Youth Program Instructor Bios

“CLC offers so much more than cost savings. I’ve received an excellent education that’s a good stepping stone to my goal of becoming a marriage counselor.”

Alexa Laird

A.A. ’14, transferred to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

“CLC is such a welcoming environment for international students. Within my first year here, I was helping other international students as a student ambassador.”

Cindy Osorio

International student, TESOL certificate, 2014.

“I rediscovered my love of chemistry at CLC. My professor was such a great teacher and passionate about chemistry that it was easy to go to class and learn.”

Fanni Lakatos

College of Lake County ’14, transferring to Purdue University.

“CLC has absolutely played a role in changing my educational and career goals. I had space to explore different fields and talk to many knowledgeable people about careers and opportunities.”

Hannah Woods

A.S. ’13, majoring in materials science and engineering, with minors in chemistry and Spanish, at Purdue University.

“I loved my education courses. The professors bring a lot of experiences into their classrooms, and everything we learn builds from class to class.”

Itzel Hernandez

A.A., ’14, transferring to National Louis University.

“The nursing skills lab at the Grayslake Campus is great because the equipment is similar to what nurses use on the job. The clinicals were also great hands-on learning experiences, and the CLC instructors have a great relationship with area hospitals and clinics.”

Jennifer Behl

ER nurse; College of Lake County '10; University of Illinois-Chicago '15.

“I have enjoyed all the instructors in the horticulture department, especially their expertise and practical work experiences. All the classes that I have taken are pertinent to my career choice.”

Joanne Gerlach

Returning adult student, landscape and design.

“CLC's field school in Belize was my first official exposure to anthropology in general and archaeology in specific. The college's field study trips are a great way to gain in-depth exposure on a field one might be considering.”

Juliet Brophy, Ph.D.

Paleoanthropologist at Louisiana State University.

“Really get to know your professors; they are the ones who will write you a letter of recommendation in a few years, so keep in touch with them.”

Kendall Welton

A.A., ’14, transferring to Concordia University to study nursing.

“The business expertise and management advice from my small business advisor has been extremely helpful from our first meeting and to this day. He has helped me create a clear vision for the future of my company and a detailed action plan to execute it.”

Laura Castillo

Owner, Felix's Famous Cookies.

“The automotive technology program has smaller class sizes than at competing schools. That's really important, because it allows more hands-on experience and a better-quality education.”

Luis Bettasso

Automotive technology student; planning to earn his A.A.S. in '16.

“College is the best decision I ever made. As a senior at Zion-Benton High School, I received a scholarship to CLC. I thought, “This is an opportunity.””

Marcelo Vega

A.A., certificate in wellness coaching, ‘14.

“The entire Illinois SBDC International Trade Center staff is an invaluable resource – always available, honest and thorough. If there is a subject outside their realm, they have a network of referrals who are experienced in that field.”

Meg Dhamer

Owner, Pigtale Twist.

“The Truck Driver Training course built my confidence and really prepared me well for a successful career in this field.”

Michael Hopf

Completed Truck Driver Training Program.

“In my first semester at the U of I, I attained a GPA of 3.8. CLC did a great job of preparing me for classes at one of the top engineering schools in the world.”

Nitin Tangellamudi

CLC 2014-15; now an industrial engineering major at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

“I chose CLC’s Small Business Development Center for guidance and help meeting people who have already gone through the process of starting a business. They are a great team of experts to have on my side.”

Peter Keres

Entrepreneur, owner of Aristaeus Specialty Foods, LLC.

“I became the first community college student accepted as an intern at a newsroom in Erie, Penn., thanks to my experiences on The CLC Chronicle and working with Professor Kupetz. That first internship opened many doors for me.”

Rose Anne De Leon

College of Lake County, ’07; B.A., Northeastern Illinois University ’10, now a copy editor for Shaw Media.

“I am currently working part-time as a paralegal while enrolled as a full-time student in Roosevelt University’s Paralegal Studies program. If I had not received the education I had from CLC, I would not have the part-time job.”

Sally E. Fleissner

A.A.S., Paralegal Studies, ’13; now working on a bachelor’s degree at Roosevelt University.

“What I like especially about the mechatronics classes is the hands-on learning and the helpful instructors who want you to succeed. We also went on field trips to companies, where we got a chance to see practical, real-world examples of ideas such as building and maintaining assembly lines.”

Samara Giron

Mechatronics technology student; planning to earn a certificate in 2016.

“CLC is super well-rounded and excels at pretty much everything it does. It's really cool to know that no matter what you want, you have a strong chance at success at CLC.”

Scott Segel

Navy veteran now pursuing an A.A.S. in network administration/security.

“The course prepared me for a veterinary assistant job and the externship was a great part of the reason I felt prepared.”

Staci Mattson

Completed Veterinary Assistant Program, Spring 2013.

“CLC is a melting pot; a microcosm of America. The students come from so many different backgrounds and contexts, that you learn almost as much from your classmates as you do from your courses.”

Stephen Cartwright

A.A., ’11; BA, Trinity International University, ‘13.

“Margie Porter, who is chair of the mechatronics technology program, understands the challenge of juggling a job, college courses and raising a family. She helps you build your self-confidence in learning the material.”

Tijuana Ewing

Certificate in mechatronics technology, '15.

“One great part of CLC's hospitality and culinary management program is the opportunity to put together a portfolio of your work. It teaches you how to be organized and professional, and it's a great thing to carry into a job interview.”

Victoria Moran

A.A.S., hospitality and culinary management, '15; plans to earn an A.A.S. in baking and pastry arts in '16 and become a baker.

“I believe that everyone in a classroom serves as a teacher and a student. I take pride in knowing that all of our communication courses have the potential to be life-changing experiences for our students.”

Fred Gifford

Instructor, communication

“To create the 'a-ha' moment in my public speaking classes, I set the pace from day one, creating an environment in which my students will feel safe and comfortable.”

Lynn Harper

Instructor, communication

“I use many different teaching methods, including: journaling, readings, oral quizzes, in-class and out-of-class activities, role plays, group discussion, media, group work and providing many examples.”

Cindu Thomas-George

Instructor, communication

“Whether teaching online or onsite, I encourage active discussions in which students interact with each other as well as the course material.”

Amanda Cash

Instructor, English

“When assigning papers, I encourage my students to choose their subjects carefully. If students can write about a subject about which they are passionate, they will write better papers.”

Patrick Gonder

Instructor, English

“Looking back, I had instructors who helped me to see and appreciate the joy, wonder and mystery that exists in the world all around me-whether it is in nature, science and people, or in stories, essays and poetry. I try to do the same thing for my students.”

Mike Latza

Instructor, English

“I teach because I want to help students imagine a better life for themselves. When they do that, they will be able to imagine a better world for all of us. And that is pretty cool.”

Vasilka Maslanka

Instructor, English

“I knew that I wanted to be a college instructor when I was an undergrad student at UCLA. I would come out of my English classes thrilled with the possibilities that language and literature created.”

Tamara Wolff

Instructor, English

“I find it gratifying when I stimulate the students' minds and to see how they go beyond what we do in class; some decide to pursue the subject as a future career. It is very rewarding to know that I can make a difference in students' lives.”

Olivia Yanez

Instructor, Spanish

“I enjoy seeing my students learn and grow in their skills, knowledge, confidence, dedication and their passion for making a difference in the lives of young children and their families.”

Diane Wolter

Instructor, early childhood/elementary education

“I assess myself by the quality of the engineer that I turn out. Often, I am contacted by students who say that their job requires all of those things they complained about having to learn during the program, and that they appreciate me for not backing down.”

Michelle Leonard

Instructor, electrical engineering technology

“I maintain an open, questioning environment that encourages all reasonable experiments. In addition, I interweave real-world experiences and practical life skills with the subject material.”

Bill Kellerhals

Instructor, laser/photonics/optics

“My main goal is to connect with students in a way that motivates them to learn the material deeply, not just to pass a test. And I really enjoy getting to know students on a personal basis and helping them along the path to being an engineer.”

Rob Twardock

Instructor, engineering

“As an engineering educator, I am in a unique position: I'm educating individuals who will create and use technology that does not exist today.”

Jan Edwards

Instructor, engineering

“I want to pass to my students my clinical knowledge and abilities to help them to be the best clinician they can be. My goal is to change their lives for the better.”

Kimberly Aichele

Instructor, dental hygiene

“My goal is not only to teach the necessary skills involved in treating patients, but to create meaningful experiences where students can grow and develop into true professionals.”

Mary Jacobs

Instructor, dental hygiene

“I want to prepare graduates to be compassionate, critical-thinking professionals who are committed to life-long learning and promote health and the prevention of disease.”

Sue Nierstheimer

Instructor, dental hygiene

“Teaching is more than transferring knowledge. I truly want students to succeed in life and in our profession.”

Margaret Kyriakos

Instructor, health information technology

“I incorporate an assortment of teaching methods, including multimedia technology, problem-based learning and hands-on/experiential activities.”

Joana Pabedinskas

Instructor, health and wellness promotion

“I emphasize that professional nursing education is a continuous, life-long learning process.”

Dunia Iordan

Instructor, nursing

“I love the chance to create special places that people enjoy, and leaving behind work that will grow and evolve with time.”

Rory Klick

Instructor, horticulture

“I try to share my passion, skills and experiences to help students learn skills, techniques, concepts and teamwork so they are prepared - not only to graduate, but to work in the hospitality field.”

Teresa Novinska

Instructor, hospitality and culinary management

“Helping put students in a position to make a difference in others' lives - that's what makes my job so rewarding.”

Mick Cullen

Instructor, human services

“I am passionate about inspiring new students to understand and embrace the rapidly changing knowledge base in the substance-use fields, particularly as it relates to new brain science, strength-based approaches for treatment and evidence-based practices.”

Janet Mason

Instructor, human services

“I love seeing students' minds expand throughout the semester. The students transform through applying philosophical theories and concepts to their own lived experiences.”

Shanti Chu

Instructor, philosophy

“My most memorable teaching experience is to observe a student enter the program with a specific career goal in mind, and after hard work in our program, obtain a specific job working for the company of his or her dreams.”

Jeffrey Hines

Instructor, machine tool trades

“I want to help students become problem solvers in the computer information technology field.”

John North

Instructor, computer information technology

“Teaching allows me to have a profound and lasting positive effect upon the professions in the criminal justice system, especially law enforcement. I enjoyed being a police officer very much, and I strive to pass on my love for the profession through my teaching.”

Chris Utecht

Instructor, criminal justice

“While attending high school, I joined my community's rescue squad, and I soon realized that firefighting and rescue work was my calling in life. It's been rewarding to help people who are experiencing some of the worst days of their life.”

Randy Justus

Instructor, fire science technology/emergency management

“My main goal is to help students understand and appreciate that education is a way of life rather than a journey to a job.”

Lorri Scott

Instructor, legal studies

“What excites me most about teaching is that I get to witness, time and time again, the transformation from student to polished professional.”

Gayle Miller

Instructor, legal studies

“When I was a CLC student, it was such a great experience because the teachers really care about the students. I decided I wanted to teach biology at a community college, and I still can't believe that I am here. It truly is a dream come true.”

Jason Cashmore

Instructor, biology

“I tell my students that I am successful not when they finish my class but when I hear that they have graduated from an allied health program.”

Elisabeth Martin

Instructor, biology

“I consider the needs of students every time I plan activities and goals for class. As a result, I utilize multiple teaching strategies, from lecture to a small-group critical thinking activity. In addition, I set and communicate high expectations and teach students how to successfully reach these goals.”

Bob Remedi

Instructor, biology

“To create the 'aha' moment in students, I always try to connect classroom topics to common life experiences and use labs and demonstrations to reinforce lectures. One learns more by doing than by hearing.”

Jeanne Simondsen

Instructor, chemistry

“I try to relate course concepts directly to real life. For example, there are real-time weather discussions in my meteorology classes, where students see how the course material applies directly to the weather that affects their lives.”

Eric Priest

Instructor, earth science

“Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge, but - most importantly - inspiring students and helping them become life-long learners.”

Xiaoming Zhai

Instructor, geology

“My main goal is to help students gain a deep understanding of the underlying concepts we are learning and move beyond the memorization of formulas.”

Jeffrey Andrews

Instructor, mathematics

“My main goal is to reduce the number of people who say, 'I'm not good at math.'”

Kimberly Boyke

Instructor, mathematics

“Mathematics is so much easier to understand when you concentrate on learning concepts, not memorizing procedures. In my classes, we ask and seek answers questions like, 'What does this mean?' and 'Why does this make sense?'”

Donna Carlson

Instructor, mathematics

“I teach using guided notes and a tablet laptop in order to keep students engaged. Writing on a tablet instead of the chalkboard or whiteboard allows me to face my class, so I can see their reactions and more easily promote discussion.”

Amy Curry

Instructor, mathematics

“My philosophy of teaching can be summed up by, 'Meet students where they are. Help them move forward.'”

Tracey Hoy

Instructor, mathematics

“A student who transferred to Northern Illinois University and took calculus classes there emailed me to thank me for teaching her to be a more prepared student and to learn math throughout the entire semester, instead of cramming.”

Scott Reed

Instructor, mathematics

“My passion for cars started when I was a young boy, holding a drop light for my dad as he worked on the family car. As time went on, I grew up and my Hot Wheels® cars just got bigger and faster.”

Octavio Cavazos

Instructor, automotive collision repair

“CLC students are trying to be somebody, to make a difference. I want to understand their needs and help them to get the most out of their time here.”

Lance David

Instructor, automotive technology

“I'm fascinated with economics' application to everyday life. When we make decisions related to purchases, or when we make choices about what we will do with our time and resources, it relates to the field of economics.”

Tonitta White

Instructor, economics

“In my classes, students learn that history is not a set of static facts, but a dynamic and active process of interpretation.”

David Groeninger

Instructor, history

“History explains the world to us. CLC offers many opportunities for faculty and students to travel widely in the world. My travels in Jordan, the Netherlands and in several other countries have broadened my experience and helped me to be a better teacher.”

Josie Faulk

Instructor, history

“I seek to make connections between course content and students' lives and to build relationships with and among students in the classroom. Students flourish when working together toward a common goal and when they realize that they can rely on their peers and professors for support and information.”

Nora Benjamin

Instructor, psychology

“I cannot compete with a smartphone in terms of overall information. Consequently, my teaching objective is not just to disseminate information, which students can get from a variety of sources, but rather to assist students in applying this information in real-world situations.”

Martha Lally

Instructor, psychology

“I'm fascinated by psychology's mystery as well as its different explanations, theories and philosophical assumptions about human nature. Perhaps most important, the field has the potential to help people live better.”

Evan Finer

Instructor, psychology

“I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to help students navigate college and make decisions that will have a lasting impact on their lives and families.”

Frederic Hutchinson

Instructor, sociology

“I want my students to be able to recognize the extent to which society influences most of what we do and think, but that we can also change the course of society. To achieve this goal, I often provide a range of different examples and activities. ”

Sonia Oliva

Instructor, sociology

“I believe my students should be active participants in the learning process, and the material should be directly connected to their outside experiences. At the end of the semester, I hope they leave with the belief that they can change the world!”

Suzanne Pryga

Instructor, sociology

“Using genealogy and popular culture allows me to make connections for students to unfamiliar sociological theories, by utilizing something they know (their family history; favorite TV shows, or movies) as a starting point.”

John Tenuto

Instructor, sociology