Our Trainers

Travis Asher
Paul Belt
Heather Bixler
Morganne Clark
Shannan Cooper
Nettie Drake
Randy Emery
Ed Fifield
Allen Fortune
Laurel Garver
Suzi Picasso Gonzalez
Jessica Gutierrez
Andrea Hawkins
Rhonda Herb
Munir Khan
Rose Lacey
Alan Landon
Tyler McCollum
Bryan Medina
Rangel Melendez
Dan Nadler
Jorge Zegarra

Travis Asher

Training Topics: Programmable logic controllers (PLC), troubleshooting automated manufacturing systems and industrial networks

Background: Travis is currently a full-time instructor and program director for the Industrial Automation program at the College of the Sequoias. Prior to becoming an instructor and gaining his master’s degree, Travis worked as an Automation Specialist for Allied Electric and assisted with technical sales and support of Rockwell Automation products.

On the academia side, Travis teaches his students to use training systems at a lab for methods of automatic control used in the manufacturing industry.

Credentials: M.S. Industrial Technology, California State University, Fresno; B.S. Electrical Engineering, California State University, Fresno.

Paul Belt

Training Topics: Soft skills including communication, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching motivation, teamwork, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management

Background: Paul has more than 40 years of diverse
Leadership Experience and Speaking. He has worked in a variety of settings from small to large agencies and companies. His 30 plus years of experience as a motivational speaker makes him well suited to address workplace challenges and the specific content of each topic here at the COS Training Resource Center. He brings to each session contagious enthusiasm along with heartfelt, practical and individualized application. His decades of working with people in Ministry and Personal Development settings gives further expertise and resource.

Credentials: Studied Psychology, Class of ’78
California State University, Chico. Post-Graduate work at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA.  Ministry & Executive Credentials, Youth For Christ International. Pastoral Ministry Lic. Southern Baptist Convention.

Heather Bixler

Training Topics: Soft Skills including communication, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, motivation, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Heather has worked at College of the Sequoias for 16 years. She has been a Community Development Facilitator & Trainer in Tulare/Kings/Fresno counties for over 15 years, training at Leadership Tulare, Young Entrepreneurs Academy and numerous topics at Fresno State University.

Credentials: M.A. Communication, California State University Fresno State. B.A. Speech Communication, California State University Fresno State. Certificated in online instruction at Cerro Coso College and Brandman University. Certified in Customer Service Academy and Generational Diversity training.

Morganne Clark

Training Topics: Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, specializing in Excel.

Background: Morganne has a plethora of experience working in multiple industries including but not limited to: agriculture, business, events, and real estate. She has specialized experience in data modeling, financial analysis, and loves finding excuses to use excel in her everyday life.

Credentials: M.S. Agriculture Business, University of Tennessee. B.S. Agriculture Systems Management, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

Shannan Cooper

Training Topics: Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Soft Skills including communication, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, motivation, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Shannan has worked at College of the Sequoias for 5 years, teaching computers, economics, sales and marketing, leadership, management and accounting. Before C.O.S., Shannan worked as a Structural Designer, designing packaging for the central valley agriculture and industrial segments to move goods through the supply chain. She has also worked as an Account Executive for sales in containerboard packaging and recycling, working with ag producers to help get their products to retailers and consumers.

Credentials: M.B.A., California State University Fresno; B.S. Industrial Technology with a minor in Packaging, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. Certified in Customer Service Academy and Generational Diversity training.

Nettie Drake

Training Topics: Food safety, PC for Human Foods, HACCP, PC for Animal Foods, Foreign Supplier Verification Program

Background: Nettie has 24 years of professional consulting experience in areas such as food safety, business growth, regulatory compliance and sustainability. She has a plethora of experience working with many farm and food operations in the Central Valley of California and knows all the ins and outs of FSMA and developing food safety programs.

Credentials: M.S. Agricultural Engineering Technology, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo; B.S. Animal Science and Industry, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. FSMA Lead Instructor for Preventive Controls for Human Foods and Preventive Controls for Animal Foods and Foreign Supplier Verification Program. International HACCP Alliance trainer. SCS Global Services training. University of California Cooperative Extension Moderator training.

Randy Emery

Training Topics: Welding & Plumbing

Background: Randy worked as a plumber and welder for the United Association of Plumbers and Pipe Fitters for almost 25 years. He has been teaching at College of the Sequoias for almost 22 years. Randy also serves as chairman of the American Welding Society Central Valley chapter.

Credentials: Certificate of Completion Welding Technology/Welder, College of the Sequoias. 5 Year Apprenticeship program completion, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters. Certified Welding Inspector and Educator, American Welding Society.

Ed Fifield

Training Topics: Food safety, Produce Safety Grower

Background: Ed has over a decade of experience working at companies as well as consulting in quality assurance and food safety. He has experience as a HACCP Chairman as well as a Process Engineer/Food Safety employee at packaging companies. He has also provided consulting services to many farming operations in the Central Valley.

Credentials: B.S. Industrial Engineering, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. ISO 22000 Lead Auditor, ASQ Certified HACCP Auditor, Good Manufacturing Practices trained, HACCP certified, HAZMAT certified, FSMA Produce Safety Rule trainer, and more.

Allen Fortune

Training Topics: Artificial Intelligence

Background:

Professor Fortune serves as the esteemed Psychology Professor at West Hills College Lemoore, where he imparts not only the foundational theories of psychology but also their intersection with today’s cutting-edge technologies. Holding a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Capella University, he has seamlessly woven his academic expertise with a fervent passion for artificial intelligence and technology.

As the visionary President of Fortune Five Marketing, Professor Fortune has spent over eight years pioneering digital marketing strategies that harness the power of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). His leadership has propelled Fortune Five Marketing to the forefront of the industry, empowering businesses to significantly enhance their operations and sales through AI-driven solutions, including sophisticated AI chatbots that redefine customer engagement.

From typing his first line of code on an Apple IIe in elementary school to holding a Google AI certificate, Professor Fortune’s journey with technology has been both expansive and profound. His early engagement with digital tools paved the way for a lifelong commitment to exploring and implementing technological advancements. This commitment is further illustrated by his authorship of “ChatGPT in the Classroom” (2023), a testament to his dedication to leveraging AI in educational settings.

Beyond his professional and academic achievements, Professor Fortune has dedicated five years as a Board member of the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce, playing a pivotal role in fostering community collaboration and driving business development. His unique blend of academic insight, entrepreneurial success, and technological acumen makes him a leading voice in the dialogue on the integration of AI and LLMs in education and beyond.

Laurel Garver

Training Topics: Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Soft Skills including communication, customer service, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Laurel has worked at College of the Sequoias for 5 years. She has trained Microsoft Office classes and has facilitated leadership training for different audiences from high school students to classified employees to healthcare workers.

Credentials: B.A. Business Management, Fresno Pacific University. A.A. Business Administration, College of the Sequoias.

Suzi Picasso Gonzalez

Training Topics: Soft Skills including communication, customer service, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem-solving, organizational skills, emotional intelligence and time management.

Background: Suzi has had a lifetime of education, dedication, ideas, and dreams realized. She is a much sought after motivational speaker, mentor and  coach. She expanded her passion as a creative image-maker with over 20 years of experience in Celebrity Makeup Artistry, to launch her own cosmetics collection “Suzi Q” cosmetics selling internationally, in 2005. She’s also passionate about her community and helping others succeed. She served two terms as a member of the Lindsay City Council and was reappointed by the Governor to the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board of Directors where she served 5 years. She served as a Board Member between 2008-2013 and Chairwoman 2010-2012 for the Tulare County Economic Development Board and the past nine years has been a Professional Development Instructor where she has taught College Learners Emotional Intelligence and Strategies for Success. In 2019 she co-authored The Superwoman Entrepreneur book.

Credentials: College of Sequoias, Certified NALEO California Health Leadership, Certified Mastering the Attitude of Success (EQ) Instructor by The Pacific Institute. Certified Instructor for Revamping Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Classroom with Technology. Pearson VUE Certified Administrator.

Jessica Gutierrez

Training Topics: Soft Skills including communication, customer service, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Currently an adjunct faculty member for Reedley College in the Information Systems department and a faculty member for the San Joaquin Valley College in the Business Office Administration department, Jessica is well-versed with teaching business and computer college courses to students and successfully engaging with them to prepare them for a life outside of the classroom.

In addition to her academia background, Jessica has over 15 years of business experience and understands the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professional etiquette while running a business and working with employees and clients. Jessica is also bilingual in English and Spanish, and can train or teach in both languages.

Credentials: M.B.A., Grand Canyon University; B.A. Business Management, Fresno Pacific University.

Andrea Hawkins

Training Topics: Writing and communication skills including: Grammar and Style, Effective Communication, Audience and Tone, Clarity of Message, Email Strategies, and Minute Taking Techniques.

Background: Andrea has worked at College of the Sequoias for the past year in both the English department and through Business Communications training. In the past, she has worked in a business setting as a professional copywriter in charge of website content, social media, competitor analysis, and client communication. She has also created, developed, and led several writing communities both academically and creatively and participated in leadership teams in past professional jobs relating to worker safety, SEO, and Management-Employee communication.

Credentials: M.F.A. (Master of Fine Arts) Creative Writing,  Spalding University with a focus on writing and reading for Young Adults and Children; B.A. English and minor in Creative Writing, Concordia University Irvine. Also holds a substitute credential from California Teacher Commission.

Rhonda Herb

Training Topics: Soft Skills including communication, customer service, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Rhonda Herb is a communications consultant with four decades of corporate experience. As a former public relations and marketing professional, she knows the importance of communicating effectively through written, spoken, and nonverbal communication. She is a regular speaker, facilitator, and instructor on topics ranging from teamwork and collaboration to the nonverbal elements of voice and body movement.

Credentials: PhD Communications, Regent University Virginia Beach, VA. M.A. Education, California State University Fresno; B.A. English, California State University Fresno. Certified in Facilitative Leadership, Power of Persuasion, Consensus Building, Presentation Skills, Understanding and Managing Diversity, Interpersonal Communication Skills and Ombudsman/Mediator Training. State of California Department of Insurance, Health and Life Licensed (1995-2011).

Munir Khan

Training Topics: Hospitality, human resources, sales and customer service, soft skills including communication, customer service, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, teamwork, motivation, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Munir is an experienced HR analytic, small business specialist, a professional trainer, and a renowned international business consultant. He has a strong background in business and human resources management, and has had a proven record of helping companies grow. He has 12 years of successful management and sales experience in the hospitality industry, 15 years of business consulting, and 15 years of professional, hands-on training and teaching internationally in the corporate sectors of the United States of America, Mexico, Denmark, Bangladesh, and several other countries of South Asia.

Credentials: M.B.A. Human Resources, California State University, Bakersfield.

Rose Lacey

Training Topics: Soft Skills including managing personalities, communication, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, motivation, teamwork, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving.

Background: Rose has a natural gift at developing, coordinating and delivering worthwhile, relevant, cutting-edge content; and it is anything but boring! Her training style has been described as engaging, original, down-to-earth and fun. Her talent is not surprising, as Rose draws on over 30 years of leadership experience & public speaking in diverse settings in the community, higher education, and ministry. Rose is fascinated by interpersonal communication and has made it a field of study which continues to add to her value as a trainer. She is dedicated to continually improving the Training Resource Center offerings so that each training provides the utmost value and impact to the participants.

She received awards for her leadership during her 35 years in higher education as a manager & supervisor in the administration. This experience has made her uniquely aware of the challenges and concerns managers face. Rose currently serves on the SHRM Board, is a certified facilitator for National Coalition Building Institute and certified trainer for True Colors International.

Credentials: College of Sequoias, Oregon State University. Certified in Customer Service Academy and Cultural/Generational Diversity training. Certified True Colors Trainer, Certified Emerging Leaders Institute, Certified facilitator for NCBI (National Coalition Building Institute)

Alan Landon

Training Topics: Math, Blue Print reading, Basic Measuring Instruments

Background: Alan Landon brings a wide array of teaching and professional experience. Alan has taught 29 years in local public schools. Early on Alan was involved in teaching high school mathematics and vocational Building Trades classes. Alan started the Drafting/CAD classes at El Diamante high school in 2005. Currently Alan is the embedded tutor at COS for Career Technical Education (CTE) courses such as Automotive, Welding, Industrial Maintenance and Environmental Control Technology.

Credentials: B.S. Mathematics, California State University Fullerton with completed work for California Teaching Credentials for Mathematics and Industrial Arts. A.A Architecture, College of the sequoias.

Tyler McCollum

Training Topics: Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, specializing in Excel.

Background: : Tyler has worked at College of the Sequoias for 4 years. She has taught technology, business and English online and in-person since arriving in California. Prior to that, she was social media editor at B.A.S.S. LLC in Alabama.

Credentials: M.A. English, National University in San Diego; M.B.A., Stetson University in Florida; B.A. English, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Bryan Medina

Training Topics: Programmable Logic Controllers

Background: Bryan has worked in the automation industry for over a decade. For the last several years his focus and expertise has been on the controls and robotics side of automation. He is currently the Automation and Controls Engineer at Moonlight Packing in Reedley, CA as well as an adjunct for the Industry and Technology department teaching Programmable Logic Controllers at College of the Sequoias in Tulare.

Credentials: Industrial Maintenance Certification, Industrial Automation Certification, OSHA 30 Certification, FANUC Handling Tool Certification, FANUC Advanced TPP Certification, FANUC Electrical Maintenance Certification, FANUC iRPickTool Certification, Fanuc iRVision Certification, FANUC Robot/PLC Integration Certification. 

Rangel Melendez

Training Topics: General Industry Safety and Health Outreach Training in OSHA (Federal) and Cal/OSHA in both English and Spanish. Lean Manufacturing, Quality Management, Root Cause Analysis.

Background: Rangel brings a wealth of experience in extensive manufacturing, quality management and safety experience in aerospace, military, oil, medical devices and consumer products. Rangel has been in a leadership roll with the American Society for Quality local chapter and is a regular presenter for the professional group.

Credentials: M.B.A., California State University Fresno; B.S. Engineering Technology, Option Quality Assurance, California State University, Long Beach; AAS in Non-Destructive Testing, Southeast Community College, Milford, Nebraska.

OSHA and Cal/OSHA Authorized Outreach Trainer, California State University, Dominguez Hill. Hold certificates from the American Society for Quality (ASQ) as a Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) and Certified Manager of Quality and Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE).

Dan Nadler

Training Topics: Soft Skills including communication, conflict management, diversity, interpersonal skills, coaching, motivation, teamwork, managing change, delegation, decision making, problem solving, organizational skills and time management.

Background: Dan brings a wealth of experience as a trainer, educator, communicator and administrator. His background in Criminal Justice has provided mastery in areas of Leadership, Conflict Management, Values, and Ethics. Dan’s experience includes a career as a correctional sergeant, SERT team squad leader, criminal justice program director/instructor, and small business owner.  His combined teaching and program management experience includes both on-site and online delivery formats on a variety of topics.  In addition to his training role, he continues as adjunct faculty for a private university in Virginia and the College of the Sequoias.

Credentials: B.A. Economics/Business, Westmont College; M.S. Criminal Justice, Michigan State University

Jorge Zegarra

Training Topics: Quality Management Systems, Continuous Improvement, ISO 9001, Lean manufacturing, Blue Print reading, SPC, Soft Skills, Vocational ESL

Background: Bilingual Quality Management Systems and Continuous Improvement professional with over 30 years of extensive international experience in the manufacturing and service industries in the USA, Latin America and Asia. Functioned in various production, quality assurance and management capacities. Developed and delivered training courses, including web-based workshops.

Jorge has assisted hundreds of companies across multiple industries in the USA and Latin America through the delivery of management system certification services, evaluation of continual improvement activities and assessment of conformance to international quality management system standards such as ISO 9001.

Jorge is a Certified ISO 9001 Lead Auditor and Lean & Six-Sigma practitioner. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer with the Department of Industrial Technology at Fresno State University. Currently Jorge is the Director of College of the Sequoias Training Resource Center, which provides customized training and consulting services to private and public organizations in the California Central Valley as part of the regional economic and workforce development.

Credentials: M.B.A., California State University Fresno. B.S. Engineering Technology – Quality Assurance, California State University Long Beach. Vocational Technical degree in Machine Tool Technology, SENATI Industrial Institute.