SCC and SFCC eLearning Success Coaches

Have a quick question about your online classes or have an urgent issue?  

call or text:  Tara at 509.992.0771   

email:           Karen at Karen.Sandall@ccs.spokane.edu

or in person: Come see us at our offices on SCC and SFCC! 

          • SCC in Bldg. #1 in the TLC (second floor, east side)
          • SFCC in Bldg. #2 Room 011 (basement next to the Copy Shop)

Or join one of our groups below for ongoing access and support! 

MEET THE SUCCESS COACHES

Online Student Success Coaches are here to bridge gaps and keep you on the road to success. We help with navigating your education at a distance and provide you with the necessary directions and roadside support along the way. Your education is a journey, and we want to help you reach your goals.
Choose any one of us you'd like to bring along with you as you embark, and let's get going!
image of Karen   Karen Sandall

    karen.sandall@ccs.spokane.edu

    Call or Text: 509.808.0935

 

   Hi there! I've been working for the Community Colleges of Spokane since the olden days of the 2010s (when the internet was still in black and white).  I am the nerdiest of nerds, and my favorite things in this world are terrible jokes, handcrafted goods, word games, alternative music genres, sandwiches, pop-culture culture, subversive media, and dogs.

 

More about me:terminator with a Karen wig says come with me if you want to live laugh love

  • My entire attitude is YES. Let's figure out how to do what needs to get done. 
  • I'm here for you, and I am always happy to hear from you
  • I know stuff---like truly helpful stuff!
  • I have been a community college student, a transfer student, online student and a grad student. I have struggled and I have succeeded. 
  • I speak fluent financial aid 
  • I got my bachelors degree from University of Oregon.  🦆 I am a duck. 

 

 Join Karen's Bigfoot Boulevard Course!
  image of JulieJulie Hands

   Call or Text:509.222.8522

    julie.hands@ccs.spokane.edu

 My favorite thing is connecting with students and helping them break through barriers.  I love being a tiny part of college life for students and getting to travel alongside for this part of their journey. 

 

More about me:

    • Mom of 3 biological sons and 4 foster sons (PS I have twins in college- yikes!)                          
    • Dog and cat mom, plus goats, chickens, geese, bunnies, and now PIGEONS- thanks to a former student! (I'll tell you the story if you want to hear it 🤣)
    • Worked in the international student office at SCC before becoming an online coach
    • Taught High School Spanish & English 
    • In my time off, I love to read, ride bikes, walk dogs, play with kids

   Join Julie's Bigfoot Boulevard Course!

Professional picture of ShayShay Brownson
shay.brownson@ccs.spokane.edu                                                       

I have lived in Spokane my whole life. I have had to persevere through momentous challenges including poverty, inadequate homeschooling, divorce, and raising my children on my own.  My journey to a stable and happier life was sparked by a passion for education. I started working in early childhood education, worked my way up while providing for my family, going back to school and earning my degrees at SFCC and Whitworth, and eventually working for SFCC up until recently when I moved into this coaching position with CCS eLearning. I’m excited to be here, to help you ignite your own spark and support you as you embark on this journey to achieve your goals.

Miss Frizzle with sunglasses

 

More about me:

  •  I love a good meme
  • I don’t just listen, I HEAR you
  • I’ve been working for the Community Colleges of Spokane for a while, and I know my way around
  • I have lived through a lot, and I understand the struggle. I know what it is to fight for yourself, to overcome obstacles, and how hard it can be to manifest changes. If this resonates with you, let’s talk!
  • I paint! I especially love painting 90s cartoon characters.

   Join Shay's Bigfoot Boulevard Course!  
Professional Picture of Tara    Tara Hardman 

    tara.hardman@ccs.spokane.edu

    Call or Text: 509.992.0771   

    Book time with Tara! Links to an external site.

    ‘The road to success is always under construction’ -Lily Tomlin 

 

I am forever an educator and learner. I was a science and engineering teacher and instructional coach before joining the e-learning team at CCS. I have my Master's in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Colorado Boulder and my Bachelors in Biology and Education from Boise State University.

I have lived the struggle of pursing higher education and maintaining a healthy happy life; my goal is to support you through the tangled road to success, however you define success.

 

More about meComparison Image What people think Success looks like: straight arrow Versus What success actually looks like: tangled arrow going in different directions

  • I love a good adventure. I've lived in Washington, Idaho, Arizona, Minnesota, Colorado, Nicaragua and New Zealand. 
  • I am a mom and became a mom in 2020 while finishing my master's degree. (not sure if that was the worst or best time to become a mom)  
  • I reluctantly have two cats that I secretly love but also annoy me. Their names are Rainier and Borah.
  • I played soccer and love watching soccer. I’m excited to go to Spokane Velocity & Zephyr games!   
  • I have flown in the Weightless Wonder (Zero G plane) and studied Mice Bone Cells in Microgravity 
  • I love podcasts, books, and tv shows (usually comedies or fantasy); I'd love to hear your recommendations.

 

Join Tara's Bigfoot Boulevard Course!