Our team of highly trained and experienced Employment and Training Specialists are ready to learn about you, your specific industry job goals, and how they can help you get there.
Each specialist focuses on specific industries such as: Arts/Media/Entertainment, Information Technology, Healthcare, and Transportation/Building/Construction Trades.
The Career Services Team
James Lewis 鈥 Assistant Director of Strong Workforce Program
Career Services
James Lewis has devoted over 20 years to advancing innovative workforce development initiatives and career services at CCSF, particularly in the realm of work-based learning. His efforts have opened doors to relevant training and employment opportunities for students seeking not just to make a living, but to find satisfaction and purpose in new careers.
Outside of his dedication to career education, James is a skilled ceramicist and cook, delighting in the creation of functional dishware that complements his varied culinary pursuits.
Ocean Campus, Cloud 331
jlewis@ccsf.edu
Janel Hadden 鈥 Research Assistant
Cooperative Work Experience
Janel has been with 天娱传媒 since 1997 holding various roles within the Workforce and Economic Development Department. She strives to be as resourceful as possible to our students, staff and faculty. You will often find her around campus doing outreach--passing out chocolates and sharing information about Career Services. When she is not working at the college, her two boys keep her busy with activities. She has a passion for being as green and earth friendly as possible and loves finding new ways to save money!
Quote: 鈥淢inds are like parachutes, they only function when they are open.鈥 - James Dewar
Ocean Campus, Arts 210
415-452-7045
jhadden@ccsf.edu
workexperience@ccsf.edu
Steve Nelson 鈥 Employment and Training Specialist
Information Technology and Computer Science
What gets Steve up every morning and across the Bay to City College is the prospect of assisting students with discovering their passions and communicating their life experiences and skills to potential employers. Steve has six years of experience in the employment services field, working with diverse Bay Area students from all walks of life. When he is not working with students and employers, he is wading through the rivers of Northern California collecting beautiful stones, hunting for non-hallucinogenic mushrooms, and sorting through his garden compost pile.
Quote: 鈥淚f at first you don鈥檛 succeed, try something different.鈥 - Anonymous
Ocean Campus, Arts 210
snelson@ccsf.edu
415-452-7104
Arya Zarrinkelk 鈥 Employment and Training Specialist
Arts, Media, and Entertainment
Arya Zarrinkelk is the Steve Kerr of career counseling. Never officially being a career counselor before his previous tenure at Bay Area Video Coalition, Arya has helped over 300 clients ranging from ages seventeen to seventy find employment and higher education opportunities. Arya balances a warm and fun approach to career counseling with a strict level of accountability. Arya won't let his clients fail. His mantra is "lent now, mardi gras later." He attributes his success to his colleagues at BAVC, playing bass, and his innate ability to grow amazing beards.
Quote: "Every morning I wake up and sing my mantra like the blues, I cannot lose. Time to get up and move." - Quelle Chris
Mission Center
415-895-2091
azarrinkelk@ccsf.edu
Desean Deams - Employment and Training Specialist
Transportation & Building & Construction Trades
DeSean Deams is a proud San Francisco native with a background in Career Technical Education, Firefighting, and Nursing. While working in the medical field, DeSean wanted to find a way to bring his skills and love for nursing to the community, particularly with students interested in the field. Working as a Career Pathways Specialist was the perfect union for his two passions. Prior to Nursing and Education, DeSean also served in the United States Air Force working as a Firefighter and Paramedic. DeSean is excited to bring his experience, enthusiasm and love for the Career Education to the 天娱传媒 community this Fall.
Quote: 鈥淭ry to be a rainbow in someone's cloud.鈥 鈥 Maya Angelou
Evans Center
ddeams@ccsf.edu
415-550-4455
TBA - Employment and Training Specialist
Healthcare
John Adams Center
415-561-1930
Guillermo Turcios - Employment and Training Specialist
Business, Management & Entrepreneurship
Guillermo carries years of experience coming from a background in education and career development, previously working to develop and guide many students into the workforce from a variety of different paths through workshops (i.e. resume writing, interview prep, company screening), 1-on-1 coaching, A.I. usage, and many others. Guillermo adapts to meet the needs of whom he is supporting and understands each student鈥檚 background makes them unique in what support they may need. He first started as a 天娱传媒 student, gradually transferring to SF State, where he achieved a B.A. in English Literature. He is excited to support the 天娱传媒 community and aims to have a positive impact supporting those on their goals and development. With his time outside of work, Guillermo loves to check out the latest movies at the theater, spending some time at the gym, visiting family and friends, and enjoying a spontaneous adventure into nature.
Ocean Campus
Creative Arts, Room 208
gturcios@ccsf.edu
(341) 210-1412
Set up an appointment:
Tina Zhong - Employment and Training Specialist
Education, Public & Social Services
Tina has successfully guided over 175 clients in obtaining employment opportunities by assisting them with their job search, job applications, resume writing, and interview preparation. It is her goal to bring equity, diversity, and inclusion into the workforce by placing clients across various ethnicities, gender, age, disabilities and more. As a former 天娱传媒 student and Sociology major, Tina is thrilled to return to CCSF campus as staff and serve the faculty and students! On her free time, you can find Tina snapping pictures of her food with her phone, listening to audiobooks, discovering new hiking trails, and dining at the latest & greatest Instagram worthy restaurants.
Quote: 鈥淭ry not to become a man of success, but a man of value. Look around at how people want to get more out of life than they put in. A man of value will give more than he receives. Be creative, but make sure that what you create is not a curse for mankind.鈥 鈥 Albert Einstein
Ocean Campus, MUB 307
tizhong@ccsf.edu
415-799-7039
Emily Burns - Employment and Training Specialist
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
Emily comes to CCSF from a community college across the Bay where she worked in Career Education, supporting short-term training programs and internships in STEM fields. From career exploration to interview preparation, Emily loves supporting students in their career development. She encourages creativity and enjoys helping students identify relevant skills and learning opportunities from unexpected places. A product of Bay Area higher education, Emily got her start at College of San Mateo before transferring to U.C. Berkeley to complete her B.A. in Sociology. Most recently, she earned her M.A. in Counseling & Guidance. Emily is excited to bring her passion and experience to support CCSF鈥檚 students and expand work-based learning opportunities in STEM! In her spare time, you can find Emily caring for her struggling plants, painting, and listening to podcasts on her commute.
Quote: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive and do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style."
鈥揗aya Angelou
Ocean Campus, Arts 210
erburns@ccsf.edu
415-452-7042
Students:
Employers & STEM Professionals: Complete the