Tulare County Office of Education

2003 Partners

Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Contreras
Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tulare County

Nominated by: Jim Maxfield, United Way of Tulare County

For the past 20 years, Mary Kathryn or Kathy (as she is called by many) has worked in support of young people throughout Tulare County. She began her career with C-SET and now serves as executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters. Mary Kathryn is a mentor to our youth and a shining example of how one person can make a difference.

Bob Tiemens
Vocational Specialist, Visalia Unified School District

Nominated by: Nai Saephanh, Services for Education and Employment and Donna Caudill, Tulare County Workforce Investment Department

Bob values his students and provides them with the skills necessary to achieve their goals. Kids feel comfortable around Mr. Tiemens and know that he truly cares about their futures. He has that natural ability and talent to work effectively with special education students and, therefore, is considered "one of the best."

Mague Corvera
Supervisor, Family Heath Care Network

Nominated by: Benny Rivera, Services for Education and Employment

Mague Corvera is a new partner who has opened doors to the Tulare County Office of Education's SEE & Company Youth Program. The Family Health Care Network is working with the program to help youth, in the Woodlake area, obtain valuable work experience that could eventually lead to careers in the medical field.

Carolyn Kehrli, Ed.D
Director of Community Services, Cutler/Orosi Unified School District

Nominated by: Angela Ruiz, CSET

Dr. Kehrli continues to provide opportunities to the youth of Cutler-Orosi. Her dedication to the community goes beyond her job. She has a personal investment in the lives of children and teens. Carolyn's partnership with CSET has provided jobs for over 50 residents, and she has secured an after-school drop-in center for youth.

Keith Reynolds
Architect/Owner, TAE Architecture and Planning

Nominated by: Jeanine Fontana, Tulare Union High School

Keith is a fantastic mentor and works with students interested in architectural or engineering careers. Mr. Reynolds provides students with computers and gives them the opportunity to design a room and possibly an entire home using the latest technology. He is passionate about his job and conveys this same enthusiasm to the students.

Valerie Simonich
Tulare County Child Support Services

Nominated by: Kathleen Botta, Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Valerie is a strong supporter of the Business and Education Connection. She has always been ready to "jump in and sub" and take responsibility for training several teams from Child Support Services. Best of all, Valerie takes lessons and places them in an easy-to-understand outline format. Valerie's teachers say that she does a great job making presentations very meaningful.

College of the Sequoias Foundation

Nominated by: Bea Soxman, Giant Tech Prep Expo Committee

For several years, the COS Foundation and its members have played a major role in the success of the Giant Tech Prep Expo - of note, Kristen Risner and Linda Jones - have supported the expo by providing financial support and the organizational skills needed to make sure all event winners received cash awards.

CIGNA

Nominated by: Visalia Chamber of Commerce

CIGNA has been participating in Business Education for the past three years and is always prompt in responding to e-mails and phone calls. CIGNA has several partners that teach two classes each year. This past year, its members were involved at El Diamante, Visalia's newest high school. CIGNA is indeed deserving of this recognition and has been very successful meeting many challenges.

Paramount Agribusiness Companies

Nominated by: Sally Pace, Woodlake Public Schools

Paramount Agribusiness has been a great financial supporter of Woodlake High School for the past five years. Paramount Agribusiness Companies has given grants of up to $1,000 to five teachers or school programs as well as awarding three two-year scholarships and three four-year scholarships to graduating seniors. In addition, Paramount Agribusiness hosts a scholarship recognition dinner to honor inspirational teachers.

Don Brinkman
Principal, Exeter Union High School

Nominated by: Rosie Franco, CSET

Although Don Brinkman was unable to attend, he has been an excellent partner supporting and encouraging student involvement in CSET's Work Experience Program.

Lisa Munoz
Community Services and Employment Training (C-SET)

Nominated by: Janis Lehman and Steve Holdridge, Tulare Tech Prep

Mrs. Munoz has used her innovative talents to assist our youth. Two weeks into her partnership, Lisa approached Principal Janis Lehman and suggested that her downtown office be moved to the school site, stating: "This would allow me to be available to students throughout the day." This radical departure from the norm has led to a true partnership - one that benefits students, families, staff and other health-occupation partners.

John Alvarez

Nominated by: Judy Lucas, Farmersville High School

Due to a matching grant by the Irvine Foundation, the Farmersville High School set up a "Dollars to Scholars" chapter in the valley. Numerous business partners were established. Since December 2001, John Alvarez has worked diligently to help Farmersville High School raise over $15,000 towards a goal of $25,000 to match the Irvine Foundation donation.

Visalia Unified School District School-to-Career Coordinators: Les Huber, Elaine Rubio and Rosemary Perez

Nominated by: Tulare County Workforce Investment Department and Services for Education and Employment.

The Visalia Unified School-to-Career coordinators take pride in working with their students. Always seeking success, they go "above and beyond the call of duty" by providing encouragement, motivation and support for students they serve. Trying to convince kids to work instead of hanging out with friends can be an exhausting task but Les Huber, Elaine Rubio and Rosemary Perez have met the challenge and succeeded.

Gordon Jones
Second-Grade Teacher, Roche School in Porterville

Nominated by: Cheri Taylor, Porterville Adult Day Services

Mr. Jones is very dedicated to the youth as well as the elderly. Mr. Jones has created an inter-generational activity with Porterville Adult Day Services and his second-grade class. We are lucky to have an educator, like Mr. Jones in Porterville, who takes the time, energy and patience to make this activity successful.

Karen Michigan
Visalia YMCA

Nominated by: United Way of Tulare County and Bud Darwin, Services for Education and Employment

As camp administrator for YMCA Camp Tulequoia, Karen has coordinated work projects that have allowed hundreds of Sierra Corps students to experience summer camp and, at the same time, work on a variety of projects - ranging from trail building to building maintenance. Over the past eight years, Karen Michigan and the YMCA have been supportive of the County Education Office and its Sierra Corps Program.

Visalia Chamber of Commerce

Nominated by: Tulare County Office of Education, School-to-Career

Business organizations play a big role in helping schools find enough business volunteers to give a realistic view of the world of work. Thanks to Chamber initiative, the Visalia Business Education Connection has continued to grow. Supporting more than 150 active volunteers, the Visalia Chamber of Commerce brings energy and purpose to Visalia area School-to-Career activities.

Craig Wight
Manufacturing Technology Teacher / Industrial Technology Department Chair, Mt. Whitney High School

Nominated by: Robin Kaufman, Mt. Whitney High School

Craig has forged many strong partnerships with local industry. These range from securing donations of materials to student manufacturing of small production runs of parts for local businesses. Many of Craig's former students are now employed in the local manufacturing industry, and he continues to maintain strong friendships and working relationships with most.

Marshall's Department Store

Nominated by: Services for Education and Employment

Marshall's has given our youth the opportunity for internship and has hired many youth for permanent part-time/full-time employment. Marshall's has a professional ongoing relationship with our agency and continues to provide every student a chance for success. They have given youth the opportunity to establish a work history, gain hands-on work experience, and learn valuable work ethics and experience in the retail industry.

Janet Giles
Manager, Sequoia Family Medical Center

Nominated by: Debbie Prescott, Porterville Adult School/Job Developer

For the past several years, Janet Giles has played a key role in the education and personal growth of Porterville Adult School students. Janet consistently supports Medical Assistant students and her positive attitude and enthusiasm is reflected through her unwavering efforts, whenever needed.

Kathy Glenn
Staff Research Associate, UC Davis Vet Center

Nominated by: Jeanine Fontana, Tulare Union High School

Kathy is a dedicated internship mentor. She provides students with opportunities, which enhance their education; for example, involvement in lab work, gaining knowledge and exploring various diseases which are linked to animals. Ms. Glenn is truly a mentor and partner.

Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital (TNRH)

Nominated by: Steven Holdridge - Tulare Tech Prep

Tulare Nursing and Rehabilitation Hospital Industry Partnerships are an important part of all Career Technology Programs. Without the assistance of these "experts" within the long-term care health industry, programs such as Health Occupations and Certified Nurse Assistant would not survive. There would be no opportunities for students to apply what they learn in class outside in the "real world."

Joann Luna
Associate Manager Jack in the Box

Nominated by: Joe Garza, Jr.

Joann was unable to be with us at the luncheon, but we extend congratulations to her and Jack in the Box for all their contributions.

Dan Ramirez
Proteus

Nominated by: Tulare County Youth Coalition

For the past several years, Dan has volunteered with local leaders and organizations such as the Cutler-Orosi Chamber of Commerce and Cutler-Orosi Community for Youth, Inc. to raise money for youth scholarships and provide donations to repair youth equipment in the Cutler-Orosi area. Recent projects include the repair of the Orosi Boy Scout parking lot and firework sales to support the chamber's scholarship fund. When asked about the nomination, Dan wanted to thank Proteus for giving him an opportunity to work with the community.

Russ Brandt
Frazier High School

Nominated by: Jimmy Alonzo, Tulare County Office of Education

For many years, Russ has been dedicated to Frazier High School and its students. Mr. Brandt has operated summer training programs, under the Job Training Partnership and Workforce Investment Acts. His projects have assisted students in the Strathmore area and given them direction and usable skills in horticulture, landscaping and landscaping design. Mr. Brandt is also known for his ability to gather multiple funding sources for the betterment of students.

Dennis Conner
Woodlake High School

Nominated by: Woodlake High School

Dennis Conner has been working at Woodlake High School for over 30 years and is currently a counselor. Among his responsibilities is the development and revision of the four-year portfolio required of all students graduating from Woodlake High School. Dennis continues to work to strengthen the content of the portfolio so that all students are better prepared for college or the "world of work."

Mark Taylor
Wal-mart

Nominated by: Porterville Chamber of Commerce

Mark Taylor is a true partner in education, providing information and developing relationships with children 3,000 miles away. A truck driver for 23 years, Mark has worked for Wal-mart Stores for the past 11 years. Seven years ago, Mark signed up for the National Trucker Buddy program - a project, which links students across the United States with truck drivers. His positive influence on children has definitely been a "plus" and made a difference.

Deana Craighead
College of the Sequoias

Nominated by: Elaine Rubio, Golden West High School

As a school relations liaison, Deana has been an active partner to local high schools. She works hard to assist students in the transition from high school to higher education. She volunteers her time to organizations such as the Future Business Leaders of America and serves as a mentor and role model for the Golden West Business Finance Academy and Mt. Whitney Agribusiness Academy students.

Steve Hefflefinger
Head Physical Therapist, Tulare Physical Therapy

Nominated by: Ross Gentry, Tulare Joint Union High School District

Steve is a wonderful mentor to Tulare High School students. He gives assignments to them and provides information about muscle and bone groups and the names of medical instruments. Mr. Hefflefinger also instructs these eager learners on how to use the instruments and, at the same time, receive hands-on experience. Steve encourages his staff to interact and mentor with Tulare High School students as well.

Tulare County Probation Gang Reduction Task Force

Nominated by: Angel Avitia, CSET

Shannon Oliver, George Luna and Louie Thomas play a major role in the Tulare County Probation Gang Task Force as active partners in the Gang Violence Reduction Program (GVRP). It is difficult to select one person from the probation team. The team is involved in every aspect of the Gang Violence Reduction Program. Officers give so much of their personal time to ensure that youth needs are met. They have also been successful in establishing the most important task - building a positive relationship with youth.

Randy Wallace, Project Director
phone: (559) 733-6101
fax: (559) 737-4378

Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org.