STAFF

Michelle Y. Thomas, M.Ed.
Director of KEYS Program

Dept.: KEYS Program
Office: 3C Building
Phone: (928) 344-7763
E-Mail: michelle.thomas@azwestern.edu

Degrees:
B.A. General Studies, Northern Arizona University
M.A. Education Counseling Emphasis in Human Relations, Northern Arizona University Yuma

About Myself:
I am a native of Arizona. Raised and graduated from high school in Parker, Arizona. I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson right out of high school, but had a hard time adapting to the large university environment. I moved to Yuma in 1991 and started attending AWC with aspirations to become a nurse. Fortunately for me the nursing program had a long waiting list, making it impossible for me to begin the program that year, so I decided to visit an advisor at NAU-Yuma to see what they had to offer. Before I knew it I was enrolled as a NAU-Yuma student and working on completing my Bachelor's degree. 

While completing my undergraduate coursework at NAU-Yuma, I became active in student government and was elected student body president for the 1993-1994 academic year. After completing my bachelor's degree in General Studies, I continued on at NAU-Yuma to obtain my Master's degree and begin working full-time for Arizona Western College's Job Training Program - where I worked for the next five years in a variety of capacities.  In 1999 I moved to Lemoore, California and started working at California State University, Fresno as a Learning Assistance Specialist. In 2002 I returned to Yuma and AWC's Job Training Program as the Adult Basic Education Coordinator, where I worked until being hired as the Program Director for the AWC Student Support Services Program in January 2007.

Hobbies and Other Interests:
Reading, traveling and community service

Professional Organizations:
WESTOP, NAACP

Eva Aviles, M. Ed.
Transfer Coordinator

Dept.: KEYS Program
Office: 3C Building
Phone: (928) 344-7764
E-Mail: eva.aviles@azwestern.edu

Degree(s):
B.S. Business Management, University of Phoenix  M.Ed. Human Relations, Northern Arizona University

About Myself:
SSS Alumni

Hobbies and Other Interests:
Karate, traveling, shopping, exploring new cuisines

Professional Organizations:
AZ Chapter of WESTOP

The Importance of Education in your life:
Education is something that was instilled in me at a very young age. My parents always stressed the importance of going to college and obtaining a degree. However, being a first-generation college, my parents had no idea as to how I was going to get to college. I was very fortunate to obtain guidance and support from many wonderful teachers and high school counselors. It was with their support that I made it to Arizona Western College where I found TRiO!

Why do TRiO Programs matter?
An A.A., B.S., and M.Ed. later, I can say that TRiO definately impacted me in a positive way. I am fortunate to be able to work for TRiO and be able to pay forward all of the help that I received as a student.

"If I knew back then, what I know now..." What advice do you have for current students?
Apply for as many scholarships as possible!! It's FREE money!

 

Kiko Salas, M.Ed.                                               Program Coordinator

Dept.: KEYS Program
Office: 3C Building
Phone: (928) 344-7762
E-Mail: francis.salas@azwestern.edu

Degrees:
B.A. General Studies, Northern Arizona University M.Ed. Education Counseling Emphasis in Human Relations, Northern Arizona University Yuma

About Myself
I hope to make it my life-long career to help students reach their fullest potential in higher education, as many have helped me.  The KEYS Program allows me the opportunity to pay the same favor forward: making a difference in peoples lives -one student at a time.

Hobbies and Other Interests:
I love watching movies, playing board games, going on outings and participating in sports with my family.

Professional Organizations:
AZ Chapter of WESTOP

Importance of education in your life:

• To look back at the end of my life, take a deep breath, exhale, smile, and say, "Wow, I actually did that."

• To be the example and proof to my children as well as to students I serve that a college education is possible, as long as you're willing to put in the blood, sweat and tears for it.

• Because it's cool to learn!

   

Why do TRiO Programs matter?
The support and services TRiO programs offer make it possible for students, who may not necessarily feel that they have a fighting chance, to earn a decent college education. No matter who they are, where they come from and what they've been through, they can succeed!

"If I knew back then, what I know now..." What advice do you have for current students?

• Remain engaged in your campus and your learning. Participate. You may never know what opportunities are available if you don't look.

• Maintain constant communication with your professors, advisors and other college resources from Day 1 because we're here for you!

• Keep an open mind... closed minds don't get fed!

Laura Shepherd, M.A.
Program Secretary

Degrees:
B.A. Linguistics Emphasis in Cognition & Language        Minor in Education Studies, UC San Diego             M.A. Higher Education Leadership Emphasis in Student Affairs, University of San Diego

About Myself
I was born and raised in southern California (San Diego). In 2002, I gradauted from high school and began attending school at the University of California, San Diego. At the time, I really wanted to stay close to home and family. I loved my undergraduate experience. I was extremely involved in student activities and held many leadership positions and internships. My most significant experience was as an Intern in the Dean of Student Affairs office. I had a variety of responsibilities during my three-year stint. Some of my experiences included coordinating workshops focused on social justice, leadership development and diversity. I also worked with all six Assistant Deans to coordinate campus-wide orientation programs. My experiences significantly impacted my desire to work in the college environment where everything is possible and no two days are ever the same.

Becoming a member of the KEYS Program staff has had a tremendous impact on me. I always knew that I wanted to work with students who are underrepresented in Higher Education. I wanted to work with First Generation, Low Income and Students with Disabilities because there is a real need for support. This experience has been incredible and has only strenghtened my desire to work in this area of Higher Education.

Hobbies and Other Interests:
Travel, Thai food (specifically), Cooking/Baking, and Scrapbooking

Professional Organizations:
Current Secretary of the AZ Chapter of WESTOP (Western Assn of Educational Opportunity Personnel) NASPA (National Association of Student Personnel Administrators)

The Importance of Education in your life:
As far back as I can remember, I always knew I was going to college. I didn't know that I was going to get my Masters of Arts though! Education is so important in today's economy. Not only has President Obama supported higher education in the U.S., but he has mandated that the U.S. will again rank among of the top most educated countries! In order to be a competitive candidate in today's job economy, you must have a quality education that includes both academic and extracurricular experiences. I have learned so much IN and OUT of the classroom - take advantage of every opportunity!

Why do TRiO Programs matter?
TRiO matters because it works! So many individuals, cultures, and communities are NOT represented in the college environment. Why is that the case?? Are they not smart enough? NO! Do they deserve a quality education? YES! That's what TRiO's all about. We educate. We support. We provide guidance. We CARE about our STUDENTS.

"If I knew back then, what I know now..." What advice do you have for current students?
A lot of students either forget, don't realize, don't understand the process, or sometime they're just lazy...about SCHOLARSHIPS! I received over $6,000 in scholarships that I applied for during my undergraduate experience. I was so blessed to not have to take out as many loans because of it! Check out the KEYS Program scholarship boards and any other sources you can find. Trust me, it's worth it.