We are advocates for excellence in the classroom.

ADAM KAISERMAN | ENGLISH/HUMANITIES

At the intersection of the worlds of humanities, film, and literature, you’ll find Professor Adam Kaiserman, an avid reader and writer who also happens to know an impressive amount of Wes Anderson film trivia. Kaiserman is someone who enjoys all that the world of fine arts has to offer, and it’s been this passion that brought him to COC to share his knowledge with his students.

Kaiserman is currently the chair of the Humanities department, but he also teaches his fair share of English and more specific literature courses. He holds Bachelor’s degrees in English and Religious Studies, and his graduate work led him to a P.h.D. in English with a specialization in 20th Century American Literature. Needless to say, he’s a man who enjoys the written word to the fullest extent.

MIRIAM GOLBERT | BIOLOGY

Dr. Golbert started her educational career at the University of Cordoba in Argentina, where she achieved her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry. She later went on to obtain a Master’s in Biology from CSUN and a Doctorate in  Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. 

Of course, even from the very beginning, Dr. Golbert knew that she was destined to stand at the podium in front of a classroom. She’s always loved the connection formed between herself and her students and watching them grasp the more difficult concepts held a special something for her that made her realize that teaching was where she belonged. 

HEAVEN WARNER | Business

Teaching and leadership have always been a part of who Heaven Warner is. During her time in the field of accounting, she came to the realization that what she enjoyed more often than not—was being the guide that others looked to for new information, and it was this epiphany that brought her to the education scene after 12 years in the field.

Warner attended the University of Houston to obtain her Bachelor’s in Accounting with a minor in Statistics, and later went on to receive her M.B.A. as well.

Gary Collis | Business

For Professor Gary Collis, the worlds of business and law are not mutually exclusive -- in fact, they are intricately connected in a way that sparked his love for learning early on in his educational journey.

Collis began his collegiate journey at the University of Illinois, where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Business Administration with an emphasis in Organizational Management. One semester along the way, he enrolled in a Business Law class, and it was then that he realized his interest in law was most definitely tied to his interest in business.

Katie Coleman | Sociology

In her years as a COC student, Katie Coleman experienced what it was like to have the support and resources necessary to move forward in life towards success. In fact, her time at COC was what convinced her that she quite literally wanted to stay in school forever -- she just needed to find a way to earn a living while she was at it.

Coleman is a professor in the Sociology department here at COC. She transferred out to UCSB with the help of COC’s own counseling and teaching faculty, after which she earned her M.A. in Sociology at CSUN before returning to her roots to teach at COC, where she’s been since she graduated.

Lori Young | Paralegal Studies

When she was younger, Lori Young fell in love with playing “office” and “school” at home, opting for the fun of imaginary “clients” and “students” over the more typical board games or play forts. Though she didn’t know it at the time, these childhood games would eventually lead her towards her very own grown up office and school, and now that she’s landed herself in the career of her dreams, she’s never been happier.

Sarah Ethridge | Anthropology

There are few things in life more rewarding than pursuing your passion and making a living out of it -- Anthropology professor Sarah Etheridge can attest to that. 

After going through almost four full years of college, she realized that her initial choice -- political science -- wasn't encompassing everything she was passionate about (and capable of). With one semester left of her career, she decided to double-major in anthropology and poli sci -- a decision she's never regretted since.

Collette Gibson | Mathematics

Collette Gibson may have ventured out of the Santa Clarita Valley to pursue higher education, but along the way, she never lost sight of her roots right here at COC. After putting in the time and effort necessary to get to the top, she came full circle -- right back to the campus she started her journey on.

Gibson was initially a Communications major at COC when she first enrolled, but she quickly made the switch to Mathematics in her first semester (you could call it instinct). 

Jeremy Patrich | Georgraphy

On a hot Saturday afternoon, Professor Jeremy Patrich is miles away from his living room couch and TV. He's up in the mountains and forests, accompanied by about 100 students who are eager to participate in the journey towards enjoying and appreciating nature for all it is -- a journey proudly led by Patrich. If you ever get the chance to ask him about his class field trips, he's more than happy to tell you how much he prefers the eastern Sierra to the usual Netflix binge session that you'd typically associate with a free Saturday. 

Jennifer thompson | Library

In many ways, librarians are the unsung heroes of any college campus -- their knowledge of resources across all avenues of formats makes them a crucial part of any student’s educational journey, and COC’s own librarian, Jennifer Thompson, is perhaps the best example of that.

From a young age, Thompson was a helper and was eager to lend her knowledge to others, most significantly as a tutor. From the very beginning, she wanted to reach out and share in the active pursuit of knowledge and take part in some learning of her own, too. 

JASON OLIVER | ARCHITECTURE

For professor Jason Oliver, architecture is about more than simply designing and creating beautiful or functional structures. It’s about creating a world that is more sustainable and environmentally conscious while still maintaining all the aspects of aestheticism that so many people associate with architectural masterpieces, and that’s the number one lesson he passes on to his students here at COC.

Julie Johnson | History

History and human motivation have been intricately intertwined, in much the same way that Professor Julie Johnson's love of education and the pursuit of higher knowledge are. For someone like her, the most critical aspect of examining History is not looking for life lessons embedded in the past, but rather finding ways to connect centuries-old stories and events to meaningful real-world applications --  a goal that many of her students can attest.

KARYL KICENSKI | COMMUNICATIONS

Much of Professor Karyl Kicenski's personality can be summed up in this one quote from her. Regardless of where she goes, which classes she teaches, and who she encounters along the way, her dedication to enriching others' lives through the power of communication is unmatched.

Kicenski started out as a Communication Studies major at CSUN, graduating with a B.A. and eventually an M.A. in the field. She later went on to achieve her doctorate degree in Cultural Studies from George Mason University. In her years of research, she has studied the structures of social power and privilege, her commitment to the classroom and the collaboration of teaching and learning has only grown over time.

AnnE Marenco | Sociology

With over two decades of experience as a teacher, Professor Anne Marenco has most certainly developed her skills as an instructor -- that's a given. But after 21 years in the field, she's never once been able to choose just one favorite class to explore within the fascinating world of sociology.

At the start of her journey, Marenco attended CSUN and acquired her B.S. and M.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences, and eventually went on to pursue an M.A. and Ph.D. in Sociology from USC. Her areas of specialty are aging and family, and needless to say, she’s got quite the educational resume to bolster her success as a professor here at COC. 

Erica Seubert | Biology

Erica Seubert is a professor who believes in the power of her students. As she can tell you herself, her classes involve empowering students through her love of biology and the world around her. In many ways, she's made it a point to show her students just how capable they are of enacting change in the precious ecosystems in which they live. 

Initially, she was hired to teach microbiology, Seubert also teaches general biology and is actively working to reinvigorate the marine biology classes at COC. She joined COC as a full-time professor in the Spring of 2018 right off the bat, and she's never once questioned whether or not biology was the field for her.

ADAM KAMINSKY | COMMUNICATION STUDIES

For many professors, their love for teaching was clear from the beginning -- the allure of affecting change from the classroom was enticing enough to set them directly on the path towards being an educator. For others, however, the way to a rewarding and impactful career wasn't always the most obvious one -- a struggle that professor Adam Kaminsky finds familiar. 

Kaminsky started initially as an Accounting major here at COC, having set his mind on pursuing a career that he felt was equal parts respectable and practical. That changed, though, when he took his first public speaking class. Despite his struggle to overcome his fear of speaking in front of others, he embarked on a journey that would eventually lead to a degree in Communication Studies. 

Susan Hinshaw | Theater

As a lover of theater and a dedicated member of the COC instructing faculty, Hinshaw makes it a priority to ensure that her students all get to see the excitement and opportunity that the world of acting holds for them.

Hinshaw's love for theater bloomed when she took an acting class in her senior year of high school. After receiving her BA from the School of Drama at the University of Washington in Seattle. She pursued her MFA in Acting at Cal State Fullerton, but perhaps the most exciting aspect of her career has been studying with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. 

Shannon doronio | Graphic & Multimedia Design

In the world of design, where creativity and confidence are the foundation of success, each student is talented in their way -- but Doronio's job is to instill within them the importance of working hard, too. 

Doronio herself first attended Otis College of Art and Design to complete a certificate program for Design, Print and Production and loved it so much she enrolled full-time and received her BFA. She joined COC as a full-time faculty member in 2017, and in her time as a professor, she's become well acquainted with what it takes to motivate her design students to be their best selves. 

Wendy Brill | Photography

To her students, she’s Professor Wendy Brill; to her friends and family, she’s Wendy; and to her colleagues, she’s simply “one of the Brills” (though she’s quick to clarify that she and fellow MEA professor Dave Brill are siblings and not spouses). 

Before she was Professor Wendy Brill, she was just a girl with a camera and a love of photography. Brill graduated from USC with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and later went on to attain her Master’s in Fine Arts with a specialty in Creative Photography -- a feat she reflects on as incredibly exciting, given that she graduated right as the world was beginning to explore digital and mixed media forms.

Mark Daybell | Graphic & MulTimedia Design

Design As a professor in the graphic and multimedia design department for two decades, Professor Mark Daybell has learned a thing or two about what it means to grow and become the best designer you can—and now it’s his mission to make sure his students can do the same.

Daybell received his B.S. in Applied Art and Design from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, and later went on to earn his M.F.A. from Cal State Fullerton. After his graduation, it was just a short leap to the next stage in his career: teaching design to students of his own. This year marks Daybell’s 20th year as a full time faculty member, and in that time, he’s learned much about the world of design. 

Dora LOZANO | Counseling

These are Dora Lozano's most important words of advice to her students as she sends them off into the world of higher education. For her, the most exciting part of it all is watching her students flourish and later share with her their journeys and how she played a role in their success. Such is the life of a counselor and instructor here at COC's counseling department. Having taught Counseling 150, 110, and a few other non-credit courses, Lozano's primary goal has been to guide students on their paths towards success.

TRICIA GEORGE | ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

COC’s faculty may be familiar with Professor Tricia George, who teacher within the English department here at the college. What may come as a surprise, however, is that her areas of expertise extend far further than her love for literature and teaching. Before she was an expert in the field of English, George received her B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Northwestern University – a degree that is undoubtedly a far cry from her later pursuits as an English professor. She went on to graduate with her M.A. in English in 2007, and in 2014 she received her Ph.D. in English from the University of Tennessee. 

TONY LAW | EOPS/COUNSELING SERVICES

The counseling department at COC plays many roles in the success of the college's students, both academically and personally. Each member of the counseling team is dedicated to supporting every single student that walks onto campus. As a seasoned counselor and member of the department, counselor Tony Law has firsthand experience with what it takes to be a part of that team. Law holds a Bachelor’s in English and a Master’s of Science in Counseling Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University right here in Los Angeles. His emphasis is in marriage and family therapy, but his counseling skills have made him a versatile member of the COC community in many other fields.

VIOLETA KOVACEV-NIKOLIC | math

Whoever said that math and culture can't mix? For one COC professor, the two are interconnected, and she's made it her mission to spread the love of applied statistics, trigonometry, and algebra alongside the more artistic side of her personality. Professor Violeta Kovacev-Nikolic is a math professor here at the college. After experimenting with the world of physics in her early elementary school years, her love for math and teaching came together when she realized how much she enjoyed working with peers to solve problems and grasp some of the more difficult concepts being taught.

Robert Wonser | Sociology Department

Perhaps the most relatable struggle in the college scene is that of being uncertain as to what the future holds for us. For Professor Robert Wonser of the Sociology department, it was the twists and turns of his educational journey that landed him in the sociology scene that he so fervently enjoys. After spending time studying computer applications, Business Administration, and even a stint in Marketing at CSUN, Wonser’s path towards a true career was marked by one particularly inspirational event -- or person, rather.

Nicole Faudree. Esq. | Law

Tap dancing, U2, and Disneyland are just a few aspects of Professor Nicole Faudree’s personality that seem to contradict the profession she’s diligently thrown herself into.

As an instructor in the considerably serious field of law, Faudree finds it important to take a moment and enjoy the finer things in life when her profession allows for it -- and her pastimes likely come as a surprise to many of her colleagues and students alike. Faudree graduated with her law degree from Pepperdine University, and after passing the state BAR, she is now a licensed attorney in California.

Christopher Boltz | Theater

“It’s only failure if you give up and don’t try something else.”

These are the words of wisdom that Theater Professor Chris Boltz has for his students. In the dynamic world of theater, Boltz has learned a thing or two about success, experimentation, and performing -- and now, it’s his goal to pass on his experience to everyone who steps foot in his classroom. Boltz graduated from the USC School of Theatre with a Master's in Fine Arts, and he specializes in lighting design specifically. He spent the last four years teaching at COC, but he's spent time at a myriad of other institutions, including Cypress College, Fresno City College, and USC's high school outreach programs.

ALENE TERZIAN | ENGLISH

There are few people luckier than those who get to pursue their passion and make a living for themselves while doing so. As an avid reader, writer, and teacher, Professor Alene Terzian has combined the best of her personal and professional hobbies into one successful career for herself as the Chair of the English Department here at COC. After obtaining her Bachelors of English at CSUN and her Masters of Fine Arts at Cal State Chico, later on, Terzian realized that she was born to teach — and lucky for her, her love of creative writing would mesh perfectly into her desire for sharing her knowledge with others.

ALBERT LOAIZA | Athletic Counseling

Basketball. Football. Tennis. Baseball.

The list of sports teams here at COC goes on and on, and at the end of the list, alongside the coaches and players, you’ll find Albert Loaiza, one of the athletic counselors here at COC. Though he operates off the field and up in the counseling department, his job is nonetheless crucial to ensuring the success of COC’s players inside of the classroom. Loaiza received his undergraduate degree in Sociology from San Bernardino and later earned his Master's in Counseling from the University of LaVerne in 2008.

Rebecca Edwards | Fine Art

Whether or not we realize it, the role that art plays in our everyday lives is a significant one. As Professor Rebecca Edwards would say, art is how humans exercise critical thinking and how we learn to solve problems -- which is precisely why she decided to fully immerse herself in the world of art both professionally and personally. Edwards has spent much of her time developing a close connection to the world of art. After receiving her Masters of Fine Arts degree from California State University of Los Angeles, she realized that she was destined to pursue the world of art both in her personal life and her professional one as well.

Pierre Etienne | FRENCH

German. English. French. Japanese. Spanish. Italian.

Across the spectrum of languages, professor Pierre Etienne has familiarized himself with the world of possibilities that come with being multilingual, and after almost 40 years of teaching, he grows more and more appreciative of culture every with every passing day. Etienne completed his undergraduate work at Middlebury College in Vermont and received his Baccalauréat degree at the Lycée Charlemagne in Paris.