Meet the Computer Technology Department
Computer Technology Full-time Department Members
- Department Chair: Julie Schneider | Faculty Program Advisor: Schedule Meeting (link)
- Cyber Director: Dave Nielsen
- BAS Program Lead and Faculty: Diane Rhodes
- Faculty: Joseph Adams
- Faculty: Glenda Tarran
Joseph Adams
Faculty
Joseph is a full-time faculty member in the department starting in 2021. He has a BSEE and MSCS minor in SW Engineering with additional classes in Network Security. He has worked in the IT business arena and has taught in the academic arena (universities and community colleges) for over 20 years. A sample of what he has taught and teaches ranges from Security +, Cloud Computing, C++, VB.Net, Java Script, PC Networking, Operating Systems…. He loves nature & sports and almost made it as a kicker for the Broncos and had a chance to be on the US Soccer team for the World Cup. He is married and has a young daughter who keeps him very busy and in shape! Teaching is his passion.
(303) 914-6609
JoAnn Burkhart
Adjunct Instructor
JoAnn joined RRCC as an adjunct instructor in 2022 teaching CIS 1018. She has Bachelor and Master degrees in Business Administration, as well as a Master’s degree in Instructional Technology. She has taught computer information systems courses for the past 24 years, and before that worked in various IT positions. JoAnn was full-time faculty at Community College of Aurora for 9 years, from which she retired. In her spare time, she likes to ride her bike, hike, photography, kayak and spend time with her 2 granddaughters, who are 5 and 2 years old (and their mom and dad are ok too).
Christie Burton
Adjunct Instructor
MCSE, MCDBA, Security+
Christie teaches cyber security, networking, and database administration at Red Rocks Community College. She holds MCSE, MCDBA & Security+ certifications. Christie is a certified instructor for CompTIA, Microsoft and Oracle. She has an extensive background in business administration. As the Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, she developed, implemented and supported an integrated electronic business system. Christie pioneered the first Cyber Security Program within the Colorado Community College System. Christie is especially interested in helping individuals and businesses employ basic cyber security principles that will ensure their safety while increasing productivity.
David DeMott
Adjunct Instructor
David DeMott is a Colorado native.
He is an IT Professional who has over 20 years in the field spending with over 15 years in IT leadership. He has his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Network Management. He has been teaching as an adjunct instructor for Red Rocks since 2012.
Member of Westminster City Council and Current Mayor Pro Tem elected originally November 2017 and Reelected November 2021.
He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Butterfly Pavilion. He is an active member of both Police and Fire Academy Alumni groups, member of Westminster Historical Society and is an active church volunteer.
Brandon Haiges
RRCC Assistant Director of IT
Adjunct Instructor
Todd Hawkins
Adjunct Instructor
Helena Martellaro
Adjunct Instructor
Ph.D
Helena has an undergraduate degree in Physics plus a Ph.D. in Educational Management from New Mexico State University. She has spent most of her career working for aerospace companies, NASA, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, as a contractor for the National Science Foundation in Antarctica, and teaching. After starting out in Operations Research, she transitioned into computer analysis and computer simulation. Her computer language specialties are: Java, C++, Python and Perl. Operating Systems specialties include: UNIX, Linux, macOS and Windows. Database specialties include: theory, design and development.
303.914.6921
helena.martellaro@rrcc.edu
Pat Moore
Adjunct Instructor
Pat has been teaching Math and Computer Science topics in both high school and community colleges for over 25 years. His undergraduate degree is in Geology, but his love for math, science and computer science led him to completing his master’s degree in Computer Science and Technology in Education. He has also worked in the private industry as a Network Systems Engineer for 10 years. He has lived in Colorado all of his life and enjoys doing anything outdoors.
Dave Nielsen
RRCC Cyber Director
Computer Networking / Computer Technology
CCNP, Security+
Dave is an experienced computer professional specializing in Cybersecurity and Networking. He has been involved in just about every aspect of Information Technology since 1977. His education includes a degree in Business Management and graduate work in Computer Science. Over the years, Dave has worked in Cybersecurity in the banking and telecommunications industries, held 14 industry certifications in Cybersecurity and Networking and currently is the RRCC Cybersecurity Program Director.
Craig Peltier
Adjunct Instructor
Pam Phillips
Adjunct Instructor
Chris Pitchford
Adjunct Instructor
Chris Pitchford is a native of Colorado and a father to two brilliant, adult children who also call the Denver-metro area home. Prior to being awarded a Master of Arts in Music Theory, Chris transformed “Music Theory Online” from an email “listserv” to a website for Dr. Lee Rothfarb of the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1994. Since then, Chris has worked in programming, engineering, and education at the former Art Institutes, NREL, Comcast, and currently, IBM, as part of the team supporting cryptography and secrets management. Research and development interests include AI, robotics, web, gaming, and media.
Christopher.Pitchford@rrcc.edu
Diane Rhodes
Faculty Computer Science
Computer Science / Computer Technology
Program Lead: BAS
I am a career IT Professional who has performed programming and other IT work in various companies and organizations in the private and governmental sectors, including New York City’s cable provider, Colorado’s largest law firm, and the State of Colorado. I am dedicated to educating future technology innovators. My goal is to instill knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm in the programmers of tomorrow.
303.914.6445
Julie Schneider
Department Chair
Professor of Computer Science
Computer Science / Computer Technology
Program Lead: CIS, CSC and CWB
.NET Certified
Julie is the chair of the Computer Technology Department and has been a full-time faculty member in the department since 2000. She holds Microsoft Professional Certifications in .NET Development and specializes her teaching instruction in the Computer Science area and programming languages; C, C++, C#.NET, Java, Python, and Swift for iOS Mobile App Development.
303.914.6247
julie.schneider@rrcc.edu
Wade Searcy
Adjunct Instructor
Preston Sharpe
Adjunct Instructor
Glenda Tarran
Faculty Computer Networking
Computer Networking / Computer Technology
I've been an instructor at Red Rocks Community College for the past four years. I was a student at RRCC and graduated with my degree in Cyber Security. After graduation I was employed by a Internet service company where I was able to jump right into using the skills that I was taught at Red Rocks. Networking, Security and threat hunting.
The Cyber Security Industry is in great need of trained professionals and Industry Specialists. I came back to Red Rocks to do just that as a full time professor.
ELEVATE YOUR CAREER AT RED ROCKS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
