SPAIC Membership

SPAIC Co-Chairs

  • Self-portrait drawing of Mike waving his hand and wearing swimming trunks.

  • (Mike) Michaelanthony C. Arberry Jr.

  • Pronouns: he/him/his/bro
  • Manager, Veteran Services
  • [email protected]

Mike is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He understands first hand the many challenges that Veterans and their family face when transitioning back to civilian life. Mike’s passion for helping students began when he was hired as a VA work study at Arizona Western College where he learned the importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Mike’s VA work study opportunity put him on a path to secure a part-time position and eventually a full-time position. Currently he is the Manager of Veteran Services at Scottsdale Community College where he is also a member of SPAIC (Scottsdale Promoting An Inclusive Community). His work at Scottsdale has not only reinforces his commitment to Veterans and their families but also to the work of DEI where education and fostering conversation are at the forefront in creating organizational changes.

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

  • Crystal M. Morehouse

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

I was a first generation college student 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+) and in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace. 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

  • Sometimes a change of perspective is all it takes to see the light. Colorful abstract painting of a black woman.

  • Faridah Abdullah

  • Pronouns: she/her/hers
  • Student Services Manager, Disability Resources & Services
  • [email protected]

Hello, my name is pronounced fa-REE-duh. I have worked providing support services to students with disabilities in post secondary institutions for over 8 years. Currently, I have been in the role of overseeing the Disability Resources & Services office at Scottsdale Community College since 2019. I will be graduating with a Master's in Social Work from ASU in December 2021 and plan to pursue clinical licensing. Photo credit: @khiascanvas, Use permission from the artist provided by email.

This is my second semester at SCC. I moved to Phoenix from Madison, Wisconsin, where I spent 10 years working as a librarian. I worked as a high school librarian and teen services librarian at a public library. I worked for the Tribal Libraries, Archives, and Museums Project out of UW-Madison, which was a really transformational experience for me! I am a co-creator of a bibliography to teach about Native Nations of Wisconsin that is used around the state, and I love helping teachers and librarians find appropriate, authentic, accurate resources for their collections. Some other things I love reading, writing letters, hiking, puzzles, and pinball.

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

  • Tia Bruised Head, M. ED

  • 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.

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.

  • Field, pine tree, and mountain landscape photo from Yosemite National Park.

  • John Konicek

  • Pronouns: He/Him/His
  • Student Services Specialist, Academic and Career Advising
  • [email protected]

I have lived and worked all over the US and so have bits and pieces of lots of different regions of the country. I have a doctorate in Theology and Culture with particular focus on the way culture shapes communal ritual and creates positive change. I have taught in graduate programs at Boston College, The Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley, CA, and Loyola University New Orleans where we prepared our students to work in diverse and often underserved communities. I am deeply committed to DEI action and growth to promote justice. I have particular interest in how global warming and climate change are having a disproportionate impact on populations that live in high vulnerability.

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

  • Gabriel Tarr

  • 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?

  • Earth with a black background.

  • Megan Young

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
  • Student Services Analyst Sr., Student Affairs
  • [email protected]

I serve as the Administrative Coordinator for SPAIC and have a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace.