People
San Jacinto College EdTech personnel work collaboratively to support all educational technology related projects. Any single individual in the group will provide support for your educational technology needs and questions.
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I joined San Jacinto College in November 1998. My first job focused solely on distance learning. Since that time I have had the opportunity to work with other areas including instructional design, training, Blackboard support, multimedia development and even a brief stint with construction. Each role has given me the opportunity to learn more about San Jac and our faculty, staff and students. You can find me online at @Twitter and @Facebook. |
 Laura Armer, Instructional DesignerCentral ILC C-1.218 281-476-1501, ext. 7638 laura.armer@sjcd.eduI joined San Jacinto College in November 2011 as an Instructional Designer. I earned my master’s in Instructional Technology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and a master’s in Library Science (fully online) from the University of North Texas. I began my career as a computer programmer, supporting the Space Shuttle program at NASA. I then moved into the instructional design and teaching field because I was interested in how people learn. I have been teaching 100% online for around eleven years now, and I have seen a lot of changes in the various tools and technologies over the years. Tools and technologies will continue to change, but some things never change, such as the importance of instructor and student engagement and interaction in an online course. Since I have been both an online student and instructor, I relate to the needs of both faculty and students alike when designing online courses. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, listening to my daughter play her violin, and visiting my parents in the Texas hill country. |
 Eyvette Baldwin, Learning Management SpecialistCentral CADM C-3.158 713-754-8422 evyette.baldwin@sjcd.eduI joined San Jacinto College April of 2008; however I just joined the Education Technology department, November 2010. I hope to learn all that I can in order to assist staff, faculty and students alike as much as possible. I do not have a background in technology, but I had been an Administrative Assistant for 13 years, so learning new technologies is not a foreign concept to me. I am currently working on my Bachelors Degree in Psychology. In my spare time, I enjoy spending my time with my family, we love to travel and visit educational sites. In my down time, I enjoy scrapbooking. |
 Leslie Childress, Instructional DesignerNorth ILC N-2.211 281-459-5419 leslie.childress@sjcd.eduI just recently started at San Jacinto College as an Instructional Designer upon graduating in August 09 from Texas A&M (WHOOP! c/o 2007) with my bachelor’s and master’s degree. As far as all my educational passions go, I have not been doing this long enough to know. I love learning new technologies and seeing how they can impact my educational and personal life. Experiential learning is an amazing concept. In my spare time I shoot target archery and I also enjoy spending most of my time outdoors riding four-wheelers and camping (I’m a country girl, just listen to my accent). |
 Dr. Valschkia L. Dabney, Director, Training & Professional DevelopmentCentral ILC C-1.218 281-459-7659 valschkia.dabney@sjcd.eduIt is great to be among the San Jacinto College District family, again! I am proud to say that I earned my first college degree from SJCD, while working as a fulltime employee on the Central Campus. In my position as Director of the Training & Professional Development Department, I will provide leadership for the technology training programs offered at the College. I will also work closely with the Educational Technology Leadership Team and the Human Resources Department, to implement the College’s Success Factors Learning Management System.I value the philosophy of the comprehensive community college’s goal of providing affordable, accessible and quality education. My learning experience at SJCD has shaped my commitment to lifelong learning and my decision to pursue a career in higher education. In 2009, I completed my doctorate degree in Educational Administration – Community College Leadership from The University of Texas at Austin.This year marks my 20th year in post-secondary education. Throughout my career in higher education, I have designed, developed and delivered a variety of workplace training and student success seminars for faculty, staff and students. I have also taught at a community college and facilitated training and professional development programs for a statewide teacher and administrator professional development program supported by the Gulf Coast Education That Works Tech Prep Consortium, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. |
 Kurtis Harris, TrainerSouth ILC S-12.205 281-929-4670 kurtis.harris@sjcd.edu I started at San Jacinto College’s South Campus in early 2008 as a CIS Adjunct Instructor and Student Tutor, specializing in game design, web design, and multimedia with Flash and Photoshop. In December 2008, I moved on to become an Information Systems Trainer, teaching Microsoft Office 2007 and Banner to faculty and staff. I have a degree in Technical Communication from Houston Community College, a certificate in E-commerce/Web Design from San Jacinto College, and am a Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Instructor. I’ve worked in the Instructional Design and Development field thirteen years on projects for Schlumberger, USAA, and NewTek, and have taught Web Design at Houston Community College and 3D Animation at both Houston Community College and San Antonio College as an Adjunct Instructor. I’ve also studied 3D Animation and Video Production at The Art Institute of Houston, worked for a while as a video game artist, and still enjoy working with 3D animation and web development in my spare time.
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 Keith Hudson, Multimedia Support SpecialistCentral Library C.21-133 281–542-2080 keith.hudson@sjcd.eduI have three decades of experience working in the field of video production and photography. My favorite part of working at San Jac is that nothing about the job is routine. I get to meet and work on video projects with people involved in many different professions throughout the college and surrounding communities. Keeping up to date on all of the newest hardware and software technology definitely keeps me on my toes. Outside of work I’m a foodie, golfer, bicyclist, traveler, photographer and a gardener without a green thumb. |
 David Kohne, Instructional DesignerSouth ILC S.12-218 281-484-1900, ext. 6189 david.kohne@sjcd.eduAfter spending a few years in a high school classroom I made the transition to instructional technology. I am intrigued by emerging technologies and their potential applications in the design and delivery of instruction. When I’m not immersed in exploring a new technology or designing instruction I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and traveling. I look forward to serving the San Jacinto College community and helping students achieve their goals. |
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I assist faculty, staff, and students with questions or issues related to Blackboard, Turnitin, or Wimba. I enjoy troubleshooting issues and figuring out the best way to resolve them. I also enjoy exploring new technologies and finding ways to utilize it in my work, but I haven’t had much time to explore in the last few years as I have been working on my B.S. degree. Recently, I have been working on building my personal learning network, and I have stumbled upon some resourceful blogs that have been very educational. |
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In my former life I taught junior high school where I discovered the vital role that distance learning, combined with sound teaching practices, played in changing the lives of students. While my teaching colleagues were pursuing degrees in administration I concentrated my efforts on helping those students who could not come to class. The result was that I discovered the field of instructional design/instructional technology and recognized the potential that it has to change the community for the better. I am now emerged in a field of like-minded professionals, and no two days are ever the same. New opportunities are created to solve age old problems as the technology and theory evolves on a consistent basis. |
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I started full-time with San Jacinto College as an Administrative Assistant for the Technology Learning Resources Department in January 2008 then soon made my way to the Distance Learning Department. I thoroughly enjoy assisting students, staff and faculty with anything that I possibly can, and if I don’t know the answer I will try my best to find it. I definitely consider myself a computer junkie and like to put my hands into designing publications such as brochures, e-mail formats, and invitations from time to time. In my spare time, I enjoy having new and fun adventures with my family, and setting time aside to put my creative juices to work. |
 Alex Nguyen, Sr. Learning Management SpecialistCentral CADM C-3.158 281-542-2048 alex.nguyen@sjcd.eduI started at San Jacinto College as a Support Specialist II on December 6th, 2011. I enjoy working in the educational field, and working with technology. I am planning to enroll with University of Houston Clear Lake for graduate school in the field of Instructional Technology. In my spare time I took up photography, photo manipulation, drawing, and painting. |
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Multimedia production is my bag. I work hard to ensure faculty and staff’s media technology needs are met. Audio/video recordings, editing, screencasting, graphic animation, podcasting, etc. We do it all and are pleased to assist San Jacinto employees in any way we can. I’m a huge film buff (comedy, action, and horror for the most part). These genres, gaming, and computers have a big impact on my production style and humor. Adobe After Effects, Photoshop, and Premiere Pro are where I get most of my work done. I love tech toys and learning new software. I’m on the computer about 70% of my day. You could call me a junkie. I browse a good amount of blogs, video, photo, and tech sites daily trying to stay ahead of the curve. Outside of work and video production, I spend a lot of time on my skateboard and playing softball. |
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I began my position as the Central Campus Information Systems Trainer in January 2009 and have been part of the San Jacinto College staff since 2005. Training provides me the opportunity to interact with many different people. It also allows me the chance to present skills that can help people complete their job functions in a more effective and efficient manner. There are so many facets to my position in a continually expanding field. Technology itself is so exciting and structuring the application is positively challenging. I am currently expanding my knowledge of personal networking so drop me a line, post on my wall, or shoot me an email. |
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I am a self-proclaimed geek and enjoy exploring new technologies and collaborating with faculty on innovative instructional approaches. Twitter, GoodReads and Facebook have had a profound impact on expanding my personal learning network. When I’m not spending time with my family or reading my Kindle, I make time to feed my passion for creating stained glass. You can find me online on Facebook, GoodReads and @Twitter. |
 Sally Sanchez, Sr. Administrative AssistantDistrict A.1-203 281-998-6272 sally.sanchez@sjcd.eduI’ve been employed with San Jacinto College for 20 years and for the last seven years I’ve been Niki Whiteside’s “right hand.” She knows she can count on my expertise, understanding, and support. I’m expected to perform amazing feats when resources are low, time is short, and the pressure is on. In my spare time I enjoy living my passion to teach, to share & to inspire other towards creativity by being a Stampin’ Up demonstrator. |
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I happened into the Instructional Design field by chance. I earned my masters in Educational Technology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, never really intending to practice design. However, I found that I really enjoyed the process and that making sure the online learning environment, whether it’s web-assisted, hybrid or fully online, is a pleasant one for students is something of which I am passionate. I am originally from Arkansas and prior to coming to San Jacinto, I served as an Instructional Designer at Florida International University in Miami on the University Park (MMC) campus. I look forward to meeting with and serving the faculty, staff and students of San Jacinto College. |
 Tilly Slaten, Distance Learning CoordinatorDistrict A.1-203 281-998-6370 tilly.slaten@sjcd.eduI joined San Jacinto College in September of 1996. During this time I’ve had the opportunity to work in several areas which has allowed me grow professionally within the college. Just recently I returned to Distance Learning as a program coordinator. I enjoy technology and sharing what I learn with others. When not working I can be found with my husband and two boys or shopping. I love purses, shoes and the Houston Texans. |
 Gloria Victoria, Sr. Administrative AssistantNorth ILC N-2.213 281-458-4050, ext. 5413 gloria.victoria@sjcd.eduEvery day I look forward to the daily challenges of my job. It’s exciting to walk in everyday not knowing what new adventures I will be faced with. Working in education for the last eighteen years has taught me to prioritize my work, accomplish assignments within tight deadlines, but yet deliver high quality work. I’m a people person who loves spending time with my family, entering cooking contests and reading. |
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In my spare time, I’m active in the independent film and audio drama communities; most recently, I co-wrote and directed a short play produced live at the National Audio Theatre Festival and broadcast on TV and radio in Missouri. Higher education is a second home to me. I’ve worked for a number of institutions, but what’s been unique about working at San Jac is the warm emphasis on providing a top notch education for students from all walks of life — and the sense that here, teaching IS what it’s all about. I look forward to helping you add story value to your classes! |
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I have a passion for photography, the creativity of video and I’m excited about the many ways learning technologies have evolved to enhance education. I have a background in television/video production, which has merged into my love of multimedia development. I’m computer and Internet “addicted” and can’t live without either (along with my microwave); they are great resources. Outside of work, time with family, friends and having fun are very important to me. |
