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Second-Year Faculty 2010-2011

Second-Year Faculty Resources

 “It is crucial for all individuals to have an understanding of the way the natural world works, and the ways in which society and nature interact. It is my responsibility to assist students to gain these understandings, as our students are our future decision-makers and leaders. Our society needs informed, knowledgeable, and discerning citizens.”

Martin Balinsky, Earth Science Assistant Professor,  received a B.S. degree in Geology from the College of William & Mary, and a M.S. degree in Geological Sciences from the University of South Carolina. He continued to FSU where he received M.S. degrees in both Science Education and Geography and a Doctorate in Science Education. Martin has served as a public school science teacher, has taught as an adjunct instructor at USC, FAMU and FSU, and has been a TCC adjunct instructor for the last 15 years. His interests include nature, sports, and traveling. In recent years Martin and his wife have traveled to such far flung locales as Vietnam, Iceland, and Ecuador.

“I picture my role in education as committed, goal oriented, enthusiastic, willing, involved, and understanding, empowering students to achieve their highest potential as lifelong learners.”

Suzanne Ferrell-Locke, College Preparatory Math Assistant Professor,  earned her B.S. degree in Pure Mathematics and Actuarial Science with minors in Physics and Business from FSU. Suzanne is currently working on her M.S. degree in Mathematics Education at FSU. Most recently, Suzanne has been teaching middle school mathematics at Cornerstone Learning Community in Tallahassee, FL. In her spare time Suzanne enjoys pursuing her passion for music and colorguard as the tour director of the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps and as the colorguard coach for the Leon High School Marching Redcoats Colorguard.

“Having good communication skills is invaluable. All too often I am approached by students who feel they are not ‘good’ writers. My goal is to help students realize their potential to write well and be confident in their writing abilities. This realization and confidence will empower them far beyond the English classroom.”

Ellenar Harper, College Preparatory English Assistant Professor,  earned an A.A. degree in Liberal Studies at FSU and a B.A. degree in Communication Studies and English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from FSU. While teaching English and Reading as an adjunct professor in TCC’s Division of Academic Support Programs, she worked at FSU in the Office of Research Human Subjects. When she’s not in the classroom empowering students or grading papers, Ellenar enjoys reading, traveling with friends, serving the community, and editing.

“What I love about teaching is having the opportunity to enrich the minds of students.  I am very enthusiastic about explaining to them the importance of math and its many applications.  I feel it is of utmost importance that students apply mathematics if they want to be successful.”

André Jamison, College Preparatory Math Assistant Professor,  earned his B.S. degree in Mathematical Sciences from FAMU in 2006.  His work experience includes teaching as an adjunct at Seminole Community College in Sanford and Valencia Community College in Orlando, teaching in the Upward Bound Program at Rollins College in Winter Park, and tutoring at the Sylvan Learning Center in Winter Park and Lake Mary.  His interests include sports, motorsports, engineering, and computer programming.

"One of my primary goals as a science instructor is to help students appreciate how important science is to their everyday lives.  I feel it is my responsibility not only to provide my students with opportunities to develop scientific knowledge but also help them learn to make those connections between science and social issues.”

Robert “Bob” Lutz, Oceanography/Earth Science Assistant Professor,  earned a B.S. degree in Marine Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a M.S. degree in Biological Oceanography from FSU where he studied zooplankton.  Most recently, he has been involved in environmental outreach education at the FSU Marine Laboratory and the professional development of local K-12 teachers with the Office of Science Teaching Activities at Florida State. He enjoys running, sports, and beekeeping.

“Why do I teach? Because it’s the surest way I know of to guarantee that I keep learning, which is my lifelong joy. For that gift I thank my students, past, present, and future.”

Sara Marchessault, College Success Assistant Professor,  received her B.S. in Early Childhood Education from FSU in 2000 and earned a M.S. degree in Instructional Systems in 2003. In addition to her teaching experience, she has worked for the Florida Department of Education and IBM. As an instructor, Sara is dedicated to inspiring young people to be excited about learning and enjoys studying the art and science of motivation. Sara is also an avid reader, loves to cook, and writes as much as she can.

"Learning is a life-long experience that depends on ability, motivation, and the presence of special individuals in our lives who share their interest, knowledge, enthusiasm and love for what they teach and a love for their students.  It is my wish to be one of these special individuals for my students."

Santiago Molina, Biology Assistant Professor,  earned his B.S. degree in Zoology from University of South Florida, a M.S. degree in Biological Sciences from FSU, and a Certificate in Religious Studies from LaRoche College.  Santiago has taught Biology, Anatomy & Physiology, AP Biology, and AP Environmental Sciences at Lincoln High School.  In addition, he has taught Anatomy & Physiology as an adjunct here at TCC.  Santiago is a Deacon at the Co-Cathedral of St. Thomas More and has coached soccer and tennis at Lincoln.  His favorite pastimes include traveling with his family, sports, reading and going to the movies.

“A particular teaching challenge I have always enjoyed is adapting to new groups of students each semester.  I believe that the ability to be flexible—open-minded and willing to make adjustments to a course if needed—is a necessary component of effective teaching.”

Eva Nielsen-Parks, Theater  Assistant Professor,  was born and raised in Copenhagen, Denmark, and first came to the United States to attend college at TCC, earning an A.A. degree.  Eva then went on to receive a B.A. degree and M.A. degree in Theatre Studies from FSU’s School of Theatre. Eva has taught at TCC as an adjunct instructor since 2005 and served as the Producer for the theatre program for the past two years. Additionally, she has been coaching for TCC’s Forensics Team since 1996. In her spare time, Eva enjoys traveling, learning new skills, and spending time with her family.

“As a teacher, I believe you are a facilitator. You give the skills and knowledge to students in order to help them reach their goal in life. I take pride watching these students take this knowledge and using it to make a difference in patients’ dental and overall health.”

Melissa Olson, Dental Hygiene Assistant Professor,  earned an A.S. degree in Dental Hygiene from TCC in 2006 and a B.S. degree in Management Information Systems from FSU in 2003. She became an adjunct professor in the dental hygiene department at TCC in 2007 and became the freshman dental hygiene clinic coordinator in 2009. While at TCC, Melissa contributed to the development of TalEval, a computerized grading system, and contributed to the dental hygiene program’s recent accreditation. Melissa has also been working in private practice as a dental hygienist since 2006. In her spare time, she likes traveling, playing tennis, and going to the beach.

“Mastery of mathematical concepts engenders a way of thinking that easily enhances other facets of a student’s academic achievements.  My goal is to help students appreciate the continuity and connectedness of Mathematics as well as its usefulness outside the classroom. I hope to help them make Mathematics become a way of thinking.”

Rochelle Ramirez, Mathematics Assistant Professor,  earned a B.S. degree in Mathematics in 2007 and a M.A. degree in Teaching Mathematics in 2009, both from the University of Florida.  She was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for two years and in the summer of 2009, she joined the faculty here at TCC as an adjunct instructor with the Science and Mathematics Department.  She is recently married and is looking forward to the start of a new chapter in her life, both professionally and personally.

"The humanities are rich, meaningful areas of study because they show us the many discoveries and achievements of humankind. When we grasp humankind's limitless capacity for creativity, discovery, wonderment, and accomplishment, it brings us closer to understanding our own limitless potential."  

Elise Ray, Humanities Assistant Professor,   earned an A.A. degree at TCC, a B.A. degree in Humanities from FSU, and a M.A. degree in Art History from Pennsylvania State University. While attending Florida State, Elise spent a semester studying art, literature, and history in Italy.  In 2006, she participated in the PSU Temple-Town Hierakonpolis Project, an archaeological and geological survey in Edfu, Egypt.  She has served as an adjunct faculty member at TCC since the fall of 2008. Elise grew up in theater and worked as a professional actress for several years. She loves to travel, ride horses, swim, and watch sports.

“My love for teaching is second only to my desire to promote the success of my students within the classroom and public forums. I strongly believe that having a solid foundation in both English grammar and composition betters individual circumstance. I consider myself blessed to be joining a department comprised of both superb teachers and good people.”

David Valladares, College Preparatory English Assistant Professor,  earned an A.A. degree in Pre-Law at Santa Fe Community College and a double B.A. degree in both English and History from the University of Florida in 2004. During his undergraduate studies, he had the opportunity to earn his honors thesis at St. Catherine’s College at Cambridge University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in History at FSU. David has served as a teacher’s assistant at FSU and as an adjunct faculty member at TCC. David is married with two sons. He enjoys reading classical literature and spending time with friends and family.

“Teaching is my passion. Seeing the joy in students’ faces as they grasp a concept is exciting. My objective as an educator is to assist students in achieving their goals and seeing the relevance between what they learn in the classroom and how that will translate into the work world.”

Anne Winston, Health Assistant  Professor,  earned her A.S. degree in Paramedic Technology and an A.A. degree from TCC as well as an A.A.S. degree in Nursing from the University of the State of New York. She has a B.A. degree in Psychology from Columbia Union College and earned a M.S. degree in Health Education from FSU in 2005. Anne has been working in the field of Emergency Medical Services for many years and has been the EMS Clinical/Lab Coordinator at TCC since the fall of 2000. She is looking forward to the challenges of establishing a new program in Health Informatics and is currently enrolled in a program which will lead to her becoming a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).