Breaking the Mold: A Story of Service and Leadership

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

March 20, 2024

As a Richter Center Student Leader and Kremen School Liberal Studies Major, Merici Ulloa Moran knows the power of service in shaping not only her student experience but also her career aspirations. Acting as a leader on the SERVE Central California: A Journey to Achieving Collective Impact project allowed her to organize and conduct impactful one-day service events, connecting with her community and nurturing her passion for education.

Last year, Merici decided to take her commitment to service a step further by participating in Alternative Spring Break. Motivated by her desire to work with children and make a meaningful difference, she eagerly signed up for a weeklong volunteering opportunity. Little did she know that this experience would not only reaffirm her love for teaching but also leave a lasting impression on her and the community she served.

Throughout the week, Merici immersed herself in STEAM activities, engaging students in hands-on projects and fostering their curiosity and creativity. One particular moment stood out to her—a boy, usually cheerful and full of laughter, seemed downtrodden and disengaged. Sensing something amiss, Merici approached him with concern and discovered his frustration with a project he didn’t enjoy.

Instead of dismissing his feelings, Merici sat down with him, patiently guiding him through the instructions and encouraging him to tackle the task at his own pace. As he regained his enthusiasm and confidence, Merici witnessed the transformative power of individual attention and support. His smile and heartfelt gratitude filled her with joy, reaffirming her belief in the impact of small acts of kindness.

Reflecting on her experience, Merici realizes how her leadership role and community service have influenced her personal and academic growth. From her early days volunteering in middle school to her current involvement with the Richter Center, she has developed a deep-seated passion for helping others and creating positive change.

Eager to inspire her peers to break the mold of traditional Spring Break and engage in meaningful service opportunities, Merici wants to share her story and encourage students to get involved with the Richter Center. Whether through social media, newsletters, or direct communication with the dedicated staff, she explains the accessibility of service opportunities and the transformative potential of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

Despite facing initial challenges in engaging students and overcoming hesitations, Merici remains steadfast in her belief that community service is a gateway to personal growth and fulfillment. Her advice to fellow students echoes her own journey—reach out, ask questions, and seize the opportunity to make a difference, both for oneself and for others.

As Merici continues her journey as a leader and advocate for service, she carries with her the memory of that special moment during Alternative Spring Break—a reminder of the profound impact of compassion, dedication, and the willingness to step up and serve others.


The Richter Center Student Leadership (RCSL) Program provides students who embody a passion for service with leadership opportunities and the opportunity to serve their peers. RCSL members volunteer their time to promote and support the university’s community engagement efforts.  They do this through a variety of projects and programs such as National Volunteer Week, presentations and workshops for Fresno State students; outreach at campus events like the Richter Center’s Community Service Opportunities Fairs; peer-to-peer assistance in the Richter Center; and planning Fresno State one-day and short term service events like Alternative Spring Break and Spring into Service. The Richter Center Student Leaders (RCSL) is comprised of three (3) distinct teams which are: The Richter Center Ambassadors, Alternative Spring Break Leaders, and the SERVE Committee. To get involved with the Richter Center and to explore ways to give back to your community, explore their website!

Unveiling Magic in Every Student

Fresno County’s Teacher of the Year shares her inspiring journey

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

March 6, 2024

This past November, Emmelin Herrera’s jaw dropped when her name was called for an honor she never expected— being named Teach of the Year for Fresno County! Walking up the steps to be recognized on stage at the William Saroyan Theater, Herrera’s moment in the spotlight became only more meaningful as her parents were in the audience to see this dream come true.

The S.T.E.A.M. educator at Juan Felipe Elementary School has enthusiastically integrated real-world projects during her nine years of teaching to ignite curiosity and a passion for discovery in her 6th-grade students. Herrera is fueled by a commitment to diverse students and elevating every pupil’s unique talents.

“I was exceptionally proud to win the Teacher of the Year Award for Fresno Unified, as it is the third largest district in California. I am humbled and honored that my name is listed next to other exemplary educators from our county.” 

– Emmelin Herrera

Herrera’s journey begins as an immigrant to the United States, where she would catch up on culture, academics, and language to propel herself to where she is today. After graduating from Dos Palos High School, Herrera aimed for a career in graphic design; however, financial hurdles created a barrier to her desired field of work. Juggling three jobs, including one as an informal science instructor aide, she discovered her passion for teaching. Her journey to becoming a U.S. Citizen on January 9, 2024, marked another significant achievement.

As a Fresno State alumna, Herrera was prepared for her career in the classroom through a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies, completing the multiple subject teaching credential and a Master’s degree in education. Her professors admire how she addresses learning gaps and supports diverse English language learners to this day. Inspired by her time as a science instructor, Herrera became a “science lab teacher,” reinforcing her desire to inspire young minds.

“The guidance of my former professors at Fresno State has shaped who I am today as an educator. The professors at the Kremen School are all passionate about what they teach and are familiar with the demographics in the Central Valley.”

– Emmelin Herrera

Guided by mentors like Dr. Fred Nelson and Dr. Jeanie Behrend, Herrera enthusiastically recalls their impact on her teaching philosophy. Her collaborations with distinguished administrators and educators in Fresno Unified further enrich her professional growth.

“I still keep in touch with Dr. Fred Nelson who has been one of my biggest inspirations. I knew from the moment that I was in his class that I wanted my students to experience the same feeling. I remember always being engaged, feeling a sense of belonging, collaborating, communicating, and critically thinking to find solutions.”

– Emmelin Herrera

As an advocate for S.T.E.A.M. Content Integration, Herrera presents professional learning opportunities and contributes to curriculum design through Strategic Teacher Education Partnership (S.T.E.P.) Program. She emphasizes engaging students to discover their unique talents, nurturing their “inner magic.”

Herrera’s recognition as Teacher of the Year reflects her commitment to educational excellence. Grateful for the support from her family, colleagues, and community, she views the award as a testament to the transformative power of education.

With this career milestone checked off her list, Herrera aspires to one day become a professor at Fresno State, sharing her experiences and influencing future educators. Her other dreams include conducting research beyond the classroom, emphasizing the importance of student engagement and content integration for overall success. Herrera envisions a future where her students contribute positively to their communities and the world by uncovering their own passion and inner magic.

Holmes Program Empowers Doctoral Students through Nationwide Connections and Financial Support

Audra Burwell, Communications Assistant

January 25, 2024

The Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership at Fresno State has been accepted into the American Association of Colleges and Teacher Education (AACTE) Holmes Program, a nationwide initiative that aims to enhance the recruitment and success of students of color pursuing a degree in education. Students selected to become Holmes Scholars receive access to professional development opportunities and a national community of administrators, faculty and peers.

“Although the Holmes program has been around for over 30 years, we are one of just a few institutions in California to be a member. We are excited to offer this opportunity to our students.”

Dr. Juliet Wahleithner

The inaugural cohort for the Holmes Scholars at Fresno State is comprised of four students in spring 2024: Adelfa Lorenzano, Dana Grisby, Fabiola Pérez and Floridia Cheung. Two students will be accepted in the fall to fulfill the program’s capacity of six Holmes Scholars, and two new Scholars will be added each academic year as students complete their three-year doctoral program. Interested Fresno State doctoral students may apply to the program by completing an application expressing their professional goals, research areas and intentions for participating in the program. 

“…Being selected for the first cohort of the Holmes Scholars program at Fresno State is sincerely an honor. As a first-generation Latina, to know that there are programs looking for individuals with my background is rewarding.”

Adelfa Lorenzano

Benefits of the program include connections with fellow Holmes Scholars at Fresno State and member institutions, the National Association of Holmes Scholars Alumni (NAHSA) alumni network, peer and faculty mentors and the program coordinators on campus. Holmes Scholars may receive funding to join a professional organization, benefit from tuition support after advancement to candidacy, and are invited to attend monthly AACTE meetings for the Holmes Program, professional development sessions, the Summer Policy Institute in Washington, D.C., the Annual Meeting and the Holmes Program Preconference. These resources aim to empower participants throughout their educational journeys and help them explore diverse career options in education.

“As a doctoral candidate, I want to do action research that is meaningful for myself and my school communities, and to focus on empowering our unique and under-represented population. We all work and serve Central Valley students, and it is important to collaborate together in research and study to support our diverse student population.”

– Floridia Cheung

The Fresno State Holmes Scholars Program will be housed in the Kremen School of Education and Human Development and is jointly coordinated by Dr. Ignacio Hernández, the Director of the Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership, and Dr. Juliet Wahleithner, the Director of Educator Preparation Programs. Through the inclusion in the AACTE Holmes Program, Fresno State strives to provide aspiring educators from diverse backgrounds with the support and guidance they need to excel in their graduate studies and make a meaningful impact in the field of education.

“Holmes Scholars often become part of a community that advocates for diversity and inclusion in education. This involvement can raise visibility within the academic community and position me as an advocate for positive change in my field that will hopefully lead to a leadership role of principalship in my district.”

Fabiola Pérez

Information about the Fresno State Holmes Scholars is available at FresnoState.edu/holmesscholars.

Meet the Inaugural Fresno State Holmes Scholars 

Floridia Cheung
Online Cohort 7
Floridia Cheung is the principal at Design Science Middle College High School, a Fresno Unified School District specialty school at Fresno City College. She has been a middle and high school teacher in science, career technical education (CTE) for architecture and art and is a Fulbright teacher that had the opportunity to visit Indonesian schools in 2018. Floridia earned a B.A. from UCLA, an M.A. from Fresno State and is enrolled in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in order to become a better advocate and educator for students in the Central Valley. 
Fabiola Pérez
Face-to-Face Cohort 16
Originally from Culiacán, Sinaloa, Fabiola Pérez is Vice Principal at Bullard High School within Fresno Unified. Her 17-year career in education includes roles as a teacher, coach and administrator where she uplifts underprivileged students and fosters a positive school culture. Fabiola is a two-time Fresno State alumna with a B.A. in Liberal Studies, an M.A. in Teaching and expects to complete her Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in 2025.
Dana Grisby
Online Cohort 8
Hailing from Merced, CA, Dana Grigsby is a tenured professor of African American Studies at Laney College in Oakland, CA. She has served in the U.S. Peace Corps twice, in both Botswana and Guyana and has been recognized as a Stanford Global Studies Education Partnership forInternationalizing Curriculum (EPIC) Fellow (2020) and with the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Equity Scholar Doctoral Award (2023-24). Dana earned a B.A. in Journalism from Howard University, an M.A. in African American Studies from UCLA and anticipates completion of her Doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2026.
Adelfa Lorenzano 
Face-to-Face Cohort 17
Adelfa Lorenzano is the Director of Reedley College’s Title V (DHSI-2020): Community and College Connections for Expanded Educational Opportunity project. She is a founder and is current Past-President of the Latino Faculty and Staff Association, co-chair of the annual Reedley College Padres Como Compañeros Conference, and has served on numerous youth-focused advisory and community event boards. Adelfa has a B.A. from Fresno Pacific University, an M.A. from National University and expects to complete her doctorate in 2026.

Inspiring Brilliance

Preparing Future Generations of Educators

A Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall Featurette

Karen DeVoogd considers her name being engraved on the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall to be one of the proudest moments of her career. This honor, gifted to her by colleagues in 2022, symbolizes her lasting impact at CalStateTEACH where she played a pivotal role in creating the curriculum that now prepares teachers across California.

Originally from Drumheller, Alberta, Canada, Karen’s passion for teaching was ignited from an early age while growing up in the small rural town. She pursued her education at The University of Calgary, where she was honored with a student teaching award during her undergraduate years. Karen’s fascination with human inquiry and development led her to Michigan State University, where she earned her B.A. in Elementary Education and M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction.

Throughout her life, Karen has always envisioned herself as a teacher, and she considers herself incredibly fortunate to have seen that dream become a reality. With the new perspective of being a grandparent, she remains curious about how individuals learn and grow. Karen attributes her success to the many wonderful teachers who have influenced her journey, particularly her lifelong mentor, Dr. Pam Lane-Garon.

Under Dr. Lane-Garon’s guidance, Karen assumed leadership of the Mediator Mentors program at Fresno State. As the coordinator and then director until 2016, Karen had the opportunity to support this project dedicated to training students to become peer mediators. Lane-Garon’s wisdom and guidance have had a profound impact on Karen, who embraces her mentor’s mantra of becoming a better version of oneself every day. 

After retiring from her faculty position in 2022, Karen now works with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative’s Domestic Harmonizer Program. Based in Long Beach, California, she focuses on education and supporting teachers, students and parents in understanding the importance of constructive conflict resolution and implementing this in the classroom.

Reflecting on her teaching philosophy, Karen believes that inspiring others to recognize their own brilliance is essential. She aims to hold up a mirror that reflects learners’ gifts and curiosities, guiding them to see the value they bring to the world. As a faculty instructor with the CalStateTEACH program at Fresno State from 1998 to 2022, Karen played a significant role in preparing future teachers for their careers.

As Karen continues her journey in education, she remains dedicated to working in schools and supporting future leaders who understand the power of peaceful practices and kindness. She believes in embodying Dr. Pam Lane-Garon’s message and sharing it with her peers and aspiring educators: “Remember, every day you have a chance to be a better version of yourself than you were yesterday.”

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing MFA student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.)


The Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall showcases excellence in education with engraved names and messages for visitors of the campus to see. Celebrate your educational journey or that of a friend or colleague by ordering a personalized brick at TeacherHonorWall.com. Each brick purchase supports technology used by students.

For inquiries, visit the Office of the Dean in Kremen School, Room 210, call 559.278.0210 or email KremenSA@csufresno.edu.

Kremen’s HEAL Program is Recognized for Outstanding Student Leadership

Sade Johnson, a student in Kremen’s Higher Education Administration and Leadership (HEAL) program, was recently recognized as an “Outstanding Graduate Student” by the California College Personnel Association (CCPA) as well as earning the “Graduate Student Honoree” award for recognition at the Division of Research and Graduate Studies (DRGS). Sade is expected to receive her M.A. in Spring 2023 with a 4.0 GPA.

During the course of the 30-semester unit program, HEAL students delve into curricula that examines policies, practices, theories, and current issues related to the postsecondary education pipeline. HEAL prepares emerging leaders for professional roles in academic affairs, making Sade a perfect representation of the program’s mission. Sade is a first-generation, system-impacted, low-income student-parent, who is also a wife and mother to two young children. She previously earned her B.A. in African American Studies with an emphasis on African American/Black Culture, Histories, and Society with a Minor in Mathematics from the University of California, Davis

Sade’s passion for higher education stemmed from her transition to parenthood while still being enrolled in college. She experienced many of the injustices the system perpetuates toward parenting students, an experience which caused her to courageously advocate for policies and practices rooted in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, leading to her current work as a graduate assistant for Project HOPE, a case management service that addresses the basic needs of Fresno State’s student population. Sade has also collaborated with the Michelson 20MM Foundation, serving on their Spark Basic Needs Grant Committee. The foundation is dedicated to supporting and investing in higher learning initiatives that seek to transform the lives of underrepresented students.

Sade is also a Graduate Equity Fellow, her fellowship experience includes serving on the planning committee for the inaugural Higher Education Student Affairs in the Central Valley (HESA-CV) Conference, an annual meeting that aims to establish local networking opportunities for graduate students. She also serves as Vice-chair for the Student Advisory Council (SAC) at a dual-immersion charter school.

Sade aspires to continue working in higher education, advocating for students who are underrepresented or who have been impacted by the system. She is especially passionate about helping student-parents, students of color, first-generation students, and those classified as low-income. Sade has a strong belief that everyone is entitled to an education, no matter what their circumstances. 

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development )

Kremen’s Student Affairs and College Counseling Program Displays Excellence in Academic Leadership 

Two current students and one alumni from the Kremen School of Education and Human Development’s Student Affairs and College Counseling program (SACC) were recently elected and appointed into leadership roles within the California College Personnel Association (CCPA). CCPA is the California state chapter of ACPA-College Student Educators International, one of the largest student affairs professional associations in the world. CCPA is committed to providing professional development, networking opportunities, leadership experience, and information on the latest trends and issues in the field of academia. Jose Medina III (alumni) has been elected as President-Elect of CCPA. Samantha Bautista (current student) was elected as CCPA’s Director of Communication with her classmate Ashley Gutierrez taking on the role as Graduate Representative for CCPA.

Kremen’s SACC program provides individuals with the academic preparation and training to effectively address the academic, career, and personal counseling needs of college students. SACC students receive extensive training and supervision in the core conditions of Person-Centered Counseling through coursework, practicum, and field practice. The application of the core conditions in the work of student affairs professionals is essential in developing cohesive working relationships and understanding the needs of diverse students in higher education. The classroom and experiential opportunities allow SACC students to learn, practice, and apply their counseling knowledge in a variety of higher education settings.


ASHLEY GUTIERREZ | GRADUATE REPRESENTATIVE, CCPA

Ashley Gutierrez is a first-generation Latina college student and was accepted in 2021 to the Master’s in Student Affairs and College Counseling (SACC) program at Fresno State. She previously attended Reedley Community College before transferring to Fresno State, earning her B.A. in 2018. Since returning as a grad student, Ashley has been actively involved: currently she is working for Academic Success Coaching as an Academic Coach, where she supports students’ educational journey at Fresno State. Similarly, last summer she joined Fresno State’s Dog Days Orientation Team and welcomed incoming students. This past fall semester, she completed an internship with the Transfer Success Center while helping to coordinate their National Transfer Student Week. Outside of school, she has also been actively engaged within the Central Valley communities by participating in the Central Valley Latino Leadership Academy, the League of Mexican American Women, and has also written grants and historical research for Arte America. Being appointed as the Graduate Representative for CCPA is meaningful since she will be able to not only network with like minded individuals, but will also use the skills she learned from the SACC graduate program to address various needs of higher education & student affairs professionals and graduate students in California. 

JOSE MEDINA III  | PRESIDENT-ELECT, CCPA

Jose L Medina III (he/him) is a Central Valley Native born and raised in Merced, a city in the center of California. His commitment to the region and higher education forms his personal mission to promote college access for those who come from the surrounding rural communities. Prior to his current role in the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, Jose served as the inaugural Admissions Outreach Specialist in the College of Osteopathic Medicine at California Health Sciences University (2022) as well as various roles within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management and the Division of Academic Affairs at Fresno State (2018-2022). 

Jose advocates for empowering students to reach their full potential academically and personally. He is a strong believer that in the field of Higher Education, we are in this together. This not only includes mentoring of students but also the mentoring of aspiring student affairs professionals. 

Jose received a BA in History and an M.S. in Counseling – Student Affairs and College Counseling option (with distinction) from Fresno State. Beginning in Fall 2023 he will begin his Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Higher Education Administration from St. Cloud State University

Jose’s leadership has also been recognized in various ways. His current position as P.E. for CCPA, which is a three-year elected position as part of the Presidential Cycle: President-Elect (2023-2024), President (2024 – 2025), Past-President (2025 – 2026). Prior to his current role as President-Elect, Jose served as Director of Membership (2022-2023) and Graduate Student Representative (2020-2021). Jose also serves as the Co-Chair of Outreach for the Staff and Faculty of Color Association at UC Merced

SAMANTHA BAUTISTA | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, CCPA 

Samantha Bautista (she/her), is a first-generation graduate student in the Master’s of Counseling, Student Affairs and College Counseling program. She received her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Criminology in Spring 2021, and anticipates graduating with her Master’s in May 2023 as a two-time Alumni.  

Samantha has dedicated over five years of working with diverse students in various roles at Fresno State. She is currently serving as the Work-Based Learning Experiences Project Coordinator for the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPISI) Initiative. Prior to this role she served as an Assistant Coordinator for the College of Social Sciences (COSS) Link Peer Mentor Program. In addition to this, she interned as an Academic Success Coach with the formerly named program SupportNet, now known as Academic Success Coaching

Throughout Samantha’s graduate program journey she served in leadership roles such as Secretary for the Student Affairs and College Counseling Graduate Student Association. She was recently nominated and elected as the Director of Communications for (CCPA). Through this role she is responsible for being a liaison between the Association and the members, managing the social media platforms, and sending out Newsletters among other responsibilities. She is looking forward to serving alongside her peers and the CCPA leadership team. Samantha is passionate about serving students through various roles in Student Affairs and College Counseling.

Demonstrating Innovation in the Classroom

Kathleen Giannandrea is an instructional coach at Rosy High School in the Sanger Unified School District, where she has now held a position for over 26 years. She performed a 5 year stint for the Fresno County Office of Education, working with AVID, a program which imparted upon her many useful teaching skills. Giannandrea was fortunate to have multiple pathways which continuously brought her back to Fresno State. 

She transferred from College of The Sequoias with her associates degree before eventually earning her bachelor’s and obtaining her teaching credentials from Fresno State in 1994. After completing her work with the Fresno County Office of Education and returning to her teaching position at Rosy High School, Giannandrea discovered that her department was offering support for instructors who wanted to pursue master’s degrees. Fresno State had partnered with Giannandrea’s distinct, in the hopes of helping elementary, junior high, and High School teachers complete their higher education goals. The program allowed professors to travel to the office on campus and provide instruction there instead of forcing the busy teachers to commute all the way to Fresno State. In 2018, Giannandrea graduated with her master’s degree in education, with a reading language arts focus, after studying with the cohort for two and a half years. She was one of only seven High School teachers who were able to successfully complete the program. 

While pursuing her bachelor’s degree at Fresno State, Giannandrea was a full time employee at the Visalia Times Delta working 38 to 40 hours a week in a newspaper system while also commuting to Fresno on the daily. Struggling to balance all areas of her life, Giannandrea learned that if you want something bad enough, you will find a way to make it work. Her only remaining parent had passed shortly before she transferred from College of The Sequoias to Fresno State and she unfortunately was not able to navigate the financial aid system in place at the time, so instead, she paid out of pocket for her entire education. Giannandrea remembers the constant sleepless nights she would experience while working toward her first degree. She did not have the traditional college experience in the sense that she didn’t live in the dorms or attend student parties, something that Giannandrea is grateful for since she believes it fit her personality and allowed her to focus more on her studies. 

Giannandrea’s journey toward her master’s degree is even more vivid in her mind and came with its share of lessons, as well. One of the first things she learned is that expectations and beliefs held by professors in higher education are much different than those harbored by K-12th public education professionals. Giannandrea began learning about critical literacy concepts while also being taught inventive, research-based methods to capture the attention of students and encourage them to read and write in a real-world context. After coming back to Rosy High school, she found that it was exceptionally difficult to implement her learning since many of the faculty members were still so entrenched in the traditional methods of teaching that had been used since the late 1800’s. Giannandrea was slowly able to meld what she learned during her master’s program with her in-class curriculum, demonstrating new and innovative teaching methods to her other coworkers. Another lesson that Giannandrea learned is that research remains vital even after one has completed their education. She is currently the department chair and a full-time instructional coach for the English Language Arts department at Rosy High School. Giannandrea is part of a professional learning community where she asks what goals or learning outcomes parents have for their children and then researches ways to help her students connect more with their coursework. She participated in a project based on youth participatory action research where she helped students learn how to become competent researchers, both in the classroom and in their personal lives. 

Over the years, Giannandrea has won numerous awards and medals for her academic achievements, both as a student and as an educator, but the accomplishment which she is most proud of is her ability to aid other educators, something that her master’s degree helped come to fruition. Thanks to Fresno State and their creation of a remote master’s cohort program, Giannandrea was able to obtain a wealth of leadership experience which helped to prepare her for her position as an instructional leader. She learned the importance of documenting change, as well as how to develop systems to support student learning. Having mentors in the master’s program also benefited Giannandrea tremendously, since there were many instances when she came across a situation where she was uncertain how to proceed. She was fortunate to stay in touch with her professors, since whenever she encountered a predicament, Giannandrea would simply email them and receive a solution by the end of the day. Giannandrea is forever grateful for the relationships she built with her colleagues and the immense support she continues to receive from Fresno State. 

(Written by Audra Burwell, a Creative Writing student employed by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development .)