This semester Moorpark College has added 21 individuals to its staff.
These professors teach a variety of subjects ranging from Animal Behavior to Math.
Melissa Arnett, a professor in the Communications Studies department, teaches Public Speaking, Interpersonal and Group Relations. She holds Masters degrees in both Speech and Theater and has spent years teaching at various institutions across Southern California including Pepperdine, Pasadena College, College of the Canyons and Valley College. She liked Moorpark from the very beginning.
“It is a well set up campus,” Arnett said. “The orientation was the most detailed one I’ve ever had, I’m really impressed.”
Arnett makes class fun for students and feels that an entertaining environment is better for learning, she said she hopes to continue teaching at Moorpark for at least another five years.
Arnett, speaking from personal experience, advises students to stay in school until they’ve completed the entirety of their education, whether that is an Associates, Bachelors or Masters degree.
“Don’t stop until you’re done,” Arnett said.
Steve Holland, a CSU Long Beach graduate, is a new member of the Accounting department. Originally from Ventura, he graduated with a major in accounting and a CPA license. He teaches Financial Accounting and is glad to be a part of the college.
“There was an opportunity here and I feel really fortunate,” Holland said. “It’s a privilege to be here.”
He thinks highly of his colleagues and feels they are extremely willing to help, he said. In particular, he cites John Handlos of the Accounting Department as always being willing to help.
He likes being responsible for students’ learning and enjoys, in his words, seeing light bulbs go off in students.
Holland plans to stay at Moorpark as long as he can.
Nicolette Canzoneri graduated the Exotic Animal Training and Management (EATM) program in 2007. Now she is glad to be back, this time as an instructor teaching Animal Behavior.
Originally from Arizona, she came to Moorpark for its unique EATM program. Upon completing the program she studied Psychology at Sacramento State University. She has done a variety of jobs that incorporate her knowledge of animals and psychology such as training dolphins for the Navy and working with Autistic children.
“I think it’s really cool to do this full circle, I came here and started my career working with animals and now I teach what I’m passionate about,” Canzoneri said.
She says that the EATM brought her back. She is amazed at the changes she’s seen, from the buildings to the facilities. However, she likes that some things are the same. Ebony, a raven, and Happy, the alligator, were both here when she was, the latter being trained by her.
Although she plans to attend graduate school to study Free Choice, Canzoneri sees Moorpark College as part of her future.
“I would love to stay here,” Canzoneri said.
