Speech Team Coaches
MICHAEL LOVE
DIRECTOR
Professor of Communication Studies
Michael Love holds a bachelor of arts in English from California State University, Northridge, and a master of arts in communication studies from California State University, Los Angeles. Love has served as the director of the COC Speech & Acting Team since 2005. Since his arrival, the team has garnered both state and nationwide recognition by bringing home at least one bronze, silver or gold medal at each Phi Rho Pi National Tournament as of 2020. In 2011, the COC speech team was awarded a school-record three medals, including the teams first gold medal, at the Phi Rho Pi tournament, which annually attracts participants from more than 75 community colleges across the nation. In 2012, the team repeated its success, again bringing home three medals, including a gold. This success has continued with too many awards to count. In 2016, the team brought home its first NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP to College of the Canyons. Having competed in various forms of speech competition throughout his college career, in 1990 Love was honored with the Phi Rho Pi Bovero-Tabor award as the top speaker at that years national tournament. In 1994, Love also won a National Championship for his performance of a multiple character program entitled The Life of an Actor. Aside from his writing, speaking and acting pursuits, Love has worked as a political consultant, professional photographer, local sports videographer and documentary filmmaker.
ADAM KAMINSKY
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Professor of Communication Studies
Adam Kaminsky began teaching in 2007 at College of the Canyons. He is a proud Alumnus of COC and loves working with the pupils of a community college. His coaching style of teaching is most evident in his Public Speaking and Small Group courses, as he delivers direct feedback and a hands-on approach. He also enjoys teaching Interpersonal, Intercultural, Gender, Process of Communication, Rhetoric, Argumentation, and Honors Public Speaking. He feels that the community college offers communication courses that can give students the skills they need to better their relationships and careers. You can find him on campus giving back to students as a Co-Advisor of the Coms Club, Co-Advisor of Sigma Chi Eta, and as an Assistant Coach for the COC Forensics Team. Adam loves spending time with his wife and three boys. He spends his minimal amount of spare time coaching AYSO soccer, volunteering at church, mountain biking, snowboarding, or playing any sport that will get him out of grading papers.
KYLE DUFFY
SPEECH & ACTING COACH
B.S. Business Administration & Marketing
Kyle Duffy was a competitor on the COC Speech & Acting Team. After earning a State and National Championship title, Kyle was asked if he would return as a coach for the team. "Uhm, Absolutely!!" he said. It turns out that coaching is one of his absolute favorite things and we know this is true because he's been a coach since 2015. However, it's not his day job. When he isn't coaching the next wave of leaders, you'll find Kyle running a custom Software Development company, volunteering at several non-profit organizations, and giving back to the community. Why do one thing if you can do many things? His calendar doesn't like that motto, unfortunately. His dream is to one day become a voice actor for videos games, animations, and commercials.
PHOEBE MELIKIDSE
SPEECH & ACTING COACH
Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies
Phoebe is a proud alumna of College of the Canyons, where she overcame her fear of public speaking through her time on the Speech Team. Initially terrified of speaking in front of others, competing helped her gain confidence and opened many doors for her future. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communication from UCLA in 2022 and completed her master’s degree in Communication Studies from CSUN in 2024. Phoebe is passionate about helping others realize that public speaking is a skill anyone can develop, and advocates for getting involved on campus to make the most of your college experience.