— 2020 Tenured Faculty — Cypress College is pleased to highlight our faculty receiving tenure at the conclusion of the 2019-2020 academic year. Formal recognition will follow our return to campus. Congratulations to the tenure class of 2020.
Katalin Angelov Media Arts Design, Fine Arts
Katalin Angelov is an international animator and educator, as well as a full-time professor in the Media Arts Design Program at Cypress College. She has been teaching for more than 17 years. Originally from Hungary, Katalin moved to the United States and earned a bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College and Master of Fine Arts in Animation and Digital Arts from the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Katalin’s employment history includes the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, The Labyrinth Project at USC, HUCK Magazine UK, and the Walt Disney Company. Jolina Cadilli Mathematics, Science, Engineering & Math
Jolina Cadilli graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, and continued on to achieve a master’s degree in mathematics from California State University, Fullerton. She also obtained a single-subject teaching credential in mathematics and a supplementary credential in fine arts. Jolina’s prior work experience includes 13 years of teaching at the high school level while simultaneously teaching three years at Golden West College. Justin Campbell English, Language Arts
Justin Campbell is an award-winning writer of fiction. He has published a number of works and is a contributor to the LA Review of Books. Justin received a bachelor’s degree in humanities from Biola University, as well as a master’s degree in English from Loyola Marymount University. In addition to teaching for the Cypress College Legacy Program, Justin is a recognized expert in student equity issues, delivering presentations at local colleges and bringing guest speakers to campus to promote a deeper understanding of and appreciation for diversity.
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 1 Alma Castro Mathematics, Science, Engineering & Math
Alma Castro grew up in a small town in Mexico and moved to the United States at the age of 13. After attending Bakersfield Community College, Alma transferred to California State University, Bakersfield and obtained a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She further pursued a master’s degree in pure mathematics from California State University, Long Beach. Alma’s prior employment includes California State University, Fullerton; Chapman University; and Fullerton College. Bret Clarke Computer Information Systems, Business & CIS
Since starting at Cypress College in 2016, Bret Clarke has been a tireless advocate for student success within the Business/CIS Division. Prior to joining the college, Bret worked as an experienced computer programmer in the private sector. He brings this real-world experience to his classroom, giving his students the theoretical foundation and real-life programming skills necessary for success after graduation. Bret is also involved in the campus community, volunteering for committees and special projects, including strategic planning, Academic Senate, and Curriculum Committee. Angela deDios Psychology, Social Sciences
Angela deDios joined Cypress College in 2016. She currently teaches Intro Psych, Developmental Psych, Statistics, and Research Methods. Angela has been teaching at California community colleges since 2011, and is happy to have found her “forever home” at Cypress College. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from USC, as well as a doctorate degree in developmental psychology from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. In her free time, Angela enjoys practicing yoga, eating burgers, and spending time with her family. Dawn Decker Learning Disabilities Specialist
Dawn Decker is Cypress College’s full-time CCCCO-certified Learning Disabilities (LD) Specialist. Before Cypress College, Dawn worked as an LD specialist for Long Beach City College, Santa Monica College, and Orange Coast College. She also has experience in psychological services at two private universities, a community mental health clinic, and two inpatient psychiatric hospitals. Dawn earned a bachelor’s degree in general psychology from Niagara University, Massachusetts; a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Edinboro University of
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 2 Pennsylvania; and a doctorate degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. Steven Estrada Ethnic Studies, Social Sciences
Steven Estrada is an Ethnic Studies Division faculty member with a master’s degree in American studies. Steven is involved in the campus community and at the District, participating in the Dual Enrollment Program Steering Committee, Professional Development Committee, Legacy Coordinating Committee, United Faculty, and NOCCCD Equity Collaborative. He also serves as a CCA Board Member and has been involved in the CCA Governance Committee and Faculty Equity and Diversity Committee. Jenelle Herman English as a Second Language, Language Arts
Jenelle Herman graduated from California Baptist University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, and continued on to earn a master’s degree in teaching English as a second language from Azusa Pacific University. Jenelle is committed to student equity and advises the LGBTQ student club, coordinates “Coming Out Day” on campus, and organizes field trips for the club. She has also mentored students in the college’s Legacy Program. Jenelle’s broader District contributions include leadership of GLADE and CCC Region 8 advocacy. Anthony Hutting Kinesiology/Athletics, Kinesiology
Before becoming Head Coach of the Cypress College baseball team in 2017, Anthony Hutting spent two years as the team’s Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. As Head Coach, Anthony has led the Chargers to two Super Regional appearances in the CCCAA Playoffs (2017, 2019). He teaches courses in Kinesiology, Fitness Training, Recreation, and Health Education, as well as advises the Kinesiology club and facilitates mentoring, workshops, and university visits for club members. Anthony graduated with a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University, Fullerton where he also played for the Titan’s baseball team. He holds a master’s degree in physical education from Azusa Pacific University.
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 3 Shinah Ji Registered Nursing, Health Science
Shihan Ji began her teaching career at a private undergraduate nursing program as an adjunct clinical instructor. She joined Cypress College in 2014 and became a full-time Registered Nursing faculty member in 2016. Shihan currently teaches Medical-Surgical Nursing II and Geriatric Nursing, as well as coordinates the English as Second Language/Nursing Collaborative Workshop. Prior to teaching, Shihan’s career ranged from patient care and nursing management to patient education. Bret Kaufman English, Language Arts
Bret Kaufman earned a bachelor’s degree in creative writing and a master’s degree in English literature from California State University, Northridge. He also possesses a master’s degree in fine arts from Queens University. Currently, he is completing a doctorate degree in education and social justice. At Cypress College, Brett developed a new certificate program and curriculum in science and fantasy fiction. He also advises the student literary magazine Sole Image and mentors for both the Legacy and Puente Programs. Mymy Lam Teacher Preparation Program, Language Arts
Mymy Lam began working at Cypress College as a full-time counselor in August 2016. She has served on Academic Senate, participated on committees within the Counseling Division and for the Teacher Preparation Program, and mentored students in the Puente Program. Prior to Cypress College, Mymy worked at Orange Coast College, Fullerton College, and Irvine Valley College. She earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from University California, Irvine and a master’s degree in counseling from California State University, Long Beach. Jennie Larez Health Information Technology, Health Science
A Cypress College alumna, Jennie Larez graduated from the college with an associate degree in health information technology. She obtained an American Health Information Management Association registered health information technician credential, certified coding specialist credential and certified coding specialist physician-based credential. Jennie’s professional experience includes 15 years in the acute care setting with 13 years in health information management. She began teaching at Cypress College in 2014, and is active both on campus committees and in professional organizations within the field.
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 4 Annette Letcher English, Language Arts
In addition to teaching English at Cypress College, Annette Letcher is involved in the campus’ Legacy Program, participating as an instructor, mentor, and advisory committee member. She is instrumental in organizing Black History Month events for the college. At the District level, Annette has attended the Equity Collaborative and is a part of the Diversity and Inclusion Faculty Fellow Program. Annette earned a bachelor’s degree in child development from Concordia State University; a master’s degree in English from Arizona State University; and a master’s degree and doctorate degree in education from California State University, Fullerton. Samreen Manjra Accounting, Business & CIS
Samreen Manjra started at Cypress College in 2014 and became a full- time faculty member teaching accounting in 2017. She participates in the college’s Professional Development Committee, Scholarship Committee, and Planning and Budget Committee. Samreen graduated from University of California, Irvine with a bachelor’s degree in economics and obtained a master’s degree in accountancy from California State University, Fullerton. She is a Certified Public Account licensed by the California State Board of Accountancy. Prior to teaching, Samreen worked in assurance services for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. Ryan Ortega Registered Nursing, Health Science
A Cypress College alumnus, Ryan Ortega graduated from the Registered Nursing Program in which he now teaches. After graduating from the program, Ryan began working at Los Alamitos Medical Center and furthered his education at California State University, Dominguez Hills. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing administration. Ryan left Los Alamitos Medical Center to teach at Cypress College in 2013. He is a faculty advisor for the Cypress Nursing Student Association, as well as a member of the Cypress College Foundation Committee.
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 5 Janet Owen Driggs Art, Fine Arts
Janet Owen Driggs teaches Art History and directs the Cypress College Art Gallery. Her previous work experience includes serving as Executive Director of AIM, USC’s international festival of time-based media; Co-director of Raid Projects; and Writer and Curator at the Annenberg Foundation’s Metabolic Studio. Janet has also curated exhibitions and screening programs all around the world. Originally from England, Janet conducted her undergraduate education and enjoyed a ten-year career as a painter before moving to the United States. She completed a master’s degree in fine arts at USC and a master’s degree in critical theory at Art Center College of Design. Leslie Palmer Library, Library & Learning Resource Center
Leslie Palmer joined Cypress College as the User Experience Librarian in 2016. She earned a master’s degree in library and information science from San Jose State University, and previously worked as an adjunct librarian at several surrounding colleges. Leslie is instrumental in cultivating a relationship between the Library and Learning Resource Center (LLRC) and students. She leads social media for the LLRC and helps coordinate campus events such as Kindercaminata, Push for Cypress, and Finals De-Stress Week. Massoud Saleh Engineering, Science, Engineering & Math
Massoud Saleh came to Cypress College in 2016 with nearly 25 years of experience practicing as an engineer and entrepreneur in the private sector. He is an advocate for the Engineering Program, actively applying for grants, doubling the number of engineering courses offered at the college, and arranging articulation agreements with local school districts. Massoud achieved a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Polytechnic University of Tehran and a master’s degree in assistive technology engineering from California State University Northridge.
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 6 Gary Shin Biology, Science, Engineering & Math
Gary Shin earned a doctorate degree in biology in 2008, and has been teaching non-majors biology ever since. After splitting his time between California State University, Long Beach and Cypress College, Gary joined Cypress College full time in 2016. Gary enjoys sharing his love of biology with a student audience whose exposure to and experience with the subject is limited. It is Gary’s goal to teach basic scientific literacy and to shape his students into more informed citizens and consumers of information. James Tapia Human Services, Social Sciences
James Tapia began working at Cypress College as an adjunct faculty member in 2002. While teaching part time, he also worked at the County of Orange Social Services Agency (OCSSA). James enjoyed a 28-year career with OCSSA, working a majority of those years in children and family services and assistance programs. In 2016, James was provided the opportunity to teach full time at Cypress College. His love for teaching, students, and the college motivated James to retire from OCSSA and fully commit to Cypress College. James graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern California College and later attended National University to achieve a master’s degree in counseling psychology. Diana Tira Dental Hygiene, Health Science
Diana Tira graduated from Cypress College’s Dental Hygiene Program in 2004. She continued on to complete the Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice Program at the University of the Pacific in San Francisco. Diana then attended Loma Linda University and received both a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene and a master’s degree in public health. She joined Cypress College as a faculty member in 2010, and became a full-time Dental Hygiene professor in 2016. Diana is passionate about health and wellness, and she stays current in the field by completing continuing education courses, trainings, and certifications, as well as participating in various multidisciplinary study groups.
2020 Tenured Faculty Cypress College 7 Stephanie Tran English, Language Arts
Stephanie Tran is an involved participant of both the campus and District communities. She is active in developing creative writing curriculum, as well as a commensurate certificate for the English Program. Stephanie also advises students in the publication of Sole Image, Cypress College’s student literary magazine. On campus, Stephanie participates in full-time faculty hiring committees for the English Program. She also served as the Interim Director of the Honors and Service Learning Program. At the District level, Stephanie serves on the Equity Task Force, Equity Collaborative, and Study Abroad Committee. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and political science from the University of San Diego and a master’s degree in creative writing from Northwestern University.
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