2025-26 CCA Directorial Districts & Directors
“The labor movement is people. Our unions have brought millions of men and women together, made them members one of another, and given them common tools for common goals. Their goals are goals for all America – and their enemies are the enemies for progress. The two cannot be separated.”
John F. Kennedy
District A: John Martin
Shasta College —2nd Term: 2026-2028 — Communications Committee — Contact District A Director
Represents: Butte CEA (FT), Siskiyous CHEA , Lake Tahoe CC (Clsf), Lake Tahoe CCTA, Lassen CCCTA, Los Rios (At-large), Mendocino CFA (PT), Shasta CFA
John’s Biography
John Martin is a part-time U.S. and African History instructor at Shasta and Butte Colleges. John’s union activism is centered on the principle that all faculty are to be treated the same….equal pay for equal work and so forth. Participation in our unions is necessary to support these efforts. He’s been active in representing Shasta as its delegate to CCA Conferences. John is also currently Butte’s recording secretary, active in recruiting members, served on its negotiation teams and the Butte’s district’s Academic Senate. During his spare time, he also works with the California Part-time Faculty Association’s (CPFA) as its chair. In the past, he served on the CCA Board for seven years and its various committees, he was awarded the Jerry Brown Advocacy Award in 2017 and was a recipient of the David Milroy Part-time Faculty Award in 2014. He is glad to be back on the board to serve you.
District B: Ricardo Aguilar
San Joaquin Delta College — 3rd Term: 2026-2028 — Governance Committee — Contact District B Director
Represents: San Joaquin Delta CTA, Solano CCTA
Ricardo’s Biography
Ricardo Aguilar, a San Joaquin Delta College Spanish instructor, embodies the notion that teaching is a quest for social justice. Originally from Michoacán, Mexico, he arrived in Stockton, California as an undocumented immigrant. He holds degrees from San Joaquin Delta College, CSU Sacramento, and San José State University. He is the first undocumented graduate to become a full-time faculty member at SJDC. He is deeply involved in various initiatives, including coordinating the Equity-Minded Honors Program, advocating for undocumented students, and participating in the faculty association and has contributed significantly to SJDC’s curriculum development. Recognized for his efforts, he has received awards such as the CCA’s We Honor Ours (WHO) award and the SJDC Outstanding New Faculty Award. Beyond academia, Aguilar is passionate about poetry, literature, mentoring students, and community service. He co-hosts a radio program on social justice and equity and engages in activities like volunteering at the Mexico-U.S. border
District C: Kristie Iwamoto
Napa Valley College — 3rd Term: 2025-2027 — Conference Committee — Contact District C Director
Represents: Gavilan CFA, Napa Valley CFA, Sierra CFA
Kristie’s Biography
Kristie Iwamoto is an English teacher at Napa Valley College. She is a fourth-generation Northern Californian who was born in Berkeley. She got her Bachelors and Masters degrees in English from California State University, East Bay (in 2002 and 2006, respectively). Kristie started teaching in 2007 at Solano Community College in Fairfield, where she served in her local as Part-Time Representative, Organizing Chair and Membership Chair. She worked part time there as well as at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg and Napa Valley College. She started teaching full-time at Napa Valley College in 2012. She is currently President of the Napa Valley College Faculty Association. In her spare time, Kristie likes long distance running, yoga, and volunteer work, particularly therapy dog visits.
District D: Anthony Villarreal
Monterey Peninsula College — 3rd Term: 2026-2028 — Budget Committee — Contact District D Director
Represents: Calbright CFA, College of the Sequoias TA, Hartnell CFA , Merced CFA, Monterey Peninsula CTA
Anthony’s Biography
Anthony Villarreal has been active in CCA for over 10 years and has completed the CCA Building Strong Locals and CCA California Leadership Academies. At MPC, he has been Membership Chair, active in Grievances, served as Vice President for two years, and is currently President. He’s helped his local win pay raises, improvements to salary schedules, recognition and compensation for department chairs, and helped negotiate MOU’s in response to the pandemic, remote work, and return to campus. He believes in public education as essential to a democratic society and deeply appreciates the important role of educators in demonstrating solidarity and the power of unionism and collective bargaining for all workers.
District E: Justin Pierce Bell
Bakersfield College — 1st Term: 2026-2028 — Contact District E Director
Represents: College of the Canyons FA, Kern CC Chapter, Taft College FA (West Kern), West Hills CFA
Justin’s Bio Coming Soon!
District F: Caleb Castaneda
Crafton Hills College (San Bernardino CCD) — 2nd Term: 2025-2027 — Communications Committee — Contact District F Director
Represents: Barstow CFA, Copper Mountain CFA, San Bernardino CCD FA, Victor Valley CFA
Caleb’s Biography
Caleb Castaneda (he/him or they/them) is an Instructor of Philosophy at Victor Valley College and Chaffey College. He has an MA in Philosophy from Claremont Graduate University, and a BA in Philosophy from Pitzer College. He lives in Victorville, CA with his partner, Hugo, three young children, and far too many dogs.District G: Diana Tercero
Rio Hondo College — 1st Term: 2026-2028 — Communications Committee — Contact District G Director
Represents: College of the Desert FA, College of the Desert AF, Rio Hondo CFA
Diana’s BiographyComing Soon!
District H: Jackie Boboye
Chaffey College — 2nd Term: 2025-2027 — Budget Committee — Contact District H Director
Represents: Chaffey College FA, Imperial Valley CFT, Imperial Valley PT
Jackie’s Biography
Dr. Jackie Boboye has been a full-time counseling professor at Chaffey College since 2005. She teaches Essential Student Success and Career and Life Planning. Prior to her full-time position at Chaffey, Jackie was part-time at several community college districts in the Riverside and San Bernardino area since 2001. She has served on many committees on her campus, as a Senator on the Academic Senate, and faculty advisor for the Multicultural Club. In 2017, she was part of the Faculty Inquiring Team (FIT) a yearlong research project, and Faculty on Special Assignment (FOSA) in Guided Pathways Transforming the College Journey. She has served as a co-chair of the Membership Development Committee (MDC), and graduated from CCA’s CLA in 2020. Jackie has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology/ Social Work; Masters’ degrees in Educational Counseling; and Psychology with Emphasis in Marriage Family Therapy and Professional Clinical Counselor; and an EdD in Leadership and Management. Jackie is a learner, advocate, active listener, and she believes in working collaboratively in finding solutions to the issues faced by our students, faculty, and staff.District I: Laura Carlsson
MiraCosta College — 1st Term: 2026-2028 — Budget Committee — Contact District I Director
Represents: MiraCosta UF, North Orange Co. CCD
Laura’s Biography Coming Soon!
District J: Crystal Huckabee
Long Beach City College — 1st Term: 2025-2027— Conference Committee — Contact District J Director
Represents: Coast CC Association, Long Beach CC FA (FT), CHI Long Beach CC (PT)
Crystal’s Biography
Crystal Huckabee is an Anthropology and Study Strategies Instructor at 6 Southern California Community Colleges and President of Long Beach City College Certificated Hourly Instructors Union (CHI). An advocate for Part time faculty and students. She is deeply committed to fostering equitable and inclusive education. She is presently developing an Archaeology Textbook for the Open Education Resource initiative, which allows for free and open access to textbooks. Pursuing an Ed.D in Community College Leadership at California State University Fullerton. She holds a Master’s Degree in Forensic Anthropology and a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology. She’s worked in higher education for over 10 years and serves on the Academic Senate, College Planning Council and Curriculum Committees.
District K: Jennie Beltran
Santa Ana College — Complete Unexpired Term: 2025-2027 — Contact District K Director
Represents: Citrus CFA, FA of Rancho Santiago CCD, Rancho Santiago CEFA
Jennie’s Biography
Jennie Beltrán (she|her|ella) is a Biology Professor at Santa Ana College. After earning her B.S. in Biology at UCI in 2005, Jennie earned her M.S. in Biomechanics & Comparative Physiology at UCI in 2007. She continued her studies in a Ph.D. program; however, she had to return home prematurely to support her familia. She earned her part-time faculty position in 2009 and then her tenure-track position in 2014. She is currently the ZTC Faculty Facilitator, Senate Member- at-Large, and is highly involved in participatory governance committees. She is proud to serve on the Inter-tribal Educational Advisory Board and the Undocu Advisory Board. In her local she is the Secretary & Organizing Co-chair, a former Elections Chair, and supports Membership & Communications. In CCA she is involved in Organizing & Communications. Jennie is open about her neurodivergence & physical disabilities and is a strong advocate for universal design for learning and appropriate access in all spaces. Jennie trains often to ensure her union values are centered around intentionality, equity, intersectionality, appropriate access, active listening, member empowerment, and transparency. In her free time, she likes to garden, hike, and dance.
District L: Jacqueline Penhos
Southwestern College — 1st Term: 2026-2028 — Governance Committee — Contact District L Director
Represents: Mt. San Jacinto CFA, Palo Verde CC Association, Southwestern CEA
Jacqueline’s Biography
Jacqueline Penhos is an essential Part time Professor of Psychology at Southwestern College. She is a proud union member and CLA graduate. Her work in education began 20 years ago, as a high school counselor and teaching personal development to the underserved and underrepresented. Her passion for women’s equity, diversity and mental health is her PURPOSE, and she believes everyone deserves opportunities to excel and thrive. She also believes in teaching classes that are trauma informed and held with the intention of safe space and practice first. She is a multi-modality and well-being educator, who enjoys weaving ancient and modern practices into her work. She specializes in leading large scale workshops, healing circles, and believes in holistic therapy by sharing meditation, mindfulness, and mental health. She was born and grew up in Panama until the age of 13 when her family immigrated to the US. She holds a M.A in Human Behavior and Counseling, Bachelors of Science in Human Behavior, and is Certified Holistic Practitioner and IDEA Trainer. When she’s not teaching or training, you can find her reading, traveling and trying new cuisines.
District M: Richard Hu
Mt. San Antonio College — 1st Term: 2026-2028 — Budget Committee — Contact District M Director
Represents: Mt. San Antonio CFA
Richard’s Biography Coming Soon!
District N: Jennifer Escobar
Moreno Valley College (RCCD) — 1st Term: 2025-2027 — Communications Committee — Contact District N Director
Represents: Riverside CCD FA
Jennifer’s Biography coming soon
District O: Sam Abbas
Saddleback College — 3rd Term: 2025-2027 — Communications Committee — Contact District O Director
Represents: South Orange County CCD FA
Sam’s Biography
Sam Abbas, Ph.D., emigrated to the U.S. more than 30 years ago as a teenager from Lebanon, where he grew up in an environment that emphasized compassion, education, and perseverance. Sam started his higher educational journey as a community college student (Palomar College) and transferred to UCSD where he completed a Bachelor of Science in chemistry. He went on to USC and completed a master’s in physical organic chemistry. After a yearlong stay away from academia (taking care of ailing parents), Sam joined a dual PhD program in Environmental Science and Engineering working on a NASA sponsored project to study Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Titan. After being an adjunct professor for several years in various colleges and universities throughout Southern California, Sam became a full-time faculty in the chemistry department at Saddleback Community College. Sam has served for the past four years as STEM representative on the South Orange County Community College District Faculty Association, as the STEM Faculty Lead for the pathways program at Saddleback, and on the Academic Senate. Sam served on the CCA Policy Committee for one year and is now on the CCA Board serving as District L Director while supporting faculty at SOCCCD and statewide.
Northern BIPOC Equity and Justice At-Large Director: Trevor Gatz
San Joaquin Delta College — 2nd Term: 2025-2027 — Conference Committee — Contact Northern BIPOC Equity and Justice Director
Trevor’s Biography
Trevor Gatz is a community college alumnus from San Joaquin Delta College and is very excited to be working as an Adjunct Associate Professor in Education at Delta College. He completed both his undergraduate and Master’s degree from the University of Pacific. In addition to working at the community college, he has served as the Director of a reading/literacy program which focuses on early literacy development and enrichment for PreK-3rd grade students. Additionally, he is the coordinator of the Summer Academy Reaching for the Stars Program which prepares 7th – 12th grade students for careers in STEM enrichment related fields. Trevor has been the Communication Chair at his local chapter. He has also been a member of the CCA Membership Development Committee and the CCA Elections Committee. Trevor is delighted to serve the LGBTQ+ members and looks forward to sharing the ideas/programs from his numerous attendances at the Time to Thrive/Human Right Campaign conferences. He is very interested in social justice issues related to the LGBTQ+ community and looks forward to representing and advocating on their behalf.
Southern BIPOC Equity and Justice At-Large Director: Pamela James
Victor Valley College — 2nd Term: 2026-2028 — Governance Committee — Contact Southern BIPOC Equity and Justice Director
Pamela’s Biography Coming Soon
Northern Part-Time Faculty At-Large Director: Judith “Star” Kreft
College District: Sierra College — Complete Unexpired Term 2025-2027— Assigned Committee (TBD) — Contact Northern Part-Time Director
Judith’s Biography
Exercise Physiology MS & BS. JW Fulbright Scholar. 30 years in Higher Ed. Graduated BSL 2009. Active in AFT and CTA locals as Dispute Resolution Officer and PTF rep. SCFA Executive Board as Vice President, and now President. State Council member on TEAF Committee. Problem solver. Advocate for PTF rights & pay equity. Advocate for all Higher Ed. faculty working conditions, value, rights, and respect. Advocate for quality education for our students. Fought for elimination of the WEP and GPO. Advocate for Academic Freedom, a voice in the local, state & national conversations about education, funding, equity, diversity, and student / faculty support. PS. Reader and animal, nature, and performing arts lover and participant.
Southern Part-Time Faculty At-Large Director: Geoff Johnson
Southwestern College — 2nd Term: 2026-2028 — Budget Committee — Contact Southern Part-Time Director
Geoff’s Biography
Geoff Johnson teaches English and Humanities at Southwestern and San Diego Mesa College. A CCA/CTA/NEA member for over 20 years, Geoff has been a member of his local’s Executive Committee since 2014, and has served as part-time rep, organizing/membership co-chair, PAC Chair, and grievance officer. Geoff has served on the CCA Part-time Faculty Issues Committee since 2016, becoming Southern Part-time Director and PTFIC Chair in June 2023. A bit of a union junkie, Geoff is also active with other unions and advocacy groups and is a delegate to his local labor federation. He’s also worked for over a decade on legislative advocacy at the state level on part-time rehire rights, increasing part-time faculty access to student loan forgiveness, part-time faculty insurance, part-time pay equity, expansion of the state paid part-time office hours program, and paid parental leave for educational employees. He is also one of the central organizers of the March in March.
Northern Women’s Rights and Empowerment At-Large Director: Dr. Toni Visola
Merced College — 1st Term: 2025-2027 — Conference Committee — Contact Northern Women’s Rights and Empowerment Director
Toni’s Biography
Dr. Visola is a Merced College Professor, passionate about empowering adult learners through immersive and equitable experiences. As a Social Media and Business Communications Professor, I strive to bridge education and technology through transformative learning.Southern Women’s Rights and Empowerment At-Large Director: Maria Aguilar Beltrán
Santa Ana College — 1st Term: 2026-2028 — Communications Committee — Contact Southern Women’s Rights and Empowerment Director
Maria’s Biography Coming Soon!
Northern LGBTQ+ At-Large Director: Appointment at June Planning
District College Forthcoming — 1st Term: TBD — Assigned Committee Forthcoming — Contact Northern LGBTQ+ Director
Coming in June
Southern LGBTQ+ At-Large Director: Tiff Gause
Santiago Canyon College (Rancho Santiago CCD) — 3rd Term: 2026-2028 — Governance Committee — Contact Southern LGBTQ+ Director
Tiff’s Biography
Coming Soon!CTA District Q Director for Higher Education: Vacant (Elected on June 7)
— Contact the CTA District Q Director
District Q’s Biography Coming Soon!
NEA Director for Higher Education, California: Barbara Jackson
Long Beach City College — 2nd Term: 2022-2025
Barbara’s Biography Coming Soon!
CTA/ABC/PAC At Large Director: Patrick Mitchell
3rd Term: 2025-2028 — Contact CTA/ABC/PAC At-Large Director