FYE Faculty Profiles

Nikki O'Brien MSW, LSW

First Year Experience and Inclusive Learning Coordinator

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 4 Years

Education
Master of Social Work
University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Art in Business/Human Resources
Michigan State University

Best thing about Parkland: I love Parkland for the deep sense of community and all the caring people.

What to expect in my FYE class: A warm, caring environment filled with resources and information to help you navigate campus life and thrive in your college experience.

Hobbies & Interests: I lived in Michigan for 20 years and love the fall and winter seasons best. My hobbies are all cozy: reading, baking, and knitting – enjoyed with a hot cup of tea!

nobrien@parkland.edu
217/351-2439

Lauren Winterbotham M.Ed.

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 5 years, with 14 total years teaching FYE.

Education
Master of Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Arts
Northern Illinois University

Best thing about Parkland: The students are fantastic and my favorite population that I have ever taught! They are incredibly open, eager, and willing to learn. 

What to expect in my FYE class: The goal of my classroom is to create an open, inclusive, and welcoming space for all students that is student-centered and discussion based. My hope is that students learn more about themselves, gain a sense of belonging at Parkland College, and gain the capital to successfully navigate their college experience and beyond. 

Hobbies & Interests: I am a wife and a mother to two wonderful children- so I enjoy a lot of family time and memory making! I also own my own photography business specializing in family photography. In my spare time, I enjoy working out, baking, listening to indie folk music, and reading more about personal development. 

lwinterbotham@parkland.edu
217/560-6593

Tamala Everett MSW, LMT, BCTMB

Health Careers Coordinator

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 2 years with 17 total years at Parkland
Health Professions Faculty

Education
Master of Social Work
Florida State University

Licensed Massage Therapist
Parkland College

Best thing about Parkland:  Parkland is committed to student success. I enjoy being part of a team of professionals unified in helping students achieve their academic and career goals.

What to expect in my FYE class: A positive learning environment with lots of motivation and structure.

Hobbies & Interests: Massage therapy, walking, reading, and spending time with my daughter and Bichon Yorkie, Buttons.

teverett@parkland.edu
217/353-2031

Hannah Yeam M.Ed.

Dual Credit Faculty

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 4 years
17+ years of teaching
Rantoul Township High School English Teacher, Language Team Leader, Student Council Advisor, Teacher Mentor

Education
Masters of Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Graduate Certificate in Teaching of Writing
Eastern Illinois University

Bachelors in Liberal Arts and Sciences
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Best thing about Parkland:  the wide range of opportunities available for all learners to pursue high quality degrees and certifications in a supportive environment.

What to expect in my FYE class: An open, encouraging environment that meets you where you are in order to help prepare you for the next steps of your education and career.

Hobbies & Interests: running, watching/playing sports, traveling (especially Disney World), reading/listening to self-development books

hyeam@parkland.edu
217/892-6030

Laura Ford M.A.

Dual Credit Faculty

First Semester Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College Fall 2023
FYE Instructor and Librarian, Saint Joseph-Ogden High School

Education
Masters in Administrative Leadership
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Bachelor of Arts in History
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

What to expect in my FYE class:  Students can expect a collaborative and reflective environment. We spend a lot of time taking the information that we know and applying it to your real life. I want students to be able to leave FYE feeling like they are better prepared to actionably, realistically, and attainably make changes to help them be successful in college and beyond. 

Hobbies & Interests I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and working out. 

lestevez@parkland.edu or fordl@sjo.k12.il.us
217/469-2332

Charles Larenas M.Ed.

Associate Professor, Education

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland for 14 years, including athletes for 10 of those years.

Education
Master of Education
University of Illinois

Certificate of Advanced Study in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Illinois

Bachelors in Advertising
University of Illinois

Best thing about Parkland: The students

What to expect in my FYE class: To learn how to balance their school with their other obligations. To have fun but learn.

Hobbies & Interests: Swimming, biking, running

clarenas@parkland.edu 
217/353-2161

Kevin Hastings M.Ed.

Faculty Chair, Mathematics

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 13 years

Education
Master in Mathematics
Eastern Illinois University

Bachelors in Mathematics, Option in Teacher Certification
Eastern Illinois University

Best thing about Parkland: Small class sizes and great people to work with

What to expect from my FYE class: How to successfully navigate the Parkland Pathways Engineering Road to a career and what it might be like if they decide an engineering degree ultimately might not be for them. These tips will come not only from course curriculum, but from many students who have successfully navigated through these challenges within the last 1-10 years.

Hobbies & Interests: Sharing time with family and friends, helping on the family farm, playing the organ, watching Cardinal and MLB baseball in general, watching Fighting Illini and College Basketball in general.

khastings@parkland.edu 
217/353-2692

Samantha Kirkton M.A.

Dual Credit Faculty

First Semester Teaching FYE 101 in Fall 2023
K-12 Guidance Counselor DeLand-Weldon CUSD #57

Education
Masters in School Counseling
Governors State University

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Illinois State University

The best thing about teaching Dual Credit is getting to share my passion for post-secondary planning with my students.

What students can expect in my FYE class: A small group setting that lends itself to group discussions and critical analysis of seeking a successful college experience.

Hobbies & Interests: My husband and I are both educators living in Bloomington and we enjoy supporting our alma mater, Illinois State University. We are Bears and Blackhawks fans. I also enjoy reading, mostly Historical Fiction and Psychological Thrillers. Other hobbies include baking/cooking and digging for treasures at thrift shops and garage sales.  

skirkton@dwschools.org 
309/928-7691

Dale Gardner Ph.D.

Part-Time Faculty, Political Science

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 5 years

Education
Ph.D. in Political Science

dgardner@parkland.edu

Noah Hunt M.S.

Assistant Coach, Men's Basketball

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 3 Years
Men's Basketball Assistant
2 Semesters Life Skills Instructor for the Parkland HCCTP (Highway Construction Careers Training Program)

Education
Master of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor of Science
Union University

Best thing about Parkland: Being part of the Cobra culture

What to expect in my FYE class: An inviting classroom where relationships are built and discussions are based on your college experience

Hobbies & Interests: Golf, traveling & Illini sports

nhunt@parkland.edu