August 15, 2005 - As growing population in the West Valley brings greater demand for education, Estrella Mountain Community College responds to increased enrollment with the addition of eight new residential faculty members in a variety of disciplines. The new faculty members bring their own academic expertise that will not only expand course offerings but enrich the educational experience for the college's more than 13,000 students.Like all Maricopa Community Colleges, Estrella Mountain encourages its faculty to utilize the most advanced teaching methods, including the integration of technology into classroom curricula to enhance student learning. "Estrella Mountain is committed to providing our students with the best learning experience possible, which has a direct impact on the type of faculty we hire," said Dr. Bryan K. Tippett, Vice President, Academic Affairs. As a result, the college seeks adaptability and expertise when selecting new faculty. "Our faculty possess substantial credentials, diverse backgrounds, and years of practical experience in their teaching disciplines," Tippett adds.Estrella Mountain Community College's new faculty hires for 2005 are as follows:-Andrew Burch, Mathematics, is a PhD candidate in Mathematics at Arizona State University. He holds a Master's degree in Mathematics from Bowling Green State University, in Ohio, and a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Michigan State University. Burch taught mathematics courses at Bowling Green, and received an award for excellence in teaching at that location. In addition to experience as adjunct faculty at Scottsdale Community College, Burch brings an expertise in developmental mathematics, including the hands-on approach of manipulatives as a teaching tool to promote student success.-Dr. Chris Coleman, Psychology, holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Binghamton University-SUNY in New York, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. Complementing his experience as adjunct faculty with Estrella Mountain, Coleman has a vast background of professional experience as a psychologist for a Valley school district, manager of public programs in the area of wellness education, clinical researcher, and has published papers relating to pediatric and adolescent psychology.-Steve Griffiths, Culinary Studies, holds an Associate's degree in Culinary Arts from New Hampshire Community Technical College, as well as additional certification from the Notter School of Pastry Arts. Griffiths excelled as an executive at resorts and restaurants along the Eastern Seaboard, and developed an internationally recognized talent for ice sculpture and pulled and blown sugar, for which he has received numerous awards. In addition, Griffiths taught at the college level for eight years, and coached a student team of ice sculptors to first place awards at both the state and national level.-Cheryl Hebert, Communications, holds a Master's degree in Mass Communications and a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Arizona State University, as well as additional certification from San Diego State University. As adjunct faculty, Hebert has instructed the students of both Estrella Mountain and Rio Salado Community Colleges for over five years, as well as additional instruction experience through the City of Peoria. Hebert also served as development and public relations director for Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc. and other non-profit organizations.-Tanisha M.J. Maxwell, Counseling, is a candidate for a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University. Maxwell holds a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from University of Missouri, and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Arizona State University. Maxwell joins Estrella Mountain as residential faculty after successful participation and completion of a 2004-2005 Maricopa Community Colleges Faculty in Progress Program internship. With more than ten years experience in both an academic and clinical setting, she has presented at the national and regional levels in the areas of racial identity development and diversity issues facing the modern workplace.-Nikol Price, Librarian, holds a Master's degree in Information Resources and Library Science from University of Arizona, and a Bachelor's degree in Women's Studies from University of Nevada Las Vegas. With over ten years of experience in the area of information resources, Price has served as a library specialist in Cline Library at Northern Arizona State University. In her most recent position, Price served as Youth Services Librarian with the City of Glendale, and it was in this role that she developed a special interest and knowledge of student information needs and online resources. -Dr. Christina M. Van Puymbroeck, Psychology, holds a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University and a dual Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Women's Studies from Mary Washington College in Virginia. Van Puymbroeck gained professional experience as a therapist with a Valley-based non-profit public health group and through private practice. Most recently, she completed a fellowship through National Institute of Health at Arizona State University in the area of stress and adaptation to chronic pain. Van Puymbroeck has published numerous papers on a variety of topics and has lectured at the national level.-Malik Toms, English, holds a Master's degree in English and a Bachelor's degree in Sociology, from Iowa State University. Toms joins Estrella Mountain as residential faculty after successful participation and completion of a 2004-2005 Maricopa Community Colleges Faculty in Progress Program internship. In addition to instructing students in a variety of developmental education composition courses, as an author of eleven science fiction books and an editor, Toms will expand offerings in the areas of creative writing, and will serve as the faculty advisor for the college's Creative Writing Club, encouraging literary awareness and strengthening the writing community in the Far West Valley. To arrange interviews or photo opportunities with new residential faculty, contact Nicole DeLeon, Office of Marketing and Public Relations, at (623) 935-8056.Estrella Mountain Community College is located on Thomas and Dysart Roads in Avondale and offers transfer-ready academic courses and job-specific occupational training to more than 13,000 students annually. Estrella Mountain is part of the Maricopa County Community College District, one of the largest community college districts in the nation. For more information visit www.estrellamountain.edu or www.maricopa.edu .
