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 11 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 December 2021, Girlie became the third president of TCSJ.

Girlie earned a 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. 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 TCSJ 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 California State University, Stanislaus, and an Ed.D. from the University of the Pacific.

Michele Badovinac has spent over 30 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 with Regional Systems 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 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 (SUSD) 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 schools and International Baccalaureate (IB) schools. Anne-Marie was recruited to 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 teaching credential. Anne-Marie earned her Administrative Credential at TCSJ. She is currently a doctoral candidate with the University of the Pacific.

Crysol Salcedo has been an integral part of San Joaquin County Office of Education since May 2003 and later joined 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 and Admissions Supervisor. With a background in Business Management, Crysol brings a wealth of expertise to her role.

Douglas Pitney taught Earth Science and Social Science at Hayward High School for ten years where he served as the Science Department Chairperson prior to joining TCSJ. 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-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 inclusionary 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 and Education Specialist Credential and M.A. in Special Education from California State University, Sacramento, an Administrative Services credential from the University of the Pacific, and an Ed.D. in Administrative Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction from the University of the Pacific.

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 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. In her role as Residency@TCSJ Coordinator, Karin has designed a program where equity and inclusion is 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 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.

Dr. Katie Burns manages STEM and Environmental Literacy M.Ed. programs for 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.

Lisa Reece has been in education 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, and 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.

Dr. Lori Morgan has 20 years of experience in K-8 education and 5 years experience teaching adults in both the IMPACT and Masters 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 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 Jones 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 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 Childhood 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. 

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 language 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.

Dr. Myra Gardea-Hernández has 17 years of experience in the educational field and joined TCSJ in 2022 as the Coordinator of Teacher Induction and Professional Learning Center. In 2023, she was hired as the Coordinator of the Preliminary and Clear Administrative Services Credential Programs. She has worked in Lodi Unified and Stockton Unified as a dual immersion and mainstream teacher in grades TK-4th. She has also taught GED and ESL Classes for young adults in the Migrant Education Program at the San Joaquin County Office of Education. She holds leadership experience and has served as an Assistant Principal in Stockton Unified School District. 

Myra completed her undergraduate studies at San Joaquin Delta College 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 an Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Leadership. Throughout her educational career, she has attended numerous professional development opportunities and has presented her research at conferences. Myra is a lifelong learner and her research interests include student experiences and the institutional systems that best support their educational success.  

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.

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 a Program Specialist, Shelly supported students, staff, and families throughout the district, helping them navigate special education programs.

Shelly earned her B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Hayward (now East Bay). She completed the Stanislaus County Office of Education Intern Program in 2009 with a Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential. In 2020, she earned her M.A. in 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.

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.