Staff

Holly Francis

Biography

Holly Francis is the Sustainability Coordinator at Champlain College. She grew up in Wisconsin before moving to Burlington to attend Champlain College and graduated with a BS in Environmental Studies & Policy. Her journey in environmental sustainability has gained her experience in a few different industries before she started working as a staff member at Champlain College in January of 2023.

What are your hobbies?

Crafting, reading, playing soccer, hiking, biking, kayaking, listening to Taylor Swift, and hanging out with her cat Fargo

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Holly’s favorite outdoor activity is biking on the Burlington Bike Path to the Colchester Causeway. She also loves to eat at Cafe Hot and is adamant that the truffle fries at Leunig’s Petit Bijou are the best she’s ever had.

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Matthew J Gagne

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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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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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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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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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Raelyn Gladstone

Biography

Raelyn is passionate about working closely with students to ensure that all their needs are met when they come through the doors of Champlain College. Understanding how students define their own success and providing them with the tools they need to achieve their goals is part of the job she really enjoys. She also works hard to ensure that all students learn what self-advocacy looks like for them. She is a graduate of the University of Vermont with a B.A. in Sociology, and she also pursued a minor in Special Education. Staying in the Burlington, VT area was a no-brainer because of all the opportunities for growth and development, both personally and professionally. Before coming to Champlain College in 2023, she had worked with students of all ages. From preschoolers to college students, her experience working with students is comprehensive. The desire to work with students utilizing the services of the Office of Accessibility came from the knowledge that education is not always accessible to students, and she wants to make that less of a reality for our students.

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Marla Goldstein

Biography

Quite a few years ago, Marla was a reference department assistant in high school until she graduated and left home for college. She has always appreciated the wonder, resourcefulness, and peaceful environment of a library, and was thrilled when a part time position opened at MIC. Outside of the library you can find Marla walking down by the lake and talking on the phone with her long distance friends, using her air fryer, and watching niche YouTube videos of international homesteading, gardening, and off-grid living.

What are your hobbies?

Experimental/maximalist fashion, closet organizing, swimming in rivers with flippers and goggles, playing Koosh with my best friend Sarah, talking on the phone, listening to gossip podcasts, painting decorative birdhouses and stretching

Tell us about your favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Pho Hong, Namaste Garden in Essex, Athens Diner, and A Single Pebble.

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Linda Goodrum

Biography

Linda has been the Academic Operations Manager for the Core Division since she joined Champlain College in January of 2012. She works directly with the Dean of the Core as well as 28 full time faculty and 25 part time faculty. She is located in Aiken Hall, Room 300 (Dean’s Suite) and is available from 7:30-4pm Monday through Friday. Stop on by for any questions you may have regarding the Core Division.

What are your hobbies?

Gardening, cooking, exploring

Tell us about your favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Love the food at The Gryphon and the beauty of the location of Spot on the Dock

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Heather Hanson

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Skip Harris

Biography

Skip Harris is the director of the Champlain College Counseling Center. Skip is a compassionate professional with a wealth of experience in counseling and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by college students. Skip is dedicated to promoting mental health and fostering a supportive environment for the campus community. Skip has been at Champlain College for 14 years and has overseen the Counseling Center for the past 10 years. Skip works closely with a team of gifted clinicians, ensuring the highest quality of care is provided to address a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, academic stress, and relationship concerns to name a few. In his spare time Skip enjoys spending time with his family, running, cycling and coaching his daughters high school lacrosse team.

What are your hobbies?

Spending time with my family, Running, cycling, hiking, Skiing hanging out on the lake, cooking, eating, coaching high school woman’s lacrosse

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Splash on the dock by boat, JCAT, farmhouse, Halverson’s. Summer I try to spend time on the lake with family and friends or other fun river swimming holes. Nordic and Alpine skiing in the winter. Love hiking in the fall and coaching lacrosse in the spring

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Zachary Harrison

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Annika HawkinsHilke

Biography

Annika Hawkins-Hilke is the Assistant Vice President of Student Health & Wellbeing. Prior to this position, Annika served as the Medical Director of the Champlain College Student Health Center. Annika is a trained Family Nurse Practitioner and her background includes additional training and years of experience in mental health and psychiatry. Annika is passionate about building community and supporting our students as they explore the relationship between their personal wellbeing, academic success, and life goals. Annika finds joy in exploring the mountains and lakes of Vermont with her family in all seasons, gardening in her backyard, and sourdough bread toasted with butter.

What are your hobbies?

Skiing, camping, boating! Reading, cooking, gardening!

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

I love to go for runs in the Intervale, swim in Lake Champlain and swimming holes in rivers around the state, and ski our mountains in the winter. Vermont honey crisp apples and maple syrup make my heart sing!

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Alex Hernandez

Biography

Alejandro (“Alex”) Hernandez was born to a family of public educators in Stockton, CA. His parents journeyed from Mexico and the Philippines, and, at each step of the way, education brought opportunity-through skilled trades, nursing certificates, education credentials and degrees. These experiences shaped Alex’s belief that career-focused education can change lives and help communities thrive.

Hernandez comes to Champlain College from the University of Virginia, where he served as the Dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS) and Vice Provost of Online Learning. At UVA, Hernandez championed access, affordability, and opportunity through its bachelor’s completion, professional certificate, and graduate programs. Alex helped SCPS enroll its largest undergraduate class in school history, launch its first master’s degree, and pursue a strategy that combined in-demand digital skills with the human skills needed for long-term career success. He also taught undergraduate courses in entrepreneurship (SCPS) and education innovation (School of Education and Human Development).

Before joining UVA, Hernandez worked for the Charter School Growth Fund, a national education foundation, where he built the nonprofit’s Innovative Schools practice, one of the largest efforts in the country focused on personalized learning and career readiness. Hernandez began his education career teaching high school mathematics in South Los Angeles. He later became an administrator for Portland Public Schools in Oregon and then an area superintendent for Aspire Public Schools in California. Prior to entering the field of education, he worked at Steamboat Ventures, Disney’s venture capital arm, and at J.P. Morgan. Hernandez has an MBA and MA in Education from Stanford University and a BA from Claremont McKenna College. He is a moderator for the Aspen Global Leadership Network and a Pahara Institute fellow.

Alex is married to Michelle Moore Hernandez and is the proud father of twin boys, Akari and Mekhi.

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