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Jenna grew up in Enumclaw WA, a small rural farming community south of Seattle. She
was a first-generation college student from a low-income background and lived for
years with an undiagnosed disability. Jenna began her higher education journey at
Green River College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree before transferring
to the University of Washington. There, she completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology
and later pursued graduate studies in Experimental Psychology at Central Washington
University.
Two years into graduate school, Jenna faced significant health challenges that ultimately
led to her ADHD diagnosis. This became a critical turning point that shaped her commitment
to helping students who, like her, navigate barriers they may not yet fully understand.
After moving to Wenatchee in 2016, Jenna built her career in higher education. She
has worked in college-level teaching, admissions, and student services. She found
her calling in academic advising, supporting first-generation and underrepresented
students through TRIO Student Support Services. She also earned certification as an
appreciative adviser and completed a Master of Science in Academic Advising from Kansas
State University.
Today, as the Student Access Manager at Wenatchee Valley College, Jenna is a dedicated
disability advocate. She works alongside students, faculty, and staff on the Wenatchee
and Omak campuses to foster equitable access at WVC.
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After moving to Wenatchee in late 1969, Nick grew up a few blocks away from Wenatchee
Valley College and each summer he attended youth football camps on campus. Upon graduating
from Wenatchee High School in 1982, he enrolled at WVC and enjoyed a couple more years
in town, playing football, skiing at Mission Ridge, and working part-time while going
to classes.
A couple years later, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving as a medic at
Winn Army Community Hospital on Fort Stewart, GA, before returning to Central Washington
University, where he completed his Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine and earned
a Commission in the United States Army. Having fulfilled his military duty at Fort
Benning, GA, Nick returned home to Wenatchee, where he and his wife raised their three
children and continue to live today.
In 2016, following 25 years of commuting over Stevens Pass, he retired from his career
as a Firefighter/Paramedic in Snohomish County and returned to Wenatchee Valley College
to work in the Allied Health Department as a medical simulation lab technician. Then,
in the fall of 2022, he had the opportunity to transition to Student Access Services
as a program assistant.
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