Thursday Block 1
Lauren Smith – AVID for Higher Education
Lauren Smith comes to Mt. Hood Community College with a background in Secondary Education and History.
After graduating from University of Oregon with a B.A. in History and University of Portland with a M.A.T.,
Smith returned to Reynolds High School to teach Social Studies, Media Communications, and AVID in 2006,
five years after graduating from the same institution. In 2010, Smith was selected to receive AVID Training and
became one of two AVID Elective Teachers at Reynolds. She also served as AVID Building Coordinator, working
with the Reynolds School District to expand the program and ensure its success. Smith was hired in July, 2012
as MHCC's AVID Program Coordinator and looks forward to promoting the AVID for Higher Education Program
at Mt. Hood Community College.
Aslinn Arcuri – Avid For Higher Education
Aslinn Arcuri M.Ed. is a native Oregonian. She graduated from Lincoln High School and attended the University
of Oregon where she graduated with a B.A. in Religious Studies. She got her MA in Education at Portland State
University. She has been working in the field of education for the last eight years in a number of capacities.
She has worked in Special Education, taught English in Thailand, lead engineering camps for kids, substituted
for Portland Public Schools, created drug-prevention curriculum and created an educational website. She is
passionate about improving the education system and ensuring that all students have access to quality
instructors and institutions of learning. Aslinn Arcuri works at MHCC as an AVID Learning Specialist where she
specializes in reading, writing and general academic success strategies.
Jose Esparza – Hangin’ Tough : The Right Stuff for Coaching Success
A first-generation college student himself, José is living proof of the opportunities that TRiO programs provide
underrepresented college students. Upward Bound first opened his eyes to the possibility of a college
education and the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program paved the way to a graduate degree. This experience
inspired José’s belief that all students—regardless of ethnic or socioeconomic background—are entitled to see
a future of possibilities. As a College Success Coach in Portland Community College’s Future Connect
Scholarship Program, José helps students understand how they can become creators of their own destiny.
José serves multiple roles—advisor, coach, tutor, instructor, mentor—to assist students reach their
educational and personal goals.
Tobias Sherwood – The Heart of Engagement and Co-Presenter for Hangin’ Tough: The Right Stuff for
Coaching Success
Tobias Sherwood believes his students are capable and able of creating lasting personal success. As a member
of the Future Connect team at Portland Community College, he is committed to helping each one of his
students get what they say they want from college. Tobias has a wealth of experience working with diverse
groups and alternative schools in Portland, and especially enjoys facilitating youth leadership workshops.
Tobias lives in Northeast Portland, with his wife and kids.
Dana Beck – Oregon Gear UP: The 5 R’s to College Readiness
Dana Beck currently serves as the Oregon University System’s GEAR UP Program Manager and
Communications Specialist and serves on the board of the Oregon College Access Network. Prior to joining
OUS, Dana worked at Oregon State University as the Precollege Programs Coordinator, as the marketing
director for a summer camp and as a substitute teacher. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Wesleyan
University and her Master’s degree from Oregon State University. Dana loves to travel, both locally around the
great state of Oregon and around the globe.
Stephanie Carnahan – Oregon Gear UP: The 5 R’s to College Readiness
Stephanie Carnahan is the Director of College Access Programs for the Oregon University System. Her portfolio
includes GEAR UP, the College Access Challenge Grant, and “other duties as assigned!” She holds a Bachelor’s
Degree from Oklahoma State University and a Master’s from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Stephanie has
worked in various student service positions at colleges and universities around the country as well as with
nonprofit organizations. Unlike Dana, Stephanie prefers to hang out at home with her animal menagerie!
Sebastian Myrick – Advocacy With A Twist.
WA State TRIO Association President and NAEOP Board Member, Sebastian Myrick is Executive Director of
TRIO Pre-College Programs at South Seattle Community College.
Sebastian has been Directing TRIO projects for 11 years and currently manages one TS and two UB’s. Sebastian
started out his journey in TRIO as an SSS student participant while attending Everett Community College. He
went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Seattle Pacific University in Latin American Studies, graduate
certifications from Seattle University in Counseling and Teaching English as a Second Language, and a Master’s
from the University of Washington in Public Administration. After living and working in Central America for a
number of years, he returned to the Pacific Northwest to work in Higher Education. He enjoys working with
TRIO because of the amazing students that always teach him new things and inspire him in his work.
As WA state advocacy chair, Sebastian has traveled to Washington DC three times in the last year and a half to
meet with Washington Congressional offices to inform them about the efficacy and return on investment for
TRIO Projects. He has learned that it is not enough to run great TRIO projects, you must also communicate
your successes to your stakeholders.
Thursday Block 2
Malcolm McCord – Exploring the College Dream for Middle School Students
Malcolm has a Bachelor of General Studies degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in
counseling degree from Oregon State University. His previous employment included working as an
employment specialist at an agency for at-risk youth in the U. S. Virgin Islands. He also worked as child
therapist in the Portland area in a community mental health agency. He has been working in his current job as
a counselor in the Career Planning and Counseling Center at Mt. Hood Community College since 1995. In his
current job he provides students career counseling, academic advising for exploratory majors, job search skills
training and support with personal issues that present barriers to college success. He also teaches classes in
career exploration and college success.
Se-ah-dom Edmo – The IWOK Summer Academy: Helping Indigenous Youth Achieve Their College Dreams
(Shoshone-Bannock/ Nez Perce/ Yakama)
Se-ah-dom’s family comes from Celilo, a fishing village along the Columbia River. Throughout her work she
has been part of creating and expanding: two AmeriCorps Programs, OMSI’s Salmon Camp, The International
Research Institute for Maori and Indigenous Education (NZ), OHSU’s School of Medicine Diversity Achievement
Programs, and currently, the Indigenous Ways of Knowing Program at Lewis & Clark College.
Her recent publications and work are centered around action research and engagement that benefits builds
capacity for Tribes and communities she works with and include the Tribal Equity Toolkit: Tribal Resolutions
and Codes to Support Two Spirit & LGBT Justice in Indian Country (November 2012) and Identity Wars: A
Comparative Ethical Critique of the Debate Over Indian Identity (July 2012). She was instrumental in Oregon’s
successful ban of race-based Native American sports names in K-12 schools as well as the campaign to win the
Freedom to Marry in Washington State. She is the Director for the Oregon Tribal Histories and Sovereignty
Curriculum Design Project, which will develop a state-wide Indian Histories and Sovereignty curricula aligned
to Oregon curriculum standards. The project will use an Indigenous conceptual framework for curriculum
development and content development that involves working with a wide cross-section of Tribal people and
Tribal Governments.
She currently serves as the Vice-President of the Oregon Indian Education Association and serves on the
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Education Committee, Portland Inter-Tribal Canoe Club and the National
Indian Women’s Health Resource Center. Her past board service positions have included Columbia
Riverkeeper, the Nak-Nu-Wit (Systems of Care Program) at NARA Northwest and Northwest Indian Storytellers
Association as well as many others. She lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband, James and their children:
Siale, Imasees and Miyosiwin.
Katie King Schneider - The IWOK Summer Academy: Helping Indigenous Youth Achieve Their College Dreams
Katie grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, and can certainly say that it’s sunk into her bones. She’s
studied abroad in Spain, worked at summer camps in Colorado, taught art at a high school on a South Dakotan
Indian reservation, and, while all have their own certain beauty, Katie can say with certainty that none
compare to the Pacific Northwest. Katie grew up in a small town outside Seattle, and have lived in Portland,
on and off, for over 10 years. Katie graduated with a double major in Spanish and Interdisciplinary Studies at
the University of Portland, and have made a hobby of collecting random skills. To date, she can drive a school
bus, ride a motorcycle, sew a shirt, make candles, bake an outstanding Guinness Chocolate Cake, paint a
room, plant an urban vegetable garden & tend some backyard chickens, throw a (rather wonky) pot on the
wheel, and swing, salsa, or blues dance. Next? Becoming the best school counselor she can be (she graduates
in about a month, and ready to be hired!), and giving some back to this beautiful place in which she lives.
Stephen Tokarski – Upward Bound in Oregon: A Study of Seven Programs
Graduated with my BA in Social Sciences from the University of Montana in 2008, and moved to Oregon with
the intention of teaching that subject. But then the recession hit, and I did odd jobs until I became a math
instructor for Upward Bound Summer Academy in Astoria in the summer of 2009. I was hired on as an advisor
the following school year, and have held that position ever since. I'm currently earning my Master's degree in
Public Administration from Portland State University, and will be graduating this June.
Janelle Wilson – Creating LBGTQ (queer) Inclusive and Supportive TRiO Programs
Janelle believes in education as a tool for change. She holds a B.A. in Multicultural and Gender Studies from
CSU, Chico and an M.A. in Women’s Studies in Religion from Claremont Graduate University. Janelle has
worked to empower and provide support for queer and questioning youth since 2003. She is the Coordinator
of the Queer Resource Center, a staff member-in-residence for the Gender Inclusive floors, and the Chair for
the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies Council on the Southern Oregon University campus.
Friday Block 3
Mike Evans – Triosynergy Website – Revolutionizing Student Recruitment and Communication
Mike Evans has been part of what has evolved into the Oregon TRiO Association since starting as a new
director for a brand new SSS program at Chemeketa Community College in 1997 and recently served as the
OTA President. He currently directs two SSS/DSSS grants serving 300 students at Chemeketa. As a believer in
using technology to make us more effective and efficient at helping our students succeed, Mike has worked
with a former TRiO colleague, Jay Peterson, to develop a website to serve as a powerful tool for managing
TRiO programs.
Jason Luttrell – Resiliency As A Suspension Bridge
Jason is a financial aid advisor at Mt Hood Community College, but was previously a TRiO/SSS advisor at the
University of Utah, where he earned a BA in Sociology and a BA in Linguistics. He is a frequent runner and
soccer player, and has an unhealthy obsession with cake and pastries, which necessitates the frequent running
and soccer playing.
Clair Pople – Career Planning Projects: Illuminating the Path Towards Meeting Career Goals for Community
Colleges.
A native of the South, Clair Pople began her teaching career at a middle school in Atlanta, Georgia. In her
combined experience, she has taught students from age 11 to 65 at various levels of cognitive development. In
2010, Clair relocated to Portland, OR to pursue a doctoral degree with the focus of equity and education, and
began teaching reading and writing at Portland Community College. As a result of her experience teaching at
the community college level, Clair developed an enthusiasm for helping adult learners see their potential and
fulfill their academic and professional goals.
Jason Young – Senior Year and Beyond!
Jason Young currently works as the Portland High School Coordinator for ETS, serving four High Schools in the
Portland School District. He has twelve years experience working with TRiO students. During the school year
and summer he teaches ETS/UB classes and workshops. Jason graduated from Western Oregon University in
1995 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. Jason was both a low income and a first generation college student.
Quan Nguyen – Senior Year and Beyond!
Quan Nguyen works as our Upward Bound Adviser and also as Talent Search Adviser for Jason Lee K-8 and
Madison HS 9th & 10th graders. He also is a Summer Instructor with the Upward Bound summer program. Quan
graduated from Portland State with a degree in Psychology and is currently working on his MSW at Portland
State University. Quan is an Upward Bound alum from the class of 2004.
Friday Block 4
Melinda Nunez – Tackling the Middle School Component for ETS/TRiO Programs
Melinda Núñez was born in Portland Oregon. She attended Cleveland High School where she participated in
ETS/Project Plus TRiO program. After graduating high school, Melinda began her college career at Portland
Community College, then transferring on to University of Oregon where she received a Bachelor of Science in
Ethnic Studies degree. Melinda is one of seven siblings of which she is the first to attend and graduate from
college. Because of her strong belief in the TRiO program, Melinda pursued a position with the program and
started working as a TRiO advisor for the ETS/TRiO program in 2003 through Portland Community College. At
this time, and for the past eight years, Melinda has served specifically as the Middle School Advisor for the
program.
Tobias Sherwood – The Heart of Engagement – See Bio above
Rosalyn Taylor – Supporting TRiO Students into Higher Education through Transitions/Bridge Programs
An Upward Bound alumna, Rosalyn has served TRiO students at the secondary and currently at the postsecondary level at Portland State University. She holds a master's degree in education and certificates to teach
TESOL and English Language Arts.
Erik Ruch – Unmasking the Imposter Phenomenon
Erik Ruch is a graduate student in Portland State University's Post-secondary Adult Continuing Education
program and an intern with Mt. Hood Community College's TRIO SSS program. His interests include writing,
cooking, and computer construction. After graduation this June, and presumably when he grows up, he wants
to assist college students in not only gaining entry to higher education but in realizing the enormous
opportunities for personal, professional, and spiritual growth that exist for them.
Friday Block 5
Dr. Danny Mielke – Eastern Promise: New Pathways to College and Career Opportunities
Dr. Mielke is the Dean of the Colleges of Business and Education at Eastern Oregon University. A faculty
member at EOU since 1987, he also is the Executive Director of Eastern Promise, a new regional initiatives
aimed at increasing the college going culture in rural Oregon and increasing access to early college credit
opportunities for high school students.
RoseAnn Kennett- Appreciative Advising
RoseAnn Kennett has been an Academic Adviser at Mt. Hood Community College’s TRIO-SSS program for the
past 5 years. She has worked in higher education for over 15 years and has an educational background in
social work, is certified in life coaching, and is among the first certified Appreciative Advisers in the U.S.
Traci Simmons- Appreciative Advising
Traci Simmons, a long time Portland resident, is the Transitions Coordinator at Mt. Hood Community College
in Gresham, Oregon. Traci has adopted the principles of Appreciative Advising in her role as Transitions
Coordinator to improve support and retention of the Transitions Program participants. The Transitions
program assists women of varied backgrounds navigate their experience in post-secondary education. These
women are often single mothers, ethnic minorities, English Language Learners, and women in poverty.
Traci earned an Associate of Science Degree from Portland Community College. She went on to earn a
Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences and Community Health Education, with a minor in Sociology. Her
passion is improving community health through access to higher education. Traci is currently working on her
Masters of Education at Concordia University with a concentration on Educational Leadership.
Phillip Dirks – Plenary Speaker and Presenter of Recruitment and Program Retention
Phillip Dirks received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English from Iowa State University, and then
continued doctoral work in Comparative Religions and Social Ethics at the University of Southern California.
He has taught writing and literature in both high school and college. He began working for TRIO programs in
Student Support Services at Portland State University in 1989. After seven years, he became director of both
pre-college projects at PSU---Upward Bound & ETS in 1996. Phillip has served on both the University of
Washington and Sonoma State TRIO Training teams and is a Past-President of NAEOP in addition to being
current President of the Oregon TRIO Association.
Brenda Ramos – Exploring the College Dream for Middle School Students
Brenda has worked for PSU TRiO Upward Bound/ Talent Search since 2008. She currently is a coordinator for
both programs in grades 6-12.
Melanie Dixon-Carldwell – Featured Speaker
Melanie Dixon-Carldwell is currently the Director of Retention Services and Assistant Director for Diversity and
Multicultural Student Services at Portland State University. She plays a key role in promoting the campus'
diversity efforts, providing general academic support services and referrals to campus resources for students
that come from diverse backgrounds. She oversees the three culturally responsive retention coordinators and
the Diversity Scholarship Program, which provides opportunity and support for first generation, low income
students of color.
She grew up in North / Northeast Portland as a first generation, low income and culturally diverse student. She
returned to school at age 27. It wasn't until then that she found value in an education. She began to recognize
that education was the key to personal growth as well as civic awareness. Education has truly been
transformational for Melanie. Her passion is to offer opportunities to help others from similar backgrounds in
hopes that they will also be transformed through education.
Ronnie Brooks- Featured Speaker
Ronnie Brooks comes to us with many years of TRiO experience. He served as a TRiO Upward Bound Director
at Texas A & M for 30 years. He has served as Board Chairman of the Council for Opportunity in Education and
remains involved with TRiO here in Salem, speaking to TRiO students at graduation celebrations and other
events. Ronnie is always looking to give back to our community in a meaningful way and inspires students how
to give back. Ronnie currently works helping students at McKay High School and is a pastor here in Salem.
Ronnie holds a B.A. in Speech and Nursing from East Texas State University, and has done graduate work at
the Southern Bible Institute in Dallas.