Committee

Angela Baker
Manager, Adjunct Services, Western Campus
Angela Baker serves as the manager of Adjunct Services at the Western Campus. She has more than 20 years of experience in employee management and human resources, working in the profit and nonprofit sectors. She started her career at Tri-C as a human resources coordinator in 2014. Baker holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and Services from Franklin University.

Radiah Blanton
Chief of Staff and Executive Assistant to the President, District
Radiah Blanton joined Tri-C in 2012 and has served in various roles throughout the College, from External and Government Relations to her current position as chief of staff in the Office of the President. In this role, Blanton works with the College president and Executive Leadership team to lead institutional strategies and the execution of key initiatives that align with the goals and mission of the College. Blanton most recently served as the executive director of Strategic Initiatives, where she collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to lead the implementation of College projects. She provided administrative leadership as the associate dean of Liberal Arts and encouraged academic innovation. Blanton was also the director of Tri-C’s Brunswick University Center (BUC), where she worked to find synergies between the local labor market and BUC programming and direct initiatives that serve students and the community.

Ashley Boyd
Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Cleveland Public Library
Ashley Boyd serves as the director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at the Cleveland Public Library. Boyd oversees six employee resource groups and ensures DEI practices and programs are incorporated throughout the Cleveland Public Library system. Before her appointment to this role, Boyd spent 18 years with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. In her last two years with the organization, she served as the DEI administrator, responsible for optimizing organizational culture and aligning the organization’s DEI goals with its strategic plan. Boyd earned a Master of Public Administration at Cleveland State University, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Kent State University and a professional certification in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.

Krista Cicogna
Student Advisor, Women in Transition (WIT), Westshore Campus
Krista serves as the student advisor at the Westshore Campus for the Women in Transition (WIT) program, which empowers women to move their lives forward as they build personalized academic and professional development plans. Before joining WIT, she worked in TRIO’s Educational Talent Search program at the Metropolitan Campus. Cicogna also spent 20 years as a high school English teacher and holds a Master of Science in Education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences from West Liberty University. She also volunteers as a mentor with College Now Greater Cleveland.

Nanci Coleman
Collegewide Director of Employer Outreach, Career Services, Western Campus
Nanci Coleman is the Collegewide director of Employer Outreach in Career Services at the Western Campus. She has more than 25 years of experience with a variety of public, private and nonprofit organizations. Coleman has expertise in career development and job placement and a deep knowledge of local growth industries and hiring practices. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University and a Bachelor of Arts from George Washington University.

Gabe Crenshaw
Campus Director, Student Financial Aid and Scholarships, Westshore Campus
Gabe Crenshaw is the campus director of Financial Aid and Scholarships at the Westshore Campus. During her time at Tri-C, she has held student-facing and non-facing roles on the team. Crenshaw’s 20-year career spans K-12 education, higher education and workforce development. She previously served as a nonprofit program manager, designing and implementing career pathway programs that offered youth high-engagement opportunities with organizations in high-demand industries. As a former high school college counselor, she provided guidance to first-generation students and their families through the college application process. Crenshaw earned a Master of Science in higher education administration from the University of Akron and a Bachelor of Science in Management with a concentration in finance from Case Western Reserve University. She currently serves as an elected member of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District School Board. 

Karen Cross-Hatten
Manager, Adjunct Services, Metropolitan Campus
Karen Cross-Hatten is the manager of Adjunct Services at the Metropolitan Campus. With over a decade of experience at Tri-C, Cross-Hatten has dedicated her career to supporting adjunct faculty and fostering a positive learning environment. As an education specialist in the Aspire program and an adjunct faculty member in the Business department, she brings a blend of academic and administrative expertise to her role. Cross-Hatten holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Education from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Development from Notre Dame College of Ohio.

Michael Culp
Administrator, Alumni Relations Outreach, District
Michael Culp has cultivated meaningful, lifelong connections between Tri-C and its alumni for the past seven years. He fosters Tri-C pride by connecting alumni with the College and one another, as well as with faculty and current students. Culp is a U.S. Air Force veteran who graduated from Tri-C with an Associate of Applied Science in Human Services and an Associate of Arts. He served as the Board Student Scholar for the 2015-2016 academic year and later transferred to the University of Akron, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work.

Sonja Elekhtabyy
Manager, Adjunct Services, Eastern Campus
Sonja Elekhtaby serves as the manager of Adjunct Services at the Eastern Campus. With a diverse background spanning finance, human resources, performing arts, and the retail automotive industry, Elekhtaby brings a wealth of experience to her role. A graduate of Tri-C’s Mandel Leadership Development Program, she has leveraged this foundation to make significant contributions to the community, including serving on the board of the East End Neighborhood House. She is also a mentor for students in the College Now program and Tri-C’s Mandel Scholars Academy, supporting their academic and professional growth.

Chareeka Evans
Supervisor, Testing and Tutoring, Metropolitan Campus
Chareeka Evans is an alumna of Tri-C, where she advanced from an administrative assistant to the supervisor of Testing and Tutoring Services at the Metropolitan Campus. She leveraged her diverse expertise to enhance the Academic Professional Development, Instructional Design and Learning Excellence, and Online Learning and Academic Technology teams. Evans also serves as a co-lead on the Women’s Summit committee and recently served as a panelist for the fourth annual summit, “Catch the Fire: Women as Agents of Change in the Workplace.” She also volunteers for the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon and advises the Convocation Committee. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, demonstrating her commitment to ongoing growth and excellence. 

Janika Garner-Davis
Unit Operations Specialist III, Adjunct Services, Eastern Campus
Janika Garner-Davis serves as the unit operations specialist III in Adjunct Services at the Eastern Campus. Garner-Davis has been with the College since 2017. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. With over 25 years of experience in program administration, program management, volunteer management, grant management, budget management and database management, she brings a wealth of knowledge along with a deep passion for education to her position.

Magda Gomez
Executive Director of Diversity and Inclusion, District
Magda Gómez serves as the executive director of Diversity and Inclusion, working on multiple initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusivity awareness and education. Her work focuses on valuing students and employees by encouraging mutual respect and honoring the unique perspectives each person brings to the table. Gómez is a board member of the Hispanic Roundtable of Cleveland, serves on the Greater Cleveland Food Bank board of directors and the Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital board of trustees, and is a member of the Equity Leadership Council for the United Way of Greater Cleveland. Gómez holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the National American University, a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from John Carroll University. She is a proud alumna of Tri-C, where she earned an Associate of Arts. 

Alanna Gordon
Administrative Coordinator, Academic Success, Westshore Campus
Alanna Gordon serves as the administrative coordinator for Academic Success at the Westshore Campus, where she has worked since September 2022. Before joining Tri-C, Gordon held the position of registrar at both Bryant & Stratton College and ITT Technical Institute. She has also enjoyed adjunct teaching roles at several colleges and universities. Gordon holds a Master of Science from Tiffin University and a Bachelor of Arts from David N. Myers University, bringing extensive experience in academic administration, student services, and teaching to her current role. 

Robyn Henry
Workforce Liaison, Advanced Technology Academy, Metropolitan Campus
Robyn Henry is one of two workforce liaison recruiters for the Advanced Technology Academy. She has held this position since March 2022. Henry has a B.A. in psychology from Kent State University. Prior to coming to Tri-C, she worked as an early childhood educator for many years in Cleveland and Atlanta. She has also worked at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Job Corps Center.

Christine Hickey
Executive Director, Television and Video Services, Metropolitan Campus
Christine Hickey has worked for Tri-C for over 24 years, working her way up from a production assistant in the Television Production department to the executive director of Television and Video Services. While producing videos for Tri-C, she received a Regional Emmy for her work on “Your Health & Wellness.” Hickey serves on the Cleveland International Film Festival board of trustees. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Television, Film, and New Media from San Diego State University.

Sheila Howard
Administrative Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs, Eastern Campus
Sheila Howard is the administrative coordinator in the Office of Student Affairs, providing administrative support to the dean and assistant dean. Prior to working at Tri-C, she worked in health care as an IRB manager regulating clinical research, the executive director of the JD Breast Cancer Foundation, and a data manager responsible for scheduling and reporting flu season data for a local hospital. Howard is passionate about serving others and has built strong relationships with faculty, staff and many students who attend the Eastern Campus. 

Katherine Kolthoff
Supervisor, Campus Services and Retail Operations, District
Katie Kolthoff joined Tri-C in December of 2023. She is a supervisor in the Campus Services and Retail Operations department. She co-chairs the associate board of Shoes and Clothes for Kids in Cleveland. Its mission is to improve K-8 school attendance by eliminating the lack of appropriate clothing, shoes and school supplies as barriers. Kolthoff earned her Associate of Arts degree from Tri-C in 2015.

Ginny Krouse
Coordinator, Career and Transfer Services, Western Campus
Ginny Krouse is the coordinator of Career and Transfer Services at the Western Campus. Since 2006, she has enriched student experiences through dynamic program coordination, including a robust Summer Internship Program and engaging student life initiatives. Krouse’s prior roles have spanned from boosting enrollment at the Westshore Campus to advising student organizations and spearheading leadership programs. Armed with a Master of Arts in Sociology, a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a certificate in social media marketing, Krouse also serves as a mentor for College Now Greater Cleveland. 

Becky Krumhansl
Director, Donor Management, Cuyahoga Community College Foundation, District
Becky Krumhansl serves as the director of donor management for the Tri-C Foundation. With over 25 years of experience, she is a passionate fundraising professional dedicated to supporting educational access and opportunity. Working with the Foundation, Krumhansl leads efforts to engage community members, employees and College retirees in supporting vital initiatives such as scholarships, programs and signature events like Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland, presented by KeyBank, and Tri-C Day, an annual online giving day. With a deep commitment to advancing Tri-C’s mission, Krumhansl believes in the transformative power of education and works to build impactful partnerships that drive student success and community development

Jennifer McCall
Project Manager, Client Solutions and Program Management, Corporate College
Jennifer McCall is the project manager of Client Solutions with Corporate College. She has more than seven years of training coordination and program management experience. McCall thrives when managing relationships and processes, coordinating training and events, contributing to collaborative team efforts, and actively engaging in organizational initiatives. Her experience has afforded her exposure to many facets of program planning and implementation, including managing relationships and processes, end-to-end training and event execution, and program and process development. 

Maria Mitchell
Project Manager, Academic Affairs, District
Maria Mitchell is the project manager of Academic Affairs. An alumna of Tri-C, Mitchell has been with the College since 2007, also working in the areas of Institutional Research and Corporate College®. Prior to joining Tri-C, Mitchell worked at KeyBank for 10 years as a training coordinator and sourcing analyst.

Robin Pijor
Program Manager, Career Exploration, Eastern Campus
Robin Pijor serves as the program manager for Career Exploration within the Career Center at the Eastern Campus. In this role, she focuses on connecting students with various initiatives that allow them to explore their career interests, such as job shadowing, employer panels, internships, networking events and more. Pijor has worked in higher education for over 20 years, with the last 15 dedicated to career services. She has leadership, teaching and coaching experience and has worked with a diverse population of students, alumni and community members. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master of Education in Health Education and Promotion from Kent State University. 

Katie Ponsart
Student Success Specialist, Westshore Campus
Katie Ponsart currently serves as the Student Success Specialist at the Westshore Campus. She has worked at Tri-C for three years. Ponsart enjoys getting to meet students and walking alongside them on their academic journey. Prior to becoming the Student Success Specialist, she was the Student Life advisor for the Westshore Campus, where she enjoyed creating fun and welcoming events for students. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

Mershayde Powell
Representative, Admissions and Enrollment Services, Metropolitan Campus
Mershayde Powell is the Admissions and Enrollment Services representative at the Metropolitan Campus, where she primarily helps students with enrollment. After joining Tri-C in 2018, she furthered her education and obtained two degrees in information technology from Tri-C in 2020. Powell holds a Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security from Tiffin University. She is currently working on her Master of Science in Cybersecurity at Tiffin University.

Caroline Rado
Marketing and Communications Manager, Integrated Communications, Metropolitan Campus
Caroline Rado joined Tri-C in 2022 as a marketing manager with the Integrated Communications department. In this role, Rado oversees communication for the Metropolitan Campus and various programs, including Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering, the Advanced Technology Academy and Youth Technology Academy, the Black American Council, the Hispanic Council, Stand for Racial Justice and other programming under Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Prior to joining the College, Rado worked as a senior consultant for a political and communication strategy firm. She holds a Master of Arts in Applied Communication Theory and Methodology from Cleveland State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University in Political Science and Latin.

Michelle Reed
Online Learning Administrator, Lecture Capture, Online Learning & Academic Technology, JSTC
Michelle Reed joined Tri-C in December 2016. Reed has a talent for technology training and making people feel comfortable using technology, regardless of their skill set. She is a graduate of the Mandel Leadership Development Program and a mentor for Tri-C’s Mandel Scholars Academy. Reed earned a Master of Arts in Educational Foundations-Instructional Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media Communications from the University of Akron.

Erica Sabo
Benefits Specialist, Human Resources, Jerry Sue Thornton Center
Erica Sabo serves as the benefits specialist for human resources. Sabo has worked in a variety of industries, including insurance, manufacturing, human resources consulting, health care, and accounting. With more than eight years of human resources experience, she is committed to growing in higher education human resources and helping others realize their potential.

HerBrina Shepherd
Specialist, Transfer Center, Metropolitan Campus
HerBrina Shepherd is an accomplished author, educator and community leader who is passionate about empowering Black girls and women through storytelling. As the founder of Just Bloom LLC, she self-publishes children’s books that celebrate Black girl magic, including Amara, The Brave Mermaid, Maya’s Sunflower Magic and HerBrina, The Amazing! Currently a transfer specialist at Tri-C, she also advocates for literacy and student success. Shepherd serves on the Maple Heights City Schools Board of Education and volunteers with organizations that foster educational growth.

Janet Spitzig
Dean, Academic Success, Western Campus
Janet Spitzig, DBA, has worked in higher education for over 15 years in academic affairs, student affairs and enrollment management. She has backgrounds in marketing, program planning and student success initiatives. With a passion for helping students achieve their goals, she has focused on first-year student retention, developmental math completion, gateway English completion and enhancing the student experience. She serves as the dean of Academic Success at the Western Campus. Spitzig holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Franklin University, a Master of Education in Adult Learning and Development and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Cleveland State University.

Patese Tate
Training Specialist, School of Nursing and Health Professions, Metropolitan Campus 
Patese Tate is a training specialist for Intro to Patient Care Experience (NURS 1010) at Cuyahoga Community College's School of Nursing and Health Professions. With 35 years in nursing—from HHA to BSN, RN—she earned her degree at Indiana Wesleyan University while working at Cleveland Clinic Hospital. After founding Effect Change HCA, she joined Tri-C in 2021 as an adjunct, advancing to her current role. Her goal is to ensure every student has a supportive and enriching experience as they embark on their hands-on patient care journey, whether they are new to the field or looking to advance their nursing careers.

Amanda Van Wormer
Specialist, Talent Acquisition, Jerry Sue Thornton Center
Amanda Van Wormer has helped attract top talent to the College in the Office of Human Resources since 2015. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the University of Mount Union and has worked in recruiting in many industries since 2010. She is thrilled that her path led her to Tri-C, where she has been able to combine her passion for recruitment and higher education. 

Chavilah Witt
Director, Student Engagement, Western Campus
As the director of Student Engagement at Western Campus, Chava Witt brings more than 15 years of student affairs experience and a passion for creating space for students to belong. She holds a Master of Science in Training and Development from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Findlay

Terrii Zernechel
Specialist, Campus Scheduling, Eastern Campus
Terrii Zernechel is the scheduling specialist for the Eastern Campus. This is her third year on the Women’s Summit Committee and her second year as the co-chair. Zernechel is a published author and is currently working toward her master’s degree at Tiffin University.