April 10, 2013 at 10:33 am
Filed under Employee of the Month, Company News
Congratulations to Jeffrey Diehl!
As the Redding Campus EMT Program Director since July, 2012, Jeff has improved the overall quality of instruction for our EMT students while ensuring IOT Redding’s EMT program compliance with California Title XXII. Jeff has also provided assistance to other campuses by auditing their EMT programs, conducting new instructor interviews and helping them to implement compliance changes. Jeff is currently in the process of becoming the Program Director for all IOT EMT programs, which, under his direction, will add consistency throughout our EMT programs. Additionally, Jeff has been instrumental in creating a menu of Continuing Education Units for medical first responders that once approved by ACCSC, will provide additional revenue opportunities at each of our CERM campuses.
Recently this past February, Jeff was returning to the CERM satellite campus when he heard the screams of a young mother in the parking lot. She was holding her toddler child in her arms, pounding him on the back. The child was limp and lifeless and apparently choking. While approximately 15 other people stood by and watched, Jeff took the child from his mother and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging a piece of hard candy and restoring normal breathing. Jeff turned over the situation to the 9-1-1 responders and went back to his classroom to finish his day. Although several people have retold this story, which is on its way to 1000 “Likes” on the Redding IOT Facebook page, Jeff just sees it as doing the right thing when the right thing is needed.
“We appreciate the great work Jeff does for all IOT EMT programs and we are fortunate to have him on our team here in Redding.” stated Jim Herberger, Redding Campus President. For commitment to our programs and his real-life heroic action, we are proud to name Jeffrey Diehl as the BSEG March 2013 Employee of the Month. Congratulations on a job well done Jeff!
William Hillard
President/CEO
The BrightStar Employee Recognition Programs highlight the achievements of all employees. The program recognizes valued employees - employees who were on the job day in and day out, adding the extra effort that helps BrightStar Education Group provide the needed services for our students and employees. We also recognize employees as individuals or as groups as they go about their daily responsibilities in an outstanding manner. In addition to the Employee of the Month award, each recipient will receive a $50 gift certificate. The program’s goal is the recognition of excellence wherever it occurs. Excellence in what we do, Passion for what we do and Profitability is our way of life. Direct your nominations to cdeandrea@brightstared.com
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March 7, 2013 at 1:25 pm
Filed under Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Heather Hixon!
How often do you hear people say, “I can’t wait until Algebra class!”? Most of the population has rarely heard or made that statement. Math in general, and Algebra in specific, brings back memories of classes and teachers that people prefer to forget. It is so refreshing to have an Algebra instructor who teaches more information than is expected, demands excellence from her class and is very well liked by her students. Heather Hixon joined our team in November of 2011 with a BS in Mathematics as well as an MBA and a background in Business Finance and Marketing.
“In all my years in education, I have never witnessed a more effective Algebra Instructor- she is amazing in her approach and in her rapport with her students.”, stated Richard Melella, BSEG National Director of Education and interim Campus President for IOT Clovis.
In the year and a half Heather Hixon has been with IOT-Clovis, she has greatly improved the Algebra program, increased the amount of material students are able to understand, and continues to score 100% on her Student Surveys. She works tirelessly to make sure her students understand the material.
Her success is not only with the Algebra program, but she is also a shining star in the General Education Development (GED) arena. Heather has written GED curriculum for the campus, established procedures, and continues to teach the GED Prep classes on campus. The Learn to Earn program, sponsored by the Fresno City Mayor, has told us that the students, with Heather as a teacher, have a better passage rate on the GED tests than students attending other adult school GED Prep classes.
For her outstanding commitment to our IOT students, her passion for their education, and her well-deserved respect from her colleagues and students, Heather Hixon is the BSEG employee of the month for February 2013. Congratulations on a job well done Heather!
William Hillard
President/CEO
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September 12, 2012 at 10:28 am
Filed under Employee of the Month
Sheryl Martini began her service with BrightStar as a Career Services Advisor in December, 2009. She came from a long career in both medical office practice as well as medical marketing in Shasta County. She later took on the role of Externship Coordinator as the first PMA students enrolled at the new IOT Redding campus approached externship. She successfully developed over 150 externship sites in a community of less than 95,000 residents, primarily due to her undeniable ability to connect with people and build much needed bridges throughout the Redding area and beyond.
Recently, Sheryl’s responsibilities have been restructured, allowing her more time to conduct general marketing for IOT-Redding throughout the north-state. Prior to this move, the Redding campus, in its first two and a half years, had only been able to attract students from four participating federal, state and local retraining agencies. In approximately 2 months of Sheryl’s marketing efforts, the list of agencies willing to partner with IOT-Redding is now at 14 and growing. In addition to her field efforts on behalf of promoting awareness and enrollments, she continues to funnel potential job orders back to the Career Services team. It seems everyone wants to talk with Sheryl!
Sheryl also took on the task of revamping the Redding-IOT social media marketing efforts, much to the satisfaction of the students who regularly express their appreciation for being a part of IOT through Facebook and other sources. She has become a valuable Redding team member who has served and produced from many different areas, doing many different jobs. However, she appears to have really hit her stride in the area of campus marketing and the sense on campus is this is only the beginning. Thank you Sheryl for the great work and the amazing attitude you bring every day!
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August 20, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Filed under Employee of the Month
BrightStar’s employee of the month for July is Modesto’s Tiffany Parker. Tiffany is a dedicated mother of two boys, and a fantastic admissions representative. She is a hard core football mom who devotes herself to her job at IOT nearly as much as she does to her children.
She works hard both in and out of the office, is constantly on the go, and consistently successful. At the office Tiffany is always either working hard on the phones or urging students to follow their dreams. There is rarely a dull moment with Tiffany on the clock. She keeps the admissions team in line as the department’s “IOT mom.” Everyone knows that when they are in need of something, Tiffany is the person to see! She carries everything in her purse: socks, allergy pills, hand sanitizer, band aids… you name it she has it!
She has a heart of gold and (if allowed to) would take home and take care of anyone in need. She bends over backwards to help students regardless of where they are in their educational experience at IOT. As a prime example, Tiffany has been caught on the phone begging a power company to turn a student’s power back on because they have five children.
She has been a great asset to the Modesto campus, and continues on a daily basis to add to the admissions team with her quirky personality and demanding attitude.
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April 23, 2012 at 9:17 am
Filed under Employee of the Month, Company News
It is with great pleasure that we introduce Gena Garibay from the Modesto Financial Aid team as March’s Employee of the Month. Gena has been with Institute of Technology for 6 years. In that time, she has moved her way up to the position of Lead Financial Aid Officer.
With her excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, she has been able to exceed all of her annual goals to date. For example, she has processed 100% of all her starts this year within 30 days. Also, she’s on her ninth week in a row for processing all terminated students in a timely manner.
Gena has a “can do” attitude. She approaches each new task with a focus on “how can we make this easier and more efficient for us as a team?” Her attention to detail promptly recognizes missing items that can halt the funding process. Gena’s genuine compassion and patience for the IOT students and staff makes her the person that everyone approaches with questions, and she will always go the extra mile to assist. Gena has a wonderful rapport with her students, and her ability to connect as well as her talent at explaining the Financial Aid concepts, are truly superior. She’s extremely reliable and provides great customer service.
Gena is an amazing individual and she is one of the reasons our graduates say that Institute of Technology staff members care. Thank you for all your hard work, Gena; you truly are an asset to IOT and BrightStar!
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February 9, 2012 at 10:57 am
Filed under Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Angela Phommahaxay!
As the Stockton Campus’ Front Desk Receptionist and “Director of First Impressions,” Angela Phommahaxay is the first person to greet anyone who walks through the main entrance in the morning and afternoon. Angela is a hard working, dedicated, and professional individual who presents a positive first impression to students, prospective students, and visitors alike.
Angela is adept at multi-tasking and operates very effectively in a stressful, fast-paced environment. During peak periods of activity Angela is responsible for answering incoming calls, greeting guests, administering the Wonderlic SLE exam, taking student payments, signing off on FedEx shipments, keeping an eye on security monitors, and checking out remotes to instructors.
Angela is always willing to take on additional responsibilities and go the extra mile when needed. After serving several successful months as Stockton’s Student Success Leader, she decided she wanted to return to her “home” at the front desk since it was a better fit for her personally and professionally. Despite her comfort with the Receptionist position, she was asked again to move and be the Interim Registrar for 3-4 months while current Registrar, Erin Castro, is on Maternity leave this March. Angela was more than willing to train with Erin for 2-3 months prior to taking over, and she is now splitting her time at the Front Desk and learning all of the responsibilities of a professional Registrar.
As the first voice that people hear when they call the campus - and the first, and often last, face they see when they walk through the front door, Angela Phommahaxay represents the very best of the faculty and staff at IOT Stockton. She exemplifies the professional customer service culture that has been developed since the campus’ opening in November 2010. IOT Stockton and BSEG are fortunate to have Angela on our team, and we are pleased to award her as Employee of the Month for January.
Congratulations, Angela!
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January 11, 2012 at 12:40 pm
Filed under Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Rick Wood!
As BSEG’s Vice President of Compliance, Rick Wood has always been a tremendous asset to our company and an ever-present resource for all of the IOT campuses. He responds to challenges with a remarkable calm, and his insightful words provide valuable guidance for all of BSEG’s employees. Mr. Wood is a person of great integrity, who consistently insists on upholding the highest levels of compliance.
Lately, Rick has been working especially hard. He has had to manage several submissions to ACCSC and ACCET, working hand-in-hand with campuses to assure the submissions and responses are accurate and represent our schools well. Rick is the BrightStar expert on state agencies in California and Oregon as well as the United States Department of Education.
BSEG isn’t the only one that values Mr. Wood’s talent and experience. This past December, Rick finished serving a full year as the President of CAPPS, the California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools. As the President of CAPPS, he provided leadership for the Association on matters of importance to sector schools in California, and played a critical role in determining policy and strategy for the Association.
As a leader at BSEG and in the industry, it is apparent that Rick is intelligent and hard-working; however, it is also important to note that Rick has a great sense of humor, which makes him a pleasure to interact with. Rick is compassionate, wise, and always willing to share his vast pool of knowledge and expertise with anyone who asks. It’s no wonder that many of our campus presidents have described Rick as “a rock,” but this month BSEG is proud to recognize him as Employee of the Month for December and acknowledge just how grateful we are to have him as “our rock.” Congratulations, Rick!
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January 10, 2012 at 3:51 pm
Filed under Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Cindy Comstock!
The Clovis Campus has a long standing tradition of friendly faces at the front desk. November’s BSEG Employee of the Month takes that practice to an entirely new level.Call the Clovis campus, or walk in the front door, and you are likely to be greeted by the cheery voice and big smile of Cindy Comstock. Cindy’s warm demeanor makes everyone feel important and welcome when they come into contact with IOT Clovis.
The reception desk is a stressful place. Between managing incoming calls, entering inquiries, taking student payments, and greeting visitors and students at the desk, Cindy is constantly juggling responsibilities. Her supervisor, Sharon Walker, describes her performance like a duck’s in the water. Everything looks calm and serene above the surface, but look below and she is paddling like crazy!
Cindy has organized the front desk, keeps it clean every day, and has implemented methods to keep it running efficiently. She is fast and accurate when completing tasks; from inquiry reconciliation spreadsheets to transferring calls to the correct employee. She is great at putting prospects at ease when they are preparing to take an entrance exam, and she has also proven to be a strong trainer as she has taught new front desk personnel to do their jobs well.
The Clovis management team often gets positive feedback about Cindy from students, visitors, and co-workers. Everyone likes and appreciates her because of her competent work habits and outgoing personality. IOT Clovis and BSEG are fortunate to have Cindy on our team, and are pleased to award her as Employee of the Month for November. Congratulations to IOT Clovis’ “Director of First Impressions”: Cindy Comstock!
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October 5, 2011 at 10:46 am
Filed under Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Connie Woodward!
As the school librarian at the IOT Citrus Heights campus, Connie has a lot of responsibilities. She maintains the learning resource center, and ensures that books are current and organized to guarantee efficiency and sufficiency. She has also taken over textbook ordering from classrooms and makes sure to order any other necessary reference materials for students.
In addition to her responsibilities in the learning resource center, Connie is the principal architect of Citrus Heights’ tutoring program for both current students and ATB students. The program helps these students prepare for their entrance exam. Connie oversees FWS students and other volunteers who assist in tutoring current students.
When surveyed, students recognized Connie as someone who is completely dedicated to the school and is ready to assist any student that walks through the door. She always has a great attitude and is willing to help colleagues in any department whenever she can.
IOT Citrus Heights and BSEG are fortunate to have Connie with the team, and we are pleased to award her as Employee of the Month for September. Congratulations, Connie!
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August 2, 2011 at 11:37 am
Filed under Employee of the Month
Congratulations to Lillian Enger!
It is not every day that you see the President of a campus down in the trenches, working long hours to make your campus a better place. This is exactly what Lillian Enger, Campus President in Modesto, does. As soon as news spread that the Department of Education would be conducting a campus-wide audit, Lillian got to work organizing her staff to begin work on 4000 files.
From the moment the audit began, Lillian put everything she had into making it success. She arrived before 8 am and left after 10 pm on most days, even when all other employees had already been home with their families for some time. Lillian Enger went the extra mile on the July 4th weekend, working 12-hour days throughout the holiday weekend. She is known at Modesto for her dedication, but the audit truly proved that Lillian is passionate and committed to her job.
Throughout the audit process, Lillian acted as a “team player,” never giving her staff tasks that she wouldn’t complete. At one point, she drove 15 urgent files to the Clovis campus, not returning home until midnight. When fire-proof filing cabinets were required at Clovis, Lillian made sure the ones from her Modesto campus were on a truck and off to Clovis within an hour. It is with simple tasks such as this that Lillian goes above and beyond what she is supposed to do to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Though there is no doubt of Lillian’s devotion and many contributions to the Modesto campus, she proved that under pressure, she not only acts with grace, but also diligence, making sure everything is in its right place. These are qualities of a leader, and because of her exceptional work during the audit, Lillian Enger is July’s Employee of the Month! Congratulations! You deserve it!
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