Abdy Afzali
aafzali@miracosta.edu

Abdy Afzali began his career in the information technology field in the early 1980s and has worked in a variety of high level management roles while continuing to teach as an Associate Faculty Member at the community college level.  He has a Master of Business Administration in Information Systems and a Master of Science in Advanced Management from National University.

Having taught his first computer applications class at Southwestern College in 1986, Abdy enjoys showing students how they can apply what they have learned in the classroom to industry based case problems.  His positions as Director of Graphic Communications and then later as Director of Administration and Information Systems at National University were instrumental in providing the context for his early lesson plans.

In 1991 Abdy joined the MiraCosta College Academic Information Services Department as the Computer Lab Manager and over the years has taught various computer applications courses in the Computer Studies Department, including Introduction to Microsoft Word (CIS 150), Introduction to Microsoft Excel (CIS 152), Advanced Microsoft Excel (CIS 154), Introduction to Microsoft Access (CIS 164), and Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint (CIS 184).

Since 1994 Abdy has served as MiraCosta's  Instructional Technology Coordinator.  In this position he is responsible for managing several thousand computers and a team of technical staff that keep the dozens of computer labs and computer classrooms at all three District sites running smoothly.  In addition, he actively participates in governance and committee work, most recently serving as Classified Senate President.

Andre Andersen
aandersen@miracosta.edu

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.

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.

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.

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

Terrie Canon
tcanon@miracosta.edu

Terrie Canon is a native of Southern California.  Lived in Mission Viejo the first year it was developed.  During her youth she enjoyed horseback riding on the trails in the open space of early Orange County. Moved to Newport Beach and attended Orange Coast College.  The decision to study computer science was under the guidance of her grandmother who in 1978 stated “Honey, I think you should study computers, I think that field is going to go somewhere”.  Transferred to University of California at Santa Barbara where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.

In 1990 she earned a position as a consultant for a major accounting firm.  During her tenure with the firm she was responsible for creating solutions specializing in management information systems.   Shortly after, as a successful independent consultant she developed a physician referral system that produced years of royalty income.   Additionally she developed a surfboard management system, cardiovascular system, and a flower grower’s inventory management system.

While enjoying the early years of parenthood she became a part time associate faculty member for Palomar College to enable her to stay current in computing and enjoy parenthood.  It was during this time that she realized her true passion in teaching computing.

After ten years of loving teaching part time she attended the University of San Diego Extension Education Program to earn Microsoft Systems Engineer NT 4.0 and 2000 certifications.  These new skills earned her the position of a fulltime faculty member at Palomar College.

As a fulltime faculty member she continues to learn new concepts in computer science, technology and computing.  She implemented robotics in early computer science classes to enable students to learn event driven programming and have fun.  She truly has a passion for teaching in computing as recognized by her students who nominated her as Distinguished Faculty at Palomar College.  Courses she enjoys teaching are Java, C and Management Information Systems.

Outside the classroom Terrie enjoys racing sailboats.  Her racing includes lakes, bays and offshore sailing.  Most importantly, she is proud of her three children, two are college graduates, one well on his way.

Claudia Faulk
cfaulk@miracosta.edu

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.  

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.

Jane Herrick
jherrick@miracosta.edu

Jane Herrick began her career in computers in the early 1980s as a programmer, but quickly discovered that she enjoyed working with people more than with machines. She was able to transition into training clients to use the programs that she once wrote. Jane created customized training courses, traveling across the United States to deliver them.

Jane moved to San Diego in 1984 and began teaching computer applications classes for a private college and for the San Diego Community College District. She developed curriculum and taught courses ranging from basic computer skills to advanced Microsoft Office applications. Jane began teaching computer classes for MiraCosta in 2001 at the Community Learning Center and for the Computer and Information Science Department in 2005. Jane also teaches for Vista Adult School at the North County Coastal Career Center. 

In addition to being a graduate of MiraCosta College, Jane holds a California Vocational Education Teaching Credential and a Computer and Business Applications Software Teaching Credential. In June 2009, Jane earned a certificate in Assistive Technology Applications from Cal State Northridge. She is also a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Leadership program.

Jane is an educator with a passion for teaching and for people. She has a straightforward teaching style and sense of humor that keeps her students engrossed in the learning process. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her commitment to empower her students evident in all of her classes. When she isn’t teaching, Jane can be found kayaking, hiking, sailing or traveling to an adventure-filled destination (she leaves her laptop at home).

Susie Lee
slee@miracosta.edu

Susie Lee (retired, CSIT Faculty Emeritus) is a graduate of MiraCosta College, and attended Baruch College in her native city of New York. She has taught at in the Computer Studies Department at MiraCosta College since 1999, earning a reputation as an instructor who knows how to engage her students in the classroom. Over the past several years, her students have personally requested her presence during the graduation ceremony to present their diploma to them.

Susie has also taught the Microsoft Office Suite, Internet, and Web Site Development at San Dieguito Union High School Adult Education School in Encinitas. She has an extensive computer background working as a computer lab facilitator with the same district.  In addition to her teaching position at MiraCosta, Susie currently works with a high school counselor to help connect high school students with grants and scholarships to enable them to continue their education at the college and university level. On an average, 30% of the high school graduates Susie interacts with begin their college career at MiraCosta.

Susie moved to Cardiff in 1971.  She currently practices yoga, travels to remote tropical paradises with her husband in quest of finding the perfect beach, and especially loves spending time with her 3-year-old grandson. Her biggest regret in life is not becoming a professional Hawaiian dancer.

Elaine Loughrey
eloughrey@miracosta.edu

Elaine Loughrey was born and raised in New Jersey, where she attended Drew University and graduated with a B.A. degree in Mathematics. Elaine also holds an M.S. degree in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University, has completed additional graduate work in Cognitive Science at UC Irvine and holds a lifetime instructor credential to teach Computer and Related Technologies for the California Community College system.

Elaine began her career as a programmer/analyst in Washington, D.C., providing consulting services for six years to government agencies such as the Department of Defense and the Office of Naval Research, among others. She then worked as a telecommunications software engineer for GTE Laboratories (now Verizon) in Boston during the four years her husband attended graduate school. After the birth of their daughter, Kate, they moved to California, where Elaine worked as Software QA Manager and consultant on a variety of projects for the telecommunications, imaging, government and educational markets.

Elaine has taught Information Technology and Computer Science classes at various colleges, including Bentley College, Palomar College, Chapman College, and UCSD. She has been an instructor for the Computer and Information Science Department at MiraCosta College for the past twelve years. Classes taught include: Computer Applications, Fundamentals of Computer Information Systems, Computer Literacy, Microsoft Excel (both on-ground and on-line) and Microsoft Word.

In addition, Elaine has taught the following classes for the Computer Science discipline: Visual Basic Programming, C++ Programming, and Data Structures an Algorithms.

In her spare time Elaine micro-manages her family, serves on the Board of Directors of the local Chapter of the American Harp Society, visits New Orleans and New York as often as possible, and wishes she weren't, but apparently is, addicted to Sudoku and KenKen.

Tim McLean
tmclean@miracosta.edu

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 Al Asad, 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. 

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++.

Hau Nguyen
hnguyen@miracosta.edu

Hau Nguyen started his career in the software and telecommunications industry over 20 years ago. Over the past few decades, he has also worked in networking, education, data center, and big data industries, holding various positions in engineering and management.

Throughout his industry career, he has always had a passion for teaching and education. As a result, he started teaching college courses in the late 1990s. He has taught at several colleges and universities in areas such as Computer Applications, Computer Science, Web Programming, Internet Security, Computer Information Systems, Computer Networks, Wireless Communications, Mathematics, and Business Information Systems.

Hau has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Specialized Certificate in Computer Networks, as well as a Master of Business Administration. Outside of the classroom he enjoys table tennis, cycling, and tennis.

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.

Katie Palacios grew up in West Point, New York where her dad was a professor of Electrical Engineering and her mom was a school nurse and counselor.  Katie’s parents played a huge role in her love for technology and her desire to teach others.  

During her undergrad at UCSD, Katie jumped on the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica.  She graduated in 2000 with a double-major in Cognitive Science and Latin American Studies, and she took a job with Accenture, in their San Francisco office.  

With Accenture she learned from the best.  She worked on software development teams and on enterprise application testing teams - not only writing code and test scripts, but learning the valuable skills of working with a team toward a common deliverable, meeting deadlines together, communicating ideas, and working really really hard.

After 3 years at Accenture, Katie began to feel the urge to teach.  She left Accenture to teach English in Ecuador for 2 years as part of Harvard’s WorldTeach program.  She loved it - the teaching experience, the language challenges, and the cultural differences.  While she was in Ecuador, she began her Masters degree in Educational Technology taking classes online through San Diego State University.  Katie finished the WorldTeach program and came back to San Diego, where she completed her Masters and got a job working as an Instructional Designer for the San Diego Community College District.  

Katie continues to work fulltime for the San Diego Community College District, where she trains and supports the faculty who teach online and web-enhanced courses.  She’s passionate about teaching online - it brings together her love for teaching and technology, and it challenges her to find fresh, fun, and effective ways to support student learning.  

Katie has two kids, so she’s usually hanging out with them in her freetime.   She also enjoys swimming, kickboxing, hiking, baking, crafting with the kiddos, and exploring beautiful San Diego.

Teresa Pelkie
tpelkie@miracosta.edu

Teresa Pelkie grew up in the South Jersey / Philadelphia area. After receiving her BA in Psychology from Rowan University, she moved to San Diego, where she obtained an MA in Marriage, Family and Child Counseling from Alliant University.

Teresa's computer career began in 1994, when she began to take classes part time, in hopes of a possible career change. She quickly became interested in the Internet and began learning Web page coding.  By 1996, Teresa had started her own Web development business and was also working as a contract Web programmer. She continued to take classes at Palomar College, where she gained a reputation for her Web programming knowledge.

In 1999, she was hired at Palomar College to teach classes in the Web Developer Certificate Program. She has also taught classes in Computer Concepts, Microcomputer Applications and most recently, Web 2.0. Teresa has also taught for UCSD Extension and Webster University. Much of what Teresa has learned has been self taught, especially when it comes to the newer technologies. She enjoys imparting this knowledge to students, especially beginners.  She has a Certificate in Online Teaching from Cerro Coso Community College, and is enrolled in the MS Instructional Design and Technology program at Walden University Online.

Teresa's hobbies include her three rescue collies, Adobe Photoshop, dining out with her husband, swimming, and running in local half marathons.

Tracy Petrucci
tpetrucci@miracosta.edu

Tracy Petrucci has been helping small business owners grow since 2004. While studying global business marketing in college, Tracy helped her family’s business by experimenting with blogging, email marketing, and traditional advertising methods. She obtained a Bachelors of Science from California State University San Marcos and started an import export company as her final project. This project entailed traveling to south and central America sourcing products for her family's store, becoming fluent in Spanish, and creating a successful "South American Showcase" product launch. 

Upon leaving the family business after graduation, she was approached by other business owners to help them navigate the waters of new online marketing. With a soft spot for local mom and pop organizations, and an understanding of how hard it is to grow while operating a business, she has continued consulting and providing marketing services exclusively to the small business industry.

Being creative and thinking from new angles is one of Tracy’s favorite aspects of working in red ocean industries where competition is always thick. In addition to calling herself a “content machine” for her clients, she loves the analytics behind online content distribution. Checking to see what’s working, what’s not, and where people are coming from is all part of the fun!

Tracy currently teaches online marketing and social media for business at multiple locations. She enjoys empowering business owners and students to understand the marketing methods of today so they can either learn to do it themselves, for their organization, or to not get taken advantage of by service providers when employing help for customer retention and growth.

In her free time, which Tracy can agree is hard to come by, she enjoys surfing and going to the beach with her toddler, playing guitar, and working on an urban garden with her husband.

Jill Ringer
jringer@miracosta.edu

Jill Ringer has 16 years of computer related education and work experience, with a specialized focus in the area of computer applications.  She holds dual Associate of Arts Degrees with an emphasis in the areas of Computer Applications, Administrative Assisting, and General Education, from Heald College and also Sierra College.

Moving to Oceanside in 1999, Jill enrolled at MiraCosta College in the fall of 2001 to continue her computer studies.  Shortly thereafter, on the recommendation of several faculty, she began working for the MiraCosta Tutoring and Academic Support Center as a student tutor for various Computer Studies Department classes. 

Her job as a tutor led to a lab tech support position with the MiraCosta Academic Information Services Department, where she currently works today as supervisor of the MiraCosta Oceanside Library and Information Hub open computer lab operations.  In conjunction with her position in the lab, Jill teaches informal workshops to MiraCosta students and staff on various topics including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Blackboard.  Jill also holds a Microsoft Office 2003 Specialist Master Certification.

When not at MiraCosta, you can find Jill enjoying time with her husband, Carl and daughter, Victoria sitting by the fire pit of her new house with her two pugs, Daisy and Tinker Bell, and Chihuahua mix, Mikko.

Debra Sayble-Thornbrugh
dsayblethornbrugh@miracosta.edu

A native Californian educated at UCLA, Debra Sayble-Thornbrugh 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.

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 training specialist who designs, creates, and delivers her own business-related computer courses (including Oracle PeopleSoft) for the employees of one of the largest public school districts in the nation. 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, and 2013 Certifications.

Debra continues to teach computer courses for MiraCosta such as the Microsoft Office Suite applications, which is her first love. She quips, “I try to use the right and left sides of my brain; I don’t like to play favorites,” which is why she enjoys solving esoteric puzzles, exploring the outdoors, playing guitar, and studying the fine arts.

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.

Kathy Van Pelt
kvanpelt@miracosta.edu

Kathy Van Pelt is a Carlsbad local and graduated from MiraCosta College and California State University, San Marcos with degrees from both colleges in Social Science with an emphasis in psychology and sociology.

Kathy loves being involved in education and has worked at MiraCosta College for 20 years. Prior to MiraCosta, she worked at Eldorado Business College teaching word processing and business courses.

Kathy’s three jobs at MiraCosta include teaching computer applications and keyboarding classes for the Computer Studies Department; teaching one and two day computer courses through Community Services; and working as an Instructional Assistant II for the Academic Information Services Department. Kathy also teaches three online courses (PowerPoint 2007, PowerPoint 2003, and Keyboarding) through Education to Go, a division of Cengage Learning.

Kathy has taken computer classes, but much of her computer knowledge is self-taught or has been learned on the job and by assisting MiraCosta students and staff.