Kansas State University

Bio

Sandra Avalos is originally from Texas, where she earned her degree in History. She taught in 3 different school districts within Texas before moving with her military husband to Germany. While in Germany, she worked with the Army counseling soldiers and their family members in their pursuit of education. She most recently worked in the Seattle, WA area with students who were At-Risk of not graduating from high school. She recently earned her M.Ed. in School Counseling. Her future goals include pursuing a Ph.D. in Higher Education, as well as earning a graduate certificate in Academic Advising.

Education

• B.A. - History, Tarleton State University
• M.Ed. – School Counseling, Bowie State University

Courses Taught

• DED 075 - Orientation to Teacher Education

Research Interests

Student services in higher education; transition programs for students; military students

Bio

Kelly Briggs is originally from Ontario, where she earned degrees in Classics before turning her attention to teaching. She taught ESL in Toronto, Ontario and Guangzhou, China, before returning to the University of Toronto to complete an education degree with an emphasis in multi-cultural classrooms. She then lived and taught in Cairo, Egypt for 8 years before moving to Kansas. Kelly is the college coordinator for the Honors Program as well as advising both elementary and secondary education students.

Education

• B.A. - Classical Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University
• M.A. - Classics, University of Western Ontario
• B.Ed. - Secondary Education, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto
• M.S. - Academic Advising, Kansas State University

Courses Taught

• DED 075 - Orientation to Teacher Education

Bio

Mechelle Martinez is from western Kansas. She attended Seward County Community college, where she played tennis. She received a Master of Science degree in Counselor Education from Emporia State University, and has worked in public education for 20 years, including Dodge City High School, Emporia High School, Emporia State University, and eight years at Kansas State University. She currently advises secondary and student athletes, and serves as Kansas Community College liaison and graduation administrator.

Education

• M.S. - Counselor Education, Emporia State University

Courses Taught

• DED 075 - Orientation to Teacher Education

Research Interests

First generation students; adult students; military families; student athletes; instructional technology

Bio

Di Murphy grew up in South Dakota and taught in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa before settling in Manhattan. She began working at Kansas State University as an Academic Advisor in 1989. Licensure Officer duties were added to her job in 2004. She currently advises people that already have one degree and are wanting to get licensed to teach. She also works with all teachers getting licensed through K-State. In her spare time, she works with her husband at Mid-America Piano.

Education

• B.S. - Education, Northern State University
• M.S. - College Student Personnel Services, Kansas State University