Division of Community Development

The Division of Community Development at Rio Salado College is Arizona’s largest provider of adult education, proudly serving this critical role on behalf of the Maricopa Community Colleges. In addition to adult education, the division offers a wide range of community programs that promote workforce development and lifelong learning for residents throughout Maricopa County.

With a dedicated team of over 200 full- and part-time employees, Community Development delivers programming through a broad network of college locations, partner sites, community-based settings, and virtual platforms. Operations are also supported by leadership and staff based at the college’s central headquarters.

Each year, the Division of Community Development engages nearly 6,000 learners through programs including high school equivalency, English language acquisition, career training, and other community-driven classes. With a steadfast commitment to educational access and workforce advancement, the division continues to expand and strengthen services that empower individuals and uplift communities.

Academic Programs & Services

• Adult Education Program
  • GED® Test Preparation
  • English Language/ESL Classes
  • Career Training
• Other Academic & Career Pathways
  • Adults Achieving a College Education (Adult ACE)
  • College Credit Pathway to a High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma
• Community-Based Programs
  • ESL & GED® Preparation for Partners
  • RISE Learning for Life

Student Services & Workforce Development

• Outreach and Recruitment
• Intake, Registration, and Assessment
• College and Career Navigation
• Community Partnerships

Signature Student Events

• Adult ACE Completion Ceremony
• Graduation/Commencement Portal
• HSE Graduation Ceremony
• National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) Ceremony

• RSC Avondale
• RSC Northern
• RSC Southern
• RSC Surprise
• RSC Thomas
• RSC @Glendale Community College
• RSC @South Mountain Community College

Check all Locations

Division Level

• Tamara Cochran, Dean, Community Development
• Melissa Carpenter, Associate Dean, Academic Services, Community Development
• Elizabeth “E” Cole, Associate Dean, Student Services, Community Development

Program Level

• Jennifer Shaffer, Director, Academic Services, Community Development
• Michael Benvin, Director, Academic Services, Community Development
• Miranda Lopez, Director, Student Services, Community Development
• Vacant, Director, Student Services, Community Development
• Adam Wetterhan, Instructional Manager, Community Development
• Nikki Zimmerman, Workforce Development Supervisor, Community Development
• Vacant, Student Services Manager, Community Development

Location Student Services 

• Andrea Vazquez, Program Manager, Virtual Learning Academy & Partner Sites
• Beatriz Montes De Oca Valadez, Program Manager, RSC Avondale
• Christian Garibay, Program Manager, RSC Thomas
• Kim Anderson, Program Manager, RSC Southern
• Marina Bilgin, Program Manager, RSC Northern
• Melissa Lawrence, Program Manager, RSC Surprise

Location Instructional Services

• Aliza Dodell, Instructional Supervisor, RSC Southern
• John Van Meter, Instructional Manager, Virtual Learning Academy & Partner Sites
• Neely Lewis, Instructional Supervisor, RSC Surprise
• Nicole Sabino Coker, Instructional Supervisor, RSC Avondale
• Regina Hernandez-Garcia, Instructional Supervisor, RSC Northern
• Simin Broumand Kia, Instructional Supervisor, RSC Thomas