At Madera Adult School, Jose Uribe’s journey is a powerful example of perseverance, commitment, and personal transformation. As a high school senior, Jose learned he was going to become a father. Faced with overwhelming responsibility, he left school to work and support his family, eventually encountering significant personal challenges along the way.

In 2014, Jose made a life-changing decision to pursue sobriety and committed himself to rebuilding his life. As years of construction work began to impact his health, he recognized the need for a new direction and enrolled in adult education. With focus and determination, he completed his remaining credits in just one year and earned his high school diploma with his family by his side.

Now 52 years old and 11 years sober, Jose is a full-time student at Madera Community College, working toward a degree in Social Work and Human Services with a focus on addiction counseling. He also leads a recovery program at his church and serves as a volunteer student ambassador for the State Center Adult Education Consortium.
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Through perseverance and commitment to adult education, Jose has transformed his life and now serves as a role model for his family and community.

At Monrovia Community Adult School, Maria de Lourdes Baruch’s journey is a powerful testament to perseverance and the impact of encouragement. She first enrolled in ESL classes in 2008 as a non-English speaker, eager to improve her language skills, but paused her education to raise her children.

In 2016, Maria returned to continue her studies, where a counselor recognized her prior college-level accounting coursework and encouraged her to pursue her high school diploma. Following that guidance, Maria earned her diploma in 2018 and continued her education at Citrus College, earning her associate degree in 2021.

With continued encouragement from her professors, Maria went on to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Cal Poly Pomona in 2023. Today, she works as an accountant in Monrovia and is actively pursuing her Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials.
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Maria’s journey from ESL student to future CPA is a strong reminder that, with perseverance and the right support, anything is possible.

At Corona-Norco Adult School, Minzhi “Mindy” Zhang’s journey reflects the transformative power of adult education. In 2022, she was honored with the Friends of Adult Education scholarship, where she shared her dream of becoming a Mandarin teacher. Since that time, she has worked tirelessly to turn that vision into reality.

After being selected as a C2CT candidate later that year, Mindy fully committed herself to earning her credentials. By 2025, she achieved both a Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credential, along with a Bilingual Authorization in Mandarin. She is currently awaiting final evaluations for additional authorizations in Foundational Mathematics and English Language Development.

Today, Mindy serves as a substitute teacher in the district, continuing to build her classroom experience with the goal of securing a permanent position. She has also embraced her role as an ambassador for adult education, mentoring new immigrants and sharing how CNUSD provides the opportunity to restart both a career and a life.
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Mindy keeps a memento from her graduation as a daily reminder of her mission—demonstrating that adult education is not only a pathway for students, but a place where dreams can be reclaimed.

At Sutter County Adult Education, Brianna M. Leal enrolled after being encouraged by her brother to join the program. Through determination and perseverance, she earned her high school diploma—taking two breaks along the way to focus on raising her family.

After graduating, Brianna found inspiration in a friend working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and decided to pursue her own passion for caring for others. She enrolled in the Sutter County Adult Education Health program, drawn by its convenient location and flexible schedule, which allowed her to balance her studies while raising her two young children.

Throughout the enrollment process, Brianna demonstrated strong enthusiasm and commitment. She was consistently punctual, well-prepared, and maintained a positive attitude. Her communication and reliability made the process seamless and reflected her strong potential for success in the healthcare field.
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Brianna is on track to complete her studies and plans to take the state exams to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

At Lynwood Community Adult School, Irene Harapat began her journey in 2016 with a clear goal: to be a role model for her three daughters and show that actions speak louder than words.

Her path was not without challenges. During her first term, Irene faced significant obstacles at home that made completing her high school diploma feel uncertain. With the support of LCAS teachers and staff, she built confidence, strengthened her time management skills, and remained committed to her goals.

While enrolled, Irene actively participated in Associated Student Body activities, helping organize events such as the Walk for Health, Health Fair, and Open House. In June 2018, she graduated with honors, earning her diploma with a 3.3 GPA and receiving the Presidential Silver Award.

Motivated to continue, Irene enrolled at Compton College, balancing school, family, and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, she earned her Associate Degree in Elementary Education while tutoring peers and volunteering in her daughters’ schools.

Irene is set to graduate on May 15, 2026, from California State University, Dominguez Hills with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, focusing on educating children with disabilities and earning a bilingual authorization in Spanish.
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Her story reflects the transformative power of adult education and the impact of perseverance, support, and purpose.

At Bassett Adult School, Cristian Garcia began his educational journey by enrolling in the HVAC program at just 17½ years old, later expanding his training in the Introduction to Building and Construction course.

From the start, Cristian demonstrated strong dedication and commitment, quickly excelling in hands-on projects. He built 8x10 sheds and gained experience in roof framing, sawhorse construction, door framing, and window installation. Through this work, he developed problem-solving skills, increased confidence, and proved himself to be a reliable team member.

During this time, Cristian also earned his driver’s license and actively pursued a career in the Carpenters Union, attending meetings and seeking guidance from advisors. In just eight months, he achieved significant progress—securing employment with Performance Contracting, Inc., joining Carpenters Union Local 714, and being selected for a major project in Texas.
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Cristian’s rapid advancement reflects his determination, skill, and commitment to building a successful career in the construction industry.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.
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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.