FYE Faculty Profiles

Nikki O'Brien MSW, LSW

First Year Experience and Inclusive Learning Coordinator

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 6 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

Sarah V. Benevento MA

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

I teach Communication and FYE courses here at Parkland. I previously taught at the University of Illinois and as a public school teacher in Philadelphia.

Education
Masters in Communication
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Bachelor Degrees in Communication and Psychology 
University of Delaware

Best thing about Parkland: I love the community and authenticity of everyone in it!

What to expect in my FYE class: Students can expect a space to stay connected, be expressive, and feel supported as you learn and experience this part of your life.

Hobbies & Interests: I love sports, science-fiction, and punk music! A fun fact about me is that I was a college and semi-professional athlete. I also love learning about trains and hope to take several of the longest routes around the world one day.

sbenevento@parkland.edu
217/560-6666

Dr. Carlos E. Brown, Jr. MD, MS

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

Education
Residency
Stroger Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL

Medical Degree
SUNY Upstate Medical University

Master of Science in Biology-Medical Sciences
Mississippi College

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Best thing about Parkland: My education journey began with community colleges. For me, Community College is the lifeline for communities to reach further and succeed while staying grounded in our communities.

What to expect in my FYE class: One of the many things that brings me joy is teaching the next generation of dreamers. I love working with students and find great gratification when they accomplish their goals!

Hobbies & Interests: I love watching college basketball, women's or men's, and I will shoot around from time to time with my nephews and nieces.

carbrown@parkland.edu
217/560-6744

Dennis (pronounced "Denise") Cristina MBA, MA

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

First semester teaching FYE 101 at Parkland with 2 years teaching Student and Leadership Development at Eastern Illinois University.

Education
Master of Business Administration and
Master of Technology
Eastern Illinois University

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and 
Bachelor of Arts in Art Studio - Graphic Design
Binghamton University

Best thing about Parkland: The abundance of learning opportunities for students coming from all different backgrounds.

What to expect in my FYE class:  Student driven environment with interactive and engaging conversations about classes/being in college, life in general, growth opportunities, and success now and the future.

Hobbies & Interests: I like to travel, go on food adventures, play board games, and spend time with my partner and fur-baby, Mochi. I am also obsessed with bubble tea.

dcristina@parkland.edu
217/560-6743

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

Dr. Amber Floyd DSW, LSW

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College Since Fall 2024
I have also taught various courses on the University of Illinois campus pertaining to Social Identity, Diversity, Intersectionality, and Psychology.

Education and Degrees:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Bachelors of Social Work; Masters of Social Work

Aurora University
Doctorate of Social Work

The best thing about Parkland: The resources! Parkland has an amazing set of resources and systems available to its students and staff. I am a big fan of The Bandana Project!

What students can expect in your FYE class: Interactive learning enhanced by real-life experiences – I want us all to learn from each other and create an environment that sets us up for success.

Hobbies & Interests: Enjoying quality time with family and friends, Trying new local restaurants (Email me recommendations 😊), Going to festivals and concerts, Traveling as a form of self-care!

afloyd@parkland.edu
217/560-6664

Laura Ford M.A.

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

First Semester Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College, with 1 year experience teaching FYE.

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. 

lford@parkland.edu
217/560-6663

Dale Gardner Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience and Political Science

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 6 years

Education
Ph.D. in Political Science

dgardner@parkland.edu

Kevin Hastings M.Ed.

Faculty Chair, Mathematics

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 14 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

1 Year Teaching FYE 101 for Parkland 
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

Charles Larenas M.Ed.

Associate Professor, Education

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland for 15 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

Shelby May MSN, RN

Professor, Nursing and Simulation Coordinator

23 years teaching nursing; C.N.A., Registered Nursing-maternal/newborn.
I have also taught FYE 101, Medical Terminology, Health Education, Healthy Behaviors and Cognition

Education
Master of Science in Nursing
Western Michigan University

Master of Arts in Health Education
University of Alabama

Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education
Illinois State University

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
Parkland College

Best thing about Parkland:  There is a class/program for everyone! And there is dedicated staff to help students succeed.

What to expect in my FYE class:  To learn more about health professions, how to be successful in a health professions program, and what to expect as a healthcare professional.

Hobbies & Interests:  I love to run and stay active, spending time with friends and family, and travel.

samay@parkland.edu (I respond the quickest)
217/353-2125 (please leave a voicemail)

Andrew Webb

Dual Credit Faculty

1 Year teaching FYE 101
High School Teacher at Monticello

Education
Masters of Arts
Augustana University

Bachelors Degree
Washington University in St. Louis

Best thing about Parkland:  Having such a high-quality education so close to home.

What to expect in my FYE class:  For me to teach them every single thing that I wish I knew about how to be a successful college student before I went to college.

Hobbies and Interests:  I coach baseball and I like to play Magic the Gathering.

Lauren Winterbotham M.Ed.

Adjunct Faculty, First Year Experience

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 6 years, with 15 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

Hannah Yeam M.Ed.

Dual Credit Faculty

Teaching FYE 101 at Parkland College for 5 years
18+ 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

Connor Yoder BS

Aviation Classroom Faculty and FYE Faculty

First Semester Teaching at Parkland College
3 years teaching aviation at Purdue University.

Education and Degrees:
Purdue University
Bachelors of Science in Aviation

Hobbies & Interests: Running, reading, 3D printing