Leah Ruiz is excited to be part the Pathways Specialist who works with students in the Education, Social, and Behavioral Health Pathway. She works toward inspiring and encouraging college students throughout their academic career. Being a first-generation student herself, it is her goal to help students realize that their life story has given them strengths they may not know they already possess, have the potential to overcome obstacles and successfully reach their goals and dreams. During her years as a graduate student in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Washington State University, she completed several publications and worked with WSU Coalition for Women Students, which works to create awareness of injustices for people of all genders and foster a safe and inclusive environment for all students. In her spare time, she likes to read books on personal growth and the juvenile justice system. She also enjoys hiking, playing volleyball, and tennis.

lodie Goodman has been a part of the SFCC community since September 2000. lodie was a French and film instructor and was the Chair of the Communication Arts & Modern Languages Department. After 18 years of teaching and advising students across the campus, she stepped up to the new role as Dean of Social Science, Business, and Human Services. She enjoys the opportunity to collaboratively work with faculty, staff, and students to advance the mission of SFCC. A couple of her passions are mentoring and being actively involved in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging as well as championing professional development for her faculty and staff. Whatever is needed to better serve our students and community, particularly behind the scenes, lodie is game.

In her free time, lodie enjoys spending time with her family including her 4 German Shepherds, teaching and practicing yoga, writing, working in her organic lavender field, and collecting rocks.

Sandy Ross started at SFCC in 2003 in the Education and Education Paraeducator Programs.  Before joining SFCC, Sandy spent 30+ years working in elementary education.  She has taught first, third, fifth and sixth grades.  She also worked as an art specialist for several years at the elementary level.  In addition to teaching Sandy received an M.A. Ed in Educational Leadership Washington State University as well as principal certification.  She then became an administrator in a middle school with 800 students enrolled.

Sandy teaches education and education paraeducator online.  It is hard to build strong relationships with students when teaching at a distance, but to Sandy building strong, trusting relationships with her students is essential.  Student success in her classes is a team effort between instructor and student.

In her time away from teaching Sandy loves playing with her dogs, gardening, and doing a variety of arts and crafts.