Please take a moment to welcome El Camino College’s 30 new full-time faculty members. Watch for future editions of “President’s News” as we introduce the college’s new classified staff members and managers. “The Messenger” will introduce new hires at ECC Compton Center. Welcome to all new employees!

	Edwin Ambrosio, Mathematical Sciences, computer science instructor. Edwin’s career background includes teaching classes at El Camino College, as well as positions at Thales Avionics, IEE Inc., and Raytheon Company, where he worked as a software engineer. Edwin has a master’s degree in computer science from USC and a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering from UCLA.
	Maria Barrio De Mendoza, Humanities, Spanish instructor. Maria earned a master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, a bachelor’s degree from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, and an associate degree from L.A. Harbor College. Her teaching experience includes positions at El Camino College, ECC Compton Center, Santa Monica College, Long Beach City College and CSU Long Beach.
	Kevin Blickfeldt, Fine Arts, music instructor. Kevin comes to El Camino College after positions at UC Irvine and Fullerton College. He is also an accomplished performer and vocal instructor. Kevin has a doctorate in vocal performance from USC, in addition to a master’s degree in vocal performance from Florida State University and bachelor’s degrees in music and political science from the University of Utah.
	Seranda Bray, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Seranda has worked in a variety of counseling positions at El Camino College (RISE Center, First Year Experience, CalWORKs) and at Loyola Marymount University, where she was an admissions counselor and director of the campus tour program. She earned a master’s degree in guidance and counseling and a bachelor’s degree in political science, both from Loyola Marymount University.
	Cynthia Cervantes, Behavioral & Social Sciences, child development instructor. Cynthia has teaching experience at East L.A. College, Brentwood Presbyterian Nursery School and El Camino College. She earned a master’s degree in educational psychology with specialization in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in child development – both from CSU Northridge.
	Robert Diaz, Industry & Technology, electronics computer and hardware technology instructor. Robert is an ECC alumnus who also has a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from CSU Long Beach. His career background includes teaching positions at El Camino College and ECC Compton Center, as well as industry experience at EIZO Nanao Technologies, Epson America, and TRW.
	Rocio Diaz, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Rocio has a master’s degree in educational counseling from USC, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. Career experience includes counseling positions at Fullerton College, East L.A. College, USC, and El Camino College, where she has assisted with New Student Welcome Day and other outreach events.
	Rebecca Donegan, Natural Sciences, geography teacher. Rebecca joins the El Camino College faculty after teaching positions at El Camino College, ECC Compton Center, Mt. San Antonio College, and CSU Dominguez Hills. She has master’s and bachelor’s degrees from CSU Northridge. On campus, Rebecca has helped coordinate Onizuka Space Science Day, and is a volunteer for the ECC Science Club.
	Juan Garcia, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Juan has experience as a counselor at Cypress College, where he also served on the accreditation committee. In addition, he held positions with Veterans Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment and the Veteran Affairs, working as a case manager and an educational benefits liaison. Juan has a master’s degree in social work from USC.
	Christopher Glover, Humanities, English instructor. Christopher joins the El Camino College faculty after a position at CSU Long Beach, where he taught English courses and was the associate director of the Learning Assistance Center. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from CSU Long Beach, and has also worked at El Camino College, Coastline College, and Long Beach City College, teaching a variety of English courses.
	Andres Gonzalez, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Andres has a master’s degree in counseling from CSU Long Beach as well as a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCLA. His career experience includes various positions at L.A. Harbor College, Fullerton College, Pasadena City College, UCLA, and CSU Long Beach.
	Timothy Gough, Health Sciences & Athletics/Special Resource Center, sign language instructor. Timothy comes to ECC after positions at Gallaudet University, Ohlone College, California School for the Deaf, Peralta City College District, Pleasanton Unified School District, and UC Berkeley, where he taught a variety of American Sign Language courses. He has a master’s degree in deaf education from McDaniel College and a bachelor’s degree from CSU Northridge.
	Amy Herrschaft, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Amy has a master’s degree in counseling from CSU Long Beach and a bachelor’s degree from CSU Fullerton. She has career experience from L.A. Harbor College, Santa Monica College, and El Camino College, where she worked with the First Year Experience, Outreach & School Relations, and basic skills programs.
	Christopher Hurd, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Christopher earned a doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine University, a master’s in counseling from Loyola Marymount University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from UCLA. He joins the El Camino College team after positions at Santa Monica College, CollegeSpring and UCLA.
	Analu Josephides, Learning Resources, librarian. Analu comes to El Camino College after librarian positions with the Los Rios Community College, Sierra College and the Yolo County Library. He also worked as genealogist for the Research Corp University of Hawaii, and the Hawaii State Historic Preservation Office, among other positions. Analu has master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Hawaii.
	Brian Khoddam, Business, accounting instructor. Brian earned his M.B.A. at USC’s Marshall School of Business as well as a bachelor’s degree in accounting, also from USC. He is a certified public accountant and has worked in operations and finance for a number of companies, including Venice Baking Company, Spectrum Athletic Club, Cravery Kitchen, Office Depot, Razorfish, DIRECTV, PolyGram Holding, and Ernst & Young.
	Gifford Lindheim, Health Sciences & Athletics, kinesiology instructor/head football coach. Gifford comes to ECC after a successful stint coaching football at Santa Monica College. He has also coached at West Los Angeles College, Venice High School, Whittier College, University High School in L.A. and the University of Nevada. Gifford has a master’s in higher administration in education from the University of Nevada, Reno; a master’s in education from Whittier College; and a bachelor’s from San Francisco State University.
	Darcie McClelland Descalzo, Natural Sciences, biology instructor. Darcie has a doctorate in cell, molecular and developmental biology from UC Riverside, as well as a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of San Diego. She previously worked at UC Riverside, CSU San Bernardino, and Chaffey College, teaching a variety of biology courses.
	Gary Medina, Learning Resources, librarian. Gary has a master’s degree in library and information science from San Jose State University, a master’s in public policy and administration from California Lutheran University and a bachelor’s in finance from Jacksonville State University. He has previously worked at Marymount California University, Palos Verdes Central Library, Pasadena Public Library, and L.A. Harbor College.
	Dylan Meek, Industry & Technology, welding instructor. Dylan has industry experience in welding and has also taught various classes at El Camino College and within the Los Angeles Community College District. He has an Associate of Science degree in welding from L.A. Trade Technical College.
	Lesley Meza, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Lesley has previously worked as a counselor at Pasadena City College, El Camino College and Glendale Community College. She also has teaching experience at Santa Monica College and Pasadena City College. Lesley has a master’s degree in counseling from CSU Northridge and a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from UC Santa Barbara.
	Dora Miranda, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Dora earned a master’s degree from the University of La Verne, in addition to a bachelor’s degree from CSU Dominguez Hills. She has previously held counseling positions at El Camino College, Cerritos College, the Asian Pacific Family Center, and Pacific Clinics.
	Rousana Miranda, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Before ECC, Rousana’s career experience included positions at Cypress College, Cerritos College, CSU Long Beach, L.A. County Office of Education, Ribét Academy College Preparatory, and Mayfair Middle / High School. She earned a master’s degree in counseling from CSU Long Beach and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from CSU Dominguez Hills.
	Troy Moore, Natural Sciences, chemistry instructor. Troy earned a doctorate in chemistry from UC Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree in pharmacological chemistry from UC San Diego. Before joining the El Camino College faculty, Troy gained teaching experience at Fullerton College, UC Berkeley, and UC San Diego.
	John Mufich, Business, management instructor. John has a doctorate in business administration from Argosy University, a master’s in procurement/contract law from Northrop University, and an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University. He has extensive industry experience, in addition to teaching experience at ECC and as a guest lecturer on the university level.
	Susan Nilles, Health Sciences & Athletics/Health Center, health center coordinator/nurse practitioner. Susan has a master’s degree from Samuel Merritt University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. She is a registered nurse and has worked in student health services at Fullerton College, in addition to positions at Irvine Medical Center, St. Jude Medical Center, and Sutter Roseville Medical Center.
	Richard Perkins, Business, computer information systems instructor. A graduate of El Camino College, Richard went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Humboldt State University and a master’s degree in information systems from the University of Phoenix. He has work experience at El Camino College, The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers Orange County, and Carver Missionary Baptist Church.
	Maria Ramirez, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Maria has career experience from positions with El Camino College, L.A. Harbor College, Santa Monica College, and East L.A. College counseling offices. She earned a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s degree in liberal studies, both from CSU Long Beach.
	Oscar Villareal, Mathematical Sciences, math instructor. Oscar has a doctorate in mathematics from UC Berkeley, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from UC Irvine. He previously worked at CSU Long Beach, Cal Poly Pomona, Indiana University Northwest, UC Irvine, and Universidad de Colima in Mexico, where he taught a variety of courses, from algebra to finite mathematics.
	Xiao Wang, Counseling & Student Success, counselor. Xiao earned a master’s degree in counseling and a bachelor’s in psychology – both from CSU Los Angeles. Her career experience includes positions at El Camino College, North High School in Torrance, Hamilton Adult School in Torrance, and has also worked in private practice.

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