Presenters

Dr. Brandelyn Andres

Brandelyn Andres is a professor of art history at Yavapai College where she teaches courses on art history, art appreciation, and two-dimensional design. Her research specializes on women and marriage rituals in the ancient world. She has also conducted archaeological research in Cyprus for the Terracotta Sculptural Study, under the Princeton Archaeological Expedition. Brandelyn has published on the craft of macrame, the paintings of artist and filmmaker David Lynch, and the use of plants for the maintenance of female sexual and reproductive health in the prehistoric Mediterranean; she has a chapter forthcoming on trade networks and cultural interactions in the Bronze Age Near East and Mediterranean. 

Mandy Atherton

Mandy Atherton has been an educator in Arizona for 9 years, with teaching experience at Northern Arizona University, Prescott High School, and currently Yavapai Community College. She graduated from Northern Arizona University with a BS in Mathematics, BSed in Math Education, and a MS in Mathematics with an emphasis in community college teaching. Currently she is pursuing a PhD in Math Education from the University of Wyoming. Passionate about math and how students learn it, she has taught Calculus 2, Calculus 1, Precalculus, Statistics, College Algebra, and College Math while being a Dual Enrollment Liaison for Yavapai county. Outside the classroom, Mandy enjoys spending time running, hiking, and biking in the Arizona outdoors.

Clayton Baumgartner

Clayton Baumgartner is an Adjunct Professor of English at Yavapai College, where he teaches Composition, Literature, Creative Writing, and Professional/Technical Writing. He holds an M.A. in English from the University of Texas at Permian Basin and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Theological Writing with a dissertation focused on hermeneutics and digital humanities. Clayton presented "AI Tutoring at Community College" at the 2025 Conference for Accelerated Developmental Education (CADE) and serves on YC's AI Strategy Committee. 

Dr. Jeb Bevers

I’ve had a lifelong interest in fossils and the natural world.  This has led me to work as a park ranger in Utah, fisheries biologist in Alaska, and a birding guide in New Guinea. Since 2006 I’ve been able to combine my education and research interests at three Arizona fossil sites.  It has been quite fulfilling to share this with many of my students. 

Elyssa Beyst

Elyssa Beyst is a second-year student at Yavapai Community College. She is currently pursuing her Associate of Arts degree. Upon graduation, Ms. Beyst plans to transfer to Arizona State University to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Striving to make a difference for those struggling with cognitive and behavioral challenges, Ms. Beyst hopes to become board-licensed as a therapist. 

Justin Brereton

Justin Brereton has had a lifelong passion for plants, which he developed through involvement in the National FFA Organization in high school, work experiences and later as a teacher. He brings diverse professional experience in horticulture, including work in viticulture, tissue culture, the Forest Service, ecological restoration, field botany, landscaping, and nursery, greenhouse, and garden center operations. Guided by his faith, he is committed to serving others through education and stewardship of the land. He holds formal education in horticulture and a master’s degree in education. For the past 19 years, he has taught at Yavapai College, where he is dedicated to inspiring and preparing students for careers in plant science and horticulture. Outside the classroom, he and his wife enjoy raising plants, their children, and traveling.

James Brooks

James Patrick Brooks is a third-year student at Yavapai College pursuing his Associate of Applied Sciences on a pre-dentistry pathway toward a Bachelor’s of Biological Sciences Pre-Dental at ASU, further seeking a Doctorate of Dental Sciences in the long-term. James is motivated by the desire to create a more welcoming space in a medical field that in this social climate feels less like a necessity and more like a luxury.

Robyn Bryce

Robyn Bryce, Executive Director of Learning & Educational Innovation at Yavapai College, brings more than 26 years of experience in education to her role, with a career spanning K–12 teaching, instructional design, and educational technology. She has been a driving force in advancing micro-credentials, immersive learning, and artificial intelligence across the college, and founded the WIN Coalition—a community of practice dedicated to exploring emerging tools and ideas in education. A graduate of Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA, Robyn continues to champion student-centered learning, collaboration, and innovation in service of students and the broader community.

Tony Burris

Tony brings over two decades of culinary experience to his role as Director of Culinary Experience at Yavapai College, where he leads a team of chefs dedicated to crafting nutritious, seasonal dishes rooted in locally sourced ingredients. A cornerstone of the Prescott food scene, he is known for his creativity, passion, and an ability to translate a deep love of place into memorable meals. Beyond the college, Tony specializes in intimate private dining experiences, thoughtfully curated menus that showcase his talent for personalized, high-quality cuisine. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies from Prescott College, a foundation that continues to inform his commitment to local, sustainable food.

Nicole Dean, ABD

Nicole Dean is a full-time professor of English literature and composition at Yavapai College and a Ph.D. candidate in Mythological Studies at Pacifica Graduate Institute. 

Cloud Fenwick

Cloud O’Neal Fenwick is a recent homeschool graduate and a Freshman at Yavapai college. As an independent researcher, Cloud has demonstrated curiosity and self-direction by leading a project focused on Science and AI technology.  They are exploring scientific communication and discovery into the integration of AI and Science as a tool in the learning experience and life dependency on a campus setting. 

Christina Goldsmith

Christina Goldsmith is an instructional designer with Teaching and Learning Services at YC. In her role, Christina collaborates with faculty to develop new online courses utilizing instructional design best practices. She holds a Master of Arts degree in education from Arizona State University with an emphasis in Learning Design and Technology and Global Education. In addition to her role as an instructional designer, Christina is also an adjunct instructor in the English department. 

Dr. Matthew Goodwin

Matthew Goodwin joined Yavapai College as an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion in August 2025. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy, with specializations in phenomenology—the study of experience—and the philosophy of art. He currently teaches Introduction to Philosophy at both the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses, as well as Medical Ethics online.

Jess Gracia

Jessica Gracia is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Yavapai College, where she also serves as a Technology Support Services Assistant Field Technician through the Federal Work-Study program. She holds a prior bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation Management from Arizona State University, bringing a strong service-oriented and people-centered perspective to her work in technology.

Dr. Nichole Guzzo

Dr. Guzzo earned her master's degree from Iowa State University in Cognitive Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Cognition and Instruction from Grand Canyon University. Dr. Guzzo’s long-term professional interests include maintaining a professor position in a higher education institution to educate and support adult learners in their pursuit of various degrees and to continue independent, ongoing research connecting best practices and curriculum design to student success and retention.

Camila Hernandez

Camila Hernandez is a student at Chino Valley High School who is on track to receive her Associate in General Studies at Yavapai College this Spring. Camila plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Arizona. She is currently on track to receive her medical assistant and medical records certification this Spring.

Cat Hunter

Catherine Hunter is a psychology student at Yavapai College, currently in her second semester after returning to college after a decade-long hiatus focusing on work and care giving for an elder family member. Through her studies at Yavapai College, Catherine has developed a strong interest and passion for understanding human behavior, motivation, and decision making in real world settings where understanding different behaviors really matters. Catherine’s long-term goals include pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and continuing into a research field, working as a psychologist alongside law enforcement or in a correctional facility.

Kolby John & William Gilliam

Kolby John is pursuing a career in Biology. He is attending Yavapai College to complete his fundamentals classes before transferring to another college to complete his bachelor's. Kolby likes all things outdoors, learning, and experiencing new things. William Gilliam is pursuing an associate's degree in science at Yavapai and hopes to go on to receive his bachelor's in biomedical sciences. William is a member of the Yavapai College Honors program and Phi Theta Kappa. Outside of school, William is the operations director for a local non-profit serving veterans and first responders. William is originally from Weimar, TX where he proudly graduated in the top 50 of his class, ranking #32 overall in the graduating class of 2008

Garrett Kennedy

Hello, my name is Garrett Kennedy. I am currently enrolled at Yavapai Community College, pursuing an associate's degree in science with the goal of earning my bachelor's in biology and then becoming a Game Warden for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. This is currently my second semester working on this degree. My long-term goal is to earn a doctoral degree in biology and to further my knowledge in this scientific field.

Dr. Dana Kirkwood-Watts

After a non-traditional start to her academic life, Dana Kirkwood-Watts, PhD, graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Physics, and spent some time programming for a start-up company in the 90s before moving into the biotechnology field where she investigated immune responses to antigens, helped develop vaccines, and was key to the development of the viral therapeutic drug that is being utilized to help combat the Monkey pox outbreaks. During the following years, she obtained graduate diplomas in molecular biosciences and biology, and started teaching at the higher ed level, finding satisfaction in teaching microbiology to students who had little or no interest in the subject. At YC, she continually improves her microbiology course using the best practices in biology teaching and learning. Dr. Kirkwood-Watts also involves students in research, developing projects that span the areas of environmental microbiology and biology education. Research at the undergraduate level has been shown to greatly impact student success, and she is dedicated to ensuring that students at YC are able to have these research opportunities. 

Natalie Kirkwood-Watts

Natalie Kirkwood-Watts is a 3rd year Yavapai Student, graduating with an AA in May. She plans to attend NAU in the fall and major in chemistry with an emphasis in forensic chemistry. Her goal is to complete her degree and continue on to do medical forensics.

Sarah Khalil

Sarah Khalil is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree at Yavapai College, with plans to continue into a bachelor's and master's degree in psychology at Arizona State University. She is deeply enthusiastic and eager to learn more about the human brain, behavior, and nature. She is also profoundly interested in mental health, psychological principles, and how they may be applied to everyday life and regimen.

Dr. Curtis Kleinman

Dr. Curtis Kleinman received his Ph.D. in learning theory, educational technology, and instructional design from Old Dominion University in 2017.  He is interested in cognitive load theory, message design, foreign language lexical acquisition, and action research.  He has taught Spanish at Yavapai College since 2008.  Dr. Kleinman resides in Prescott Valley, Arizona, with his wife and four children.  

Sarah Mapes

Sarah is a third-year student at Yavapai College pursuing her Associate of Applied Sciences degree in paralegal studies. When Sarah graduates, she aspires to secure a position in criminal or family law based on the experience she has gained through her internship. She aspires to become a member of the board of directors within NALA- The Paralegal Association, to help give back to new students who aspire to go into the legal field. 

Lindsay Masten

Lindsay Masten is a design professor and Chair of the Visual Arts Department, where she teaches courses in UX design, graphic design, digital illustration, and related areas of media. She is also leading development and launch of the Bachelor of Design in Visual Design, where she helps shape curriculum focused on contemporary design practice. With more than 15 years of professional design experience, she brings an industry-informed perspective to teaching, curriculum development, and the preparation of students for contemporary creative practice.

Denny Mitchell

Denny Mitchell is a doctoral student in Global Leadership and Change at Pepperdine University and CEO of a national wireless retail organization. His research focuses on leadership in complex and polarized environments, with an emphasis on depolarization. He is the developer of the Process Stewardship Leadership model, which reframes leadership accountability in terms of fair and inclusive processes. Mitchell’s work integrates academic theory with practical application in business, public leadership, and organizational contexts. He is also an adjunct professor of organizational behavior and leadership. 

Dr. Michael Moghtader

During his fifteen years as a university writing professor, Michael Moghtader regularly taught undergraduate research-intensive writing courses—and learned early on that the best results came from an unlikely partnership: teaming with college librarians to bring library science directly into the writing classroom.

Nadia Mouawad

Nadia Mouwad is a first-year Yavapai College student who is passionate about art and science. She is currently working towards an associate of science degree and upon completion is planning to transfer to the University of Arizona to study biomedical science. Nadia is incredibly hardworking and plans to attend dental school and become an orthodontist in the future.

Aimee Novak

Aimee Novak is a culinary professional known for her innovative cooking style and commitment to locally sourced ingredients. She earned her degree from the Art Institute of Phoenix and founded Soldi Back Alley Bistro and Soldi Creative Cuisine and Catering, both popular local establishments. Before joining Yavapai College, she led Yavapai County's food safety program with the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, training and certifying food managers statewide and contributing to a Culinary Medicine Open Educational Resource on nutrition and disease prevention. Aimee Novak, now the Executive Director of The Eatery, has been instrumental in bringing Yavapai College into the Menus of Change University Research Collaborative. A natural leader in this space, she helps guide innovative food systems and sustainability efforts, advancing Yavapai College’s role in forward-thinking, sustainable culinary practices.

Nicole Hernandez Ortiz

Nicole Hernandez Ortiz is a Yavapai College student currently pursuing a career in nursing. She plans to become a pediatric nurse and hopes to work in a hospital setting, possibly in the emergency room or operating room. Nicole currently works with children and enjoys making a positive difference in their lives, which inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare. 

Dr. Karen Palmer

Karen is a Professor of English and the General Education Program Director at Yavapai College, where she leads the development and assessment of the college’s general education curriculum and teaches English courses in composition, rhetoric, literature, and linguistics. She has taught college-level writing since 1999 and has developed courses ranging from developmental writing to upper-division composition at institutions across Arizona. Karen is the author of several Open Educational Resource (OER) texts, including The Worry Free Writer, Diving Into Rhetoric, Say Her Name, and More Than Words, and The RoughWriter’s Guide, Yavapai College’s writing handbook. Karen holds a B.A. in English, an M.A. in Rhetoric and Composition, and Ph.D.s in Women’s Studies and Curriculum and Instruction.

An Pfister

An Pfister serves as the Senior Instructional Designer at Yavapai College, bringing over a decade of curriculum design and teaching experience to the Teaching and Learning Services department. In addition to teaching educational technology courses at NAU and English at Yavapai, she holds a Juris Doctorate, a Master's in Education, and a Graduate Certificate in Rhetoric, Writing, and Digital Media Studies. Her work focuses heavily on empowering faculty with creative, actionable solutions that remove barriers to student success. When not designing courses or evaluating root-cause problems, she is entirely devoted to her family and cheering on Arizona sports teams through every inevitable heartbreak.

Lisa Rena Scales Pitts

Lisa Rena Scales “Cherry” Pitts, is an undergraduate honors student and independent researcher dedicated to advancing knowledge in Microbiology. As a self-driven, lifelong learner, they have pursued rigorous independent research investigating bacteria response to natural compounds. Currently Cherry is focused on Efficacy of Essential oils and bacteria. Passionate about scientific natural remedies and discovery, they aim to turn research insights into sustainable, real-world solutions.

Andrea Schaben

Andrea Schaben is in her 25th year of teaching, having instructed a diverse range of subjects from middle school mathematics to Calculus. In addition to teaching, she mentors new faculty and supports athletics as faculty advisor for volleyball, basketball, baseball, and softball.  Andrea currently serves as co-coordinator for the Open Textbooks for Rural Arizona grant, passionately advocating for affordable course materials. 

Tristan Schreiner

Tristan Schreiner is pursuing a post-secondary certificate, “writing for the screen” at Yavapai College. Tristan was awarded the All Arizona Academic Team scholarship and is involved in the Yavapai College Honors Program and Phi Theta Kappa. He will transfer to Northern Arizona University in the fall to complete a dual-studies degree in creative writing and interdisciplinary studies.

Rebecca Serratos

Rebecca is a dedicated advocate for local food systems and community food justice. She leads efforts in local food procurement while advancing food policy and systems change across Yavapai County and throughout Arizona. A passionate organizer, Rebecca is committed to centering rural and historically marginalized voices, ensuring that equity and inclusivity remain at the heart of her work. Rebecca builds strong, strategic relationships with local producers, farmers, and ranchers, as well as elected officials and nonprofit leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies from Prescott College and a Production Horticulture Certificate from Yavapai College. Her experience spans local, state, and federal levels, and she thrives on the connections made through collaborative work.

Jonathan Soto

 Jonathan is a Yavapai College student with a special interest in sociology. He currently works as Social Media Manager for Sandy Z, a state representative candidate and diversity, equity, and inclusion advocate at the Arizona State Capitol.

Zack Szekely

Zack is a current Nursing student and laboratory assistant at the Kirkwood-Watts Lab at Yavapai College. He has a strong interest in ecology, antibiotic stewardship, and equitable treatment in healthcare. Zack has presented at the national conference ASM Microbe, spent over 500 hours doing both bench and field work, and is currently researching antibiotic resistance in the environment as well as the impacts of climate change on food safety.

Ustadza White

Ustadza White, Director of Library & Tutoring Services at Yavapai College, holds a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Science in Human Factors Psychology. With more than 20 years of higher education experience, she has led meaningful improvements across library systems and tutoring services, including the integration of artificial intelligence tools and immersive learning technologies. Working closely with the Executive Director of Learning & Educational Innovation, she remains committed to advancing the college's strategic goals and creating environments that blend personalized support with innovative solutions.

Himanshu Wilhelm

Benjamen Himanshu Wilhelm is a second-year student with a broad range of interests across the natural sciences, trades, and visual arts. Drive by natural, erratic curiosity rather than goals and ambitions in world of transience, he has found surprising satisfaction in running independent research under Doctor Kirkwood-Watts.

Lindsay Winfrey

Lindsay Winfrey is currently an associate of arts candidate in human behavioral sciences at Yavapai College, completing undergraduate coursework and working towards a bachelor’s degree. Her academic focus includes applied psychology, human development, and social systems, with a special interest in trauma-informed care and behavioral intervention. After completing her associate degree, Lindsay intends to transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue a bachelor's in human behavioral sciences and eventually earn a master’s in counseling or applied behavioral analysis.