Student Onboarding and Success. (formerly Admissions)

Education Navigators - Contact a Staff Member

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Please use the list of contacts below to assist you in connecting with the services or resources you are seeking. You will find your Education Navigator divided by county, academic pathway, and/or last name. You can make an appointment with your Education Navigator for questions about the admissions process, assistance with advising and registration, withdrawing from courses, access to resources or services, or questions regarding changing your academic pathway.

What is an Education Navigator? An Education Navigator will:

  • Serve as an initial point of contact for you
  • Assist you with onboarding to CCCC, academic planning, advising, and registration in an academic pathway
  • Introduce you to your career community and support career pathway exploration
  • Assist you in staying on your academic pathway
  • Help you address academic concerns and connect to resources
  • Assist you with navigating personal obstacles
  • Will check in with you often
  • Help you with course withdrawals or changing your program/major
  • If pursuing a competitive admissions program, will serve as your advisor until you are accepted into the program

Chatham County Education Navigators

Jalen Cheek

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Communities
Applied Technologies
Arts
Business Technologies
Professional Services
Public Safety
Bio

Jalen spent his childhood growing up in the small town of Pittsboro, NC. He is a proud product of Central Carolina Community College having earned his AA before continuing on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Jalen is a proud first-generation college student, but after getting waitlisted for his "dream school" during his senior year in high school, he almost lost all motivation to attend college. After speaking with school counselors and advisors, Jalen soon realized that this was just a necessary obstacle that would lead to an amazing journey. During his time in college, Jalen worked both as a lab assistant and a peer advisor assisting students with similar yet different experiences and with this newly developed sense of direction, he decided to pursue a career in higher education so that he could assist students on a deeper level. Jalen enjoys building connections with students and he loves learning the science behind human interactions. In his spare time he enjoys eating Italian food, collecting one of a kind sneakers, and just simply being outside.

Harnett County Education Navigators

J. Dwayne Garnett

Associate Director of Student Onboarding and Success

Contact Details
Career Communities
Applied Technologies
Health Sciences
Bio

J. Dwayne Garnett is a passionate advocate and education enthusiast from Augusta, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Therapeutic Recreation with minors in Community Recreation and Music Education and a Master of Arts degree in Health Services Administration and Management. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, J. Dwayne has demonstrated exceptional leadership in Admissions, Student Services, Alumni Affairs, and strategies for Student Retention and Attrition. His innovative approaches and dedication to student success have significantly impacted these areas. J. Dwayne is deeply committed to serving others and is thrilled be a part of a college where he can further his mission of enhancing the quality of life through access to quality education. Outside of his professional endeavors, he enjoys exploring new music and fostering community connections. His personal mantra is, "Everyone has the ability to experience change in a single thought," reflecting his belief in the life-changing power of education and self-reflection.

April Raines

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Community
Arts
Business Technologies
Professional Services
Public Safety
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Bio

April Raines brings nearly 20 years of higher education experience and a proven ability to facilitate significant outcomes for students. She has experience working with students at both 2-year and 4-year institutions. April Raines is delighted to join CCCC to build upon the great work expressed by students, faculty, and staff. She also looks forward to advancing the notable traditions that make CCCC paramount to the local community and actualize results to strengthen our position in Harnett County and beyond.

Lee County Education Navigators

Diana Brown

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Communities
Health Sciences
Bio

Diana is an adventurer at heart. After completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton she joined her Army husband in Alaska. Her first job out of college landed her as a Site Coordinator for a university in the Army Education Center at Ft. Greely. She then went on to other private and public educational institutions in Missouri, Germany, Maryland, California and now North Carolina. With over 20 years of experience in education she has learned to find "that special something" about each student to find a connection and help them grow. She likes to remind students that life is a journey, not a destination. (Enjoy the ride!) If you like to camp or spend time in nature you may see her out and about. Make sure you say hi.

Kimberly Brzozowski

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Communities
Health Sciences
Bio

Kim is proud to be a Chatham County native and is happy to be able to assist students in the surrounding communities. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Professional Writing Certification from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. It is there, as a work-study student that she discovered her passion for higher education. Since graduating, she has worked almost ten years at North Carolina Community Colleges, with the majority of her time working for TRiO Programs at Central Carolina Community College. She enjoys advising students and helping them achieve their academic goals. When not at work she likes to go explore local parks with her husband and son.

Jessica Lujan

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Community
Business Technologies
Bio

Jessica grew up in Siler City, NC and Nayarit, Mexico. She started her career in the Chatham County school system and most recently worked at UNC- Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry. A proud Randolph Community College graduate, she is very excited to re-join the community college system. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, watching murder mysteries and baking.

Brian Post

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Community
Applied Technologies
Bio

Brian is a native of Raleigh, NC. Brian took an early interest in education through tutoring in various subjects throughout high school and college. Brian completed his B.S. in History & Social Studies, Secondary Education and went on to teach in the Dominican Republic. Upon returning to the United States, Brian has been passionate about engaging students across cultures to be equipped in overcoming obstacles in pursuing their vocations. Brian went on to complete a M.A. in Christian Education from The Original Wake Forest University (also known as Southeastern Theological Seminary). Brian is looking forward to serving students in the areas of Business, Accounting, Paralegal, Automotive, Motorcycle Mechanics, Office Administration, Industrial Systems, and Computer Integrated Machining.

Sarah Shannon-Mohamed

Director of Onboarding and New Student Programs

Contact Details
Career Communities
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Bio

Sarah is a dedicated higher education advocate shaped by her own journey as a non-traditional and first-generation student from a low income background. With over seven years of progressive experience in higher education, she understands the diversified needs of students and families. The focus of Sarah’s professional work has centered upon assisting transfer students across North and South Carolina as they navigate the transfer process and supporting all populations of students as they traverse the critical transition period of adjusting to college life.

Sarah is an alumna of Central Carolina Community College, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. She received her Associate in Arts from CCCC, Bachelor of Arts in History from UNC-CH with a double minor in Geological Sciences and Women and Gender Studies, and her Masters of Public Administration from UNCP. Sarah is a rock enthusiast, and has an extensive collection with some unique specimens such as petrified wood and red sandstone from the Grand Canyon.

Samantha (Zamudio) Sewell-Petty

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Communities
Professional Services
Public Safety
Bio

Samantha was born and raised in Sanford. A proud CCCC Alumni (Go Cougars!) graduating with her Associate's in Business Administration and Human Resources. She took the Esthetics and Instructor Course on Lee Campus where she still teaches part-time. When Samantha isn't at work, she loves socializing with friends and family, going to the gym, and listening to podcasts. She is also very passionate about self-care and helping others see their potential.

Jonathan Silva

Education Navigator

Contact Details
Career Communities
Arts
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Bio

Jonathan was born in Pinehurst and raised in Sanford. He graduated from Central Carolina Community College having earned AA and AS before transferring to NC State University (Go Pack!) to receive his Bachelor's of Science in Applied Education Studies: Learning Design Technology. Jonathan is a proud first-generation college student. In his free time he enjoys collecting funko pops, watching hockey, and refurbishing technology.

Janeyah Wells

Education Navigator

Contact Details

Janeyah is available in evenings in the Virtual Office and by appointment on weekends. You can specifically connect with her during the Virtual Office or make an appointment.

Career Community
  • Connect with Janeyah for general advising questions, registering for upcoming courses, and admissions inquiries.
Bio

Janeyah was born in Buffalo, NY and moved to NC as a teenager with her family. She earned her Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice while attending Fayetteville State University and her Masters in Human Services, Marriage and Family Counseling at Liberty University. Janeyah has worked in education for over 20 years with experience in the elementary, high school, community college and military fields. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.

One of her favorite quotes, "Education is one thing no one can take away from you" – B.B. King

Harnett County Staff

Aspen Taylor

Student Onboarding and Success Specialist

Contact Details
  • (910) 814-8840
  • atayl351@cccc.edu
  • Miriello Building, Student Services Suite,
    Harnett Main Campus
Programs

Aspen can assist students with general questions about the Onboarding and admissions process and scheduling a placement test or other testing questions.

Bio

Aspen grew up living in different parts of the United States with her military connected family and is happy to call North Carolina her home. After graduating during the Covid-19 Pandemic from Meredith College in 2020 with her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration, Aspen decided to continue her educational journey at CCCC and earned 2 Associates of Applied Science degrees. She enjoys helping others and looks forward to assisting students reach their educational goals. When Aspen isn’t at work, she loves to spend time with friends and family, watch movies, crafts, travel/go on adventures (both big and small), and learn about a variety of topics.

Lee County Staff

Heather Ocegueda

Student Onboarding Coordinator

Contact Details
Programs

Heather can assist students with general questions about the Onboarding and Admissions process, Scheduling a Placement Test or other Testing questions, or questions about scheduling your New Student Orientation session.

Bio

Heather was born in Virginia Beach, VA. She attended Liberty University and was awarded a Bachelor’s in Science in Psychology. Heather joined the CCCC family in the Summer of 2019, in the Registrar’s Office. Heather is very excited to be a part of the Onboarding and Student Onboarding and Success (formerly Admissions) team and looks forward to assisting students reach their educational goals. She loves to visit loved ones in Virginia and California, relaxing at home with her family, reading, and talking to anyone and everyone about the latest Marvel release.

Adam Wade

Dean of Student Onboarding and Success

Contact Details
Bio

Adam received his Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and earned a Master of Arts in College Student Development from Appalachian State University. Adam has experience working with students at both 2-year and 4-year institutions. Adam joined CCCC in 2015 and loves working with students to discover their path. In his spare time, Adam enjoys running, spending time with friends and family, cooking, and traveling.