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Classified Senate Officers

(Current as of: 2/12/2024)

Contact the Board: ClassifiedSenateBoard@canyons.edu


Executive Officers 

Note: Elections for Executive Officers take place following the Calendar year, with nominations open in January of each year. 

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President

Michael Monsour 

I joined College of the Canyons in 2014 as the Assessment Center Coordinator. Having grown up in Northern California, I am still learning my way around Southern California. I earned by Bachelors degree from the University of California, Davis, and worked at the UCD Center for Mind and Brain in Child Development research prior to attending graduate school for Clinical Psychology. I earned a Masters degree in psychology, and then took a position at the College of Marin before joining COC. I am happy to help represent COC Classified Professionals on the Senate. I serve on the COVID-19 Task Force (2020-22), The College Policy Council, The Budget Task Force (2020), The Return To Campus Coalition, Union Negotiation Team (2021 and 2022), and the The IE2 Design Team. I am also a trained Union Steward for CSEA. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or concerns! 

Michael.Monsour@canyons.edu  

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Vice President

Joanna Kelly

I started working at College of the Canyons in July 2016 as the Student Services Coordinator I for the Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and earned my Bachelor of the Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California-Riverside. Immediately after, I earned my Masters of Social Work degree in Community, Organization, Planning and Administration from the University of California. Before joining the Classified Staff, I had experience working with foster and probation youth at a Los Angeles nonprofit as well as working with college students in different roles at the University of California-Riverside and the University of Southern California. I feel privileged to be a part of Classified Senate and am excited to help advocate for the needs of Classified Staff. 

 

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Treasurer

Lisette Godinez

I am a proud College of the Canyons alumni. I earned my Associated Degrees in 2018 from COC and immediately began my Bachelors program through the University Center. I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of La Verne in Spring 2020. I began my career at COC as a short-term employee in late 2015. Two years later, I joined Classified staff as an Administrative Assistant for the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences. In my role, I have the opportunity to work with faculty and administrators, but I look forward to further collaborate with other Classified Professional as a Classified Senator. 

 

 

 

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Secretary

Marilyn Jimenez 

I grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley and have lived here all of my life. Prior to joining the College of the Canyons team I worked in the private sector for 8 years. I joined College of the Canyons in the spring of 2007 working in the Cooperative Work Experience & Education (CWEE) Department, then at the Santa Clarita America’s Job Center. I then switched roles when I was hired as the new Administrative Assistant to the office of Academic Senate in 2017. It was around this time that I completed my Master in Public Administration (MPA). In my current role I have the opportunity to work with Classified, faculty and administrators. I serve as Classified Tri-Chair for the Dreamers Together Taskforce. I am excited to represent classified staff as the Vice President of Classified Senate.  I look forward to working closer with Classified staff. I am excited to represent, work alongside and collaborate with classified staff in this role. 

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Public Information Officer

Melody Klingenfuss

Melody was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala and grew up on the frontier with El Salvador in the small town of San Cristobal. After growing up without parents, she was reunited with her mother in the heart of Los Angeles when she was 9-years-old. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Communications and Political Science at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) in 2015. After, she graduated with a Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Southern California (USC) in 2017. The research thesis she conducted along with receiving DACA in 2015 led her to discover CHIRLA's California Dream Network (CDN) where she fell in love with the immigrant rights movement. She has served the undocumented student community and their families across the state for almost a decade and continues to do so now as Coordinator for the Undocumented Resource Center at COC.

 

Non-Executive Officers 

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TLC Senator

Fred Bobola

I started my journey at College of the Canyons in 2004 as a student and a tutor in The Learning Center. In 2010 I began my career as a business development professional and in 2018 I returned to work once again, for the 4th time, in The Learning Center. I currently serve as the Writing Coordinator for the lab. My job has always involved helping students. When I was introduced to Classified Senate, I saw a way for us to help each other. It is important for all of us to be connected as a community and be mindful and aware of what is happening around campus.

I am a martial artist and a writer. I've been a devout disciple of Bruce Lee since I was 3 and still practice to this day. I enjoy writing and reading Fantasy and Sci-Fi, so tell me about your favorite books, shows or movies! Also as a senator, I want to know about what is going on in your department and your world, so hit me up anytime to chat! 

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Custodial/M&O Senator

Justin Bradshaw

Justin currently works as a Classified Custodian II (Restroom Specialist) under the Facilities Department. Justin is one of the unsung hero's who has continuously worked on campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. As one the newest members who recently joined the Classified Senate Board, he is very excited to represent the Classified constituency group.

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CARE Program Senator/Outreach

Gina Thompson

Gina’s journey at COC began at the Canyon Country campus in the Student Services department, and continued with the Student Success and Support program on the Valencia campus.  Both of those opportunities led her to her current position as a Student Services Program Coordinator with the Outreach and School Relations team. 

A native of Santa Clarita, Gina is a graduate of COC and California State University, Northridge. She likes to spend her free time trying new recipes, much to the delight (and occasional chagrin) of her family.  As a Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist, she is passionate about helping grieving people, and regularly walks people through the correct action steps that can lead to recovery from the more than 40 life events that can cause grief.

As a member of Canyons Cares, Gina is excited to continue the culture of caring, empathy and sense of belongingness we strive to achieve for our students and campus visitors. 

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Library Senator

Nick Schutz

I work as a Library Media Technician. I am a former COC student and also hold a bachelor's degree in Music Composition from California State University, Northridge. In addition to music, I enjoy gardening, listening to (and making) podcasts, and hanging out with my kitties. I am honored to be a Classified Senator and look forward to further collaboration with other Classified professionals.

 

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Information Technology Senator

Norberto "Lalo" Soto 

I work as an Information Technology Tech II at the Canyon Country Campus. I am a proud College of the Canyons alumni. I earned my Associates Degree in 2012 from COC & then earned my Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from California State University Northridge in 2014. I began my career at COC in Fall 2021 in the Technology Department. Prior to joining COC, I worked for Newhall School District & Santa Paula Unified School District in their respective Technology Departments.  I enjoy playing bass, traveling, and weight training. As part of the Classified Senate, I look forward to collaborating with fellow Classified professionals.   

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Career Services Senator

Hiba Edgheim

Hiba is the Employment Center’s Coordinator at College of the Canyons. She helps college students and alumni access employment opportunities through a variety of tools including job search, creating resumes, preparing for job interviews, as well as organizing job fairs and career related events. 

Before joining COC, Hiba headed the HR department of a retail company. She enjoys working one on one with people to help them overcome work related challenges. Being experienced in recruitment, performance development, appraisals and employee relations, she understands what “both sides of the aisle” are looking for. 

Hiba holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and an MBA, speaks two languages and is a SHRM Certified Professional. She lives in Valencia, enjoys practicing yoga and traveling with her family. Hiba is excited about joining the Classified Senate and looks forward to connecting with other Classified Staff.  

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Empowerment Programs Senator

Souhaila Elmoukari

My name is Souhaila Elmoukari, I am a Student Services Specialist at the Empowerment Programs; CalWORKs, EOPS/CARE, INSPIRE Scholars, and the Undocumented Resource Center (URC). I provide case management to CalWORKs students, process GAIN services, verify enrollment, and complete DPSS referral documents. I have strong knowledge of the CalWORKs laws and policies, DPSS contract, and I love to help and share my own experience with our underrepresented student population.
 
I graduated from Los Angeles Valley College where I worked as a case manager in the CalWORKs/Vocational Assessment Center for 6 years. I then earned my bachelor’s degree from California State University, Northridge in Sociology with a concentration in Diversity and Inequality. Currently I am pursuing my master’s Degree in Counseling and College Student Personnel at California Lutheran University.
 
I love helping students, especially those with the language barrier. I am fluent in French and Arabic. I love good food, enjoy the beach and good people, and I adore horseback riding.

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Senator

Juan Renteria 

Juan currently works as a Classified Instructional Technician for the Photography Department at College of the Canyons. Juan has been working as adjunct faculty instructor since 2012 and teaches Photography courses, such as Photo-140-History of Photography. When Juan is not teaching he enjoys spending time outdoors with nature. He enjoys, mountain biking, camping, fishing, hiking and road trips with his wife. 

 

President Emeritus: Justin Hunt

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President Emeritus

Justin Hunt

Former Classified Senate President and now President Emeritus currently works as Faculty Chair in Computer Networking. Justin's trade focuses on digital areas, such as PC repair, network administration, configuration, software architecture and full-stack web development. His true passion is in learning and sharing knowledge.