Career Pathways Coaching

Marcia Koenig, Lead Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-463-5818
Email: koenigm@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 215
Book an Appointment with Marcia
"With over 20 years of work to advance the opportunities and rights of immigrants, I landed at LCC’s Career Pathways in 2016 because I see education as a force for change - toward economic and social justice. I work here because I want to increase access to education and employment opportunities for immigrants, newcomers, and others with vibrant dreams. I'm here to help connect you to resources, to help define your journey, to not let anything that gets in the way stop you, and to cheer you on as you move forward. A win for you is a win for our community!"

Michael Walker, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-463-4702
Email: walkerml@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 223
Book an Appointment with Michael
"My name is Michael Walker, and I am a Human Service graduate here at Lane. My goal is to work with people who want to transition from one place in their life to another. This could be somebody coming out of high school to someone else learning how to retire. College is a wonderful environment created by those who want to grow."

Tonya Mildon, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-463-5057
Email: mildont@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 222
Book an Appointment with Tonya
"As a first-generation college student, I am familiar with the struggles and confusion so many students experience when navigating the complex waters of higher education. And as an educator with over 20 years’ experience working at colleges and universities in the United States and abroad, I am passionate about helping students explore their interests, meet their career and educational goals, and gain the tools they need for both short-term and long-term success, and to be lifelong learners."

Jennifer DeRoss, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Email: derossj@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 217
Book an Appointment with Jennifer
"I spent my early years in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas and I am the first person in my family to graduate from high school. Having now earned an MA in English from the University of Oregon, I am passionate about helping others rise through education too. I am also a single mother of two boys and an author who engages in discussions on comics history and fandom as well as multi-platform storytelling."

Rebecca Ramos, Community Resource Coordinator
Phone: 541-300-6307
Email: ramosr@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 214
Book an Appointment with Rebecca:
"As a daughter of immigrant parents and first generation college student, I was very lost when I began my post secondary education journey but thanks to TRIO programs I was able to receive a lot of support/resources that set me up for success. Thus, I'm a huge advocate for holistic services as students navigate not only the complexities of higher education but their own lives. I also truly believe that affordable education is pivotal in addressing economic mobility for historically marginalized communities."

Stephanie Russell, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-780-7056
Email: russells@lanecc.edu
Location: Bldg 4, Room 211
Book an Appointment with Stephanie
“I am a first-generation college student with real life experience navigating through barriers in order to meet my basic needs. Thus, I understand the possible struggles students may have. Going back to school after 10 years seemed overwhelming at first, until I learned about the available resources to help students succeed. Today, I am a Human Services student here at Lane, graduating this Spring of 2023. I am passionate about helping others reach their dreams in life, while supporting students through their educational journey. I genuinely believe that everyone can go back to school in order to obtain sustainability.”

Karen Zepeda, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-393-2630
Email: zepedak@lanecc.edu
Location: Building 4, Room 219
Book an appointment with Karen
“I am the Career Pathways Coach to support immigrants in rural areas of Lane County. As an older first-generation college student, I know that it is never too late to pursue your dreams. Being an immigrant and English learner myself, and knowing firsthand the struggle that one faces when arriving in a new country, I am driven to help students navigate their own journey into success. Affordable education should be attainable to everyone, and I am excited to help our students on this journey.”

Fabiola Cruz Aguilar, Career Pathways/STEP Career Coach
Phone: 541-578-6669
Email: cruzaguilarf@lanecc.edu
Location: Building 4, Room 214
“As an immigrant and as a first generation college student, I understand the challenges that students face when pursuing higher education. 10 years ago, going to college seemed to be impossible. I used to believe that there were no opportunities available to students like me who is an immigrant, a nontraditional student, and back then a monolingual Spanish speaker. Later, I found that there are resources and help available for all students and that dreams can become true. My goal is to support students during their academic journey, help them to overcome their obstacles and achieve their employment and training goals.”