 Carey Buchanan, Director of Alternative Programs for the El Dorado County Office of Education, brings more than 20 years of experience in alternative education and nine years specifically in adult education. Carey oversees a wide range of programs, including adult education in the community and jails, Court School, the Rite of Passage Residential Treatment programs, and the countywide school-based Threat Assessment program. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to creating safe, supportive, and meaningful educational opportunities for learners across diverse and complex settings.
Among Carey’s proudest accomplishments is the creation of the Marshall + EDCOE School of Medical Assisting, a partnership between EDCOE and Marshall Medical Center. This program trains students to become Certified Medical Assistants, places them in externships throughout Marshall’s facilities, and provides direct access to employment opportunities within the region’s medical community. The program has helped fill a significant workforce need while allowing residents to secure stable, living-wage careers close to home. The student success stories emerging from this initiative highlight its transformative impact on both individual lives and the broader community. For Carey, the most rewarding part of adult education is working with students who are deeply motivated to change their future. Watching learners grow as they work toward their GED or high school diploma — especially those who have faced significant barriers — is profoundly meaningful. Recently, when ESL enrollment declined due to students feeling unsafe on school campuses, Carey and her team responded by relocating ESL services to community sites where learners felt more comfortable. Today, satellite ESL classes are expanding access and meeting students where they are. Her advice to new administrators: learn everything you can about funding, consortia, WIOA, and CTE — and build strong partnerships across agencies. And as a fun fact, Carey once worked as a cake decorator — a detail that often surprises people and hints at the creativity she brings to her work.
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 Dana Carter, Principal of Yucaipa Adult School, has been serving in adult education since 2017 and is now entering his ninth year in the field. He leads with a clear sense of purpose: supporting his team so they can make a difference in the lives of every student. Dana works closely with staff to ensure they have the tools and resources needed to help learners gain the skills, confidence, and knowledge that open doors to employment, career advancement, or higher education.
When Dana first arrived at Yucaipa Adult School, the site offered no career technical education programs. Recognizing the need for workforce pathways, he built strong relationships with city leaders, local businesses, and CRY-ROP to launch an Introduction to Construction course. That initiative has since evolved into a direct pipeline to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Apprenticeship Program — giving students the opportunity to earn wages while gaining practical skills in a respected trade. For many, it has been a life-changing first step into stable, long-term employment. Dana finds deep fulfillment in seeing the immediate impact of adult education. “In K–12, I knew I was making a difference,” he says, “but with adults, you often see that difference right away.” Whether it’s spotting alumni at work in the community or hearing how new skills have transformed someone’s future, those moments reinforce his team’s mission. Most recently, Dana has been leading the development of a new Adults with Disabilities Program, featuring fully equipped classrooms, a kitchen, laundry area, and sensory room designed to help students learn essential work and life skills on-site. Through weekly collaboration with staff, he is ensuring that every learner can build the independence and abilities needed to thrive in the community. His advice to new administrators is simple and powerful: “Always prioritize people over paperwork.” And in case you didn’t know — Dana once appeared on ABC News as an angel during his church’s “Drive-Through the Christmas Story” event, offering a fun glimpse into his life outside of work.  Jaemi Naish, Director of Tamalpais Adult School, has served in adult education for nearly 24 years and currently oversees three major program areas: ESL, GED/High School Diploma, and Healthcare Pathways. Her leadership has focused on building programs that directly respond to regional workforce needs, particularly in Marin County, which has one of the highest aging populations in California and a rapidly growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Among her proudest achievements are the Medical Front Office Assistant Program and Home Care Aide Program, both part of Tamalpais Adult School’s Healthcare Pathways. These programs were designed using an I-BEST model and built in close collaboration with community partners to address critical hiring gaps in the local healthcare system. By prioritizing highly skilled, bilingual, and engaging instructors, Jaemi ensures that students are not only job-ready, but passionate about their roles in serving others — ultimately strengthening care for one of California’s most vulnerable populations. When asked what she finds most rewarding about adult education, Jaemi answers simply: “Literally everything.” Her enthusiasm reflects her belief that adult education is dynamic, meaningful, and endlessly impactful. Recent funding challenges around WIOA required steady leadership and clear communication with her district, and Jaemi credits her involvement on the CAEAA board as instrumental in navigating uncertainty with confidence and trust. Her advice to new administrators is to stay grounded in their “why,” build strong relationships, and surround themselves with educators who share a passion for this work. Outside the office, Jaemi enjoys baking focaccia every week and is a devoted sourdough hobbyist — a creative outlet that mirrors the care and patience she brings to her leadership.  Pam Garramone, Assistant Director at Poway Adult School, has been shaping the field of adult education for more than three decades — including two years teaching English as a Foreign Language in the Peace Corps. Today, she oversees Poway Adult School’s academic programs, along with all aspects of state and federal accountability, WASC accreditation, and curriculum development. Her leadership ensures that students have access to high-quality, relevant programs that truly meet their educational goals.
Among her many accomplishments, Pam is especially proud of her school’s annual ESL Cultural Fair, a student-led celebration that has become a cornerstone of the school’s community engagement. Far from a simple food festival, the event challenges students to present on their home countries’ economies, systems of government, and cultural traditions through exhibits, music, dance, and live demonstrations such as martial arts. It’s a vibrant, educational experience that fosters pride, cross-cultural understanding, and deep appreciation for diversity among students and staff alike. For Pam, the most rewarding part of adult education is helping students rediscover their confidence and passion for learning. Having once struggled herself in school, she connects personally with students who arrive uncertain or discouraged, making it her mission to “re-light the fire for learning.” When challenges arise — such as the temporary impoundment of WIOA funds that threatened her summer programs — Pam’s creativity and problem-solving shine. She was able to bridge the gap using community education funds, ensuring that students didn’t miss valuable opportunities to learn. Her advice to new administrators is straightforward and wise: get connected. Pam encourages joining CAEAA, CCAE, and COABE to build relationships and lean on the collective expertise of the adult education community. “Don’t isolate yourself,” she says. “You won’t always find the help you need within your district, but you’ll always find it among your peers.” Outside of work, Pam’s spirit of exploration continues — she’s an active member of an Ashram in Sonoma, was married there, and enjoys scuba diving whenever she gets the chance.  Sherri Watkins, Executive Director of the State Center Adult Education Consortium (SCAEC), has dedicated 25 years to advancing adult education and now leads the largest consortium in the state by membership. With a team of just seven, Sherri oversees support for four community colleges, 15 adult schools, and two regional occupational programs. Her leadership has fostered a strong network of transition specialists who guide students into college and the workforce, along with experts in data, accountability, and site-level support to keep the consortium aligned, compliant, and student-centered. Sherri also serves as a facilitator for the CAEP Leadership Academy, mentoring and training new consortium leads across California.
Among her proudest achievements is the creation of the annual College Showcase, which brings together outreach teams, counselors, deans, faculty, community-based organizations, and workforce partners to share resources and strengthen collaboration. What began seven years ago with just 20 participants has now grown to more than 100 attendees, building connections that have led to warmer handoffs and more coordinated student transitions. For Sherri, the most rewarding moments are seeing accomplishment in the eyes of students who once doubted themselves, and knowing that adult education not only changes individual lives but also the trajectory of entire families. Sherri’s advice to new administrators reflects her relational approach: be flexible, put yourself in your students' shoes, and create a culture where staff and learners alike feel valued. She encourages leaders to celebrate diversity through food, heritage, and shared experiences, reminding us that adult education is “the best-kept secret in education” and that every opportunity to build connection makes a difference. Her own story reflects that lesson — having worked 107 different jobs since she was 13, she’s learned the value of building relationships, gaining skills, and using every experience to strengthen the community she serves today.  Tami Olson, Principal of Visalia Adult School in Visalia Unified School District, has spent the past eight years leading with vision, compassion, and determination. She oversees a broad portfolio of programs ranging from foundational skills and second-language learning to career technical education, while managing staffing, strategic planning, fiscal operations, and community partnerships. Under her leadership, Visalia Adult School has expanded its medical training programs — most notably adding the Resident Care Worker and Community Health Care Worker pathways, which were designed specifically to support second-language learners. These programs provide hands-on, accessible training that leads directly to in-demand entry-level healthcare jobs.
This expansion has created new career opportunities for students, boosted the confidence of ESL learners, and strengthened the local healthcare workforce. It has also sparked new collaborations with the Tulare County Health and Human Services Department and a major local hospital, while maintaining strong ties with existing medical partners. For Tami, the most rewarding part of adult education is seeing learners transform their lives—gaining skills to support their families and creating lasting positive change in their communities. She credits her faculty, staff, and community partners for their shared commitment to student success, noting that their passion for people shines through in all they do. Tami acknowledges that one of her biggest challenges has been addressing workforce demands amid limited funding and a shortage of credentialed teachers. She has responded by pursuing grants, cultivating partnerships for additional funding, and leveraging low-cost credentialing programs to help industry professionals transition into teaching roles—allowing program expansion without sharply increasing costs. Her advice to new administrators is clear: understand that adult education is always evolving, stay closely connected with workforce and community partners, and embrace change as the only constant. That flexibility, she says, is essential to meeting the diverse and shifting needs of adult learners.  For Maria Tellez, Administrator of Counseling Services at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, adult education has been her life’s work for 25 years. She oversees ABE, ASE, and IET instructional programs, manages student support services including testing and registration, and collaborates closely with counselors, teachers, and staff to ensure every student receives the guidance they need to succeed. Maria has been especially proud of leading efforts to bridge CTE and WIOA II programs through a structured intake and referral process that blends testing data with counselor input. This system not only helps assess academic readiness but also connects students to the right support at the right time.
The results have been transformative. Students now experience a clearer and more coordinated pathway from ESL and ABE into career training programs, leading to higher engagement, improved goal-setting, and more successful program completions. Expanded services like enhanced onboarding, individualized guidance, and better follow-through have strengthened persistence and opened doors to meaningful careers. For Maria, the most rewarding part of the work is giving people multiple chances to achieve their goals — and helping them see they are worthy and capable of success. She also treasures the ripple effect of adult education: when students thrive, their families and future generations benefit as well. Maria’s advice to new administrators reflects her core values: listen deeply to students and staff, lead with empathy, and never forget that every decision has the power to change a life. And while her professional work is serious, her personal life is full of joy — from quoting Parks and Recreation or The Office to baking with her two daughters, Maria embraces laughter and family as her favorite forms of stress relief.  For more than a decade, Steve Hobbs has led Merced Adult School as Principal, guiding a team that serves over 3,000 students each year. With 11 years in adult education, Steve has dedicated his career to opening doors for learners who may have once thought higher education or career advancement was out of reach. His leadership reflects both a deep commitment to his students and a strong belief in the transformative power of adult education.
One of Steve’s proudest accomplishments has been forging partnerships across Merced County. By working with the local AJCC, UC Merced Extension, Merced College, and the County Office of Education, Merced Adult School created a pathway into early childhood education. This initiative responds directly to a critical community need for preschool teachers, paraprofessionals, and childcare providers. Beyond the classroom, the program offers students paid internships and a clear route to employment — giving them not only new skills, but also the chance to step immediately into meaningful careers. For Steve, the greatest reward lies in the personal stories of achievement. Whether it’s hearing a graduate’s child proudly shout, “That’s my mom!” at commencement or watching grandparents walk the stage with diplomas in hand, those moments affirm why this work matters. His advice to new administrators is simple: learn the field from the ground up, take full advantage of the unmatched support network in adult education, and never hesitate to ask for help. Away from campus, Steve is equally dedicated to his family, sharing that supporting his youngest son, who has Down Syndrome, has become one of his greatest passions. We’ve got some amazing leaders in adult education, and we think it’s time the rest of the state hears about the great work you’re doing. Our new CAEAA Member Spotlight will feature administrators from across California, sharing their stories, successes, and even a few fun facts.
It’s quick and easy, just fill out the short questionnaire below. This is your chance to shine, inspire others, and help us celebrate the incredible impact of adult education. We hope to hear from you!
How to submit Email your responses and photo to Micah Goins at [email protected] with the subject line: CAEAA Member Spotlight Submission – [Your Name] Include:
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