Meet the Staff
Coordinator, Student Support Services:
Jeffery Ross jross@taftcollege.edu has been with Taft College since 1976. He got his B.S. degree in Social Services from California State University, Pomona. He received his M.A. degree in Special Education from California State University of Bakersfield. Jeff is a Learning Disabilities Specialist and a certified High Tech Specialist.
Jeff designed and established the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program, which has brought Taft College national recognition for its highly successful, one of a kind residency program for developmentally disabled adults.
Coordinator’s Assistant/Student Support Services:
Kathy Evarts kevarts@taftcollege.edu has been with Taft College since 1988. Her job is to assist and track special day classes, maintain academic and vocational records, aid disabled students with registration and forms related to coursework. She assists with independent living skills training, basic skills instruction and the transition process of our developmentally disabled students. She also acts as a liaison between the Student Support Services Coordinator, the students and their families, and other related agencies.
Kathy was born in Bakersfield, CA. and attended local schools, including Taft College. She played a major role in the conception and implementation of the Transition to Independent Living program (TIL). She was awarded the EOPS/CARE Most Supportive Staff Member for 1999/2000.
Learning Disabilities Specialist:
Sharyn Eveland received her B.A. as well as M.A. degree in Psychology from California State University, Bakersfield. Her job is to interview students seeking assistance through SSS/DSPS. She also conduct’s assessments, and determines what accommodations they may be entitled to use. In addition, she teaches many of the Learning Skills classes that Taft College offers.
Sharyn is an advocate for our students with disabilities, and strives to promote awareness on our campus each and every day. Born in Taft, she is highly involved in the community. She is on numerous committees and enjoys giving speeches.
High Tech Access Specialist/Professor:
Jack Gallon jgallon@taftcollege.edu received his A.A. degree in Anthropology/Sociology at Mt. Saint Antonio Community College in Walnut, CA. He earned his B.A. degree in English, and M.A. degree in Curriculum and Instruction at California State University, Bakersfield. His job is to ensure the availability of software, hardware and alternative text materials for students with learning disabilities, and to train students how to utilize the facilities. In addition, Jack teaches the GED Preparatory Program.
Senior Secretary:
Debra Ekdahl dekdahl@taftcollege.edu received her A.A. degree in Arts from Taft College. As Senior Secretary, Debra is often the first person you will meet when entering the SSS/DSPS building. She’s the one making sure you get in touch with the appropriate person. Some of her official titles have included: Instructional Aid, TIL Program Directors Assistant and Clerk; but, due to her friendly and approachable demeanor, she’s also known as friend and confidante to many of our students around campus. Debra’s favorite thing about her job is, “That it is constantly evolving”.
Instructional Aide:
LaNell Howell lhowell@taftcollege.edu is a life-long resident of Kern County; she attended local schools, including Bakersfield College. LaNell is the assistant to the Learning Disabilities Specialist and administers the achievement testing needed for assessments, she also facilitates English classes with the TIL students. She feels she has, “The best job in the world”, and the infectious smile on her face would seem to confirm that.
Academic Advisor/Tech Prep Coordinator:
Vicki Herder vherder@taftcollege.edu received her Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Fresno State University. She grew up in Bakersfield, and attended local schools, including Bakersfield High School and California State University, Bakersfield. Vicki has been with Taft College since 1997, and has been providing career counseling for over fifteen years, primarily in the private sector. Her job here at Taft College involves coordinating the Technology Preparation Program with our local high schools, ROP and teaching the Work Experience classes. She is also the primary counselor for students that receive services for learning disabilities through Student Support Services.
Adjunct Instructor:
Susan Vaughan svaughan@taftcollege.edu received her B.A. degree in Sociology, and her Master’s degree in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from California State University, Fresno. She is a certified Vocational Evaluator as well as a certified Vocational Counselor. Susan is one of our instructors for the Learning Skills classes; in addition she conducts the assessments for learning disabilities.
