Cassie Kline
Field of Interest (FOI): Health Sciences (Nursing)
How to Contact Me: cassie.kline@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: In Spring of 2021 I earned my Associates of Arts degree. In late June I applied for the Nursing program at Estrella. I plan on doing the Nursing program at Estrella along with the Concurrent Enrollment Program (CEP).
Expected Graduation: Spring 2021
Next Steps: I plan on getting a spot in the Nursing program at Estrella while I do the CEP program with Ottawa University. Also, work part time during that time. After all that, I want to start working as a registered nurse.
Career Goal: I want to become an experienced nurse to discover what more I want to do/be as a nurse. As I continue my schooling and career, I will learn more about who I am as a nurse.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL: I struggled my first year of college and some life things made it a bit more difficult. I did not have a mentor to help guide me through steps I should take for health sciences. I do not want you to feel lost and not have someone to help you along your journey. I have a passion to help others and will try the best I can to help you.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I was born in Arizona and lived here for most of my life. When I was about preschool age my family and I lived in Iowa for 2 years because my dad is from Iowa. I have a beagle named Paris Snoopy and I love her so much. I love to listen to music while I clean, cook, or do any art crafts.
Natasha Holcomb
Field of Interest (FOI): STEM (Microbiology and Genetics)
How to Contact Me: natasha.holcomb@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: Associate of Science emphasis in Biological Science.
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023
Next Steps: I plan on transferring to NAU to finish my bachelors in Microbiology and a minor in Chemistry.
Career Goal: I want to get a PHD in genetics and figure out what causes genetic mutations and how to stop those mutations.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL: I want to be a PALS employee because I want to learn more about what Estrella Mountain community college has to offer. I want to be able to help as many students as I can because when I moved to Arizona I did not know anything about the community college system here and I was so confused about what I had to do to register for my classes.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I am from Illinois and I moved to Arizona July of 2021. I was born in South Africa and I moved to Illinois when I was 7 years old. I really enjoy thriller movies/tv shows and my favorite book is Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris.
Taylor Gilbert
Field of Interest (FOI): STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
How to Contact Me: taylor.gilbert@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: Associates in Science, Emphasis in Engineering
Expected Graduation: Spring 2023
Next Steps: After getting an associates in science here at EMCC, I plan to continue my education at Arizona State University to get my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Career Goal: I want to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, where I can help design and create new projects/ideas to better our future.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL: I wanted to become a PAL to try to get more connected to other students and to play a part in helping Estrella Mountain. I struggled quite a bit to get used to my classes along with trying to figure out how to study while balancing my outside life. I know how hard it is to adjust to college, and I want to help other students have an easier time than I did.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I was born and raised here in Arizona. I have traveled to Canada, Mexico, and about twelve different states in the US. Some of my hobbies are longboarding, art, trying a lot of new things (especially food), and spending a lot of time with family and friends. I also enjoy sports, as I have been in competitive swimming and soccer for a large portion of my life, but I also enjoy watching volleyball and snowboarding.
Thomas Mitchell
Field of Interest (FOI): STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and Applied Technology
How to Contact Me: thomas.mitchell@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: Associates in Science with a major in Physics (emphasis in Astrophysics), 2NAU Program @ Estrella Mountain Community College
Expected Graduation: Spring 2022
Next Steps: After I graduate from EMCC’s 2NAU program, I will continue to get my BS (with a major in Astrophysics) at NAU. I want to also participate in internships over the summer in order to get some hands-on experience in my field of choice. After I graduate with my BS in Astrophysics, I plan to get my PhD in Astrophysics as well.
Career Goal: Now, my plan is to work either for government entities such as NASA, or private sectors like Space X or Blue Origin. If things change, I may try to go into research in order to make new discoveries in my field of Astrophysics. Either way, if my work has a net positive gain for humanity, I will be happy.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL: I wanted to be a PAL, because I remember coming into college with no clue to how things work. I was lost and ill-informed. I did not know where to go or what to do when I found out. To have a person to guide me and mentor me through that process, would have been a life saver. I never want any of my peers to feel like that. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I knew that I could make a difference. I just enjoy working with others as well, I am excited!
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I was born here in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1997. I was born in South Phoenix but was moved to West Phoenix in 2000 by two of the most amazing, adopted parents in the world. I have a HUGE family. I have 16 siblings, not including me. I love them all, and I always have an amazing time with them. I have one dog that I love, her name is Sassy. She is 10 years old and still a firecracker! I also love music. I play the piano, bass, organ, and drums. I often make music during my free time. I love movies as well, my favorite is “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”. Not saying it is the best movie, just that it is my favorite. As you can assume, I am a math and science lover. Some people call me a mad-man, others call me inspirational; I am just a guy who loves space and how it works. One final thing, I love to meet new people. This is a huge part of my personality, so I hope you are as excited as I am!
Victoria Smith
Field of Interest (FOI): Health Sciences (Nursing)
How to Contact Me: victoria.smith@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: I currently have my Associate of Arts degree and was recently accepted into the CEP program at EMCC partnered with NAU.
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Next Steps: My next steps include working through the CEP program to eventually go on to earn my BSN with NAU and my RN with EMCC.
Career Goal: After completing my degree, I will gain field experience to become a traveling nurse and work in emergency services. I aspire to someday continue my schooling to work within my interest of mental and behavioral health by becoming a Psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL: Starting college is a scary, yet exciting experience. I understand all the feelings of uncertainty that come along with undergoing something new. As someone who personally struggled to put myself out there socially and academically, I want to use my knowledge as a first-generation college student navigating academic challenges to help support students through whatever difficulties they may face. Previously being a part of other programs like PALS I understand the positive impact they have on students' lives. I hope to create and contribute to positive changes that accept and uplift all people.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I was born and raised here in Arizona. In my free time, I enjoy reading books, listening to music, and relaxing. I am always open to a good book recommendation! I have a cat named Blossom and a Betta fish named Hiccup. I genuinely enjoy helping people and problem-solving. So please reach out with any questions you may have. No question is too small, and I look forward to meeting with you soon!
TaylorAnne Garza
Field of Interest (FOI): Computer Information Technology
How to Contact Me: tayloranne.garza@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: I am slowly working towards completing my Applied Science Degree in Graphic Design & Web Development.
Expected Graduation: 2023
Next Steps: I plan on finding a career path within my FOI, possibly in a position on campus.
Career Goal: I want to be able to apply my degree towards public speaking and seminars focused on Disability Accessibility and Awareness in all aspects of life, pushing businesses to do better online and in-store.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL: I have struggled with completing my degree due to being set back by my disability, and having a mentor that understood my situation would have been extremely helpful in my success. I want to be the resource that I never had for new and returning students, especially for students struggling with mental and physical disabilities. Helping students build a sustainable school/work/life balance via EMCC’s vast resources is one of my key goals.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on the military base where my Dad worked. We eventually moved to Arizona so my mom could be closer to family after my Dad got a well paying civilian job. I have a younger brother, a sister, and I use a Service Dog who enables me to be able to go to school and work by helping me avoid medical episodes. Her name is Paisley and you will see her around campus with me.
Matthew Vail
Field of Interest (FOI): Business Administration
How to Contact Me: Matthew.Vail@estrellamountain.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: ABUS-G
Expected Graduation: AA-2023 BA-2025
Next Steps: Transferring to W.P Carey School of Business and Barrett Honors College at Arizona State University in 2023 to pursue a BA in Business Administration then to graduate school to complete an MBA with an emphasis in Marketing.
Career Goal: I plan to eventually work at the highest level of leadership for a large entertainment corporation such as Disney or Universal. My second choice would be to work as President or Vice President in project management, consulting or business development and strategy for a Fortune 100 company, companies such as Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, or BlackRock. I would also like to continue volunteering with people who are less fortunate and help others get on their feet.
I would also like to continue volunteering with people who are less fortunate and help others get on their feet.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL:
I wanted to be a PAL because I am an adult learner. I feel I can bring a unique perspective to helping students who are transitioning back to school after some time away. I also hold a student leadership position as the Chapter President of the Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society. I have a passion for helping and coaching other students to get the most out of themselves and their college experience.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I have been out of high school for 12 years, but I have been on and off when taking college classes throughout that time. If I can give any advice to students struggling, it’s don’t give up on yourself, you can do it and I will help you. I restarted in 2021 to finally finish my degree. I’ve joined the honors program, I volunteer with the local homeless population, and I speak with people suffering through active addiction. I have had a lot of good life and academic experiences that I feel can be beneficial to other students as they either make the transition from high school or other walks of life and want to finish and do the job that they love. I am here to learn, and I am here to help. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with anything you’re unsure of or feeling uneasy about!
Amari Chavez
Field of Interest (FOI): Behavioral Science & Human Resources
How to Contact Me: ama2188035@maricopa.edu
Major/Degree Pathway: I am getting my associates in arts emphasis in religion and will be transferring to Arizona Christian University to become a biblical counselor.
Expected Graduation: Spring 2024
Next Steps: I plan on getting accepted to Arizona Christian University and becoming a biblical counselor. I want to get a job at a christian school or at a biblical counselor office.
Career Goal: I want to counsel 6th grade through high school students. I believe that those are the most challenging years.
Why I Wanted to be a PAL:
I love helping people in any way I can. I thought this would be a great opportunity to use what I have learned at Estrella and support students' academics. I was so scared my first semester of college, I want the students to know that they aren't alone and they have people cheering them on through their academic journey.
What I'd Like You to Know About Me: I was born and raised in Phoenix Arizona. I love hanging out with my family and friends. I love taking pictures on my old film camera. I enjoy listening to music and doing bible studies with my friends from my church. I also started a Christian Club at Estrella. The meetings are every Wednesday @4pm-5pm. It is located at Montezuma Hall conference room 210a. I love helping people, so don't ever hesitate to come by and ask for help. I can't wait to meet all of you.