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�鶹��ý announced the recipients of its annual Torch, Golden Apple, Academic Excellence, and Sherpa Awards, recognizing faculty and staff whose performance and service exemplify �鶹��ý’s mission and values. The annual awards ceremony celebrates the exceptional contributions that elevate student success and campus culture across all �鶹��ý locations.

“Each of our honorees embodies the spirit of �鶹��ý. They possess an unwavering commitment to student success, a collaborative nature, and a relentless drive for excellence,” said Kevin Prehn, President of �鶹��ý. “I extend my warmest congratulations to the honorees, along with my gratitude for all our faculty and staff who provide exceptional support to our students and their colleagues every day.”

Torch Award Honorees

The highest honor at �鶹��ý, the Torch Award, goes to one faculty or staff member at each location who consistently demonstrates behavior that supports �鶹��ý’s values and creates positive contributions and results.

“Our Torch awardees represent the very best of our �鶹��ý community. This top recognition is given just once, because as our saying goes ‘Once a Torch, always a Torch,’ as they join the Wall of Fame at their respective locations,” said Prehn.

The following is a list of honorees, organized by state:

Daniel Le, Online Success Coach — Garden Grove 

Nominators described Daniel as a tireless supporter of students, who goes above and beyond to provide individualized coaching and reassurance. His “How can I help?” mentality, combined with thoughtful communication and collaboration, makes him an indispensable resource for students and across departments.

Cynthia Arevalo Stein, Director of Financial Aid — North Hollywood

Cynthia is praised by campus leadership as a values‑driven leader with strong integrity, an inclusive leadership style, and a student-centered approach. Her active listening, commitment to customer service, collaborative spirit, and courage in the pursuit of excellence, has forged strong relationships and cultivated a culture of respect and drive.

Enid Jimenez, Associate Academic Dean — San Bernardino 

Enid was nominated for her courage in leadership, advocacy for students and her team, and unwavering commitment to excellence. A collaborative leader and active listener who’s inclusive and open-minded, Enid fosters a positive work environment where people feel heard, supported and valued. She strengthens relationships across campus and promotes a culture of mutual respect and shared responsibility. 

Bralie Pinkston‑Brown, Admissions Representative — San Diego

Bralie’s nominators highlight her influential role in student engagement, campus culture, and support for military learners. A collaborative, proactive colleague, Bralie goes the extra mile to support students, explain processes, and prep them for financial aid during enrollment. Her kindness and helpfulness are frequently mentioned in student reviews.

Kerry Raibley, Senior Graduate Employment Specialist — Aurora

Kerry has contributed 17 years of exceptional service, built strong employer relationships and achieved consistently high student placement rates. Her commitment to supporting students’ needs is unparalleled. Kerry annually organizes Thanksgiving baskets for students, and the Christmas toy drive for their children. Her dedication to students, mentorship of new staff, and extensive community support make her a standout leader.

Andrew Staley, Assistant Director of Admissions — Fort Myers

Andrew started his �鶹��ý career at Jacksonville. When the new Fort Myers campus launched, his focused efforts resulted in enrolling half of the first cohort of dental hygiene students. A well-respected leader, Andrew’s relationship‑building and commitment to �鶹��ý’s values have made a positive impact on new staff, strengthening campus culture and enrollment efforts. 

Kathy McAvoy, Administrative Operations Coordinator — Jacksonville

Kathy exemplifies �鶹��ý values through her exceptional performance, professionalism, and dedication. She is recognized for consistently delivering high-quality work, approaching tasks with a solution-oriented mindset, supporting colleagues, and leading by example through a strong work ethic and respectful attitude. 

Lauren Prieto, Academic Technology Media Coordinator — Miramar

Lauren is described as a patient, approachable troubleshooter who consistently goes above and beyond to help her colleagues and resolve technical challenges. Lauren’s nominator calls her the “most valuable player” for her positivity, teamwork, and ability to find smart, creative solutions.

Antoinette Reyna, Re‑Entry Advisor — Orlando

Antoinette is recognized for her extraordinary impact on students and campus culture. Through meaningful relationship building and her exceptional student support, Antoinette has significantly strengthened retention. She actively nurtures the leadership growth and professional development of Lamplighters (student ambassadors), and serves as the Military Liaison, providing support and advocacy for military students.

Charmaine Idlett, Program Director, Dental Hygiene — Tampa

Charmaine exemplifies �鶹��ý’s values by leading with integrity, a collaborative spirit, and exceptional respect for her students and colleagues. She is recognized for her selfless dedication, genuine care for others, and for cultivating a supportive, inclusive work and learning environment. Charmaine’s commitment to student success extends across campus, and she is known for stepping in to support other programs when needed. 

Allison Hollis, Director of Admissions — Southaven

Allison is recognized for leading with integrity, transparency, and accountability. She fosters an inclusive, supportive and participatory team culture through listening, investing in the development of others, and valuing different perspectives. Her student‑first approach and collaborative leadership ensure that students are provided with outstanding customer service.

Alex Vaca, Director of Admissions — Kansas City

Alex is a mission-centered coach, mentor, and role model who fosters an environment where people feel supported, valued, and encouraged to grow. He is recognized for giving “110%” every day to colleagues, students and future graduates. Alex sets the tone for a campus culture grounded in collaboration, care, and excellence. 

Justin Sharp, Senior Admissions Representative — Kansas City Online

Campus leaders recognize Justin for his integrity, dedication, professionalism, and courage in decision-making. They note an “enthusiasm that is contagious,” and a well-timed sense of humor.  He brings clarity to complex situations, motivates teams, and consistently improves processes. Justin exemplifies customer service, making him a highly trusted resource for both students and colleagues. 

Leslie Komp, Senior Administrative Operations Coordinator — Portland

With more than 25 years of service, Leslie is regarded as the operational backbone of her campus. From ordering books, uniforms, and marketing materials to her critical support in compliance reporting, Leslie brings extraordinary versatility and professionalism to every task. Her collaborative approach, attention to detail, and proactive mindset have a meaningful impact daily on campus operations.

Steve Jackson, Academic Tech Media Coordinator / Maintenance Tech — Memphis 

Steve’s nominators praised his versatility, problem‑solving ability, and positive demeanor. He never turns down a challenge and consistently finds cost‑effective solutions to complete projects. Steve brings an uplifting, service‑oriented approach to every interaction with students.

Ericka Jackson, Re‑Entry Advisor — Dallas 

Ericka demonstrates exceptional follow‑through, adaptability and collaboration. She is recognized for forging positive relationships with program leaders and her ability to gather critical insights that help returning students succeed. This resulted in Erika surpassing her goal for re-entry students by 18%. The meaningful time she devotes to students strengthens both retention and student confidence.

Shonda Poindexter, Admissions Coordinator — Grand Prairie

Shonda is known for arriving early, staying late, and stepping in wherever needed—from the front desk to campus events. Her love for working at �鶹��ý is expressed daily through her actions, her willingness to tackle any task, and her commitment to both students and colleagues.

Cynthia Florez, Assistant Director of Admissions — San Antonio

Cynthia is recognized as a strong advocate for students and a consistent driver of process improvements. She led key national initiatives that elevated the admissions experience across campuses, including the development of national training resources, customizable videos and improved orientation sessions. At the local level, Cynthia also forged closer ties with area industry partnerships. 

Jubee Jubay, Director of Admissions Support — Customer Support Center (CSC)

Jubee’s nearly eight years at �鶹��ý reflect a track record of impressive results-driven leadership. Her success at the campus level with San Bernardino and Grand Prairie led to a leadership role at CSC, where she rebuilt the remote Admissions Support Team from the ground up and fostered a team culture rooted in support, respect and accountability. Through the strategic introduction and innovative use of technology, she helped enhance her team’s capacity, which re-engaged prospective students nationwide. 

Academic Award of Excellence Honorees

The Academic Award of Excellence recognizes an instructor and program director who demonstrates outstanding teaching, industry engagement, and support for students and colleagues. Honorees are selected among the Golden Apple Award recipients by the Functional Leadership Team (FLT), who considers factors such as educational excellence, professional development, and mentorship. 

Alissa Beckerle, Program Director, Dental Hygiene – Kansas City

Through her program leadership, Alissa has long exemplified educational excellence. She has guided the Kansas City Dental Hygiene program to strong and reliable student outcomes since 2010.  Widely recognized as a supportive colleague and a go-to resource on Commission of Dental Accreditation (CODA) standards, Alissa has built a strong instructor team whose collective work has prepared countless skilled dental hygienists who are making a meaningful impact in patient care.

Jessica Bynoe, Cardiovascular Sonography Instructor – Tampa

Jessica Bynoe is being recognized for her exceptional dedication, instructional excellence, and the profound impact she has on student success. Her ability to make complex concepts clear while fostering a supportive, motivating classroom environment has earned Jessica deep respect and gratitude from her students. Her passion for teaching and genuine care for those she serves truly embody the spirit of this award.

Golden Apple Award Honorees

The Golden Apple Award honors Program Directors and instructors who demonstrate exceptional commitment to academic quality, student engagement, and educational leadership across their programs.

California

• Cindy Card, Program Director, Dental Assistant, Garden Grove
• Kevin Lorton, Physical Therapy Assistant Instructor, Garden Grove 
• Jill Massey, Program Director, Dental Assistant, North Hollywood
• Delicia Mosley, Nursing Instructor (LVPN), North Hollywood
• Tamera Brotherns, Program Director, Medical Assistant, San Bernardino 
• Tiffany Gutierrez, Dental Assistant Extern Coordinator, San Bernardino
• Alexus White, Program Director, Surgical Technology, San Diego 
• Heidi Kingdon, Dental Hygiene Instructor, San Diego

Colorado

• Amanda Moeller, Program Director, Surgical Technology, Aurora
• Alynsia Howard, Surgical Technology Instructor, Aurora

Florida

• Kimberly Buckaloo, Program Director, Respiratory Therapy, Jacksonville 
• Shannon Casebeer, Nursing Instructor (LVPN), Jacksonville
• Merlyn Diaz, Program Director, Respiratory Therapy, Miramar
• John Balauat, Respiratory Therapy Instructor, Miramar
• Luis Ortiz, Program Director, Surgical Technology, Orlando
• Nicole Willis‑Linder, Surgical Technology Instructor, Orlando
• Gillian Picard, Program Director, Surgical Technology, Tampa 
• Jessica Bynoe, Cardiovascular Sonography Instructor, Tampa

Mississippi

• Veronica Davis, Program Director, Dental Assistant, Southaven 
• Kasha White, Medical Office Instructor, Southaven

Missouri

• Alissa Beckerle, Program Director, Dental Hygiene, Kansas City 
• Daniel Samples Thieman, Diagnostic Medical Sonography Instructor, Kansas City
• Lisa Anthony, Medical Office Instructor, Kansas City Online

Oregon

• Alyssa Teeter, Program Director, Polysomnography/Neurodiagnostic Technology, Portland
• Nikki Becker, Medical Assistant Instructor, Portland

Tennessee

• Alisa Ray, Program Director, Dental Assistant, Memphis 
• Valerie Elledge, Surgical Technology Instructor, Memphis

Texas

• Ashley Morris, Program Director, Physical Therapist Assistant, Dallas
• Stephanie Schmeeckle, Dental Hygiene Instructor, Dallas
• Dwayne Anderson, Program Director, Surgical Technology, Grand Prairie 
• Alan Canas, Medical Assistant Instructor, Grand Prairie 
• Kelly Balch, Program Director, Dental Assistant, San Antonio
• Sahar Hussain, Dental Assistant Instructor, San Antonio 

Sherpa Award

Academic Affairs Team
Recognized for exceptional, behind‑the‑scenes leadership supporting curriculum, faculty development, and academic operations across the �鶹��ý network.