Dr. Girlie Hale has 27 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, providing support as a peer coach and site mentor, becoming a support provider, and continuing 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 December 2021, she started her position as President of TCSJ.

Girlie earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Psychology and a Multiple Subject teaching credential from California State University, Stanislaus, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Administrative Services Credential from the University of the Pacific (in partnership with TCSJ), and an Ed.D. in Transformative Action in Education from the University of the Pacific.

Dr. Danielle Daubin has nearly 30 years of experience in education. She began her career as a classroom teacher and later served as a school principal, ultimately becoming the founding leader of a new elementary school in Brentwood. Throughout her career, she has focused on building strong partnerships with local school districts to support and empower educators. Danielle joined Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ) in 2016 as a Coordinator II in the IMPACT Program. She later served as a Coordinator IV in the Administrative Services Credential Program and has been a dedicated instructor at TCSJ since 2016. In October 2025, she was appointed Dean of Academic Affairs, overseeing curricular, instructional, and research affairs while also serving on the San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE) Administrative Council (AdCo).

Danielle earned her Preliminary Administrative Services Credential in 2011 and her M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and School Development in 2012 from TCSJ. She also holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Global.

Dr. Myra Gardea-Hernández brings over 18 years of educational experience and has been part of the Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ) community since 2022. She first served as Coordinator of Teacher Induction and the Professional Learning Center before transitioning in 2023 to coordinate the Preliminary and Clear Administrative Services Credential Programs. Beginning December 2025, she will serve as TCSJ’s Director of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Gardea-Hernández began her career in Lodi Unified and Stockton Unified as a dual immersion and mainstream teacher for grades TK–4. She also taught GED and ESL courses for young adults through the Migrant Education Program at the San Joaquin County Office of Education and later served as an Assistant Principal in Stockton Unified. She completed her undergraduate studies at San Joaquin Delta College and the University of the Pacific, earning a B.A. in Liberal Studies, 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. A lifelong learner, Dr. Gardea-Hernández is committed to supporting student success in higher education and is excited to lead TCSJ’s Graduate Studies department and its programs.

Dr. Karin Compise has over 20 years of K-8 classroom teaching experience in addition to over seven years of teaching adults in the masters program at TCSJ. Karin is passionate about working with teachers to not only meet students' needs in the classroom but also inspire students to be curious, confident, lifelong 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. In her role as Residency@TCSJ Coordinator, Karin has designed a program where equity and inclusion are deeply embedded throughout the course of the year. Residents as well as their mentors embark on a year of deep reflection and practical application of forward-thinking concepts and strategies that promote equity and inclusion.

In addition to her Multiple Subject Teaching Credential and her Administrative Services Credential, Karin holds a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, 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.

Lisa Reece has been in education for nearly 20 years 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, TCSJ Instructor, and now coordinator. She has a strong background and belief 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. In 2025, she became the Director of IMPACT Teaching Credential Programs.

Amanda Shores brings 20 years of experience in education to her role. She has served as a general education teacher, intervention teacher, and resource specialist for 15 years. For the past eight years, Amanda has also been a lead instructor at TCSJ, teaching in the Pre-Service and IMPACT programs and inspiring future educators. Passionate about fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments, Amanda is dedicated to helping all students, especially those with diverse learning needs, succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Her work emphasizes collaboration and the belief that every student can thrive with the right support. A lifelong learner, Amanda focuses on literacy's impact across disciplines, particularly in strategies to support students with disabilities.

Amanda earned her B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Sociology from CSU Stanislaus in 2003, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Brandman University in 2005, and an Education Specialist Credential from Chapman University in 2010. She then completed her M.A. in Special Education from Chapman University in 2012.

Anne-Marie Mason joined TCSJ in December 2023 as the Coordinator of Preliminary and Clear Administrative Services Credential Programs. She previously worked in Stockton Unified School District in multiple capacities, such as a teacher, mentor, and Facilitator of Professional Development for students and teachers in grades K-8. She taught English her first year to 7th-grade students, then transitioned to 4th grade as the middle school became a K-8. She has experience with Magnet and International Baccalaureate schools. Anne-Marie was recruited to the Tracy Unified District Office in 2021 to support Principals and Teachers in STEM as a Teacher on Special Assignment and Curriculum Specialist. She helped implement STEM and wrote a 7th-grade Science Unit of Study to support the STEM curriculum. She developed a curriculum program to help teachers model computational artifacts in their classrooms (K-5) and facilitated professional development for the district, including Curriculum Saturdays.

Anne-Marie attended National University, where she earned her B.A., M.Ed. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Global Studies, and a teaching credential. Anne-Marie earned her Administrative Credential at TCSJ. She is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of the Pacific.

Crysol Salcedo has been an integral part of the San Joaquin County Office of Education since May 2003, and later joined the Teachers College of San Joaquin in 2017. Over the years, Crysol has honed her skills in higher education administration and acquired extensive knowledge of managing student records and overseeing academic processes. She has been instrumental in coordinating cohort schedules and providing academic requirements information to ensure a seamless enrollment experience for students. Crysol's dedication and hard work recently earned her a promotion to the position of Registrar & Admissions Supervisor. With a background in Business Management, Crysol brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

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.

Dr. Elizabeth Jara has over 25 years of experience in special education. She served as a special education teacher in an intensive therapeutic program for 7th- to 12th-grade students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders for 20 years. During her 20-year tenure as a special education teacher, Elizabeth collaborated with multiple community agencies, directors, program specialists, principals, teachers, etc., to ensure equitable and inclusive services and supports for her students. She facilitated and served as mentor for new special education teachers, Peer Assistance Review Board, Curriculum and Instruction Committee, Outdoor Education, Program Advisory Committee, and conducted administrative duties. Elizabeth has served on multiple state committees for the California Commission for Teaching Credentialing (CCTC) to create Education Specialist program standards, teacher performance expectations, and design teacher performance assessments. Elizabeth began her career at TCSJ as an adjunct instructor in 2006 and became an Impact Coordinator for Education Specialist programs in 2017.

Elizabeth has a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Special Education from the University of the Pacific, a multiple subject, education specialist credential, and M.A. in Special Education from California State University, Sacramento, and returned to the University of the Pacific to earn an Administrative Services credential and a Doctorate in Administrative Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction.

Holly Chesnut has dedicated her career to education in multiple capacities, including agricultural science teacher, FFA advisor, instructional designer, curriculum developer, program coordinator, and CTE and single subject faculty member at Teachers College of San Joaquin (TCSJ). She now serves as the Single Subject & CTE Coordinator, where she also contributes as part of the hybrid development team, expanding accessible, high-quality programs for educators. Holly has extensive experience guiding students to develop technical skills, leadership abilities, and environmental stewardship, as well as providing professional development workshops across the country with a focus on preparing educators to create meaningful, student-centered learning experiences. She also serves on the NAAE National Committee for Professional Development.

Holly earned her B.S. in Agricultural Science with an emphasis in Rangeland Management and Wildlife Ecology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2015. She received both her teaching credential and her M.Ed. in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) from TCSJ, completing her master’s degree in 2022.

Dr. Lori Morgan has 20 years of experience in K-8 education and 5 years of experience teaching adults in both the IMPACT and Master's Program at TCSJ. She joined TCSJ full-time in 2023. Prior to joining TCSJ, she worked for Stockton Unified School District as a teacher, instructional coach, and as an Assistant Principal. Lori is passionate about working with and supporting new teachers, and throughout her career in education, she has served as a mentor to interns, induction candidates, and student teachers. Her research interests include the role leadership plays in the development of collective teacher efficacy, project-based approaches to developing civic literacy and efficacy in middle school students, and the use of developmentally appropriate practices in early literacy instruction.

Lori completed her undergraduate studies at CSU Stanislaus, earning a B.A. in Child Development. She earned a Multiple Subject teaching credential and M.Ed. in Educational Inquiry at TCSJ, and earned an Administrative Services Credential and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at the 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, which gave TK-6 students the opportunity to experience Fine Arts. 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 University, Stanislaus, as well as a minor in Child Development with a Child Development Site Supervisor Permit. She has a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, CLAD certificate, and GATE certification. In 2017, Michelle graduated from TCSJ with her M.Ed. in Early Education.

Dr. Mitch Mesimer 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. He began teaching as adjunct faculty for TCSJ in 2018. He served as Science Department Chair for Manteca High School from 2017 until 2024, when he became the Educator Assessments and Data Coordinator for TCSJ, and then the Institutional Research, Evaluation, Assessments, and M.Ed. Program Coordinator.

Mitch earned his B.S. in Science Education at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. He was awarded his M.Ed. in STEM from TCSJ in 2016 after completing a teacher action research project analyzing the outcomes of authentic assessment for English learners. 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.

Raquelle Deyto 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 B.A. 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.

Steve Martinez is a former Social Science teacher with a fervor for educational technology. He has presented on a wide range of topics, including Project-Based Learning, Design Thinking, Digital Notebooking/Blended Learning, and the Flipped Classroom. In 2022, Steve was honored as the Emerging Teacher of the Year at Spring CUE. He also served as the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Pacific Northwest at Kami, supporting educators in their integration of digital tools. When he’s not in the classroom or leading professional learning, Steve co-hosts the Under the Hat Podcast, where he shares insights, interviews, and reflections on teaching and learning.

Steve holds a bachelor's degree in Social Science and a Master’s in Education from CSU Stanislaus. His academic background, paired with his classroom and EdTech experience, fuels his passion for empowering educators and reimagining the future of learning. 

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

Suzette earned her B.S. in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and an M.B.A. from California State University, Fresno.

Tiani Hudgins brings a wealth of experience to her role, with several years of experience in teaching Special Education 4- 8th grade, coupled with five years of teaching adults in various programs at TCSJ. Previously, she served as a Program Specialist for Special Education in Elk Grove Unified. Tiani is driven by her passion to ensure every student receives an equitable education, accessing grade-level content. She aims to accomplish this by equipping incoming teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to cater to all students’ needs.

In addition to her Education Specialist Teaching Credential and her Administrative Services Credential, Tiani holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Exceptional Learners and a M.Ed. in Special Education from TCSJ.