Newly Hired Full-Time Faculty
Shaila Arbona
Counselor
Shaila Arbona is a proud product of community college (Woodland Community College). From there she transferred to San Francisco State University. In 2002 I received a bachelor’s degree in speech communications with an emphasis in intercultural communications, followed by a master's degree in counseling in 2005. She spent the first nine years of her career as a high school counselor at various Bay Area high schools and continuation high schools. In 2013 she had the opportunity to work as an adjunct counselor at Woodland Community College. After her first day on the job she knew that she needed to focus her attention on becoming a full-time community college counselor. Arbona was also adjunct faculty, most recently at Santa Rosa Junior College.
As the mother of two children, Jacqueline (6) and Jaime (4) she now spends all her time trying to make them into positive contributors to society. She feels lucky to have a job that pays the bills as well as contribute to the greater good of bridging access to education to populations who might not otherwise have access.
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William "Will" Coley
Counselor
William Coley has been working in rehabilitation and education for 14 years. He spent the last two years working at Santa Rosa Junior College and Napa Valley College as an adjunct counselor, both in general counseling and disabled student services. Prior to working as an educational counselor, he worked as a rehabilitation counselor for disabled veterans.
Coley received a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of California, Santa Cruz and two master’s degrees, one in rehabilitation counseling from Utah State University and the second in education from Dominican University of California.
He spends his free time doing yoga, paddling outrigger canoes, and taking his family hiking, swimming, and biking. His life is very focused on his family, with two children, ages 7 and 5. Coley was born in New York City and while he has traveled a great deal, he has chosen Marin as home.
Honor Fairman
Child Development Program Lead Teacher
Honor Fairman completed preschool through 12th grade in urban San Francisco. She developed a civic interest is in Early Childhood Education. Specifically, she is interested in making sure that there are quality affordable preschools for all children. Fairman received a bachelor of arts degree in sociology from New England College. After two years of teaching in the Bay Area she received a master’s degree in educational psychology with an emphasis on human development and learning from the University of Colorado Denver, where she also took advantage of hiking and the great outdoors. She has been working in the field of early childhood education for the past four years. Fairman relocated from Colorado where she was working as a lead preschool teacher in a Reggio-inspired school.
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Lori Michaelangelo
Medical/Surgical Nursing Instructor
Lori Michelangelo has continuous related experience as a registered nurse including education, emergency, civilian flight-helicopter, occupational health, pediatrics, post anesthesia care, and trauma nursing. Michelangelo wrote her dissertation as a meta-analysis of the impact of emotional intelligence instruction and training upon the critical thinking skills and the emotional competency of nurses and nursing students. She holds an associate of arts degree in vocational nursing; associate, bachelor, and master of science degrees in nursing; and an educational doctorate degree. She enjoys Greyhound rescue and rehabilitation, volunteering at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, fencing with the Épée, and cold weather sports including dog sledding and snow skiing.
Danila Musante
Mental Health Counselor/Psychologist
Danila Musante graduated from Harvard University and received her master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She completed her internship at Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School and postdoctoral fellowship at Montclair State University. Musante is passionate about social justice and working with underserved populations. She has specialized training in adoption and foster care and, as a former collegiate athlete, is dedicated to supporting student athletes. An Oakland native, Musante is happy to be back in the Bay Area and excited to be joining the COM community.
Holly Reinhard
Pediatric Nursing Instructor
Holly Reinhard considers herself fortunate to begin her nursing career at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) in their Pediatric Medical/Surgical unit. Soon after, she knew that she wanted to continue in this specialty. After she received a master’s degree from UCSF in advanced practice pediatric nursing with a minor in education, she landed her dream job as a clinical nurse specialist at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego. There she was able to work with multiple units across the hospital. This is where she first experienced teaching new nurses and knew it was something she wanted to continue. Reinhard moved back home to Northern California where she began to focus further on nursing education. Recently, she has served as adjunct faculty at Pacific Union College, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Sonoma State University teaching pediatrics in their nursing programs. She enjoys spending time at her home in Petaluma with her husband, children, dog, and cat; and enjoying time outside gardening.
Dan Zaffran
Mathematics Instructor
Dan Zaffran obtained his Ph.D. in mathematics with a specialization in geometry in 2000 at the University of Marseille, in France. Since 2013, he has taught and conducted research in Germany (Bochum), USA (Cornell University and Florida Institute of Technology), Taiwan (Academia Sinica), China (Fudan), and South Korea (KAIST). Zaffran is a member of the Math Alliance, which aims at increasing the number of PhD's in math sciences among historically underrepresented groups.
Newly Hired Classified Professionals
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Marixa Barnett
Enrollment Services Associate II
Marixa Barnett received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of California, San Diego in international studies/history with an emphasis in Latin America, and a minor in sociology. Barnett enjoys volunteering in a variety of different community service fields. If she were not working at College of Marin, her dream job would be as a baker.
Katy Bauer
Executive Assistant I, Finance and College Operations
Katy Bauer, a long-time Marin resident, has a 21-year background in office management and revenue accounting at a local software company. She has pursued continuing education at COM while working full time. Her interests include reading, enjoying art and music, and keeping up with her soon-to-be 5 year old. An avid hiker and Novatoan, she can often be found walking the trails on the Indian Valley Campus.
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Andrew Cullen
Chemistry Lab Technician
Paul Dominguez
Lead Gardener
Paul Dominguez has 25 years of experience in the landscape trade, both commercial and residential. He received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the University of California, San Diego. Dominguez also earned a landscape management certificate from College of Marin and is a Rainbird factory trained technician for Maxicom. After careers in restaurants, where he spent 20 years as fine dining waiter, and working as a golf professional he thought it was time for a change. He found his true calling, which is to be outside working with plants and the landscape. He started working at COM in 1996 and in 2001 was appointed to the athletic field maintenance program. Dominguez considers himself a member of the “College of Marin success story” club. When not at work, his hobbies include golf, backpacking (primarily in the Sierra's), fitness, and music (especially anything related to the Grateful Dead). He has been married for 25 years and has three wonderful daughters.
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Lissette Maria Flores
Career Internships and Service Learning Program Coordinator
Lissette Flores comes to College of Marin after having worked at Dominican University of California, where she developed the Public Health Student Internship Program. Prior to that, she worked as the program director for the Huckleberry Wellness Academy, a college access program for first generation college-bound high school students. Lissette holds a bachelor's degree in Social Welfare from the University of California, Berkeley and a master’s degree in public health from the University of California, Los Angeles. Flores loves eating sushi and singing along to the Hamilton soundtrack with her husband and kids.
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Amber Fonteno
Library Technician II
Amber Fonteno worked for 10 years as an elementary school librarian for Berkeley Unified School District, and three years as a library assistant at Los Medanos Community College in Pittsburg. She has a vocational certificate in library services from San Bernardino Valley College and a bachelor’s degree in English literature from University of Redlands. In her free time she enjoys reading, cooking, visiting museums, and going to concerts.
Marijke Gray
Veterans Resource Specialist
Proud to have served my country both on the battle field and through my civic responsibility as a federal employee, Marijke Gray served in the United States Army (Desert Storm/Desert Shield), as a combat medic. She was a Presidential Management Fellow (PMF) and has 15+ years of federal service. Gray received a bachelor of arts degree in English literature/writing and composition and a master of public administration/policy and planning degree from Texas Southern University. She is an East Coast gal with southern roots, European flare, West Indian sparkle, and a California love. It has been her dream and her passion to assist and serve fellow veterans, spouses, and dependents. She is involved as a volunteer for the Martinez Veterans Administration, the Veterans Resource Program in Richmond, CA and for children with learning disabilities, such as autism. She loves to eat and enjoys outdoor concerts and mystery novels.
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Martin Langeveld
Police Officer
Martin Langeveld grew up in Mill Valley and graduated from Tamalpais High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of California, Davis. He went on to attend the police academy at Santa Rosa Junior College Public Safety Training Center. Originally hired by the College of Marin Police Department in 2013, he worked for the college for two years, then briefly worked for the Mill Valley Police Department before deciding to return to College of Marin. Langeveld coaches cross country and track and field at Tamalpais High School, and serves on the Southern Marin Fire Protection District Board of Directors.
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Valerie Marckwordt
Community Education, Lifelong Learning, and International Education Program Specialist
Valerie Marckwordt is a Marin Native and first-generation American. She attended Columbia University and College of Marin where she attained four associate degrees before transferring to Dominican University. There she earned a bachelor of arts degree in management magna cum laude, and master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in global business. Her most recent work was in the California State University system in extended and international education. She has a passion for sustainability and her community. Marckwordt is a member of the National Society of Hispanic MBA’s and is currently deciding between doctoral programs. She enjoys hiking with her family and culinary adventures.
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MaryEllen Marshall
Testing Technician
MaryEllen Marshall has held a variety of educational and scientifically-oriented jobs since graduating from Wesleyan University with a bachelor of arts degree in neuroscience and behavior, and a secondary school teaching certificate. She taught high school science in Dallas, TX before moving to the Bay Area, where she worked at the Exploratorium as a technician in the Life Science Department, and spent some time as the Bug Lady, bringing live insects to Bay Area classrooms for hands-on demonstrations on the wonders of bio-diversity with the Insect Discovery Lab. She has been a volunteer with WildCare in San Rafael for the past four years. This summer she’s spending her Friday evenings feeding orphaned baby birds until the sun goes down and they are ready to go to sleep for the night. In her spare time she enjoys crochet, genealogical research, and hanging out with my Shih Tzu mix, Lily.
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Allyson Martinez
EOPS and CARE Program Coordinator
Allyson Martinez earned a master of science degree in counseling from San Francisco State University (SFSU) with a specialization in student services at the college level. She worked for eight years as a student advisor and program officer for the Fulbright program. There she worked with international graduate and undergraduate students in the U.S., who were working toward their undergraduate and graduate degrees. She has created curriculum and taught a first-year experience class and has worked as an academic counselor (for her practicum training) at both SFSU and City College of San Francisco. Martinez loves traveling, eating out and trying different foods, and going to AT&T Park to root for the Giants!
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Chelsey Perez
Administrative Assistant , Counseling and Transfer and Career Center
Chelsey Perez started working at the age of 19 as an admissions and records technician, which at the time made her the youngest employee at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). During her time at SRJC, she enjoyed being in the counseling office, and was later given a position there as well. She loved to serve the students and see them transfer and pursue the career they wanted. She earned and associate degree in social and behavioral science from SRJC. Perez was a Next Generation Scholar Volunteer in San Rafael which gave her the opportunity to serve and support Marin County high school and middle school Latino students in in their academics. She is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology at Dominican University.
Elisa Romero
COMPASS Program Coordinator
Elisa Romero is the proud daughter of immigrants from Mexico. She was raised in East Palo Alto, CA and received a bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. In 2008, she returned to East Palo Alto where she served as the college and academic counselor and member of the leadership team at a charter school serving low-income, first-generation students. In 2016, Romero received a master of arts degree in organization and leadership with a focus on higher education and student affairs from the University of San Francisco. She is passionate about providing college success opportunities for marginalized populations. She is looking forward to marrying her beautiful partner of five years this October.
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Devendra Shrestha
Accounting Technician
Born and raised in Nepal, Devendra Shrestha came to the U.S. to pursue a college education. He graduated from Monmouth College with a degree in business administration majoring in financial accounting. Prior to College of Marin, he spent a year working with international students at Michigan State University as an outreach specialist and has several years of managerial working experience in a retail industry focusing on accounting, administrative, and day-to-day operational activities. His diverse personal and professional background has greatly contributed to his interest in the field of education, and he is very excited for the opportunity to assist students and the community at the College. Shrestha speaks, reads, and writes Hindi and Nepali apart from English. Shrestha enjoys learning about the world not only by traveling, but by getting to know the unique and wonderful people from all around the world. He loves to and has been involved in fundraising programs for education benefiting needy students, cancer prevention research, and earthquake victims. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
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Julian Toro Solis
School and Community Partnerships Coordinator
Julian Toro Solis began his journey at Gavilan College in Gilroy, and transferred to the University of the Pacific. There he finished a bachelor’s degree in sport management and a master’s degree in educational administration with an emphasis in student affairs. His professional experience spans high school and university settings, and he is now eager to join the community college system. He loves working out and sports, and enjoys cars and anything mechanical in nature.
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Jessica Tucker
Police Services Assistant
Jessica Tucker started working at the College of Marin Police Department as a student cadet in August 2008. She became a part time police services assistant in September 2013 and assumed the evening supervisor duties. As a Marin native she is excited to continue working at the College.
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Allison “Brier” Welch
International Student Advisor
Steeped in travel and adventure from a young age, Brier Welch has always held a deep curiosity in culture and in the value of cultural awareness. After earning a bachelor’s degree in business from Castleton State College, Welch was hired to build the college’s first International Student Office and Study Abroad office. During that time, she began studying for a master’s degree in international education at School for International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute and earned a Teachers of English to Speakers of another Language (TESOL) certificate from Rennert International in New York City. Welch has traveled to 30 countries, lived in Spain and Chile, speaks Spanish, and would like to learn Wolof and Turkish. An avid dancer, Welch spends most of her free time dancing Kizomba and Dancehall. When she isn’t dancing, she enjoys spending time on the family farm beekeeping, collecting chicken eggs, and feeding the alpacas and sheep Manny, Bob, Pluto, MC, and Max. Welch believes the most powerful tool in building a safe, positive, and progressive world is learning the art of cultural fluidity; developing an understanding and easiness interacting with all cultures.
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Ana Flavia Wiltey
Instructional Specialist, Medical Assisting
Ana Flavia Wiltey completed College of Marin’s clinical and administrative medical assisting program in 2014. She has been working in COM’s medical assisting lab since February 2016. She also completed real estate classes at COM and has a California Real Estate license. She worked as a Realtor at Bradley Real Estate for about six years. She is happy to be working at COM and excited to give back to the community. Wiltey encourages students to fight for what they desire and believe in. Originally from Brazil, she is married and has two Motivated by a love of learning, she enjoys dancing Zumba, reading, cooking—and most importantly—spending time with family and friends.
Sally Wong
Assessment and Testing Center Coordinator
Sally Wong earned a bachelor's degree in linguistics and communications from the University of California, Davis and a master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Biola University. For 12 years she taught English as a second language (ESL) at several adult schools and colleges in northern and southern California. For five years she coordinated technology Education at a private nonprofit vocational ESL school developing curriculum, mentoring teachers, and managing test of English as a foreign language (TOEFL) testing. Her professional interests include teaching writing and pronunciation and using technology in the classroom. Wong is active in the Christian community at the University of California, Berkeley where she mentors university students. Sally enjoys orchids, board games, and cooking.
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Christopher Yang
Equity and Activities Coordinator
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Brian Young
Ceramics Laboratory Technician
New Full-Time Administrators
Ryan Byrne
Kinesiology and Athletics Director
Ryan Byrne comes to College of Marin (COM) from Santa Barbara City College where he served as the athletics director. Prior to his work at Santa Barbara City College, Byrne held positions as coordinator of the Student-Athlete Academic Success Program at both Diablo Valley College (DVC) and Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). Additionally, he was the football team’s offensive coordinator at DVC and served as college skills faculty as well as the athletics on-site administrator at SRJC.
At COM, Byrne will be responsible for building and fostering a collaborative process as the administrator and program planner for both kinesiology instruction and learning support services as well as the implementation of a variety of athletic programs, competitions, events, and activities. The role also includes administering and implementing District policies, collective bargaining agreements, equal opportunity statutes, state and federal codes, local laws, and other regulations as applicable to ensure compliance. The position reports to the senior vice president of student learning and student services.
Byrne graduated from UC Davis in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, emphasis in social inequality. He earned a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in athletics in higher education from UC Berkeley in 2005. He currently serves on the Student-Athlete Scorecard Committee, the Bylaw 1.3.3 Subcommittee, and the Southern California Football Association Competition Committee. Originally from Santa Rosa, both Byrne and his wife Marisa are looking forward to being closer to family. They have an 18-month-old boy, Hagen, and are expecting their second child in December.
Beth Hampson
Community Education, Lifelong Learning, and International Education Program Administrator
Beth Hampson has served as a leader in experiential education and community engagement at Saint Mary's College of California and Azusa Pacific University. She earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of California, Davis; a teaching credential from San Francisco State University; and a master's degree in college student affairs from Azusa Pacific University. Hampson is excited about managing the day-to-day operations of Community Education. She is devoted to connecting communities with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for diverse groups of people to teach and learn.
She looks forward to participating in the 10-month Leadership for a Sustainable Future program in 2016-17, focusing on challenges and opportunities related to ecological, economic, and social equity issues in the North Bay. Beth is a long-time student of meditation and yoga and a lover of podcasts and Berkeley Repertory Theatre. She will marry her fiancé, an archeologist from Alaska, this fall.
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Katheryn Horton
Career Pathways and Workforce Development Grants Administrator
Katheryn Horton most recently served as the education/business liaison for the Marin County Office of Education and San Rafael City Schools. She also serves as facilitator for COM's MarinCAP Math Alignment Project, and as a curriculum alignment specialist for educational partnerships throughout the state. Horton has been involved with high school-to-college/career transitions since rolling out the Early Assessment Program at Sonoma State University some 10 years ago. She holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication from the University of California, San Diego and a master of arts degree in educational leadership from Sonoma State University. She has co-published many research papers on high school-to-college transitions and a guidebook on inter-segmental educational collaboration. Horton is a member if the Education Committee of the San Rafael Chamber of Commerce and a Marin Speakers Series enthusiast.