AmeriCorps

The Retention Project is an AmeriCorps program that is part of the Washington Campus Compact and is a peer-to-peer mentoring program designed to improve the retention and academic advancement of new first-generation and worker retraining students, as well as students who are currently on academic warning or probation. Two AmeriCorps Retention Specialists are currently serving at LWIT in the Advising office. 

Retention Specialists

Academic Advising & Title III - Katie Viola, M.Ed

Hello! I'm Katie Viola and I am the AmeriCorps Student Retention Specialist within the Advising office here at LWIT. I provide academic advising services to new and continuing student as well as assisting the Title III Director with retention goals for first generation (students who are the first in their family to attend college) and students on academic warning.

 I have lived in the Pacific Northwest my entire life and love it here! I grew up in Puyallup, WA, where I attended Pierce College and received my Direct Transfer Degree. I then transferred to the University of Washington in Seattle, where I earned my Bachelor's degree in American Ethnic Studies with a minor in Diversity. I then decided to go to Western Washington University to earn my Master's of Education in Student Affairs Administration. I love community and technical colleges and working with underrepresented students, which is why I joined AmeriCorps. This position has given me the opportunity to further my work and career in higher education while also giving back to the community.

Contact Information
West Building, Room W207
(425) 739-8204
Katie.Viola@LWTech.edu 

Drop-In Advising Hours
Tuesdays 8am-12pm
Wednesdays 12pm-4:30pm
Call or Email for Appointment 

Worker Retraining - Lupe Zaragoza

Salutations! I am happy to be serving as an AmeriCorps Worker Retraining Retention Specialist for the 2011-2012 academic year at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. In my commitment of service I will be assisting students who are navigating the unemployment process and are seeking to gain additional training to make themselves more marketable candidates once they reenter the work force. If you have been laid off, are a displaced homemaker or have been honorably discharged from the military chances are you will be meeting with me. Additionally, I will be coordinating the Social and Human Services interns each quarter.
A bit about me.... I grew up in El Paso, Texas and later moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico to attend New Mexico State University where I received my Bachelor's Degree in Film. Since then I have worked for a television station and I've interned with the National Park Service. I have always wanted to service as an AmeriCorps member and being in an environment where I could advocate for higher education in a creative and dynamic fashion fell well within my line of values. Upon completion of my service I will be returning back to school to pursue my Master's degree. 

Contact Information
West Building, Room W207
(425) 739-8671
Lupe.Zaragoza@LWTech.edu 

Drop-In Advising Hours
Wednesdays from 8am-12pm
Call or Email for appointment 

Social and Human Services Interns

Spring 2012

The AmeriCorps Retention Specialists work collaboratively with the Social and Human Services program, which provides interns each quarter to mentor new students. These mentors provide academic advising and referrals to campus and community resources. The Retention Specialists not only run the peer-to-peer mentoring program, but also provide one-on-one academic advising to students.  
 
The AmeriCorps Retention Specialists with the Winter 2012 interns at the 5th Annual Volunteer Service Bash

Anahit Sukhudyan

Hello, my name is Anahit Sukhudyan. I am from Armenia. I am in the program Social and Human Services. I am really excited to start my first internship; this is a new experience for me. I also have a psychology degree from my country which is really helpful for human service professional. I am looking forward to start a new career with the skills that will be helpful for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Omar Alkabra

Contact:
Omar.Alkabra@lwtech.edu

Hours:
Tuesday & Thursday 10:30AM to 1:00PM
Friday 10:30AM to 12:00PM

My Name is Omar Alkabra. As a person who is passionate about eliminating poverty at all levels of society, I have dedicated my life to helping men and women in need. I am currently working with the Everett Housing Authority with people of low income, visible and invisible disabilities and senior. I learned many talents when I was volunteered with Hopelink in customer services and in the Food Bank .Then I decided to go back to school after so many years to work with people in need academically, I choose my favorite program Social and Human Services. Here I am mostly in my half way to have my degree certificate.

 

 

Mysti Olson

Contact:
Christina.Olson@lwtech.edu

Hours:
Monday 10:00AM-1:00PM
Wednesday 10:00AM-1:00PM

My name is Christina Olson, but I prefer to be called "Mysti". I am currently working on my first internship for the Social and Human Services department at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. I am very excited about the program I am in, as I enjoy working with people.  I currently work at the Alano Club of the Eastside, and work with a lot of people in Recovery.  Although "recovery" is not the exact field that I am focusing my career on, I enjoy having the opportunity to listen to others, and ultimately try to point them in a direction where they can get help. I have a 4 y/o son named Jasper, he is an amazing little boy and keeps me super busy. We just moved into a new townhome in Kirkland in January 2012 and love the area and we are close to everything.

 

 

Cody Dieni

Contact:
Cody.Dieni@lwtech.edu

Hours:
Monday 12:00PM-3:00PM
Tuesday 10:00AM-1:00PM

Hello everybody!  My name is Cody Dieni and I am in my second year of the Social and Human Services Program at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.  My plan is to transfer either to Seattle Central Community College or to the University of Washington Bothell and obtain a bachelor's degree in psychology.  Eventually, I want to finish out with a master's degree, majoring in psychology and minoring in criminal justice.  I have been through a lot in my short life and I feel that I have something to offer in either the jail system and/or working with at risk youth.  I have enjoyed my experience in the program so far, I have met a lot of great people and I am very excited to see what the future holds!

 

 

Want to make a difference in students live while also giving back to your community? 

Serve as an AmeriCorps Volunteer!

Recruitment for the 2011-2012 school year has has ended, but check back in April 2012 for the 2012-2013 AmeriCorps positions!