Office and People Directory

Ian Fournier

Biography

Ian started at Champlain College in July 2017 as an Area Coordinator. In this role, Ian oversaw leadership skill development opportunities on campus through offerings such as Emerging Leaders, Lead like a Beaver, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Ian began serving Housing and Residential Life as an Assistant Director in July 2022. In this role, Ian oversees the Resident Advisor program on campus which includes hiring and training RAs for Main Campus and 194 Saint Paul.

What are your hobbies?

Video Games, Music, Learning

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

One of my favorite local eateries is Mandarin in Winooski, and I enjoy watching sunsets from campus!

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Jonathan Fowler

Biography

He has been in the data/analytics field since 2007. His background in the humanities gives him a unique perspective on data analytics as narrative, and experience in education as a teacher and counselor help bring a nurturing mindset to the business.

He has served as sole or lead analytics developer in the fields of consumer product goods, manufacturing, banking, law, human resources, and IT managed services. He has worked at both the team lead and individual contributor role in data engineering, data integration, predictive analytics, and data visualization. He has acted as an outsourced Chief Data Officer for implementing company data strategies.

Always an educator, Dr. Fowler has taught at the graduate level for analytics and data science, and has published multiple papers in the field. Dr. Fowler holds a D.C.Sc. in Big Data Analytics from Colorado Technical University, M.Ed., and B.A. in English from Clemson University. His doctoral research was the early core of the LDIS+™ Analytics Impact Framework.

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Andrew Frost

Biography

Andrew Frost is a photographer, printer, bookmaker, and educator with over a decade of professional book and print experience.

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Thomas Funk

Biography

Thomas Funk is a lifelong digital marketer and ecommerce business manager who joined Champlain College as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Marketing in 2020. He is currently an Adjunct Instructor teaching digital marketing and analytics.

His business background includes stints as Ecommerce Director at Ann Clark Ltd, Marketing Director at Gardener’s Supply Company, and Senior Manager of Keurig and Green Mountain Coffee where he led email marketing, paid search, SEO, the loyalty program and a 165K-member subscription business. As VP of Marketing at Timberline Interactive, he performed online marketing for Wine of the Month Club, Terry Precision Cycling, Lake Champlain Chocolates, VBT Bicycle Vacations, Garrett Wade, Dakin Farms and Liberty Orchards. Prior to Timberline, he helped build and manage the websites of Vermont Teddy Bear Company and PajamaGram.

Funk is frequent conference speaker and the author of three business books: Advanced Social Media Marketing (Apress), Social Media Playbook for Business (ABC-CLIO) and Web 2.0 and Beyond (Praeger).

Publications & Abstracts

Advanced Social Media Marketing: How to Lead, Launch, and Manage a Successful Social Media Program

Social Media Playbook for Business: Reaching Your Online Community with Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and More

Web 2.0 and Beyond: Understanding the New Online Business Models, Trends, and Technologies

Curriculum Vitae

READ MY CV

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Matthew J Gagne

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Jessie Leigh Gagnon (Hough)

Biography

Jessie is a passionate writer, producer, and anthropologist who lives for games, film, and interactive media. Her creative side has melted over and fused to her project management side, and she thrives on opportunities to solve problems, hit milestones, mentor others, and make a positive impact in the lives of people and projects. With over eleven years in the game industry, Jessie has worked on AAA titles like League of Legends and volunteers time for organizations like Women in Games. She has a track record of happy, healthy, interdisciplinary teams and successful projects that shipped with clarity of vision, data-informed decision making, and an empathetic, people-driven focus. A specialist in crunch prevention and conflict resolution, she dedicates much of her spare time these days to helping developers with traditionally marginalized identities learn to thrive in game development.

Distinctions & Awards

Lambda Alpha Anthropological Honors Society, Global Citizenship Certificate,

Publications & Abstracts

“Cosplay,” World Book Encyclopedia; 2014
“Escape from the Mainstream: The Japanese Cosplay Youth Subculture,” Franklin Pierce University; 2008, Temple University Japan; 2010

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

American Anthropological Association

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, by Jesse Schell
• Agile Game Development, Clinton Keith
• The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking

Favorite Quote

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

—Margaret Mead

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Wylie Garcia

Biography

Wylie Garcia (She/They) Art Gallery Director, Curator, Professional Artist

Wylie Garcia is a seasoned figure in the art world, boasting over 15 years of experience in the non-profit arts sector. Their multifaceted career spans roles as an art gallery director, curator, and accomplished artist, earning recognition through prestigious awards for their contributions to the arts.

As an Affiliate Member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAMG), Wylie is committed to fostering artistic growth and innovation. Their expertise lies in connecting artists with resources to propel their careers forward, exemplifying a passion for nurturing creative talent.

A standout project in Wylie’s portfolio is FluxFest, a campus-wide interactive exhibition curated in collaboration with acclaimed curator John Kilacky. This groundbreaking initiative explored the convergence of art and technology, engaging audiences in dynamic artistic experiences.

With deep roots in the local arts community spanning over two decades, Wylie brings extensive connections and insights to their work. Their network serves as a catalyst for collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange, enriching the cultural landscape.

In addition to their curatorial and artistic endeavors, Wylie provides valuable consulting services to support emerging artists in navigating the complexities of the art world. Their mentorship empowers creatives to find their voice and navigate professional pathways with confidence.

What are your hobbies?

Looking at things and asking lots of questions.

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Devil Takes A Holiday is my favorite place to go and my favorite thing to do in Vermont is walk at Shelburne Farms.

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Ethan Garhartt

Biography

Ethan Garhartt brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate spirit to the Career Collaborative team. With a Master’s in Public Administration and an academic foundation in history, economics, and political science, Ethan has spent much of their career working in the healthcare field, where their skills in data analysis and collaboration help colleagues make more insightful decisions.

A natural storyteller, Ethan loves sharing their journey with students, providing them with both guidance and encouragement as they pursue their own career paths. Outside of work, you can find Ethan in the kitchen cooking up something delicious or enjoying quality time with friends. Ethan also loves connecting with colleagues and students—so feel free to stop by the Garden House for a friendly hello and one of Ethan’s signature hearty laughs!

Hobbies

Magic the Gathering, Poetry & Writing, Dungeon & Dragons, Fishing, Bird Watching

Favorite Local Eateries and Things to do in Vermont

Union Jacks is a fantastic local sandwich shop.

If you have the transportation, Emerald Lake State Park in Dorset Vermont is worth it.

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Tegan Garon

Biography

Tegan Garon is a Vermont native who is a full-time high school math teacher, in addition to teaching part-time mathematics courses at Champlain.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
• Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

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Liza Geduldig

Biography

Passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, Liza is a seasoned event professional with a flair for turning visions into reality. With over 20 years in the dynamic world of event planning (including 10 years in NYC), Liza has brought her broad multi-tasking skills back to her home state of Vermont, orchestrating a diverse range of successful institutional and engagement events for Champlain’s Faculty, Staff, Students and friends of the college. Known for meticulous attention to detail and a creative touch, Liza has a proven track record of transforming concepts into seamless, engaging events. A true collaborator, she thrives on building strong partnerships and ensuring every detail exceeds expectations. Liza is dedicated to crafting events that leave a lasting impact and cherished memories for the Champlain community. When she is not running around planning events, Liza can usually be found somewhere outside with family and friends and her two cute rescue pups Jack and Buttons.

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Sarah George

Biography

Sarah George is the Chittenden County State’s Attorney. She has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Connecticut, a Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology from Castleton State College, and a Law Degree from Vermont Law School. For over six years, Sarah was a Deputy State’s Attorney in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, and in January 2017, Sarah became the Chittenden County State’s Attorney. Chittenden County houses nearly one third of Vermont’s population, is the most diverse county in the State, and prides themselves on their progressive approach to public safety efforts. Since being State’s Attorney, Sarah has focused on ways to overhaul the criminal legal system by finding innovative ways to serve her community. From significantly reducing the number of cases charged and increasing diversion eligibility, to eliminating cash bail and decreasing supervision and incarcerative sentences, Sarah is dedicated to providing opportunity, intervention and wholistic support to victims, families and folks who commit crimes; holding individuals accountable, and implementing smart strategies and innovations that promote safe, healthy, and strong communities.

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Jenna Giguere

Biography

Jenna (she/her) is the current Coach of the Champlain College Dance Team and weekly Yoga Instructor through Student Activities. Growing up as a dancer & mover, Jenna has been drawn to all types of movement as a connection to our bodies, minds, and spirit.

Jenna’s passion for teaching and mentorship has been evident in her work as Dance Coach for the Champlain College Dance Team for the past 7 years. Her goal as a dance and yoga teacher is to cultivate a safe space for students to find what they need through movement, whatever that looks like!

Champlain College holds a special place for Jenna, as she is an alumni- graduated in 2015 with a BS in Marketing & Digital Interactions. She also worked closely with Student Activities during her four years at the college as President of CHAMP, student activities planner, and Orientation Leader. Since then, she has worked primarily in the performing arts in Burlington at the Flynn, Vermont Youth Orchestra Association, and currently at Burlington City Arts.

Jenna also currently teaches yoga at Sangha Studio, owns a local dance company, ‘merde!’, and works with many local artists and businesses. She has a love for non-profit arts administration, vintage clothing, theater and dance, local food, farmers markets, swimming holes, and her street bike in the summer. Oh and a freshly grown tomato from anyone’s garden!

What are your hobbies?

Dance, Yoga, Reading, Cooking, Outdoors!

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

A perfect day in Vermont would be the sun shining, a stop at Burlington Farmers Market for an iced coffee, a bouquet of local flowers, and a donut! Followed by anything to do with Lake Champlain, kayaking or paddle boarding! After a long day, dinner at small local restaurants like Poco, Taco Gordo, or May Day – to enjoy really great cocktails and unique food!

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Stephan Giles

Biography

Steve Giles is an Adjunct Professor at Champlain College where he has been a faculty member since 2015.

Steve completed his Master’s in computer science from Colorado Technical University and has Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Colorado.

His expertise lies in applying emerging technologies and computer science to extend and improve the quality of life for individuals. Steve spent twenty-five years developing software to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, with a specialization in breast cancer. He is a lifelong athlete having completed ten Ironman Triathlons and numerous ultra marathons.
He believes through hard work and dedication we can accomplish anything.

Distinctions & Awards

– Ironman Triathlon, All World Athlete. Ranked in the top 10 percent of finishers. This triathlon distance requires a 2.4 mile swim (3.9K), 112 mile bike (180.2K), and 26.2 mile run (42.2K).

Publications & Abstracts

Patent, Methods and system to identify exams with significant findings (Issued Feb. 4, 2014)

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

Association for Computing Machinery

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Ryan Gillen

Biography

As Manager of The Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity, Ryan helps oversee & optimize all research, projects, and grants at the center. Also an adjunct professor in CNCS, he teaches an advanced topics course & Enterprise Virtualization. Previously, as Project Manager for Cyber Range, Ryan led a student team dedicated to designing cyber attack simulations for The United States Secret Service. Prior to that, his experience as a Security Engineer involved delivering security services to Vermont organizations.

Student focused, Ryan is thoroughly passionate about maximizing the student experience, their professional growth, and helping LC graduates land great jobs.

Ryan’s current interests in the field are: The intersections of AI & Cybersecurity, Adversary Simulation, Red Team Operations, and automation.

Hobbies

Backcountry snowboarding, boating, and swimming

Favorite things to do in Vermont

Fav food: Kismayo Kitchen, Rt. 7 Liquor & Deli, Laliguras
Best spots in VT: Bolton Valley, Huntington River, Starr Farm Beach

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Vance Gillis

Biography

Vance Gillis is the Student Life Manager for the Montreal campus, as well as a facilitator, writer and event producer. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Vance studied at Toronto Film College and served as the Education Director at Toronto’s Bad Dog Theatre Company. In 2020 he took over the new Montreal Improv Theatre as its Artistic Director, heading up their education and entertainment programming. He’s also produced multiple comedy festivals, including Mprov and Summer Fling, and has performed and produced at Just For Laughs (Montreal), Del Close Marathon (New York), SOLOS Festival (Montreal), COMBUSTION Festival (Toronto) and Montreal Fringe Festival.

In his spare time, Vance likes to teach and perform improv comedy. He also enjoys cooking, exercising, playing video games, and going to the movies.

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