Faculty

 

Full Time Faculty

 


Joel Castellaw

Building 24, Office 264
tel: 619.644.7805

 

joel.castellaw@gcccd.edu

 

Prof. Castellaw decided to become an educator when he was a student at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, California, where he fell in love with the Community College system and its mission to provide a quality education to anyone who wants it. He holds a Bachelor's and a Master's Degree in Speech Communication and a Master’s Degree in Theatre Arts from San Diego State University. He enjoys teaching Communication courses because they give students practical skills that are useful no matter what a person is pursuing in life.

 

 

 

Victoria Curran - Co-Chair

 

Building 24, Office 265
tel: 619-644-7771
victoria.curran@gcccd.edu

 

 

 

Rukiya Akua
Building 24, Office 264
Phone: (619) 644-7280

 

 

Michael McHan

 

michael.mchan@gcccd.edu

 

Dr. Michael McHan is a full-time faculty member at a Grossmont college with more than a decade of teaching experience, having taught since 2013. His areas of expertise include speech and debate (forensics), public speaking, intercultural communication, and interpersonal communication. In the classroom, Dr. McHan emphasizes critical thinking, ethical advocacy, and practical communication skills that prepare students for academic, professional, and civic success.


Beyond his teaching role, Dr. McHan serves as President of the International Forensics Association, where he supports and advances competitive speech and debate at the national and international levels. He has also led international education programs for students to Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Ireland, and Greece, integrating experiential learning with intercultural competence and global engagement.


Dr. McHan earned his Doctor of Education and Masters in Communication from San Diego State University, with a scholarly focus on international education. During his academic training, he also completed a certification in conflict resolution through the University of Bologna.
In addition to his academic credentials, Dr. McHan is a certified yoga instructor and personal trainer, bringing a holistic perspective to communication, wellness, and student development. His interdisciplinary background reflects a commitment to educating the whole person—mind, body, and voice—both inside and outside the classroom.

 

 

 

Tina Perez

 

Building 24, Office 267
tel: 619.644.7282
tina.perez@gcccd.edu

 

 

 

Denise Schulmeyer

 

Building 24, Office 264
tel: 619.644.7285
denise.schulmeyer@gcccd.edu

 

 

Sheri Strothers, Ed.D

Building 24, Office 268A
tel: 619.644.7242
sheri.strothers@gcccd.edu

 

Dr. Strothers returns to Grossmont College as a Communication teacher after being a student, athlete, and member of Grossmont's student government in the late 1980's. She primarily teaches Public Speaking and Group Communication, with an emphasis on community projects and everyday interaction. Dr. Strothers earned her Doctorate in Education at the University of San Diego, where she focused on adult education, ethics in education, small group studies, and leadership. When not teaching she enjoys serving her community and spending time with her husband, children, and dogs and cats.

 

 

Roxanne Tuscany - Co-chair

Building 21, Office 21-253B
tel: 619.644.7276

roxanne.tuscany@gcccd.edu

 

Roxanne Tuscany has been teaching at Grossmont for over 30 years and still loves it!

Her passion is helping students discover their voices and build their confidence in speaking.

Roxanne is originally from Minnesota. She has an AA. from Normandale Community College. She graduated from St.Cloud State University, with a double major in Speech Communication and Theatre Arts and a Masters Degree in Speech Communication from CSU, Fresno. Roxanne is the Director of Forensics (the Speech/Debate team),

When not teaching she enjoys traveling, and taking care of her many cats.

 

Adjunct Faculty

 

Michael Elizondo

 

michael.elizondo@gcccd.edu

 

 

Jennifer Gueniot

 

jennifer.gueniot@gcccd.edu

 

Jennifer Gueniot earned her B.A. from University of San Diego and her M.A. from CSU, Chico. She taught in the Departments of Communication and Business Administration at CSU, Chico 1998-2007. She also taught both Communication and Self Defense at Butte College during that time. She has been teaching at Grossmont College since 2007.

Jennifer also teaches group fitness classes and martial arts. When not teaching, she loves spending time at the beach, hiking and having fun with her family.

 

 

Susan Jarboe, Ph.D.

Retired

 

 

Charmin Lindholm

 

charmin.lindholm@gcccd.edu

 

Charmin Lindholm earned her M.A. in Communication Studies at San Diego State. She is a Return Peace Corps volunteer who served in Eastern Europe. 

 

Charmin has been at Grossmont since 2006 teaching public speaking, interpersonal and group communication. She has been an Adjunct Professor at public and private four-year universities. Charmin is a TEDx speaker coach. She serves as the Adviser for TEDxCSUSM, a student-run event that started in 2017. 

 

Charmin is a Logistics Producer for a local late-night variety show where she puts all of her communication skills to work.

 

 

Robert Opliger

 

robert.opliger@gcccd.edu

 

Robert Opliger earned his B.A. in Speech Communications and M.A. in Communication Studies from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He is both a Navy veteran and a former Peace Corps volunteer. Robert has been an Adjunct Professor at Grossmont College since 2004. He also teaches communication courses at The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising and DeVry University. He has his own consulting company, training individuals and groups of people to become effective public speakers. He has been an active member of Toastmasters International since 1986.

 

ph: (619) 201-7986

 

 

Furahaa Saba

 

furahaa.saba@gcccd.edu

 

 

Kimberlee Wirig

 

tel: 619.465.1700 x3636
ctrteach@gmail.com