Office and People Directory

Jessie Leigh Gagnon (Hough)

Biography

Jessie is a passionate writer, producer, and anthropologist who lives for games, film, and interactive media. Her creative side has melted over and fused to her project management side, and she thrives on opportunities to solve problems, hit milestones, mentor others, and make a positive impact in the lives of people and projects. With over eleven years in the game industry, Jessie has worked on AAA titles like League of Legends and volunteers time for organizations like Women in Games. She has a track record of happy, healthy, interdisciplinary teams and successful projects that shipped with clarity of vision, data-informed decision making, and an empathetic, people-driven focus. A specialist in crunch prevention and conflict resolution, she dedicates much of her spare time these days to helping developers with traditionally marginalized identities learn to thrive in game development.

Distinctions & Awards

Lambda Alpha Anthropological Honors Society, Global Citizenship Certificate,

Publications & Abstracts

“Cosplay,” World Book Encyclopedia; 2014
“Escape from the Mainstream: The Japanese Cosplay Youth Subculture,” Franklin Pierce University; 2008, Temple University Japan; 2010

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

American Anthropological Association

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• The Art of Game Design: A Book of Lenses, by Jesse Schell
• Agile Game Development, Clinton Keith
• The Little Book of Hygge, Meik Wiking

Favorite Quote

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

—Margaret Mead

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Adam Gamelin

Biography

Adam Gamelin is a cybersecurity professional with extensive experience helping critical infrastructure operators improve their cybersecurity posture through risk-informed strategies, incident response planning, and the application of practical security solutions. He serves as an Adjunct Professor in the Cybersecurity program at Champlain College and enjoys helping students connect technical knowledge with real-world applications.

Adam holds a Master of Science in Information Security from Champlain College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Saint Michael’s College. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys biking, running, hiking, and traveling.

Recommended Reading, Listening, & Viewing

• The Art of Invisibility by Kevin Mitnick
• Countdown to Zero Day by Kim Zetter

Favorite Quote

“Remember Tomorrow” – Jesse Itzler

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Wylie Garcia

Biography

Wylie Garcia (She/They) Art Gallery Director, Curator, Professional Artist

Wylie Garcia is a seasoned figure in the art world, boasting over 15 years of experience in the non-profit arts sector. Their multifaceted career spans roles as an art gallery director, curator, and accomplished artist, earning recognition through prestigious awards for their contributions to the arts.

As an Affiliate Member of the American Alliance of Museums (AAMG), Wylie is committed to fostering artistic growth and innovation. Their expertise lies in connecting artists with resources to propel their careers forward, exemplifying a passion for nurturing creative talent.

A standout project in Wylie’s portfolio is FluxFest, a campus-wide interactive exhibition curated in collaboration with acclaimed curator John Kilacky. This groundbreaking initiative explored the convergence of art and technology, engaging audiences in dynamic artistic experiences.

With deep roots in the local arts community spanning over two decades, Wylie brings extensive connections and insights to their work. Their network serves as a catalyst for collaboration and cross-disciplinary exchange, enriching the cultural landscape.

In addition to their curatorial and artistic endeavors, Wylie provides valuable consulting services to support emerging artists in navigating the complexities of the art world. Their mentorship empowers creatives to find their voice and navigate professional pathways with confidence.

What are your hobbies?

Looking at things and asking lots of questions.

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

Devil Takes A Holiday is my favorite place to go and my favorite thing to do in Vermont is walk at Shelburne Farms.

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Ethan Garhartt

Biography

Ethan Garhartt brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate spirit to the Career Collaborative team. With a Master’s in Public Administration and an academic foundation in history, economics, and political science, Ethan has spent much of their career working in the healthcare field, where their skills in data analysis and collaboration help colleagues make more insightful decisions.

A natural storyteller, Ethan loves sharing their journey with students, providing them with both guidance and encouragement as they pursue their own career paths. Outside of work, you can find Ethan in the kitchen cooking up something delicious or enjoying quality time with friends. Ethan also loves connecting with colleagues and students—so feel free to stop by the Garden House for a friendly hello and one of Ethan’s signature hearty laughs!

Hobbies

Magic the Gathering, Poetry & Writing, Dungeon & Dragons, Fishing, Bird Watching

Favorite Local Eateries and Things to do in Vermont

Union Jacks is a fantastic local sandwich shop.

If you have the transportation, Emerald Lake State Park in Dorset Vermont is worth it.

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Tegan Garon

Biography

Tegan Garon is a Vermont native who is a full-time high school math teacher, in addition to teaching part-time mathematics courses at Champlain.

Recommended Reading, Listening & Viewing

• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
• Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely

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Christopher Gastardi

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Liza Geduldig

Biography

Passionate about creating unforgettable experiences, Liza is a seasoned event professional with a flair for turning visions into reality. With over 20 years in the dynamic world of event planning (including 10 years in NYC), Liza has brought her broad multi-tasking skills back to her home state of Vermont, orchestrating a diverse range of successful institutional and engagement events for Champlain’s Faculty, Staff, Students and friends of the college. Known for meticulous attention to detail and a creative touch, Liza has a proven track record of transforming concepts into seamless, engaging events. A true collaborator, she thrives on building strong partnerships and ensuring every detail exceeds expectations. Liza is dedicated to crafting events that leave a lasting impact and cherished memories for the Champlain community. When she is not running around planning events, Liza can usually be found somewhere outside with family and friends and her two cute rescue pups Jack and Buttons.

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Sarah George

Biography

Sarah George is the Chittenden County State’s Attorney. She has a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from the University of Connecticut, a Masters Degree in Forensic Psychology from Castleton State College, and a Law Degree from Vermont Law School. For over six years, Sarah was a Deputy State’s Attorney in the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office, and in January 2017, Sarah became the Chittenden County State’s Attorney. Chittenden County houses nearly one third of Vermont’s population, is the most diverse county in the State, and prides themselves on their progressive approach to public safety efforts. Since being State’s Attorney, Sarah has focused on ways to overhaul the criminal legal system by finding innovative ways to serve her community. From significantly reducing the number of cases charged and increasing diversion eligibility, to eliminating cash bail and decreasing supervision and incarcerative sentences, Sarah is dedicated to providing opportunity, intervention and wholistic support to victims, families and folks who commit crimes; holding individuals accountable, and implementing smart strategies and innovations that promote safe, healthy, and strong communities.

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Luis German

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Jenna Giguere

Biography

Jenna (she/her) is the current Coach of the Champlain College Dance Team and weekly Yoga Instructor through Student Activities. Growing up as a dancer & mover, Jenna has been drawn to all types of movement as a connection to our bodies, minds, and spirit.

Jenna’s passion for teaching and mentorship has been evident in her work as Dance Coach for the Champlain College Dance Team for the past 7 years. Her goal as a dance and yoga teacher is to cultivate a safe space for students to find what they need through movement, whatever that looks like!

Champlain College holds a special place for Jenna, as she is an alumni- graduated in 2015 with a BS in Marketing & Digital Interactions. She also worked closely with Student Activities during her four years at the college as President of CHAMP, student activities planner, and Orientation Leader. Since then, she has worked primarily in the performing arts in Burlington at the Flynn, Vermont Youth Orchestra Association, and currently at Burlington City Arts.

Jenna also currently teaches yoga at Sangha Studio, owns a local dance company, ‘merde!’, and works with many local artists and businesses. She has a love for non-profit arts administration, vintage clothing, theater and dance, local food, farmers markets, swimming holes, and her street bike in the summer. Oh and a freshly grown tomato from anyone’s garden!

What are your hobbies?

Dance, Yoga, Reading, Cooking, Outdoors!

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

A perfect day in Vermont would be the sun shining, a stop at Burlington Farmers Market for an iced coffee, a bouquet of local flowers, and a donut! Followed by anything to do with Lake Champlain, kayaking or paddle boarding! After a long day, dinner at small local restaurants like Poco, Taco Gordo, or May Day – to enjoy really great cocktails and unique food!

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David Gilbert

Biography

David Gilbert has been living in Montreal off and on since 2006. He studied history at Concordia University at the undergraduate and graduate level with a focus on popular music and society. He worked as a vinyl record and music researcher and appraiser for one of the biggest independent record stores in Canada and as a museum curator/exhibitor in Saskatchewan.

David has been writing and recording music since he was fifteen and has toured across Canada and the United States many times. He also writes a music blog and is currently writing a book on the rise of spirituality and vegetarianism in New York punk rock and hip hop in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Aside from music, David is an avid trail and ultrarunner and is a brand ambassador for Inherit the Earth running apparel.

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Stephan Giles

Biography

Steve Giles is an Adjunct Professor at Champlain College where he has been a faculty member since 2015.

Steve completed his Master’s in computer science from Colorado Technical University and has Bachelor’s in Computer Science from the University of Colorado.

His expertise lies in applying emerging technologies and computer science to extend and improve the quality of life for individuals. Steve spent twenty-five years developing software to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, with a specialization in breast cancer. He is a lifelong athlete having completed ten Ironman Triathlons and numerous ultra marathons.
He believes through hard work and dedication we can accomplish anything.

Distinctions & Awards

– Ironman Triathlon, All World Athlete. Ranked in the top 10 percent of finishers. This triathlon distance requires a 2.4 mile swim (3.9K), 112 mile bike (180.2K), and 26.2 mile run (42.2K).

Publications & Abstracts

Patent, Methods and system to identify exams with significant findings (Issued Feb. 4, 2014)

Professional & Scholastic Affiliations

Association for Computing Machinery

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Ryan Gillen

Biography

As Manager of The Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity, Ryan helps oversee & optimize all research, projects, and grants at the center. Also an adjunct professor in CNCS, he teaches an advanced topics course & Enterprise Virtualization. Previously, as Project Manager for Cyber Range, Ryan led a student team dedicated to designing cyber attack simulations for The United States Secret Service. Prior to that, his experience as a Security Engineer involved delivering security services to Vermont organizations.

Student focused, Ryan is thoroughly passionate about maximizing the student experience, their professional growth, and helping LC graduates land great jobs.

Ryan’s current interests in the field are: The intersections of AI & Cybersecurity, Adversary Simulation, Red Team Operations, and automation.

Hobbies

Backcountry snowboarding, boating, and swimming

Favorite things to do in Vermont

Fav food: Kismayo Kitchen, Rt. 7 Liquor & Deli, Laliguras
Best spots in VT: Bolton Valley, Huntington River, Starr Farm Beach

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Vance Gillis

Biography

Vance Gillis is the Student Life Manager for the Montreal campus, as well as a facilitator, writer and event producer. Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Vance studied at Toronto Film College and served as the Education Director at Toronto’s Bad Dog Theatre Company. In 2020 he took over the new Montreal Improv Theatre as its Artistic Director, heading up their education and entertainment programming. He’s also produced multiple comedy festivals, including Mprov and Summer Fling, and has performed and produced at Just For Laughs (Montreal), Del Close Marathon (New York), SOLOS Festival (Montreal), COMBUSTION Festival (Toronto) and Montreal Fringe Festival.

In his spare time, Vance likes to teach and perform improv comedy. He also enjoys cooking, exercising, playing video games, and going to the movies.

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Liz Gillis

Biography

Historian Liz Gillis is from the Liberties in Dublin. She is Student Life Manager at Champlain College Dublin and teaches the Irish History class. She is the author of six books about the Irish Revolution and has worked as a researcher/contributor on numerous publications, television and radio documentaries covering the Irish revolutionary period.

Liz was the Historian in Residence for South Dublin County Council for the Decade of Centenaries and worked as a Researcher for the History Show on RTE Radio. She was a Historical Consultant for the new Custom House Visitor Centre and was a Curatorial Assistant in RTE, specializing in researching the Easter Rising and a tour guide for many years in Kilmainham Gaol.

In 2018 Liz was a recipient of the Lord Mayor’s Award for her contribution to history.

Hobbies

History and going to Theme Parks

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