How did you get your start at LCC?  What do you remember most from your first day/week/month?

In the fall of 1998, I began teaching writing in the old Writing Lab. Prior to LCC, I had only taught young children, so the most significant memory was adjusting to the great differences between teaching children verses adults. Steadily I began to grow in confidence and discovered how enjoyable it was to help these students grow in confidence and skills that enabled them to move forward on a pathway toward success.

Have you held different positions at LCC? How would you describe your career path and the role that LCC played in it?

While the names of the positions have shifted, I have predominantly taught reading and writing over the course of my career. At times, I have served as a lead or worked with the instructional team to shape programs as the college deemed necessary. Finally, for a short season, I also tutored.

What's your favorite memory from your time at LCC? Who are the people who made working here great?

I have wonderful memories, and there are many, many people who made it a joy to work here. The department in which I have worked has been filled with instructors who have truly exemplified the tenants of all our DEI and Culture of Care initiatives. Others from throughout the college have added to this rich experience, too. To name a few, this includes Lisa Alexander, Judy Allen, Trudy Carpenter (retired), Aleksandra Carpio, Elizabeth Clifford, Josh Ehm, Celeste Ehm, Curlada Eure-Harris, Megan Fila, Mary Fouty (retired), Jaime Grant, Cheryl Garayta, Emily Guild, Susan Henderson, Loren Honeysett, Angela Hook, Tim Kelley, Deb Kwaipsz, Amy Larson, Ian Leighton, Melissa Lucken, Martha Madigan, Chris Manning, Tim Miank, Richard Monroe, DJ Morgan (retired), Susan Murphy, Jim Owens, Patricia Purol, Iris Parasca, Sally Pierce (retired), Jill Reglin, Chris Richards, Alicia Scanlon (retired), AJ Seelye, Gina Smith (deceased), Cindy Storie, TeAnna Taphouse, and Denise Warner who all served as comrades and mentors, showing me how to integrate care into my classroom so that I might do more than just instruct. Most notably, I was blessed with two incredible partners in the classroom --- Susan Hank and Jean Hernandez (both retired) -- who worked with me to shape our classroom into an encouraging, empowering place where many students thrived. These are just a few of the wonderful individuals: I just cannot name them all. Due to these powerful interactions, my life has been changed, and I walk away with such deep gratitude for the rich experiences I have had.

What are you looking forward to in your retirement? What plans are you most excited for?

I am looking forward to some refreshing time outdoors with my husband, family, and friends and working on my garden.

Supervisor: Tim Kelley

What's your favorite memory of this employee? Do you have any other positive thoughts to share about this individual?

I will always be grateful to Cheryl for both the care and support she offered students and her care and support for me and all of her colleagues. She is a dedicated, exceptional educator and an all-around tremendous person. I will miss her, and I am saddened at what LCC is losing, but I wish her a long, happy, well-deserved retirement and hope she knows the positive impact she's had on our students, her colleagues, and me.