Steve Isachsen    www.miracosta.edu/home/sisachsen

Hired in 2001, Steve Isachsen grew up in Northern California in the heart of Silicon Valley.  With his childhood home just a few miles from such computing industry giants as Apple and IBM, computers were a part of everyday life from an early age.  In the late 1970s his elementary school classrooms were some of the first in the nation to integrate the Apple II in to the curriculum and afternoons were spent tinkering with early home video game systems from Atari and what went on to become the world's best-selling personal computer model of all time, the Commodore 64. 

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Interested in ethical, social, and governmental issues surrounding technology and its use, upon graduating from high school in 1989, Steve enrolled at his local community college, West Valley College, with his sights set on transferring to a four year university where he could pursue studies in these areas in more depth.  With a passion for the outdoors, including surfing and golf, Steve decided on the University of California, San Diego, and transferred in the fall of 1991.  While studying Political Science was his primary focus, he spent as much of his free time as possible on the waves at Black's Beach and on the links at Torrey Pines Golf Course.  Graduating with honors, over the next 3 years he went to work in various computer and technology related positions at Franklin Templeton Investments, Foresters, and Financial Profiles.  At the same time, on the recommendation of one of his professors, he began teaching in the K-12 system on a substitute basis.  Inspired by these experiences, in 1996 he entered graduate school at San Francisco State University with the hope of eventually teaching at a community college where he could blend his interests in the fields of computing, technology, politics, and teaching.  After completing his comprehensive exams, Steve taught for four years at the community college and California State University levels as well as worked in a Instructional Technology Services role as an analyst, instructional designer, and trainer at San Diego State University, before being hired in the fall of 2001 as a full time faculty member in the Computer and Information Science Department at MiraCosta College.

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As a tenured faculty member now in his 20th year, Steve has found MiraCosta to be a wonderful place to teach and learn.  Having spent several years developing the Flexible Learning instructional modality for Computer and Information Science classes, his current focus is creating a comprehensive Computer Applications Program within the Computer Studies Department.  In addition to academic computer application course offerings, this program focuses on longer term outcomes such as certificate and degree completion, professional level certification, transfer, and occupational retraining and job preparation.  Special emphasis is placed on offering cutting-edge curriculum and pedagogy that encourages a connection between classroom theory and real world skills and techniques so that students are prepared for success in industry.  During his time at MiraCosta, Steve has also sought out varied governance assignments that contribute to the overall function of the college.  His interest in this area has included work as a Academic Senate Council Representative; Professional Development Committee Member; Lodestar Coordinator; Planning and Budgeting Committee Member; Horticulture, Architecture, and Applied Technologies Department Chair; Faculty Textbook Affordability Committee Chair; District-wide Taskforce on Textbook Affordability Member; Collegial Negotiations Committee Member, Faculty Assembly Member and, as a Member of the Courses and Programs Committee.  In addition, Steve holds various Microsoft Office Specialist Certifications.  Steve took a sabbatical in the spring 2011 semester to further explore textbook affordability issues; more about his project can be found at this link.

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When not on campus, Steve still occasionally gets out in the ocean and on the golf course.  Most of his free time, however, is spent with his wife and two children, ages 17 and 18.  Looking forward, Steve is excited about the ever changing computing horizon and is especially enthusiastic about developing new Computer Studies Department curriculum in the emerging technology areas of social media; cloud computing; web based Google applications; ethical, social, and culture issues surrounding technology and computing; and comprehensive baseline computer literacy initiatives.

 

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Rick White    www.miracosta.edu/home/rwhite

Hired in 2020, Rick White is a seasoned senior executive, researcher, software architect, and successful entrepreneur. While completing a BA in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Southern California, he developed the first socio-mimicry AI models to allow self-organizing AI clusters to build self-sustaining, evolving “cultural” reinforcement within networked systems. As a graduate student he received an MS in software design from National University while founding/managing Digital Sweatshop, Inc. He built one of the first data driven web applications on the Internet with a team of 25 developers. As the SVP of Digital for Source Interlink’s ASG he led a team to build the first successful CRM that allowed all of the company’s major magazines titles like Automotive, Surfer, and Surfing, to migrate to an online content delivery system. As founder and C.T.O of Sure Genomics, he architected and implemented a comprehensive DTC, whole genome management system that allowed personal privacy, ownership, and 3D exploration of Phased Whole Genomic Sequence (WGS) data. 

 

With over 20 years of leadership experience in the technology sector, Rick excels at anticipating and navigating the dynamic challenges of managing teams that innovative to meet complex business challenges. Currently his research has been focused on peer review and a working design of exotic AI/Blockchain/DAGG dynamic data structure, accelerated learning and knowledge model capture. He is a driving force behind the research and development of bPOI and is fiercely dedicated to using his creative vision, experience, and passion to positively impact humanity and our quality of life. 

 

Rick is a MiraCosta alum and his passion as both a teacher and student is to foster strategies for lifelong self-learning. He hopes to inspire individuals to develop the courage to fail forward, and the patience to embrace learning as a life long path and not a destination. His interests includes spending quality time with his family, playing/coaching basketball, surfing, FPGA cryptocurrency mining, and playing the guitar. He looks forward to inspiring Spartans in their growth and understanding of technology.

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Jeff Allen

Born and raised in San Diego, Jeff Allen has maintained a deep interest in computers and technology since childhood.  He learned the basics from his father on a 1980’s IBM 5150. He started programming with languages like Basic, Fortran, and Java before progressing to networking and web-based interests. Jeff holds a master’s degree in education with two California teaching credentials in computer science. 

 

Jeff taught A+ Computer Repair at Abraxas High School in Poway and Networking Fundamentals at Remington College, and he was the robotics advisor at Northview High School.  Jeff passed both of the CompTIA A+ exams.  He currently teaches programming, hardware, and operating system courses for Temecula Valley Unified, UCSD Extension, and MiraCosta.

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Andre Andersen

Andre Andersen received his Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in Business Administration, with a major in Information Systems and a Master of Science degree in Educational Technology from National University.

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He began his career working as an educational technician in the San Diego Community College District where he assisted instructors teaching business office technology courses ranging from basic computer skills to advance Microsoft Office applications. He moved on to work as a senior telecommunications technician for Avaya Communications where he managed telecommunication systems for various naval bases in San Diego. He simultaneously served 5 years in the Navy Reserves as an information systems technician supporting the Navy's global satellite telecommunications systems, mainframe computers, local and wide area networks, and micro-computer systems used in the fleet.

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Andre decided to apply his knowledge in the educational field and began teaching computer applications in 2003 where he gained his experience in online education, specializing in educational, business, and office technology. He found his passion in educating a diverse range of students by bringing the classroom to students in an online format. He has since designed, taught, and maintained online courses ranging in complexity from basic keyboarding to advanced business applications in various community colleges.

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His professional interests include finding and creating new, exciting and effective methods of online instruction. He also enjoys practicing yoga, hiking and traveling.

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Rick Cassoni    www.miracosta.edu/home/rcassoni

Hired in 2015, Rick Cassoni grew up in the Dayton, OH area. Growing up in the area of one of the U.S’s largest Air Force bases, Wright Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Rick was drawn to the military. After graduating high school, Rick enlisted in the US Navy’s Nuclear Power Program as a Reactor Operator starting out as an Electronics Technician. Rick spent 1.5 yrs of Electronics Technician training in Great Lakes, IL before arriving to Orlando, FL to start Nuclear Power Training. Rick was offered an opportunity to be a temporary instructor at the pre-opening of the new Nuclear Field A School in the Digital Microprocessor division. This was a historic event for the US Navy Nuclear Power community in that it was the first time that digital microprocessors were being used in Navy Reactor Safety and Control Systems. Rick was responsible for developing curriculum and training including classroom instruction and labs. After finishing his temporary assignment, Rick started Nuclear Power School (NPS) training and was pleasantly surprised to be awarded an ROTC Scholarship. 

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He was commissioned as an Ensign after completing his BS in Applied Physics and minor in Naval Science from the University of Utah. He then returned to Orlando, FL to complete six (6) months at NPS. Following completion of NPS, Rick completed Nuclear Prototype Training in Idaho Falls, ID and arrived in San Diego, CA on USS Topeka (SSN-754), an Improved Los Angeles Class submarine with vertical launch and under ice capability. Rick started off as the Reactor Controls Assistant and Electrical Officer, completed his qualifications receiving his dolphins, and was then assigned the position of Assistant Combat Systems Officer. He also completed the training and qualified as a Naval Nuclear Engineer. After USS Topeka, Rick served on USS Dolphin (AGSS-555), the World’s Deepest Diving Self Sustaining submarine – now part of the San Diego Maritime Museum and was the Submarine Liaison Officer for Sea-Based Weapons Advanced Tactical School (SWATS).Following SWATS,

 

Rick transitioned to Active Reserve status and started his formal Information Technology career at SAIC as a Principal Systems Engineer. Rick primarily support SPAWAR projects as either a team member of project lead in an Agile Scrum Development environment. After six years, Rick became a US Navy Civil Servant as the Assistant Program Manager (APM) for the Nuclear Command Control, and Communications (NC3) system used to manage, control, and launch strategic nuclear weapons. After three years, Rick rejoined SAIC as the Program Manager for SAIC’s Defense Solutions Group Research & Development Enterprise Services Integration and Interoperability Lab (ESIIL) that had 9 interconnected nodes across the US. This was one of SAIC’s primarily R&D labs for developing cutting edge technology for customers and proposals.

 

During this same time, Rick served in six US Navy Reserve Units, four of which he was the Commanding Officer including the Deep Submergence Unit (DSU) dedicated to worldwide submarine rescues. He retired in September 2012 as a Commander (O-5).Following active duty, he also completed a dual major MS Business Administrations – Information Systems (MSBA-IS) at San Diego State University (SDSU) January 2005.In 2012, Rick accepted a position at IBM to be a Senior Cloud Architect for the US Federal Division where he specialized in Cloud, Big Data, and Cyber Security. Rick enjoyed these three technology areas and continues to specialize and teach in these areas today. He decided to pursue being an associate faculty in January 2013 teaching at MiraCosta and Palomar College’s Computer Science and Computer Studies and Information Technologies (CSIT) Departments and continuing to work with IBM via their largest Federal Business Partner, Jeskell Systems. One of his proudest accomplishments was being selected as the Palomar College Distinguished Faculty Awardee.

 

Being a lifelong learner himself, Rick holds the following certifications: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Project Management Professional (PMP), PM III: DoD DAWIA Acquisition Professional Community, DAWIA Level 3, LPIC-1 - Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1, VMWare Sales Professional (VSP), Tech Sales Pro (VTSP), Infrastructure Virtualization, CWTS: Certified Wireless Technology Specialist, LSS: Lean Six Sigma Trained Green Belt, ZapThink: Certified SOA Architect.  Rick accepted a full time position at San Diego Mesa College starting fall 2014 and then accepted a full time position to return to MiraCosta College fall 2015.  Rick plans to focus his MiraCosta curriculum and research efforts in his passion areas of Cloud, Big Data, Cyber Security, and Business Process Reengineering (BPR) / Change Management (CM) / Lean and Six Sigma (LSS) as well as teaching courses including CSIT 110 Computer Applications, CSIT 120 Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems, and CSIT 137 Google Apps for Business as well as completing the rigorous tenure process.  Effective Fall 2022 Rick has retired from full time status and transitioned to an Associate Faculty member for the CSIT Department. 

 

When not in the classroom teaching and working with students or building new courses, Rick enjoys home gardening and composting, a round a golf, and riding his eBike with his wife Mary around the Carlsbad, La Costa area where they live. Rick also has a passion for energy. His goal is to have a $0 SDG&E bill by having his Solar Power EV system supply all energy for his house, EV car, and their eBikes. Last year his annual bill was $200.

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Don Dean

Prior to teaching at MiraCosta College, Don Dean worked as a creative director and director of marketing for over 20 years.  In 1995, he became a Web professional when he created his company's first website as a class project.  That class assignment inspired the company to start a new Internet Provider and Web Design business.  They made Don their webmaster.

In 1999, Don started teaching at MiraCosta and was given the opportunity to help create the E-Commerce program.  In addition to E-Commerce, he taught web design, web development, motion graphics, video production, multimedia, and 3D animation.  

In 2006, Don completed a Master's Degree in Educational Technology at San Diego State University.  It was a wonderful experience that led to the career he currently enjoys as an eLearning Curriculum Developer for a Fortune 100 company.  Don creates training for web-based and instructor-led courses.  He loves helping others learn and develop.

Don's journey started with his first website in 1995.  He is looking forward to helping his students get their start in the fast-paced and lucrative world of E-Commerce.

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Brian Edmisten

Brian Edmisten entered his professional career after graduating from Cal State Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.  After completing an internship at Southern California Edison, he was offered and accepted a position at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (SONGS) until the plant discontinued operations.   Following SONGS, Brian accepted a position at ViaSat working on critical infrastructure protection.

 

During his tenure at Southern California Edison and ViaSat, Brian held several roles ranging from software development to network engineering to root cause evaluations and more. He grew from a team member programming for the plant computer to a leader in the plant simulation team and was promoted to be the system lead for the Plant Security System. Brian enjoyed tracing the plant systems so that he could better understand the connection of software controls to the physical plant.  Most recently, he has been tasked with oversight and leadership of the ViaSat college internship teams where he assists junior employees with their first experiences in corporate culture as well as technologies under his purview.

 

When not working in technology, Brian enjoys riding his motorcycle and travelling with his family.  As time allows, he enjoys building projects for his family.  His most recent venture has been creating beds for his daughters are shaped as a castle and a store front.  ​

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Claudia Faulk

Claudia Faulk is a native San Diegan and has worked in the graphic design field for over 25 years, with 15 years experience in web design and development. She lives on a small farm with her husband, youngest son and an ever changing pack of animals. She is a partner and social media director in a local microbrewery and co-manages a small graphic design firm.  Life is hectic, but good.

 

Her online marketing efforts eventually led to an expanded use of social media for business promotion.  She has transitioned from traditional advertising based solutions into the interactive use of social media and word of mouth marketing for her clients.  

As the director social media for her own microbrewery, she enjoys the opportunity to reach out to customers and involve them in product and company development.  

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Claudia has a BA in Graphic Design/Multimedia and a Masters in Educational Technology from San Diego State University.

In 2007 she began teaching web development in the Media Arts and Technology Department at MiraCosta.  She has long been an advocate for expanding resources for education and training in social media skills and enjoys the diverse environment that a community college offers.

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Stephen Hilliard

Stephen earned his associate degree in the CSIT department here at MiraCosta College; he entered the program in 2019 and became a part of MiraCosta Alumni in Spring 2021. During his time in our program, he was appointed as the Department’s tutor to guide other students through their coursework.

 

Stephen has accumulated several years of experience within the field of CSIT as a member of the workforce. In 2012, he began his career in CSIT as an IT Specialist at 24 Hour Fitness for three years. Between 2016- 2019, Stephen opened up a consulting firm and provided IT services to his clients. He had back-to-back cybersecurity analyst internships at EP Analytics and Forward Slope Inc. in 2020 and 2021, respectively. He currently holds a position at Apex Systems on Camp Pendleton, CA, working as a mid-level Cyber Security Specialist with an ISSO appointment.

 

In December 2022, he will obtain his B.A. in Computer Information Technology from Point Loma Nazarene University.

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When he has a moment to spare, Stephen enjoys body surfing, cycling, staying active, watching movies, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends.

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Isabella Janovick

Isabella Janovick is a MiraCosta alum and transferred to the University of California, San Diego through the IGETC program. There she received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Visual Media Arts and spent 13 years working in the marketing field, where she grew not only her marketing experience as technology changed, but her management experience as well. In 2017 Isabella obtained her Masters in Business Administration degree at California State University San Marcos. Post grad school, she went the entrepreneur route and launched her own marketing agency, Janovick Communications, where she specializes in assisting small business owners and nonprofits with marketing consulting, content creation, and social media strategies.

 

Isabella began her teaching career in the Spring of 2019 at CSUSM, where she is the Lecturer in the College of Business Administration department instructing Social Media Marketing, Personal Branding, and is an Advisor for Senior Experience Projects. She came to MiraCosta in 2020 and teaches in both the Business and CSIT departments teaching a variety of marketing courses. 

 

When she isn't posting on Instagram or grading papers, you can find Isabella running ultra marathons in the mountains, competing in Spartan races all over the country, and spending time with her husband and three rescued pitbulls Koda, Dally and Romanoff. 

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Michael Lewis Jr.

Michael Lewis's journey in the field of Computer Information Technology began at MiraCosta Community College, where he not only excelled as a student but also shared his knowledge and skills as a tutor for three semesters. This experience not only solidified his foundational knowledge in IT but also demonstrated his commitment to the broader learning community. After completing his tenure at MiraCosta, Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Computer Information Technology, with an emphasis in Cybersecurity, in December 2023 from Point Loma Nazarene University. Alongside his degree, he earned respected certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, and Testout PC Pro, which further showcase his wide-ranging expertise in the field.

 

Professionally, Michael's expertise in the IT and cybersecurity fields is deeply rooted in his eight years of distinguished service in the military. During his tenure, he excelled in various roles including networking, server administration, and helpdesk support. His military career, highlighted by his advancement to the rank of Staff Sergeant, provided him with a unique perspective and invaluable experience in managing complex IT systems and cybersecurity challenges. This extensive background, combined with his strong educational achievements, has equipped him to effectively navigate and manage intricate cybersecurity landscapes in his current role. Michael's ability to apply strategic insight and practical knowledge in safeguarding digital assets is a testament to his comprehensive skill set and dedication to excellence in the field of cybersecurity.

 

Outside of his professional sphere, Michael's passions extend to technology, mechanics, and gaming. His interests in car mechanics and motorcycle riding reflect his intricate understanding of and appreciation for complex systems, a trait that parallels his approach to IT and cybersecurity. Additionally, his enthusiasm for video and board games not only serves as a leisure activity but also complements his professional life by nurturing his strategic thinking and analytical skills.

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Tim McLean

Tim McLean has a B.S. degree in Physics from Occidental College in Pasadena, CA and a M.S. degree in Computer Science from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

After graduating from college, Tim began his career as a United States Marine flying the CH-53E Super Sea Stallion helicopter.  After completing deployments to Okinawa, Japan and a Western Pacific Tour aboard the USS Tripoli, Tim completed his Computer Science degree with an emphasis in Graphics and Visualization. For his thesis, Tim successfully proved the virtual environment he created could be used to teach terrain map reading skills to helicopter pilots who were trained on the simulator he built. Tim was then assigned to the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity (MCTSSA) aboard Camp Pendleton.  Here, Tim was the Program Manager for the Theater Missile Defense System Exerciser and the Joint Distributed Engineering Plant programs.  Completing this tour, Tim went back to flying helicopters and was deployed to Okinawa once again, followed by a deployment to AlAsad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Upon returning from OIF, Tim reported back to MCTSSA as the Deputy Director, Systems Engineering and Integration Support Division where led the Marine Corps in its first capability based developmental test that developed over 100 testing processes and procedures facilitating repeatable and defendable testing results. 

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Tim retired after 20 years in the Marine Corps as a Major in 2010 and continued his government service as a Department of Defense civilian at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU).  At DAU, Tim was a professor of Systems Engineering and Management where he applied his knowledge, experience, technical, managerial and leadership skills to teach and facilitate higher levels of learning for the Department of Defense Acquisition workforce.  After DAU, Tim found himself back at MCTSSA, this time as a civilian.  Tim is currently working full time at MCTSSA as a Senior Principle Engineer for the Test Engineering Branch.  Tim is also an adjunct faculty member at Palomar College teaching Computer Science courses.

Tim and his wife Rochelle, own and operate a unique baby boutique called Babies in Bloom in Vista, CA.  While Rochelle is truly the brains and visionary of the enterprise, Tim is in charge of the books as the financial officer.  Tim is excited to bring his unique mix of engineering, programmatic, and business expertise to his classes at Mira Costa College.

In his spare time, Tim likes to go camping at the beach, fly remote control helicopters, tinker with his iPhone, and program in C++.

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Cynthia Nitsch

Cynthia Nitsch has been instructing Information Technology Management courses since 1998. She has recently retired from the University of San Diego after 17 years as a Clinical Professor. She holds a Master’s degree in Educational Technology, a California Teaching Credential, and a Bachelor’s in Business Administration / Marketing.

 

Cynthia has been a lead contributor in the development and implementation of technology assessment for AACSB accreditation at USD.  She enjoyed her role as a faculty advisor for the student chapter of The Association of Information Technology Professionals and has co-authored a Management Information Systems case study book that is currently in its 2nd edition.

 

Before her career at USD, Cynthia worked at Sweetwater School district Chula Vista, CA  in the education technology department. At her time with the district, her role was to help integrate technology into classrooms under a Grant from the State of California. While managing this grant, her responsibilities varied from technical support and implementation to creating a curriculum to prepare teachers to meet the technological advancement of the 21st century.

 

Cynthia grew up in a Silver City, NM a small town in the middle of the Gila National Forest. She has lived in San Diego since 1993. She is married and has a spunky 7-year-old boy who keeps her on her toes. She also plays in a tennis league on weekends and hopes one day she will win more matches than she loses!

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Cory Ornelas

Cory Ornelas received a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Boston University.  Currently he is in the process of completing his Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Information Technology Management at California State University Dominguez Hills.

 

Prior to teaching at MiraCosta, Cory worked as a research coordinator in neurology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute in New York City where he managed databases for pharmaceutical protocols.  In 2011, he accepted a position with the San Diego Community College District as the Apprenticeship Coordinator.  While in this role at City College, Cory developed student learning outcomes for the apprenticeship programs and served as the liaison between the academic institution and industry sponsors.    

 

In 2014, Cory began teaching computer and information science courses at San Diego City College.  Cory enjoys finding new ways to incorporate innovative and progressive teaching styles into the classroom environment.  In addition to his professional interests, Cory has a passion for surfing and water sports at beaches throughout Carlsbad and Oceanside.

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Rob Price

Originally from Palm Springs, CA, Rob Price graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a B.A. in Physics and Economics, M.Eng. from the University of Colorado, and an MBA from the University of Southern California. Having developed a fascination with computer networking in the late 1990s, Rob joined the US Army Signal Corps in 1999 and started a career working with satellite and networking technology that continues today. Over the course of 23 years in industry, Rob has direct experience installing and managing satellite, radio, voice switching and computer networks for the US Army in addition to multiple defense contractors. While at Northrop Grumman, Rob led a team that installed a 36-site distributed test and evaluation network operations center in addition to leading multiple joint interoperability test events between US and partner nations. Rob currently works as a Program Manager for Viasat in Carlsbad where he has spent the past 9 years working on innovative Government and Commercial products and services.

 

Rob has over 10 years of experience teaching at community colleges with specialties that include Microsoft Windows Server and Client, Active Directory, Wireless Networking, and Security foundations. Rob also has over 8 years of experience instructing communications courses for the military including Network Nodal Management, Network+, Security+, CASP and CISSP. Rob has achieved the following industry certifications over the course of the past 15 years: A+, Network+, RFID+, Cloud+, Security+, ITIL foundations, PMP, CISSP and CISSP-ISSEP.

 

Rob has a passion for teaching and looks to provide real world examples experienced during his time in industry to complement classroom curriculum.

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Debra Sayble

A native Californian educated at UCLA, Debra Sayble received her B.A. in Theater Arts and her M.A. in Psychotherapy. After serving as a public school elementary teacher and counselor in Los Angeles, she “discovered” the world of personal computers and the Internet. Debra recognized and embraced what they could do for people, business, and communities. She integrated business software applications into her own small business for several years, and she designed and delivered corporate training workshops.

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In the mid-1990s Debra began teaching computer courses such as Computer Literacy, Introduction to Windows, Computer Information Systems, PageMaker, FrontPage, and all of the Microsoft Office Suite applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Outlook. She taught at a community college in rural northern Arizona, and spent a semester creating the first computer lab for an elementary school on the Hopi Indian Reservation. She also spent two years as the sole computer and business teacher for the Grand Canyon Unified School District (right in Grand Canyon National Park, just yards from the south rim). In 2003 she returned home to southern California.

 

Over the years Debra has developed into a well-respected, high-level computer trainer. She also specializes in building online, interactive tutorials, as well as developing other aspects of distance, or Web, learning.  In addition, Debra holds Microsoft Word 2003, 2007, 2013, and 2016 Certifications.

 

In addition to teaching online for MiraCosta College, in early summer of 2019 Debra was recruited to serve as the resident Technology Training Specialist for Foothill – De Anza College, located in Silicon Valley near Stanford University. Her main purpose there is to develop better training programs in which she can teach the college faculty to become better, more effective online educators. 

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Tom Trzos

Tom began his career in business and information technology field in the early 1980s and has worked in a variety of high level management roles and consulting engagements while continuing to teach as an Associate Faculty Member at the community college level and other major universities.  He has a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in Information Management from Webster University.  He is most proud of his undergraduate degree in Information Decision Systems from San Diego State University where he attended in the 90’s after waiting 20 years to return to San Diego.
 

Tom is originally from Waterford, Michigan and moved to sunny southern California in the mid 70’s where he earned his Associate Degree in Business from Grossmont College.  Career opportunities took him back to the Midwest for 20 years and he finally returned permanently to California in 1993.  He has been in academics for the past 15 years as an online and onsite instructor at various universities guiding students in business and technology.  In addition, he works as an independent consultant and has had the pleasure to work in biotech, energy, and retail, primarily as a Business Analyst and Project Manager. 

As a  Business Analyst he is experienced in designing  and implementing  a variety of customized Decision Support, Business Intelligence, and Business Process Management systems for clients on an enterprise level using the SDLC methodology inclusive of preparing Scope of Work, Work Breakdown Structures, Project Schedules, Project Budgets, Business Requirements, Technical Requirements, Design Specifications, Proof of Concepts, UX Design, Web sites, Prototypes, Communications Plans, Testing Procedures, and Training  Strategies.

When not sitting in front of the computer preparing and teaching classes, Tom enjoys working out at the gym, watching sports, and spending time with his family.  He loves to cook for the family, with some of his favorite dishes that he served at his restaurant, golabki, knuckle soup, and margarita pizza, all original recipes. Tom is blessed with three wonderful children and three grandchildren and most recently an adopted daughter.

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George Ward

George Ward is an inventive enterprise architect with over 40 years of experience developing Internet-based solutions for high-profile organizations such as Cisco Systems, Motorola and California State University System.

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While at Cisco System he developed and managed the Cisco Network Academy program which currently supports over 900,000 students in 150+ countries and 11 different languages. The focus of the program is to prepare student to achieve the Cisco CCNA certification and is regarded as one of the most innovative and successful public/private training partnerships. 

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While at Motorola he was in charge of all worldwide computing and networking to support engineering where he implemented one of the first TCP/IP based private intranets. This design and implementation won the “Best in Class” international award for private sector companies. His research and development team also participated in the development of several internet standards such as DNS and SendMail.

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He served as special consultant to the California State University Office of the Chancellor in the Academic Technology Services department where designed and implemented a digital marketplace, building the foundation for the current Affordable Learning Solutions system. 

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George received his Bachelor of Science degree from DeVy University and has over 10+ years teaching the Cisco Network Academy program at the professional and college level.