​Executive Director Announcement

​ETCN is pleased to share that Kathleen Porter will serve as the consortium’s part-time Executive Director beginning in July 2026. This new role will support leadership continuity, planning, reporting, coordination, and advocacy while maintaining ETCN’s collaborative governance model.


To learn more about the Executive Director role, scroll down and click on the Executive Director tab.

About Us

Adult Education: The Key To Creating A New World Of Work
The world of work is constantly changing. Now more than ever, getting businesses back up and running is top priority for our region, and adult education is at the forefront of educating, training, and deploying our students to meet the needs of a “new” workforce.
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As the largest adult education consortia in San Diego County, our five adult education campuses, along with Palomar College, support and train a diverse population of adult learners. Serving more than 15,000 students each year, our mission is to provide students with ongoing learning opportunities by offering high-quality, relevant, and responsive courses, programs, and services – all for low or no fee.
Educate. Train. Explore.
Learning has no age limit. Whether a student is looking for career advancement, college preparation, or workforce re-entry, we help them gain the necessary skills to reach their individual educational and career goals. From English as a Second Language (ESL) and high school diploma programs to technical hands-on training and certification programs, our campuses offer classes and programs focused on high-paying, in-demand careers to meet today and tomorrow’s industry demands.

Our campuses offer programs and training in:
  • Automotive Technology
  • Business/Accounting
  • Certified Nursing Assistant
  • Construction/Manufacturing
  • Cybersecurity/IT
  • Medical Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Veterinary Assistant
  • Welding and Metal Fabrication
  • And more

In collaboration with our business and community partners, we create pathways of study and training focused on seamless transitions to post-secondary education or the workforce.
  • Leadership Team
  • ETCN Staff
  • The Education to Career Network Story
  • Executive Director
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Stacey Adame
leadership Member
Principal
​Escondido Adult School
220 West Crest Street
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 737- 8003
[email protected]
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Dr. Melissa Candy
leadership Member
Principal
​Ramona Adult School
720 9th Street
Ramona, CA 92065
(760) 787-4300
[email protected]​​
Ute Maschke
leadership Member
Director, Continuing Education
Workforce, Community, and  Continuing Education
Palomar College
1140 West Mission Road
San Marcos, CA 92069-1487
(760) 744-1150 ext. 3758
[email protected]
Garth Phillips
leadership Member
Principal
​San Marcos Adult School
158 Cassou Road
San Marcos, CA 92069
(760) 290-2540
[email protected]​
Kathleen Porter
leadership Member
Director of Career, Technical and Adult Education
Poway Adult School
13626 Twin Peaks Road
Poway, CA 92064
(858) 668-4016
[email protected]
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Elizabeth O'Shea West
leadership Chair
Principal
​Vista Adult School
510 Sunset Drive
Vista, CA 92081
(760) 758-7122 etx. 80001
[email protected]​
Shared Positions
Sharon Mah
Partnership Coordinator
(858) 668-4031 (Office)
(858) 603-3664 (Mobile/Text)
[email protected]
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Matt Rhoads, Ed.D.
Technology Trainer & Integration Specialist
(858) 668-4024 ext. 4020 (Office)
(858) 848-9556 (Mobile/Text)
[email protected]
​Julia Magallon
​Disability Support Counselor 
(760) 758-7122 ext.80014
[email protected]

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Robin Smith
Consultant, Administrative Services
(619) 654-4467
[email protected]​
James Hayes
​Consultant, Curriculum, Marketing, and Planning
(760) 213-8906
[email protected]​​
Tan Stowell​
Data Management Coordinator
(760) 737-8001 ext. 8001
[email protected]​
Common Positions
Camilo Riveros Alvarado
Transition Specialist
​Palomar College
(760) 744-1150 ext. 3019
[email protected]
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Kathy Figueroa
Career Advisor
Vista Adult School
(760) 758-7122 ext. 80003
[email protected]
Blanca Rojas
College and CAreer Technician
Escondido Adult School
(760) 737-8005
[email protected]​
Larry Moyano
Transition Specialist/Career AdvisoR
Palomar College
(760) 744-1150 ext. 3041
[email protected]
Brenda Connors
Transition Specialist
Poway Adult School
(858) 668-4015
[email protected]
Oscar Lopez
Transition SpecialisT
Escondido Adult School
(760) 737-8015
[email protected]
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Alyssa Vafaei
COUNSELOR
​Palomar College
​(760) 744-1150 ext. 2375
[email protected]
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Jamal Felton
Transition Specialist
Poway Adult School
(858) 668-4015
[email protected]
The Education to Career Network of North San Diego County (ETCN) is one of five adult education
consortia in San Diego County and one of 71 throughout the state. Through our five member districts – Escondido Adult School, Poway Adult School, Ramona Adult School, San Marcos Adult School, and Vista Adult School – together with Palomar College, we provide adult students with ongoing learning
opportunities by offering high-quality and relevant courses, programs, and services.
Expanding Access and Strengthening Pathways
​The Education to Career Network (ETCN) of North San Diego County continues to expand access and improve student outcomes through coordinated regional efforts. The consortium has grown flexible learning options, including short-term career education and online programs, advanced digital badging and employer-recognized microcredentials, strengthened transitions through Palomar College partnerships, and enhanced student supports to help more adult learners persist, complete, and move forward into college and careers.

ETCN Recognized as Model Program by the California Adult Education Program
We’re proud to be part of a community that inspires success.
​ETCN continues to build on a strong collaborative foundation by expanding flexible career education, strengthening regional coordination, and improving transitions for adult learners. Through short-term career pathways, digital badging, stronger student supports, and closer alignment with Palomar College and local employers, ETCN is creating clearer connections between adult education, college, and careers.
​Click the button below to read the full story.
Expanded Career-Preparatory Initiatives
ETCN hosted career fairs, mock interviews, and resume reviews to better prepare students for entering the job market. This hands-on approach to career preparation emphasized real-world skills and job readiness.
​Record CTE Enrollment Across Campuses
2022 saw a record number of students enrolling in CTE programs across diverse industries. ​The diversity of CTE enrollment across multiple industries highlighted an increasing demand for workforce readiness.
​Adaptation to Remote Learning and Employer Engagement
In response to the global pandemic, ETCN expanded remote and online learning opportunities, ensuring students continued their education despite challenges. Businesses like Amazon and the American Red Cross participated in live online sessions, discussing industry requirements and offering students opportunities for direct interaction and potential interviews.
​Drive-Up Enrollment
ETCN introduced "drive-up" enrollment events at several campuses, enabling students to meet instructors and collect materials safely from their vehicles. 
Adult Education Week Proclamation
April 19-23, 2021 was declared "Adult Education Week" by San Diego County and several ETCN cities, recognizing the importance of adult education in the community. 
​Student Spotlight Series
Launched to share the stories and experiences of ETCN students with the community.
Digital Badging Program
This new initiative is rolled out and introduced to ETCN adult schools. Through this program, students earn different levels of badges based on academic achievements.
Pre-Apprenticeship Program
ETCN and their members - San Marcos Adult School and Palomar College - developed curriculum and implemented hands-on training for a pre-apprenticeship program. This initiative aimed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge, effectively preparing them for future workforce demands. Mike LaBruno, Career Connections Outreach Specialist at the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, acknowledged the program's impact, stating that such involvement "has helped to prepare the workforce we need for tomorrow."
“Meet the Employer” Event
​ETCN holds its first employer-focused event, featuring a discussion from a panel of employers from the healthcare industry regarding entry level opportunities and hiring practices.
​“Path to Palomar” Event
ETCN holds its first annual “Path to Palomar” event in which adult education students are invited to participate in an “insider’s tour” of Palomar College while learning about program offerings and the transition process from adult school to college.​
Adult Education Week
A proclamation request is submitted to San Diego County to recognize one week in April as “Adult Education Week” across the County. The request is approved, and along with the Cities of Escondido, Poway, Ramona, San Marcos, and Vista, “Adult Education Week” is signed into effect.
SDNAEP Becomes ETCN
The San Diego North Adult Education Partnership adopts a new name and launches a branding campaign for the Education to Career Network of North San Diego County (ETCN).
As the AB 86 planning moves to implementation via AB 104, the Adult Education Block Grant (AEBG), the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), and the California Department of Education (CDE) continue to work in partnership to implement the requirements outlined in the Adult Education Block Grant.
ETCN Hires Staff
Full-time staff are welcomed to the ETCN team, including a data coordinator, technology integration specialist, support/disability counselor, and job developer.
Community Forum
ETCN hosts its first community forum event titled, “Future Workforce Forum: Shaping the Future of North San Diego County’s Education to Career Network.” Attendees include north county business partners. The event features a panel discussion from leaders from local chambers of commerce and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Department.
The 2015–2016 State Budget appropriated $500 million to California Community College Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) and the California Department of Education to allocate funding for adult education.
Regional Planning Summits
The San Diego North Adult Education Partnership holds a series of regional planning summits with community stakeholders to help identify gaps and unmet needs in an effort to improve adult education in our region.
Adult Education Meets AB86
Through Assembly Bill 86 (AB86), the 2013-2014 State Budget appropriated $25 million to the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) to allocate funding for adult education to develop two–year planning and implementation grants. The funds were provided to eligible consortia for the purpose of developing regional plans for adult education.
The “San Diego North Adult Education Partnership” is formed
One of 71 consortia across the State, to expand and improve the provision of adult education. Consortia members include Escondido Adult School, Poway Adult School, Ramona Adult School, San Marcos Adult School, Vista Adult School, and Palomar College.

Executive Director Announcement

​4/24/2026
 
Dear Stakeholders,
 
I am pleased to share that Kathleen Porter will serve as the Executive Director for the Education to Career Network (ETCN), beginning July of this year (after her retirement from Poway Unified School District). 
 
We are grateful that Kathleen has graciously agreed to continue supporting the consortium in this new capacity on a part-time basis. Her deep knowledge of our work, longstanding commitment to adult education, and experience as a founding member of ETCN position her well to help guide and sustain our collective efforts. In this role, Kathleen will continue to advocate for adult education, take the lead on key reporting requirements, and help ensure alignment with our strategic priorities.
 
It is important to clarify that each consortium leader will continue to maintain full responsibility for their own site and programs. The Executive Director will serve in a supportive and coordinating capacity, working and supporting the Leadership Council and member districts. Kathleen’s role is designed to strengthen our consortium by maintaining continuity, coaching new leaders, assisting with planning and reporting, and connecting us to new opportunities that expand access and open doors for our students.
 
As outlined in her scope of work, Kathleen will support areas such as:
  • Coordination of Leadership Council and consortium meetings
  • Oversight of planning, compliance, and required reporting
  • Strengthening partnerships and advocacy efforts
  • Supporting data-informed decision making and continuous improvement
This structure allows us to maintain our collaborative governance model while ensuring we have the dedicated support needed to move our work forward during a time of transition and growth.
 
I have attached Kathleen’s full scope of work for your reference and encourage you to review it for additional detail.
 
We look forward to continuing this work together and are excited about the opportunities ahead for ETCN and the students we serve.
 
Warm regards,
 
Liz O’Shea-West
ETCN Chair
 
 MEMBER PROGRAMS
  • Escondido Adult School
  • Palomar College
  • Poway Adult School
  • Ramona Adult School
  • San Marcos Adult School
  • Vista Adult School
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