride my horses off into the sunset, and compete in local roping events, and the Sr. Pro Rodeo circuit. I also enjoy hiking and spending time in nature. I am also a Northern Buckskin Traditional dancer.

My mission is to pray, play, and laugh often. Live with integrity and honor for my Creator, myself, family, students, colleagues, and whomever I come into contact with.

A painting representing the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People with a dark gray background.

I am Akimel O’otham and a member of the Gila River Indian Community from Casa Blanca. I am a first generation college student with a focus in Education, History, and American Indian Studies. I see the inequities our students face in education and feel obligated to not only assist Native American students but any student of color. I want to be an advocate for SCC students and take action to improve experiences for all students. I use my platform at SCC to advocate for issues Native Americans face. The painting included represents the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People and I hope to raise awareness on this matter.

Diedre’ is wearing a traditional three-tiered masani skirt with floral designs and blue, yellow, white ribbon. She is also wearing buckskin wrap moccasins, traditional Navajo sash belt, silver concho belt and Navajo squash blossom jewelry in turquoise.

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Asdzáá
  • American Indian Program Student Services Specialist
  • [email protected]

About Me: Ya'át'éeh. Naakai dine'é nishłí. Tabąąhá bashishchiin. Kinyaa'aani dashicheii. Honágháahnii dashinalí. I am Mexican clan born for the Water Edge people, my maternal grandfather is of the Towering House clan and my paternal grandfather is of the One Who Walks Around clan. I am originally from Coalmine Mesa, Arizona and this is how I present myself as a Dine’ Asdzáá. My educational background includes American Indian Studies, Public Administration and Public Health.

I am a firm believer that part of restoring healthy frameworks and habits is educating ourselves on the social inequalities and implications that demographics are faced with. Advocacy for my people and communities has always been my passion. When I refer to my people and community, it is in reference to all my Indigenous relatives and all Indian country. I have always known that my work and purpose is driven by my ancestors that came before me, and it is a purpose that I hold dear to my heart.

A portrait photo of a white male smiling with brown hair pulled back in a ponytail and wearing glasses. He is wearing a button-down shirt with a collar that has a white, yellow, and blue plaid pattern. The background is varying gray tones.

  • Pronouns: He/Him/His
  • Residential Psychology Faculty
  • Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning & PAR Coordinator
  • [email protected]

About Me: I have been a faculty member at Scottsdale Community College for over 20 years. In addition to my role as a psychology faculty member, I also serve as the PAR Coordinator and the interim Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning. I am married and have 3 children and 2 dogs. I spend most of my free time with my family or being outside. I enjoy hiking, cycling, in-line skating, and playing just about any sport (especially hockey, ultimate, and basketball). I hate jogging but will do it if I can't get some exercise in another way.

A photo of a woman with brown hair wearing a white fluffy jacket, and is holding up two fingers to make a peace sign. She sits smiling in front of windows with the sun shining behind her.

About Me: Gabriela is an international student from Toronto, Canada. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Languages and Nutrition. Gabriela is currently completing her second degree in Exercise Science and Nutrition here at SCC (Scottsdale Community College). She’s a work study in the Outreach and Recruitment department. Gabriela is a new member of SPAIC (Scottsdale Promoting an Inclusive Community). She is passionate about health, wellness and helping others. In her spare time she loves to cook, travel, be active and volunteer at Home Fur Good Animal Shelter.

Sunset with a cloudy sky over water landscape photo.

  • Pronouns: He/Him/His
  • Dean of Instruction, Academic Affairs
  • Representative for the President’s Cabinet on SPAIC
  • [email protected]

I began working for Scottsdale Community College over fourteen years ago as a faculty member. I currently serve as an Associate Dean of Instruction. I believe SCC provides an ideal space for students to engage with social and civic politics, especially related to LGBTQ+ rights.

Earth with a black background.

A portrait photo of a white woman smiling with chin-length brown hair, blue framed glasses, and a nose piercing. She is wearing a royal blue button-down shirt with a black blazer. The background includes a light brown lattice fence with fall vines along the top on the left and a rock bed on the right.

About Me: I’ve been adjunct faculty at SCC in the Natural Sciences division since 2015 where I’ve been fortunate to do what I love - connecting students to the natural world. My priorities as a teacher are to ensure that all students feel safe, valued, supported, and integral to our learning community.

A photo of a white woman smiling with short dark blonde hair pulled. She is wearing a cream colored sweater and an orange shirt. The background is varying brown tones.

About Me: I am originally from New York and have lived in a lot of different places including Canada and Mexico. Everything I have been involved in has all been driven by my commitment and open mindedness in serving others. After receiving my Master’s in Public Administration from Northeastern University, I moved to Arizona as part of Americorps VISTA where I worked with non-profits who served underprivileged communities. Over the years I have continued this work as an educator. In 2016 I started working for the District and then in 2019 at SCC as an Administrative Specialist Senior in the Counseling Department.

Earth with a black background.

  • Student Representative
  • Major: Computer Science/ Electrical Engineering
  • [email protected]

About Me: Hello! My name is Adeen and I am a first year student at Scottsdale Community College. I am 17 years old and am very passionate about an inclusive community at SCC! My roots are from Bosnia & Herzegovina and I love (a little too much) traveling. I also enjoy going to the gym, practicing my faith, and weirdly enough, doing math! I am a brand new member of SPAIC (Scottsdale Promoting an Inclusive Community) and I am super excited to be a part of creating and sustaining an inclusive community.

1 operated with 4 = 10. 2 operated with 5 = 14. 6 operated with 10 = 40. 9 operated with 11 = 30.

  • Pronouns: He/Him/His
  • Mathematics Faculty in Mathematics, Computer Science, and Engineering Division (MCSE)
  • [email protected]

I have personal academic interests in mathematics, statistics, and logic. I have research interests in mathematics education and statistics education. I like puzzles. Solve the puzzle: 1 operated with 4 equals 10. 2 operated with 5 equals 14. 6 operated with 10 equals 40. 9 operated with 11 equals 30. What is the value of 1 operated with 10?