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.

My passion is my love of teaching and learning. I have devoted most of my adult life to working with children and families as a teacher at Head Start, a family childcare provider, and a public school teacher. As a graduate of SFCC, I am thrilled to be back at the place I began my college career. After earning my AA degree from SFCC, I headed off to Eastern Washington University. There I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education and a dual Master's Degree in Elementary/Early Childhood Education and College Instruction.

I began working in the field of early childhood when I was in high school. I volunteered at a local Head Start program and was hired as a preschool teacher the year I graduated. After leaving Head Start, I continued to work with children and families as a family childcare provider for over 18 years. Upon the completion of my college coursework, I had the opportunity to teach at our local elementary and middle schools. From there, I began working with the State of Washington as a family childcare licensor and adjunct faculty member at SFCC. It wasn’t long before SFCC became my full-time pursuit.

I have enjoyed being a member of the SFCC faculty since I first began teaching in 1995. At SFCC I found a supportive and challenging learning environment for both students and faculty. I consider it an honor and a privilege to share in the journey students take in the pursuit of their career goals and personal dreams.

I’m thrilled to begin this opportunity as it supports children and families in the all-important years of early childhood. I graduated from SFCC with my AAS in Early Childhood Education in 2016 and since then have worked in many traditional early educational settings, my most recent role being Lead Prekindergarten teacher for the Kalispel Tribe of Indians at the Camas Early Learning center for nearly five years. I am also a current student with the University of Phoenix working toward my Bachelors in Early Childhood Education. Raising children and supporting families starts with building relationships that will ultimately build educational connections and opportunities. I plan to bring my excitement for the field of ECED and my dedication to raising children with the ideal that “it takes a village.” In my free time I enjoy the great outdoors as I reside in my childhood community in Pend Oreille County. Some things I enjoy the most with my family of four are huckleberry picking, kayaking, and fishing our many wonderful lakes and picturesque river.  

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.

Dr Cathy Meier’s Education: AS Early Childhood Education BS Elementary Education, MEd Early Childhood Education, PhD in Education with a Specialization in Early Childhood Education.

Dr. Cathy entered the ECE workforce in the 1980’s. She held positions as a childcare provider, infant-toddler caregiver, preschool teacher, elementary teacher, director, and owner. During the 1990s, she became a trainer and mentor for adults in the ECE field.  Dr Cathy entered the higher ed arena in 2005 and has worked at the community college and university levels. She is proud of her contribution to the lives of young children: preparing teachers for the classrooms.

Kim Rector joined SFCC as the Early Achievers Scholarship Point of Contact in 2019. She enjoys supporting scholars earning Early Childhood Education credentials and working closely with the ECED program team. Prior to SFCC, Kim worked in specialist roles in P-12 and postsecondary education as well as child/family support roles in non-profit and military settings. She enjoys camping, kayaking, traveling, and spending time with her family.