Girlie Hale has 25 years of experience in education. Hired in 1997, she has served as a Teacher, Program Specialist, Math Coach, Assistant Principal, and ultimately a Principal for 12 years at PK-8th grade schools in Stockton Unified School District. During her tenure with SUSD, she was involved in the Teacher Induction Program (formerly BTSA), starting as a beginning teacher, provided support as a peer coach and site mentor, became a support provider, and continued her advocacy as an Induction Leadership representative for the district. She joined TCSJ in 2008 as an adjunct instructor for the Administrative Services Credential Program with TCSJ's Graduate Studies program. She was then hired as a Coordinator for the IMPACT Program in 2017, where she coordinated intern support in collaboration with supervisors within the educational field. In January 2022, she started her position as President of TCSJ.

Girlie earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies/Psychology and a Multiple Subject teaching credential from California State University, Stanislaus; and an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administrative Services Credential from the University of the Pacific. She is currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Transformative Action in Education from the University of the Pacific.

Dr. Crescentia Thomas has over 20 years of educational experience. During her 13 years as a resource specialist, she worked with students with exceptional needs, assisted in administrative duties at the school site, mentored novice teachers, and collaborated with the curriculum department in her district to design professional development for special education teachers. As a resource specialist, she became knowledgeable in incorporating a variety of accommodations and modifications into lesson plans, collaborating with K-8 teachers and program specialists, and advocating for students. Crescentia joined Teachers College in August 2010 as an instructor in the master's core and taught in the Education Specialists and Pre-Service cohorts. She became a full-time advisor/coordinator in August 2014 and director of the Graduate Studies department in December 2019.

Crescentia earned a B.A. in Psychology from the University of San Diego, an M.A. in Education (Special Education) from California State University, Sacramento, an Administrative Services Credential from CSU, Stanislaus, and an Educational Doctorate from the University of the Pacific.

Michele Badovinac has spent over 25 years in education. She has been a Spanish teacher, department chairperson, mentor teacher, AVID teacher and site coordinator as well as a National AVID Staff Developer. In 2001, she began working at the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) as a Regional Coordinator for AVID and in 2005 she became the Regional Director. Following her tenure with AVID, she worked as the Director of K-12 Outreach for Cal-PASS Plus, where she not only provided K-12 expertise and perspective, but collaborated on efforts to align P-20 education systems. These roles have enabled her to collaborate with educators across the state and to provide leadership and professional learning opportunities for administrators, counselors and teachers. Before joining the TCSJ team in 2016, Michele served as a Coordinator of Regional System of District and School Support for two years where she designed & facilitated customized professional learning for Title I districts and schools and provided support for instructional leaders.

Michele earned her B.A. in Spanish from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1988 and one year later received a Single Subject Spanish Teaching Credential from San Francisco State University. In 1992, she received her M.A. with a concentration in Secondary Education from San Francisco State and went on to earn her Administrative Services Credential in 2005 from St. Mary's College.

Anne-Marie is one of our Administrative Services Credential Program Coordinators. Having taught for 16 years, she brings a wealth of experience. She taught at Stockton Unified across various grades, including 7^th grade English, 4^th grade, 3^rd grade, 2nd grade, and Multiple Subject. While at Tracy Unified, she served as a Curriculum Specialist, Teacher on Special Assignment, and Summer School Principal.

Anne-Marie successfully completed TCSJ’s Administrative Credentialing Program herself and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in Educational Leadership at the University of the Pacific. Her passion for Educational Technology is truly inspiring. She is excited about guiding administrative students on their journey and is thrilled to collaborate with our exceptional team in Graduate Studies.

Prior to coming to TCSJ Douglas taught Earth Science and Social Science at Hayward High School for ten years where he served as the Science Department Chairperson. He worked at Cesar Chavez High School in Stockton where he taught Social Science and then moved into the role of Instructional Coach where he focused on new teacher support and staff professional development. He worked with subject-matter teams on curriculum development and student learning data analysis, was an induction mentor, and served on the school's leadership team.

Douglas earned his B.S. from Lyndon State College in Vermont, his Single Subject Teaching Credential from California State University East Bay, and his Administrative Services Credential, and M.A. in Educational Administration from Concordia University Irvine.

Beth Jara has multiple subject and education specialist credentials and is currently in her 20th year of teaching in a special education setting. Her professional expertise includes working with emotional disturbance and mental health diagnoses for grades 7 - 12 students. She can support and advise candidates who are studying all implications and considerations of an education specialist. Beth's research interests include reflexivity, analysis and change of philosophical and theoretical programming practices for students with emotional disturbance, resilience building, academic and social-emotional outcomes for ED students, effects of education specialist teacher training and preparation, systems theories for student outcomes and retention of quality teachers, SWPBIS, and MTSS.

Elizabeth has a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Special Education from University of the Pacific, a M.A. in Special Education from CSU Sacramento, and is currently working on her doctorate in Specialized Educational Leadership with a cognate in Curriculum and Instruction from University of the Pacific.

Dr. Karin Compise has over 20 years of classroom teaching experience in Stockton. Part of that time was spent in the primary grades and the last 14 years were in intermediate and middle school settings. Karin is passionate about doing whatever it takes to not only meet students' needs in the classroom but inspire students to be curious, confident, life-long learners. Some of Karin's educational interests are project-and inquiry-based learning, empowering teachers to take (responsible) risks, and constantly questioning the status quo. Karin is an instructor in both the graduate as well as the MIAA program at TCSJ.

In addition to her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Administrative Services Credential, Karin holds a B.A. in Psychology from CSU Stanislaus, a M.A. in Teaching from National University, a M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Leadership from TCSJ, a Mathematics Instructional Added Authorization (MIAA) from TCSJ, and an Ed.D from the University of the Pacific.

Katie manages STEM and Environmental Literacy M.Ed. programs for Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ). She also serves as a full time faculty member and researcher, providing program assessment support to the college. Prior to joining TCSJ in 2015, Katie worked in central California K-12 school districts for ten years as a math/science teacher and academic coach. Outside of her work, Katie serves as a community volunteer, supporting a variety of science-focused events for students in the region. She is inspired by the pursuit of knowledge, especially in topics connected with math and science.

Katie earned her B.A. in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. She holds two master's degrees (Educational Inquiry and STEM) from Teachers College of San Joaquin, and in June 2019, Burns earned her doctorate in education from University of the Pacific where her research focused on communities of practice among teachers in rural schools.

Over the last 15 years, Lisa has served in a variety of capacities including high school English and AVID teacher, Lead Teacher and AVID Coordinator, Instructional Coach, Assistant Principal at a K-8 school, and TCSJ Instructor. In 2020, she became the IMPACT Programs Single Subject and CTE Programs Coordinator. Lisa believes in building relationships with students and educators and a deep-rooted philosophy that ALL children should feel challenged at all times, while at the same time, ensuring they feel included and valued. Children should be the center of the education process. As a leader and educator of teachers, she feels enormous pressure to build within teachers a core belief that they are simply the guide on a child's journey through education.

Lisa earned her B.A. in Social Science from Chapman University in 1999. In 2003, she earned her Juris Doctorate from Humphreys College School of Law. She became an intern at TCSJ in 2006 and earned her single subject preliminary credential in 2008. Additionally, Lisa received her Administrative Credential in 2019 and is currently completing her Ed.D in Educational Leadership at Grand Canyon University.

With nearly two decades of experience in education, Dr. Lori Morgan has taken on multiple roles including instructional coach, administrator, and classroom teacher. As an advisor and instructor for the TCSJ graduate studies program, Lori also shares her expertise and knowledge with aspiring educators. In July 2023, she started working a Teachers College full time, as the Coordinator of Teacher Induction and the Professional Learning Center.

When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her four children, including three adults and one teenager, as well as her beloved pets. Additionally, Lori loves to explore new destinations and travel whenever possible.

Lori earned a bachelors degree in Child Development from CSU, Stanislaus. In 2009, she received her multiple subject teaching credential from 2009, and came back to TCSJ in 2011 to earn her Master of Education.  Most recently, she earned her Doctorate in Education from University of the Pacific.

Michelle has been dedicated to education for over 30 years. Prior to working at TCSJ, she taught Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten in Oakdale, California. She served as grade level chair, curriculum council and supported instruction in the after school program at Oakdale Joint Unified School District (OJUSD). Along with volunteer parents, Michelle brought Art Corps, a Fine Arts program to the district, that gave TK -6 students the opportunity to experience Fine Art. Michelle also served on the California Kindergarten Association for many years and finished her term as President in 2020. She has identified that for her, the most critical instructional practices are: building relationships with students, parents and the school community.

Michelle earned a B.S. in Liberal Studies from California State Stanislaus as well as a minor in Child Development with a Director's Center permit. She has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Professional Clear Credential, CLAD certificate, and a GATE certification. In 2017, Michelle graduated from TCSJ with her M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education.

Upon completing his B.S. in Science Education at Pfeiffer University, Mitch began teaching in 2008 at Salisbury High School in North Carolina. After moving to California in 2009, he joined the faculty of the Manteca High School Science Department. From 2012 to 2018, Mitch additionally taught evening remediation courses and high school equivalency courses for Manteca Adult School. Mitch was awarded his M.Ed. in STEM from Teachers College of San Joaquin in 2016 after completing a teacher action research project analyzing the outcomes of authentic assessment for English language learners. He served as Science Department Chair for Manteca High School from 2017 until 2024 and began teaching as adjunct faculty for Teachers College of San Joaquin in 2018. Mitch earned his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Chicago in 2022 with dissertation research on professional school cultural supports for teacher reflection and their impact on student achievement.

Dr. Myra Gardea-Hernández completed her studies at San Joaquin Delta College, Teachers College of San Joaquin and University of the Pacific. While at University of the Pacific, she earned a B.A. in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject BCLAD teaching credential; an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction; an Administrative Services Credential; and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Leadership. 

Myra started her journey as an educator in 2007 and has worked in multiple San Joaquin County school districts as a dual immersion and mainstream teacher in grades TK-4th and as a K-8 Assistant Principal. She has also taught GED and ESL classes for young adults in the Migrant Education Program at the San Joaquin County Office of Education. 

Myra joined TCSJ in 2022 and is currently the Coordinator of Teacher Induction and the Professional Learning Center. She is dedicated to supporting others in reaching their educational goals. Dr. Gardea-Hernández has been published and has presented her research at annual conferences. Her commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit for continuous growth inspires her to learn about anything and everything. 

Raquelle brings a wealth of experience in literacy and community engagement to her role at TCSJ. Prior to joining the institution in 2024, she served as the Literacy Coordinator at the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library (SSJCPL), where she led efforts to bolster adult learners' literacy skills. Through her guidance, Raquelle equipped volunteers and conducted innovative programs like the Training Wheels storytime bus, bringing the joy of storytelling directly to communities across the county and nurturing early literacy skills. With over a decade of diverse experience in the public library setting, Raquelle has adeptly navigated various roles, from circulation to children's services to adult and family literacy programs. Before her tenure at SSJCPL, Raquelle contributed her talents to local higher education institutions, including Humphreys University, Heald College, and the University of the Pacific, where she supported students in financial services and academic success.

Raquelle earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Humphreys University in 2007. Committed to continuous growth, she has actively pursued professional development, participating in various programs such as coursework in Educational Administration and Student Affairs from the University of the Pacific. Her passion lies in empowering others to recognize and leverage their unique strengths and assets.

Prior to coming to TCSJ, Shelly served as an Education Specialist and Program Specialist in the Riverbank Unified School District for 17 years.  Her experience includes serving as an Special Day Class teacher, Resource Specialist and Co Teacher in both the Middle School and High School settings.  As the Program Specialist, she supported students, staff and families throughout the district, helping them navigate Special Education programs.

Shelly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Hayward (now East Bay). She completed the Stanislaus County Office of Education Intern Program in 2009 with a Professional Clear Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential.  In 2020, she earned her Master of Arts, Educational Administration and Administrative Services credential from California State University, San Francisco.

Suzette Calderone has over 20 years’ experience in student financial services in higher education. Prior to coming to Teachers College in 2022, she was the Director of Student Business Services at the University of the Pacific and the Bursar at Santa Clara University.

Suzette earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and an M.B.A. from Fresno State.

Prior to coming to work full time at Teachers College of San Joaquin, Tiani was a Program Specialist for Special Education for Elk Grove Unified. Prior to that, she taught in Manteca Unified School District for 6 years in as a 7-8th and 4-6th grade SDC M/M. In July 2023, Tiani started working as one of the Residency@TCSJ Program Coordinators. Additionally, she is an instructor at TCSJ and has taught a variety of classes in the IMPACT program, the CSET subtest 1 prep course, CURR343, Residency program, and is a master’s project advisor. Her passion is ensuring that all students receive an equitable education.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, along with a Special Education teaching credential, from CSU Stanislaus. In 2018, she furthered her educational pursuits and obtained a Master of Education degree in Special Education from Teachers College of San Joaquin. Tiani then pursued and successfully obtained her Administrative Services Credential from Teachers College of San Joaquin in 2022.