Pomona Staff
Dagmar M. Goretzki Cofer, MS, MAMS
Director
(909) 469-5203
dcofer@westernu.edu
Before coming to Western University of Health Sciences, I specialized in teaching stress reduction/management training programs. As Director of the LEAD office, I combine learning style and skills assessment with stress management in a personalized training program available to students one-on-one or in small groups. My goal is to assist Western University students in reaching their very highest academic goals, while remaining balanced, "relaxed, calm, and wide awake," even under the most demanding circumstances.
SPECIALIZATIONS: Academic Skills Training, Mind-Body Wellness, Time Management, Test Anxiety and General Stress Management, Focus & Concentration, Communication and Presentation Skills, Study Skills
Hector Arroyo Jr., Ed.D.
Assistant Director
(909) 706-8499
harroyo@westernu.edu
I bring to the department an extensive teaching background. I taught high school English for 10 years working with both native and non-native English speakers. Additionally, I worked as an adjunct instructor at the technical college level for 5 years primarily teaching Composition, Written Analysis, and Research Methods courses. I enjoy helping students develop their writing skills and working with them on article reviews, in-class written assignments, and thesis development. As my Ed.D. is in Organizational Leadership, I am also interested in group dynamics and occasionally serve on doctoral dissertation committees.
SPECIALIZATIONS: ESL Assistance, Writing Strategies, Research Methodology, Thesis Development, Study Strategies, Communication Skills
Martha L. Ruelas, MHSc
Manager/ESL Specialist
(909) 469-5325
mruelas@westernu.edu
I am the Manager/ESL Specialist for the LEAD office and the Program Coordinator of the Summer Medical Science Prep Program. I have been working at Western U for more than 10 years and would like to extend a helping hand in any way that I can to make sure students succeed academically.
My job is to assist LEAD personnel in the day-to-day operations of the office. I also provide support to the personnel by defining, providing, and evaluating academic services and programs for participating students.
I welcome your calls or emails containing questions or concerns that you may have regarding the services provided by the LEAD office. I would also like to personally invite you to stop by the office to talk any academic issue you may have. I would like you to know that our department is dedicated to helping every single student that needs our services; we are here to help and we are here for you.
SPECIALIZATIONS: Manager/ESL Specialist (Spanish Specialist), Basic to Advance Spanish, Medical Spanish, Occupational/Workplace Spanish
Neil Birt, MS
Learning Skills Specialist
(909) 706-3827
nbirt@westernu.edu
With an extensive background in science and education, I hope to bring a well-rounded perspective to LEAD services. In addition to spending over 16 years in teaching and training in Japan, I have spent the last 5 years as the Distance Learning Developer for several organizations in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California.
Primarily, I’ll be taking care of tutoring services, writing assistance, assessments and data analysis. We are also planning some exciting developments for LEAD going forward so expect some interesting changes. If you have any thoughts about what you might like to see on these pages, don’t hesitate to contact me.
SPECIALIZATIONS: Assessment, Data Analysis, Academic Editing, Online Learning, Study Skills
Stella Galarza, MS, DAC
Learning Skills Specialist
(909) 469-8347
galarzas@westernu.edu
My background is in teaching and counseling. I have been teaching and training students/professionals in the health education field for many years and in different parts of the globe. I also have extensive experience in developing and implementing educational projects.
As a Learning Skills Specialist I would like to establish a collaborative relationship with students to help them develop their full potential as human beings while fulfilling their academic goals.
I am interested in resilience factors: how we adjust, how we deal with life’s challenges and how to use our built-in strengths to overcome them.
SPECIALIZATIONS: Learning Abilities, Life Skills Training, AOD Education and Prevention, Test Taking Strategies, Study Skills
Lebanon Staff
Karen Hill, M.Ed.
Learning Skills & Accommodations Specialist
Ph: (541)259-0226
Fax: (541)259-0201
hillk@westernu.edu
LSA-NW@westernu.edu
Walk-ins Welcome - Room 247
I have been an instructor for 23 years teaching courses such as critical thinking, college success strategies, and study skills. Through research and experience, I have acquired and am ready to share a variety of tips, strategies, techniques, and programs to help you approach a challenging curriculum and a challenging lifestyle as a medical student.
Every student is an individual and learns in a unique way. I strive to recognize and accommodate those varying learning styles through inclusion of diverse and effective educational opportunities to ensure that all programs and activities are accessible and attainable in order to complete your academic goals.
I believe that if you give a man a fish, he will eat for that day; If you teach him how to fish, he can eat for a lifetime.
Come to see me if you want to learn how "to fish".
SPECIALIZATIONS: Study Strategies and Skills, Test-Taking Strategies, Test Analysis, Exam Preparation, Time Management, Information Organization, Leadership Skill, Mind-Body Wellness, Stress Management Strategies, Test Anxiety Management, Positive Communication Strategies