Tulare County Office of Education

2006 Partners

Carol Farris
Cancer Society Discovery Shop
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Nominated by: Benny Rivera, Tulare County Office of Education/SEE Youth Program

Carol has helped the most at-risk kids in our community. She gives them a positive work experience site to practice their soft skills such as punctuality, responsibility and enthusiasm towards work environment. Thank you, Carol, for being an employer we can count on.

Carl's Junior Restaurant, Visalia
Jodie Young, Manager
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It is not always easy to find an employer who makes accommodations around a student's school schedule. Carl's Junior of Visalia is a strong supporter of students furthering their education and earning a paycheck. Thanks, Carl's Junior.

Carol Bradford, RN
Tulare District Hospital
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Nominated by: Judy Staley, Tulare Western High School

Carol has always been so gracious in placing our students either in an internship program, community service or job shadowing for Senior Project. Always with a smile she places our students in the area the student is interested in learning more about. She meets with every student and prepares them for this experience.

David Sharp
Financial Consultant, A.G. Edwards
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Nominated by: Rebecca Bullock, Mt. Whitney High School

David has served MWHS freshmen for 11 years during our annual Freshmen Portfolio Day and support for the MW Agri-business academy. It is for David's faithful support of our Mt. Whitney youth that he deserves special recognition. His service is consistent, careful, and respected.

Roger and Linda Delph
RLMK, Corp. (McDonald's)

Nominated by: Janell Brett, Mt. Whitney High School

Roger and Linda Delph have been providing job opportunities for our ROP students over the last 10 years. They are always willing to interview and consider our students for positions within their organization. The Delphs time and time again work with students by placing them in locations that best fit the students' needs.

Hugo Felix
Supervisor, Manuel Hernandez Community Center
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Nominated by: Nancy Hawkins

Hugo has been a mentor, evaluator, and member of the advisory board of the GWHS Health Careers Academy for the past six years. This past year, he coordinated our All Academy Field Day, an activity-filled morning. Our 100 students got to know each other by being divided into teams and having the teams compete against each other in team-building activities.

John Greening
Science Instructor, College of the Sequoias
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Nominated by: Kris Costa

Mr. Greening has broken down the college department boundaries that have existed between "academics" and career education. His willingness to help high school students explore the connection between health career options and science is what sets him apart.

Roxanne Aamodt
Sr. Merchandise Manager, J.C. Penney's, Visalia

Nominated by: Stephen Rogers, Mt. Whitney High School Business Dept. Chairperson

JC Penney's is a national sponsor for DECA. Under this sponsorship they provide paid jobs for students. For years, Roxanne Aamodt has coordinated this employment program for Penney's. She works long hours and is very enthusiastic about helping students gain access into the retail job community.

Norma Erwin
After School Program Director, Lindsay Unified School District
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Nominated by: Noo Cha, Tulare County Office of Education/SEE Youth Program

Norma Erwin has been instrumental in providing work experiences to our youth. Her after school program design allows high school youth tutors to gain valuable work experiences while delivering literacy, homework and enrichment assistance to elementary students. We applaud Mrs. Erwin for her grace under fire.

Larry Dutto
Dean of Academic Services, College of the Sequoias
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Nominated by: Sally Pace, Woodlake

Larry is special; he is willing to work to do what it takes to get the job done for students and staff. He is a "cheerleader" for vocational education. Larry's contagious enthusiasm for his job makes everyone work harder and enjoy what they are doing. Whenever I have a question about anything at COS, I call Larry because I know he will get me the answer.

Sandra Bowen
Manager, Park Visalia Assisted Living
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Nominated by: Mang Chang, Tulare County Office of Education/SEE Youth Program

Park Visalia Assisted Living has been an excellent working environment for our youth in the nursing field. This employer's partnership with the SEE Youth program provides youth with the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience, establish a work history, and learn valuable work ethics.

Kari Wilson
Teacher, Reconnecting Youth Program
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Nominated by: Adam Valencia, Tulare County Office of Education

Kari Wilson has exemplified a true commitment to excellence. A student recently shared in a survey: "Ms. Wilson has saved my life. My grades have increased from a 0.8 to 2.8 GPA and I'm going to graduate". Kari confirms a familiar quote "they must know that you care before they care about what you know." It is individuals like Kari Wilson that make Tulare County a very special place.

Dave Adams
Structural Engineer, Lane Engineers, Inc.
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Nominated by: Jeanine Fontana, Tulare Union High School

Dave has designed "real projects" for our students to tackle while on their internship. Dave takes the time needed to explain every detail, every step of the way. Dave has also made presentations in our Calculus and Physics classes, supporting the importance of education and making the "school to career" connection. We truly appreciate his time and dedication.

Juan Mendoza
Director, Manuel Hernandez Community Center
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Nominated by: Juan R. Guerrero

Mr. Juan Mendoza has been an active youth services community worker for the last 30 years. Since the mid-seventies, Juan has worked hard and with much dedication serving the youth of Visalia. He has been involved with the Manuel Hernandez Community Center, the Whitman Village Community Center, Concerned Citizens of North Visalia and has served as a Founder of the Streetwise Partners program. In his quiet unassuming way, Juan Mendoza has followed in the footsteps of his mentor: Manuel Hernandez.

Brooke Brown
Human Resource Manager, Tulare District Hospital

Nominated by:Jose Ruiz-Salas, C-SET

Brooke and Tulare District Hospital have for the last several years supported the efforts of the Tulare C-SET office to provide work experience opportunities for youth. Brooke, you have been patient in the face of bureaucracy and youth apathy. Thank you for all you do.

Frank Escobar, Jr.
Youth Consultant

Nominated by: J.J. Rodriguez, C-SET

Frank is a leader with youth in Tulare County. He strives to teach our youth about ethics, positive morals, positive attitude and, most importantly, success. He continues to amaze me everytime I see him in action. Frank, we will miss you as you take to a larger stage; don't forget Tulare County.

Billie Sue Hoppert & Teri Fishbough
Teachers, Oak Valley School
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Nominated by: Sharon Phillips, Tulare County Community Challenge Coordinator

Mrs. Hoppert and Mrs. Fisbough realize the importance of the Community Challenge Grant and help implement it's ideals in their classroom. Your students are attentive, polite and participate with enthusiasm. Mrs. Hoppert and Mrs. Fishbough are always in tune with the student's needs and are perfect partners. It is a pleasure working with both of them.

City of Porterville Parks and Leisure Services - Porterville Library
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Nominated by: Porterville Chamber of Commerce

The computer room at the Porterville Library is popular with Porterville kids as a safe place to be, and the library staff is both helpful and supportive of youth while maintaining an atmosphere of respect. The library is more critical than ever. With so many kids not having computers at home, the Library provides resources and doors open. Thanks, Porterville Library.

Dr. Don Goodyear
Past President (retired), College of the Sequoias
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Nominated by: Steven Holdridge & Janis Lehman, Tulare Tech Prep

As Past President of College of the Sequoias, Dr. Goodyear worked diligently with COS Healthcare Alliance partners and provided the necessary support needed to bridge the gap between our local high schools and community college. Dr. Goodyear's support for dual enrollment, fee waivers for high school students and funding for expanded health science courses helped build a bridge to local high schools. We hope you enjoy your retirement and thanks.

Joe Martinez
Community Volunteer, Goshen Planning Committee
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Nominated by: Nathan Garza

Mr. Martinez began volunteering in the Goshen Youth Football League in 2005 as an assistant coach on Goshen's only team. He has since become league president and has successfully created Goshen's very first community-based football council. Without Mr. Martinez's volunteerism, Goshen youth would have fewer activities available to them.

Todd Towsley
General Manager, ETCO Marine
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Nominated by: Elaine J. Rubio, Golden West High School

Todd Towsley is extremely supportive of the Golden West High School Business Finance Academy. He is often called upon to serve as a mentor for our students. As a member of the first graduating class from Golden West High School, Todd has made a commitment to the students who attend his alma mater. His positive attitude and enthusiasm exemplify the partnerships that are so needed in our schools today.

Dr. Neil Fishback
Chief Dental Officer, Tulare Community Health Clinic
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Nominated by: Steve Holdridge, Tulare Tech Prep

Dr. Fishback is the Chief Dental Officer for Tulare Community Health Clinic, Inc. His mission is to provide the best quality of care possible for all patients regardless of their funding source! Dr. Fishback is a new partner who provides treatment to an average of 550 patients per/month. This new partnership is providing opportunity for students within the Tulare Tech Prep Health Careers Academy to gain "real world" experiences in dentistry and help their community.

Dr. Efrain Rodriguez
Director of Educational Services, Delano Jt. Union High School District
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Nominated by: Mary Lopez, C-SET

Through Dr. Rodriguez's efforts, C-SET is able to easily serve south county youth. Throughout the year's, Dr. Rodriguez has been honored as Delano Man of the Year. His support means that students from Richgrove, Earlimart and Allensworth get the services they need. Thanks for all you do.

Valley Prompt Care
Casey Handley, Office Manager
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Nominated by: Porterville Adult School

Valley Prompt Care plays a key role in the education and personal growth of Porterville Adult School students. Casey has employed Porterville Adult School students in his office and continues to be a very active and willing participant in assisting students in gaining clinical experience through job shadowing and externships. Thank you, Casey! Porterville Adult School is honored and privileged to work with you.

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

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