Computer Technology Faculty
Department Chair: Julie Schneider
Faculty Program Lead | CNG & Cyber: Eric Vahling
Faculty Program Lead | BAS, CIS, CSC, CWB: Julie Schneider | Office Hours: Schedule Virtual Meeting with Julie
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
Adam Arjomandi
Adjunct Instructor
Adam Arjomandi spent his entire 30-years career in engineering, designing, giving solutions, and delivering large IT projects. He graduated from York University in Canada with a master’s degree in computer science. He loves teaching and has experience teaching computer science courses at York University and Pikes Peak Community College. He is skilled in developing web applications using different technologies including Java, J2EE, Spring Framework, Python, Web Services, SOAP, REST, SQL, and NoSQL using agile methodologies. At Red Rocks, he is teaching Computer Technologies.
Adjunct Instructor
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.
RRCC IT Director
Adjunct Instructor
MBA, CCNP
Bill is a Colorado native and has been in various IT positions and is currently the IT director for RRCC. Bill earned his Master's degree from Colorado Christian University and his Bachelor's degree from Metro State. Bill enjoys coaching little league football in his free time.
Adjunct Instructor
Jon has been a High School Computer Science and STEM educator since 2014 and has taught all levels of Comptuer Science. He currently works as a full-time faculty member in jeffCo Public Schools and has been an Adjunct and Concurrent Enrollment Instructor with RRCC since 2020. He enjoys working with students to build a strong foundation in problem solving and programming so that they can be successful in the future.
Before entering teaching, Jon worked as a full-stack Web Developer (LAMP) and managed a small team of developers. Jon earned a Masters degree in Computational Linguistics from the University of Chicago. he also earned his Bachelors degree in Technical Communication and Spanish and Portuguese from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities.
Ben Focht
Adjunct Instructor
CISSP, GCIA, GWAPT
Ben Focht is the Manager of the Cybersecurity Offensive Operations team at Nelnet. With nearly two decades of experience in Cybersecurity and IT, he brings a wealth of experience, including designing and managing a Security Operation Center, building the Application Security program, and developing the Cybersecurity educational curriculum at the Community College of Aurora. ben holds a B.S., Cyber Security and Information Assurance from Western Governors University as well as several industry certifications likes CISSP, GCIA, and GWAPT.
Candace Garrod
Professor
Computer Science / Computer Technology
Candace's 37, plus, years of experience in business/industry and academia include computer architecture, engineering, systems analysis, web development, and the software side of Cybersecurity. At Red Rocks, she facilitates a variety of classes including: Introduction to Secure Coding, Secure Software Development, Computer Architecture, Introduction to Software Engineering, JavaScript, Systems Analysis and Design, and Introduction to Programming.
Dean of Digital Learning at RRCC
Adjunct Instructor
Jon Johnson is the Director of eLearning/Instructional Technology at Red Rocks Community College and has an M.S in Educational Technology. In his position of Director, Jon assists students, instructors, faculty and staff by offering training opportunities in D2L (Desire2Learn) and other learning technologies. Jon has extensive experience developing online classes, designing and maintaining websites, and providing technical support services to faculty, staff, and students in a higher education setting. At the University of Kansas Jon had the opportunity to be an instructional designer and LAMP (Linux Apache MySQL, PHP) programmer. Mr. Johnson also setup and maintained several WordPress sites, at the University of Kansas. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, gardening, home improvement, spending time with his family, and climbing 14rs.
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
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.
Adjunct Instructor
CCNP, Security+
Dave is an experienced computer professional specializing in Network and Mainframe Security. He has been involved in just about every aspect of Information Technology since 1977. His education includes a BS degree in Business Management with an emphasis in Systems Analysis and Design. He also has done graduate work in Computer Science and, over the years has held 14 industry certifications. Currently, with active involvement with cybersecurity in the finance and banking industries, Dave attends and participates regularly with cybersecurity conferences and panels, including RSA and SHARE.
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
Department Chair
Professor of Computer Science
Computer Science / Computer Technology
Program Lead: BAS, 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, Objective-C and Swift for iOS Mobile App Development.
303.914.6247
julie.schneider@rrcc.edu
Office Hours: Schedule Virtual Meeting with Julie
Faculty
Eric is a full-time faculty member in the department starting in 2020 and is a community college alumni having completed an Associate's degree from Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, KS. He has taught courses ranging from Intro to Programming, A+, Security+, Web Design, and Operating Systems. Prior to joining Red Rocks, he has spent nine years as computer faculty at the Community College of Aurora and Hutchinson Community College including five years as department chair/coordinator. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s from Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kan. in Business Administration and a Master’s degree from the University of Westminster in London, UK in Information Technology Security. Eric has been blessed with a wonderful wife and two little girl (that will put him in an early grave).
Bryce Zuccaro
Adjunct Instructor
Security +, CISSP, CRTO, GSEC, GCIH, GPEN, GPYC, GDAT, OSCP
Bryce Zuccaro is a professional Red Teamer & Penetration Tester at Nelnet. With close to a decade of experience in Cybersecurity, IT, and network administration, he is able to bring both offensive and defensive perspectives to bear for both clients and students. Bryce also teaches a number of topics for the Community College of Aurora, including classes targeted towards Linux +, Cloud +, and Security +. When not at RRCC, you can always find him on the hunt for new photo opportunities of the Milky Way in the summer, or skiing the slopes in the winter.
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