Multicultural Academic Program Staff Profiles
Jeff Laff, Manager of Multicultural Academic Program- I wanted to be part of MAP because of the opportunity to help make a difference for immigrant students who find themselves in challenging life circumstances. Helping students develop English language skills is an important step on the path to achieving the American Dream.
Emma Zwaschka, MAP Community Resource Specialist- I have the benefit of being a part of the program, which values multicultural awareness and respect for diversity. The program responds to the community's needs by providing educational and support services to a diverse population. I enjoy working in a community college environment with multicultural staff and students that reflects the diverse country that we live in.
Esperanza Beck, MAP Resource Specialist - My favorite thing about MAP is seeing the students turn their lives around and reach their goals. I feel proud to contribute to the realization of their completion of the GED or High School Diploma.
Vanessa Hernandez, MAP Resource Specialist- I joined MAP because through this program I have the opportunity to help young immigrants learn English, obtain a GED and access college. I find it very exciting to help my students realize the opportunities that are waiting for them if they improve their education. The potential of young immigrant students is unlimited. I am proud of being involved in their education at this early stage of their lives and being able to help them achieve their dreams.
Mathilda Lee, MAP Resource Specialist - MAP is a safe environment to learn and improve your English Skills to further your educational and career goals. I am always impressed how MAP students demonstrate their resilience and resolve as they successfully complete the ESL courses, received a GED, a High School Diploma, and/or even college degrees despite the barriers of language, culture, family obligations, and other difficulties. I encourage students to enroll in MAP and take the first step towards fulfilling your dreams!
Mike Bene, MAP Instructor- Teaching English with the Multicultural Academic Program allows me to share my passion for the English language while interacting with a group of students whose diverse backgrounds make them some Portland's most interesting citizens. The rewards of working with MAP students are many, but none compare to the satisfaction I feel when I see our students develop their English skills, and use these skills to progress through Portland Community College and into a career or further education at a University.
Delina Burggraf, MAP Instructor - As a MAP instructor, I really enjoy being part of a program that reaches out to immigrant students who do not have a high school credential and that offers them the opportunity to learn English and continue their education. Working with MAP I can contribute to the response that PCC has given to an increasing community need through a program that enhances the student potential and supports their academic development and personal success. I feel very fortunate to be able to share my classroom with students from such diverse cultural backgrounds. They have contributed to my professional development and have deeply increased my cross-cultural awareness.
Melisa Crosby, MAP Instructor- It's an honor and a privilege to work with new students to the program as they take their first steps in learning English
Melissa Ellis, MAP Instructor - This program provides a safe and caring alternative for high school students that prepares them to be successful life-long learners. I am inspired everyday by all of the students who participate in the program because they are proving that they can fulfill their educational dreams while overcoming many obstacles in life.
Hanna Reed, MAP Instructor- At the heart of my educational philosophy is the concept of taking what a student has to offer - their interests, intelligence, and learning styles – and assisting them in gaining knowledge, experience and a healthy morality. I believe a student’s interest in learning grows when the learning process is engaging and valid. It is a teacher’s job to provide the necessary foundation for students, to help them make the connection between past and future learning, and to provide a link between the student’s school world and their real world.
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