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.

Helene Langlamet teaches Speech part-time at Citrus College and makes ends meet by working as an educational therapist for neurodivergent children and youth. She holds a degree in Communication from the University of Pennsylvania, where she wrote her dissertation on the factors that create ideological resistance to the energy transition in fracking-impacted communities in southwestern Pennsylvania.  

Helene is a single mom to two delightful twin toddlers, whom she co-parents with their father. In her free waking time (which feels like it constitutes about one percent of her total time), she sings in an informal choir with some friends and moonlights as an environmental activist.  

Alice Marianne Fritz received an M.A. in Communication Studies from California State University, Los Angeles (2015). Since then, she has taught Argumentation, Public Speaking, and Research Methods at various colleges and universities; such is the nomadic life of the adjunct instructor! Currently, Alice is teaching at Citrus College, East Los Angeles College, and CSULA. She also enjoys working with high school students when teaching Dual Enrollment courses at schools like Azusa High School.

Alice’s favorite thing about Citrus College is… the way the summer breeze carries the scent of orange blossoms from the orange trees that line our campus perimeter.

Alice’s least favorite thing about Citrus College is… how cold it gets in the adjunct office. Like, seriously, it’s 0 degrees Kelvin in there.

Alice’s latest project is a public speaking textbook, Bridging Borders, which she wrote specifically with her Latino students in mind. A preliminary edition of this textbook will be available fall 2026 from Cognella Publishing. Alice would love some feedback on the book from her esteemed colleagues! Please let her know (afritz@citruscollege.edu) if you would like a complimentary review copy when it becomes available in August, thanks!  

For Nicholas Paulson, teaching real estate is about much more than learning contracts, finance or property law. It is about helping students see possibilities and giving them the knowledge, confidence and connections to turn those possibilities into careers.

As an adjunct faculty member in Citrus College’s Real Estate program, Paulson brings a unique combination of classroom experience and real-world expertise. His professional background includes serving as a chief financial officer and acquisitions analyst, working as a licensed real estate salesperson, and investing in real estate himself. He holds an MBA in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Azusa Pacific University.

That practical experience is central to Paulson’s teaching philosophy. Rather than treating real estate as simply a textbook subject, he helps students understand how the concepts they learn can translate into actual opportunities in the industry. Citrus College’s real estate program offers pathways into careers including sales, brokerage and appraisal, making that connection between education and employment especially important.

Paulson’s commitment to students extends beyond the classroom. He serves as the faculty advisor for the Citrus College Real Estate Club, where students can learn about the industry, connect with professionals and develop relationships that can continue long after graduation. He also leads the Real Estate Advisory Committee and contributes to real estate curriculum development at Citrus College.

His impact is particularly evident in the program’s continued growth and focus on workforce preparation. Citrus College recently highlighted Paulson’s role in teaching students the skills and knowledge needed to pursue careers in real estate appraisal and other areas of the profession. In 2026, the college’s REAL 232 appraisal course received renewed approval from the California Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, allowing Citrus to continue offering coursework that prepares students for the appraisal profession.

Students also recognize Paulson’s enthusiasm for teaching. Recent student reviews describe him as interactive, respectful and genuinely invested in helping students succeed.

Perhaps most importantly, Paulson views education as a way to build lasting relationships. Through the Real Estate Club, he emphasizes networking, relationship-building and financial literacy; skills that can serve students well regardless of which direction their careers ultimately take.

With his blend of professional experience, entrepreneurial perspective and dedication to students, Nicholas Paulson exemplifies the kind of faculty member who helps turn a college course into a pathway toward a career.

At Citrus College, Paulson is helping students do more than learn real estate. He is helping them build a future in it.

For Professor Sabrina Roberts, communication is more than simply speaking. It is about building understanding, strengthening relationships and learning how to connect with people from different backgrounds and perspectives.

An adjunct instructor in the Communication Studies discipline at Citrus College, Roberts has been part of the Citrus College community since at least 2017, according to Board of Trustees appointment records. Over the years, she has helped students develop communication skills that extend far beyond the classroom and into their personal, academic and professional lives.

Roberts has taught a diverse range of communication courses, including Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Small Group Communication and Intercultural Communication. Each course offers students an opportunity to develop a different aspect of effective communication, from presenting ideas confidently in front of an audience to navigating relationships, collaborating with others and communicating across cultures.

Her work in Public Speaking helps students find their voice and become more confident communicators. Through Interpersonal Communication, students explore the dynamics of relationships and the ways communication shapes everyday interactions. Small Group Communication focuses on collaboration, teamwork and effective participation, while Intercultural Communication encourages students to consider how culture, identity and perspective influence the way people communicate.

Together, these areas reflect an important reality of modern life: communication skills are essential everywhere. Whether students are giving a presentation, working on a team, building relationships or entering a diverse workplace, the ability to listen thoughtfully, express ideas clearly and understand different perspectives can make a lasting difference.

Roberts' longevity at Citrus College is also a testament to the value of communication education. Since joining the college community, she has contributed to the development of students who are not only better speakers, but more thoughtful listeners, collaborators and members of their communities.

Making Every Conversation Count

A strong communication education can change the way students see themselves and the people around them. By teaching students how to speak with confidence, listen with intention and engage with perspectives different from their own, Professor Sabrina Roberts helps prepare Citrus College students for success both inside and outside the classroom.

Through Communication Studies, Professor Roberts reminds students that effective communication isn't just about finding the right words. It's about creating meaningful connections.

Hello! My name is Steven Nahabedian. You can call me Prof. Steve, whichever you prefer. I've been teaching Speech classes for nearly 35 years. I graduated from Cal State LA in 1997 with my graduate degree in Communication Studies. I was first hired as an adjunct (part time) instructor in August of 1997. Along with Citrus College, I also teach at Pasadena City College and Mt. SAC.  

I prefer the adjunct position as it allows me to do what I love. That is, be face to face in the classroom with my students watching them improve. I believe every teacher went into teaching because they want to be with students.  I don’t plan to stop until I cannot. Although many professors abandoned their classrooms into showing videos and tests computers grade, that is NOT me.  I enjoy waking up daily to drive to campus, see my students and guide them to success as they socialize and interact with each other.

I firmly believe in kindness and compassion towards everyone. Everyone is human and should be treated as such.  I believe Speech class is one of the most important classes you can ever take because we communicate ALL the time! If you're teachable and open to learning, you can accomplish anything. To whoever nominated me, thank you for recognizing my hard work in the classroom. My hope would be all college professors return to the campus classroom to do what they love. Until then, I am.