Career Pathways Coaching

Fabiola Cruz Aguilar, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-578-6669
Email: cruzaguilarf@lanecc.edu
Location: Building 4, Room 264E
Book an Appointment with Faby
“As an immigrant and as a first generation college student, I understand the challenges that students face when pursuing higher education. 10 years ago, going to college seemed to be impossible. I used to believe that there were no opportunities available to students like me who is an immigrant, a nontraditional student, and back then a monolingual Spanish speaker. Later, I found that there are resources and help available for all students and that dreams can become true. My goal is to support students during their academic journey, help them to overcome their obstacles and achieve their employment and training goals.”

Jennifer DeRoss, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-622-1706
Email: derossj@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 264D
Book an Appointment with Jennifer
"I spent my early years in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school. Having now earned an MA in English from the University of Oregon, I am passionate about helping others rise through education too. I am also a single mother of two boys and an author who engages in discussions on comics history and fandom as well as multi-platform storytelling."

Monica Garcia Salgado, Career Pathways Coach
Phone: 541-310-1418
Email: garciasalgadom@lanecc.edu
Location: Building 4, Room 264C

“As a Lane alum, I want to be able to give back to the place where my higher educational journey began, by helping others grow and succeed. I want to pay forward the encouragement, inspiration, and support that I have received as a student and pass that along to others. Everyone deserves to have someone who believes in them. It is a privilege for me to serve as a Career Pathways coach in a community that is also my hometown.”

Marcia Koenig, Lead Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Office Phone: 541-463-5818
Coaching Phone: 541-321-6498
Email: koenigm@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 215
Book an Appointment with Marcia
"With over 20 years of work to advance the opportunities and rights of immigrants, I landed at LCC’s Career Pathways in 2016 because I see education as a force for change - toward economic and social justice. I work here because I want to increase access to education and employment opportunities for immigrants, newcomers, and others with vibrant dreams. I'm here to help connect you to resources, to help define your journey, to not let anything that gets in the way stop you, and to cheer you on as you move forward. A win for you is a win for our community!"

Arleh Lara, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-780-7056
Location: Building 4, Room 264B
Email: laraa@lanecc.edu
Book an Appointment with Arleh
"Hi, my name is Arleh Lara, and I look forward to meeting you!

"My advocacy for equity, economic, and social justice through accessible and quality education led me to LCC. Having more than 22 years of experience doing benefits eligibility determination, case development, and case management for both the federal and state government, helped me gain the knowledge, skills, and understanding, through a trauma-informed approach, the needs of highly diverse population across the globe and how education plays a critical role in ensuring equitable access to resources.

"As your coach, I also bring my lived experience with an understanding of the various challenges an individual may encounter in life. I am excited to work together with you in navigating your academic journey and program completion, and to encourage you to pursue your hopes and aspirations. Rest assured that we are together in this journey of yours and that the Career Pathways Team is here to support you!"

Tonya Mildon, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Office Phone: 541-463-5057
Coaching Phone: 541-300-7486
Email: mildont@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 264A
Book an Appointment with Tonya
"As a first-generation college student, I am familiar with the struggles and confusion so many students experience when navigating the complex waters of higher education. And as an educator with over 20 years’ experience working at colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, I am passionate about helping students explore their interests, meet their career and educational goals, and gain the tools they need for both short-term and long-term success, and to be lifelong learners."

Mayme Stearns, Career Pathways Coach
Phone: 541-310-3344
Email: stearnsm@lanecc.edu
Location: Building 4, Room 264C
Book an Appointment with Mayme
“As a Lane graduate, I am here to help you with my own experience and lived knowledge. As a survivor, I will advocate for your education needs and help you be courageous for your achievements. I understand and know what it takes to be successful at Lane Community College because I earned my GED here and then went on to complete my Associates Degree. Coming from the Human Services field, I care about your success as a person and know the resources here at Lane that will guide you in meeting your goals, along with whatever barrier you hit along the way. Having over 20 years in human relations, I can relate to a multitude of people from differing backgrounds. As a Coach, I truly want to see everyone on their educational journey succeed. I will be there every step of the way supporting and cheering you on. My reward is being there in the end when your goals are being reached, and your dreams are being achieved. My foundation is built on support, giving respect and being light in the darkness to all. I look forward to your journey and our relationship here at Lane Community College.”

Rebecca Ramos, Benefits Navigator
Phone: 541-300-6307
Email: ramosr@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 214
"As a first generation working class student, I was very lost when I began my post secondary education journey but thanks to TRIO/SSS programs I was able to receive intentional individualized support that set me up for success. Thus, I'm a huge advocate for holistic services as students navigate not only the complexities of higher education but their own lives. I also truly believe that affordable education is pivotal in addressing economic mobility for historically marginalized communities."

Michael Walker, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Office Phone: 541-463-4702
Coaching Phone: 541-321-6244
Email: walkerml@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 223
Book an Appointment with Michael
"My name is Michael Walker, and I am a Human Service graduate here at Lane. My goal is to work with people who want to transition from one place in their life to another. This could be somebody coming out of high school to someone else learning how to retire. College is a wonderful environment created by those who want to grow."

Karen Zepeda, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-393-2630
Email: zepedak@lanecc.edu
Location: Building 4, Room 219
Book an appointment with Karen
“I am the Career Pathways Coach to support immigrants in rural areas of Lane County. As an older first-generation college student, I know that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Being an immigrant and English learner myself, and knowing firsthand the struggle that one faces when arriving in a new country, I am driven to help students navigate their own journey into success. Affordable education should be attainable to everyone, and I am excited to help our students on this journey.”