Get to know the nine San Diego State University College of Education students who earned the title of Outstanding Graduate from the Class of 2022, as selected by their department, school or program.
Nikita Avalos
Program: M.S. in Child Development
Most Influential Faculty Member: Alyson Shapiro, associate professor, Department of Child and Family Development
Graduation with an advanced degree is quite a milestone for Nikita Avalos — especially with all the work she’s put in to get to this point. A proud first-generation college student, Avalos has been supporting herself on her educational journey since her days as an undergraduate at the University of California Merced. While pursuing her master’s degree in CFD, Avalos has worked full-time as a nanny for a family with two children under three. Influential faculty member Alyson Shapiro was her mentor for the past two years, helping to guide Avalos through her research and thesis and providing “kindness during challenging times.”
“My professional goal is to work at the executive level within a children’s hospital, hopefully making influential changes that positively benefit the lives of children and families that are dealing with unprecedented times,” Avalos said. “Working-full time, finishing my degree and being a dog mom are all important aspects of my life, and I am excited to say I am successfully doing all three!”
Jenelle Barbier
Program: Liberal Studies, ITEP Emphasis
Most Influential Faculty Member: Amy Vigil, lecturer, School of Teacher Education
Becoming a teacher has been a lifelong dream of Jenelle Barbier. Thanks to the Integrated Teacher Education Programs (ITEP) pathway in SDSU’s School of Teacher Education, she’s ready for an elementary school classroom after just four years of study and training. But earning a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential concurrently is a challenging road — especially during a global pandemic. Barbier said lecturer Amy Vigil helped put students first throughout the uncertainty caused by COVID-19 and helped them grow as teachers throughout the course of the program. She also added that her small ITEP cohort resulted in supportive friendships that she believes will be lifelong.
“One of the most valuable parts of the program was my opportunity to full-time student teach during my final semester in college,” Barbier said. “This experience not only reassured me that teaching is the career path for me, but it also has gotten me so excited and prepared to have my own classroom in the near future.”
Adam Michael Cruz
Program: M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling
Most Influential Faculty Member: Mark Tucker, associate professor, Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education
“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” The immortal quote from the 1980s classic movie “Ferris Bueller's Day Off” has long resonated with Adam Michael Cruz. Cruz’s experience in SDSU’s nationally-renowned rehabilitation counseling program embodies that advice. In the program, he says he learned the importance of being patient, building professional relationships and never settling for the status quo. Cruz credits Mark Tucker — the same faculty member who first interviewed him for the program in 2019 — with keeping him on track to graduate. With graduation mere days away, what’s next for Cruz?
“A professional goal of mine is to work with, empower and educate individuals with disabilities in higher education,” he says.
Imanie Eldably
Program: Ed.S. in School Psychology
Most Influential Faculty Member: Andy Kim, adjunct professor, Department of Counseling and School Psychology
Throughout her education, Imanie Eldably says she has often had to present an “inauthentic version” of herself. It’s a defense mechanism that Eldably, a Muslim American, has employed in the face of mainstream cultures that devalued her and her contributions. That all changed for her as a student in the SDSU School Psychology program — particularly under the mentorship of adjunct professor Andy Kim. Eldably said Kim’s authenticity, care and expertise in centering the needs of individuals helped her reunite with herself and her purpose. A daughter of immigrants, Eldably is grateful for the support and prayers of her family throughout her educational journey. She was also empowered by the strong bond she felt within the School Psychology program.
“It has always been important for me to feel a sense of community,” Eldably said. “My cohort members and faculty members have truly played a huge role in my ability to thrive. They have supported me through many life transitions that I have had since the start of the program.”
Jaqueline García Pelayo
Program: M.A. in Education, Critical Literacy and Social Justice Specialization
Most Influential Faculty Member: Tamara Collins-Parks, M.A. coordinator, Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education
A bilingual first-generation college student and a mother, Jaqueline García Pelayo praises the “strong familial bond” in the Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education (DLE) for empowering her as a student. In fact, she credits inspiring faculty member Tamara Collins-Parks for motivating her to return to the program after circumstances forced her to take a leave of absence. An aspiring classroom teacher, García Pelayo is currently an education specialist for a teacher development program, working to recruit and develop teachers of color.
“I am honored to be the first in my family from both my mother’s and father’s side to receive an M.A. Degree,” García Pelayo said. “I have broken the barrier for my family and hope to be an avenue for higher education to my family, community and other first-generation students.”
Haley Kitchens
Program: M.A. with Autism Specialization
Most Influential Faculty Member: Bonnie Kraemer, professor, Department of Special Education
Most Influential Faculty Member: Bonnie Kraemer, professor, Department of Special Education
Haley Kitchens is already an award-winning educator. An education specialist teaching 4th-6th graders in a specialized program that supports students with social/emotional and behavioral needs, Kitchens was recently named teacher of the year at Sage Canyon Elementary in Del Mar. As a master’s student in the Department of Special Education, she thrived under the mentorship of Bonnie Kraemer, whom Kitchens lauds for her care for students and ability to make content meaningful. Kitchens also relished her participation in Project BEAMS, where special educators and school psychologist trainees learn alongside one another.
“My goal is to become a District BCBA (Board Certified Behavior Analyst), so I can help a broader range of teachers and staff to better serve all students,” Kitchens said.
Grayson Scott Rohlfs
Program: Liberal Studies
Most Influential Faculty Member: Karen Lafferty, lecturer, School of Teacher Education
Grayson Scott Rohlfs won’t have much time to celebrate graduation before moving across the country to teach. An East San Diego County native with previous experience as a Sunday school teacher at Sonrise Church in Santee, Rohlfs is heading to Nashville, Tennessee, where he will teach in an urban charter school as a corps member in the Teach for America program. At SDSU, Rohlfs credits Karen Lafferty for inspiring him to become an educator who stands up to make a positive change.
“I loved how knowledgeable each faculty member was in their area,” Rohlfs said. “The classes provided really great opportunities to do hands-on work — especially pre-COVID. My entire perspective on my position as a community member and teacher has shifted, and my views on inequities in our country and in our classrooms have widened as well.”
Anh Vuong
Program: M.A. in Educational Leadership, PK-12
Most Influential Faculty Member: Lila Jenkins, adjunct professor, Department of Educational Leadership
Anh Vuong knew she wanted to be a teacher since the second grade. She loved the PBS cartoon “The Magic School Bus” and was inspired by Ms. Frizzle’s motto, “take chances, make mistakes and get messy!” Now, as a 4th-grade teacher at Garden Grove Unified School District in Orange County, Vuong imparts that same advice to her own students. Receiving her administrative credential and master’s degree as a part of a partnership between Garden Grove Unified School District and SDSU, she hopes to one day expand beyond the classroom as a “teacher on special assignment,” supporting other educators and impacting more students in the process. Vuong praised her influential faculty member Lila Jenkins for creating a welcoming culture within the program and being a supportive mentor. She added that she enjoyed collaborating with the other members of her cohort and will miss all of the late-night texts.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my husband, children (Evelyn and Evan), family, friends, colleagues, mentors, professors and Garden Grove Unified School District’s administrators and scholars for all of their support throughout this amazing journey,” she said.
Kaitlyn Watcher
Program: Child Development Major
Most Influential Faculty Member: Hsing-chen Tung, lecturer, Department of Child and Family Development
Completing a bachelor’s degree amid the COVID-19 pandemic carried plenty of unexpected stress. To cope, Kaitlyn Watcher found an unexpected artistic release. The CFD undergraduate began painting vinyl records as a way to open her mind to creative ways of thinking. That creative outlet, combined with the compassionate and patient mentorship she received from lecturer Hsing-chen Tung made her time at SDSU a true masterpiece. Watcher currently works with the organization Strategic Kids, where she uses LEGO to help school-aged children build confidence and learn life skills through STEM-based programming. She next intends to complete a master of social work degree and pursue a career as a mental health social worker.
“My hope is to become an agent of positive change—an advocate, a resource and a support system — in the lives of those who struggle with managing their mental health,” Watcher said. “I feel like I have gained so much experience and knowledge from my fieldwork experiences (in CFD). It has prepared me greatly for my future career goals and professional aspirations.”
