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:
Susan Vaughan 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.
Assessment Specialist:
Joe'll Chaidez jchaidez@taftcollege.edu Bio coming soon.
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.
High Tech Lab Assistant:
Mack Stephenson mstephenson@taftcollege.edu Bio coming soon.
Senior Secretary:
Vicki Waugh@taftcollege.edu Bio coming soon.
Testing Technician:
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.