Dr. Cristina Gómez embodies the spirit of dedication, resilience, and heart that defines the very best of Citrus College. As an alumna, her journey began right here, where she discovered her calling to become a psychologist. Her academic path led her through the University of La Verne and Alliant International University, where she earned both her Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Her achievements are not only a testament to her intellect and perseverance but also a beacon of inspiration for students who dare to dream big.

What sets Dr. Gómez apart is her unwavering commitment to her students and her deep-rooted pride in her Mexican heritage. She brings warmth, empathy, and cultural richness into every classroom, creating a space where students feel seen, heard, and empowered. Her passion for supporting the Latinx community—whether as a clinician or instructor—shines through in her teaching. She encourages her students to explore psychology not just as a career path, but as a tool for personal growth and community healing.

As the first in her family to achieve the highest level of education, Dr. Gómez serves as a powerful role model. Her story resonates with many students who face similar challenges, and she meets each one with compassion and encouragement. Her dedication goes beyond academics—she genuinely wants her students to succeed in life. Whether mentoring aspiring psychologists or helping others find confidence in their abilities, Dr. Gómez’s impact is profound and lasting.

Outside the classroom, Dr. Gómez finds joy in the simple pleasures of life: spending time with her loved ones, caring for her pets, staying active, and embracing the beauty of nature. Her vibrant spirit and nurturing presence enrich our campus community, making her a truly deserving nominee for Adjunct of the Month.

Prof. Dr. Rami Oweini has been teaching Chemistry 110 and Chemistry 111 at Citrus College for the past three years. He is passionate about creating an engaging and supportive learning environment that empowers students to build strong foundations in chemistry while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through structured instruction, hands-on laboratory experiences, and the thoughtful integration of technology, he strives to make chemistry accessible, relevant, and inspiring. Dr. Oweini also developed AI-powered ChemWorks tools designed to help students generate study guides, practice exams, and targeted review materials, enhancing independent learning and exam readiness. He is deeply committed to student success and takes pride in mentoring students as they begin their academic journeys in the sciences.

Lee Ann is a Visual and Performing Artists adjunct faculty member whose creativity and passion bring piano to life for today’s students. A classically trained pianist with over 30 years of experience and international touring background, she brings both artistry and innovation to her Class Piano and Music Appreciation courses at Citrus College. Professor Leung’s teaching bridges the gap between classical tradition and contemporary creativity. In one recent unit, students analyzed chord functions from Beethoven’s works and compared them with harmonic progressions in Super Mario Bros., revealing the continuity between centuries of musical storytelling. Other students have connected their piano studies to their own music production, using classical forms to inspire rhythmic and harmonic structure in electronic compositions. Vocal students often share how Leung’s emphasis on theory and listening has helped them perform more expressively in choir and solo contexts. Her students have gone on to perform at Carnegie Hall and on America’s Got Talent. Through innovative lessons and her deep understanding of both classical and contemporary music, she cultivates musical curiosity and confidence, making the piano classroom a place of creativity, relevance, and community.

On March 14th, Professor Peter Zavala Rodriguez won the NV/CA PTK region’s Faculty Recognition Award for his student-centered pedagogy. Peter has served as an Ethnic Studies professor at Citrus College since 2022. " Peter began his educational journey at Citrus College at the age of 17, an experience that profoundly shaped his commitment to community college education and student success. He later transferred to the University of California, Riverside, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, before completing a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies at Claremont Graduate University. 

As a first-generation college graduate, Peter’s academic journey was supported by programs dedicated to student success and equity, including Puente, Men of Color, CHASS F1RST, and Ignite. Having experienced these programs as a mentee, he now carries that legacy forward as a mentor, educator, and advocate. Throughout his academic and professional career, he has engaged with student support services from multiple perspectives: first as a student utilizing tutoring resources, and later as a tutor, supplemental instructor, and teaching assistant. These experiences continue to shape his student-centered approach to teaching and mentorship. 

Peter’s work is rooted in a commitment to expanding access to higher education and supporting students from historically underserved communities. Inspired by the mentors and educators who helped guide his own journey, he strives to create the same sense of support and belonging for his students. As the first in his family to earn a graduate degree, he aspires to become the first to obtain a doctorate, with the hope of breaking barriers for his nieces, nephews, and future generations. For Peter, education is not only a personal achievement but a collective one, made possible through the strength of family, community, and the mentors who help us believe that our goals are within reach." 

This year he collaborated with our PTK chapter to learn more about PTK and how he can be of service to the chapter. At the beginning of the academic year, Peter shadowed Professor Areej Qasqas to learn more about PTK programming and the impact it has on students. He attended the Honors in Action (HIA) Boot Camp, officer meetings, and general meetings to better understand how he can meaningfully contribute to the chapter. He volunteered for the Fall Club Rush, working alongside advisors and officers to recruit new members. Peter connected college students with Azusa High School students, to speak directly with prospective students about the unique opportunities that Citrus College offers, including research, leadership, and academic support. His actions are driven by the desire to serve and give back to the community college system that once supported his own academic and professional journey. As PTK officer Margaret Wachtler shared, "I am very grateful for Professor Peter's quiet leadership. His encouragement, thoughtfulness, and kindness help make our chapter stronger and inspire us to be true leaders in our community." Peter took a great interest in this year’s PTK’s project, where he supported our PTK members through conducting research and helped guide the chapter in selecting meaningful and focused action. Under Peter’s guidance, the chapter explored the carceral system of Southern California through stories of representation. Peter served as our liaison with the California Institute for Men (CIM) and California Institute for Women (CIW), which are both state prisons in Chino, secure permission from the incarcerated students to share their stories on a website created to broadcast the voices for the voiceless. He also encouraged his formerly incarcerated student to be a guest speaker, allowing participants to engage in lived experience in a powerful and personal way. Through this work, Peter helped students grasp how untold, silenced, and marginalized narratives shape public understanding of justice, humanity, and belonging.  

Peter volunteers his time and energy with PTK, LUSA, Black Scholars, Rising Scholars and MECHa because he truly believes in helping students reach their full potential as scholars and leaders. He consistently empowers students to critically think about the purpose and impact of their work by asking genuine questions and offering guidance that helps them clarify their goals. Celeste Medina, a former student and current embedded tutor for his Ethnic Studies class, reflects on his lasting presence in her academic journey: “Rodriguez has always been a present and supportive figure in my higher academic journey. Throughout my high school's Early College Program to my time on campus at Citrus College, he's continuously fostered a safe space, fruitful experiences, and support. His understanding and support of me as a person first pushed me to grow on all levels, as a student and as a professional. From providing some stability during the early nerve-racking stages of college to going so far as opening the doors to employment working as a tutor.” Time and time again, Peter naturally steps into the role of mentor and supporter. Every student he works with feels the openness, care, and encouragement he brings into his contribution. He is a professor who genuinely loves teaching and guiding students, and it shows the way he connects with them. He goes out of his way to open doors for students: connecting them with faculty, career opportunities, and resources that help them move forward with confidence. By creating welcoming spaces for both current and future Citrus students, building relationships across campus, and forming honest, personal connections, he helps create a stronger sense of community while supporting each student’s individual growth.  

The Profession:

Larry Handy is an adjunct librarian at Citrus College's Hayden Memorial Library.  Larry has "worked the library work" for over 29 years of his 48 year old "earth life".  When not working at Citrus he is busy working next door at the libraries of Azusa Pacific University.  Larry proudly calls himself "Unicorn-Number-6-0-1".  A reference to the American Library Association's finding that sadly there are only 600 Black/African American Male librarians in the entire United States.  Larry believes diversity won't happen unless you be the unicorn to make it happen.  He is advisor to APU's Black Student Association, and member of both the Western States Folklore Society and the American Folklore Society.  Wherever he walks he wants humans to believe that unicorns exist.

The Professor:

The teaching and training philosophies Larry uses to engage learners are rooted in his 25 years of being a practitioner of the Chinese Martial Arts.  "The first rule in being a master is to always be a student."  Larry believes "Master"/"Doctor" and "Teacher"/"Professor" are just titles.  "We are all students.  Masters and Teachers have just been on the path longer and have more to say," he tells those who are willing to listen.  "My philosophy is: I teach, I share, you share, we grow.  In that order."  Teaching for Larry means instructing based on a curriculum.  The curriculum is the standard by which you pass, fail, and grade.  The curriculum is the objective component to knowledge.  Next comes the sharing, the subjective.  "Sharing is where I communicate my personal experiences.  Not grade.  Just communicate.  A bad instructor will pass and fail you based on their own biases and will use teaching as a soap box."  After he shares his experiences he invites learners to share theirs if they have any and this creates dialog adding not just interest to the curriculum but diversity and relevance.  The final step is growth.  "Both teacher and student should be able to learn from each other.  Confidence and humility are yang and yin and they should be the true takeaways."  Whatever the subject, the end goal should be to become a better human being (or unicorn) and not become a robotic slave to the grade. 

The Profile:

Larry got into librarianship and library work 29 years ago because he simply needed a day job to support his night job which is writing and performing.  A published poet, essayist, storywriter as well as performance poet with the musical ensemble Totem Maples, Larry crosses his fingers every evening after work still waiting for his big break.  "Listen.  I love librarianism.  I do.  But when I get my 7 figure book and movie deal you won't see me.  So see me now."  Now go dare to be a unicorn.