Austin Creswell
Email: acreswell@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 668–3318
“It took me 18 years to be comfortable with my identity as a gay man, and another 5 years to be comfortable enough to come out to the world around me. The thing that made my openness possible were my own mentors and support systems that showed me it’s okay to be who you are to the highest degree. I hope to be that example for those around me now, and offer a space to exist without judgement and an ear to listen to whatever is needed!”
Beth Wright
Email: bwright@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8348
“Being able to see students learn about themselves and grow as individuals is so exciting to be able to be a part of. I want to be a mentor for all students to help them take opportunities without fear or self-doubt and learn there is a place to be their authentic self.”
Desiree Drattlo
Email: ddrattlo@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 872-4002 ext.5227
“The LGBTQ+ community has always been looked down upon in my home town. Because of that I had to watch family and friends struggle to be comfortable in their own skin. I can not think of a better way to advocate and support the LGBTQ+ community than being a mentor. I hope this affinity group will provide individuals with a safe space, support and the opportunity to connect with others”
Daisy Garcia
Email: dgarcia@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 668-7731
“We would like to meet you! E-mail is the best way to contact me or on the app! Let’s chat! Si quieres, podemos hablar en español. (Sé lo suficiente para poder hablar contigo.)”
Barbara Curtis
Email: bcurtis@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6422
“My story is too long for this quote, but even though I don’t know your exact circumstances, I know what homelessness, extreme living conditions, and sustained poverty feels like. But that isn’t you; it’s just your circumstances. The one possession that can never be taken from you is hope, but if you do happen to misplace it, I’ll be happy to do my best to help you find it once again.”
Jennifer Burrows
Email: jburrows@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8347
“I am honored to work with students who are in need of basic life necessities. As I’ve worked with students, I witness how having food and housing impacts a student’s academic success. Students thrive when basic needs are met and flourish when they recognize the care from staff and faculty. I am thankful to be a part of cultivating a culture that simply cares for the needs of students and recognizes that students need resources to be successful.”
Franklin Haskins
Email: fhaskins@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8400, ext. 8506
“As an African American male, I know firsthand the struggles young African American male have trying to navigate higher education. I want to be an advocate, a resource and a mentor to these students. I want to personally help these students through completion of college. This is needed because statistics show that African American males everywhere are struggling to complete their degree and excel in higher education. Let’s work together to prove that these statistics don't know anything about you.”
Ashley Fleeks
Email: afleeks@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 668-7731 ext. 4955
“I personally wanted to take on the Affinity Group for African American women because that is who I am. I know what it is to live in poverty. I know what it is to have to find my own way, because I am the first in my family to go to college, graduate, and pursue graduate school. I know what is to not have anyone who looks like you, try to help you and fail because they don't understand you or your journey. I am grateful for this opportunity to impart, advise, and lead more African American women on their purposeful journey. It is important that the youth in our community can physically see people like themselves contributing to society, and just maybe their footsteps will reach higher ground than mine ever could.”
Daneé Mitchell
Email: damitchell@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8417
“As a Black woman, I can personally relate to being a minority in a college setting. I can remember many times being the only person of color in my college classes and feeling like I did not belong. Luckily, I had people in my corner that helped me and reminded me that I could do it! I hope to be able to pay it forward and make a positive impact on students that had similar experiences to me.”
Cristina Gottardi
Email: cgottardi@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6282, ext. 6420
“I have great respect for those who have already navigated life, careers and family. They enter college with more wisdom, knowledge and drive than most. The life experience and knowledge they bring helps enrich the learning process for not only their fellow students but for the entire NCTC team. It’s not easy to start school again after a long break, but education has no age limit.”
Shannon Solomon
Email: ssolomon@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6459
“As a career coach and a career changer myself, I have a natural connection with Adult Learners. I can provide insight and resources to help guide you towards success in your individual journey towards improving, expanding, or changing your career. I admire individuals who have the courage to take action to get to where they want to be, and I look forward to partnering with you as you strive to meet your goals.”
Sara Kluth
Email: smkluth@nctc.edu
Call: (972) 899-8408
“As a fellow adult learner, I hope I can provide encouragement, insight, and resources as you are working towards your educational goals. Juggling multiple roles and dealing with new technology are challenging, but not insurmountable. Adult learners bring a lot to the table with career and life experiences. I look forward to supporting you in your journey!”
Dr. Graham Cox
Email: gcox@nctc.edu
Call: (940) 498-6450
“Over the last two decades, my teaching and advising experience has allowed me to develop a broad familiarity with students' differing educational and experiential backgrounds. More than that, however, I was an adult learner myself. Adult learners often juggle work, family, and other responsibilities, in addition to coursework. I appreciate the courage and sacrifice it sometimes takes for those who choose to return to school later in life. I look forward to helping you navigate these and other challenges on your path to success.”
Brett Johnson
Email: bbjohnson@nctc.edu
Phone: (972) 899-8409
“I admire adult learners because they often balance personal and professional responsibilities while pursuing their education. As a higher education professional, I look forward to helping adult learners be successful in their studies while also gaining wisdom and insight from them since I myself am an adult learner.“
Donna Hooper
Email: dhooper@nctc.edu
Phone: (940)498-6266
“Every person has the right to feel happy, secure and equal within society. I have very dear family and friends who identify with this group who I have seen struggle as they adjust to openly identifying as LGBT+. I am here to support and advocate as needed.”