Hi, I’m Katie Peña, and I serve as a Coordinator within the Center for High-Impact Experiences at Grand Rapids Community College. In this role, I support and advance student access to transformative learning opportunities through programs such as Study Away, Service Learning and college-sponsored student travel, while contributing to the ongoing development of high-impact initiatives across the college. My work focuses on coordinating programs and events, strengthening communication strategies and using student engagement data to ensure these experiences are accessible, well-supported and impactful for the students we serve. As a proud first-generation college graduate and GRCC alum, I am deeply committed to expanding access to meaningful, real-world learning experiences. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and my Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Capella University. I value collaboration and enjoy working with students, faculty and community partners to strengthen programs, generate new ideas and expand opportunities for student learning and engagement. I welcome opportunities to connect—please feel free to stop by my office or reach out anytime.

Isabel Vargas is here to help you save time and save money by awarding you GRCC credits for your prior learning. Isabel works in the Student Records Office as the Credit Evaluator. She awards transfer credits to students who have completed coursework from other colleges and universities, and from recognized tests outside of GRCC. Isabel knows this is an important step for students to take who are going to start, or complete, their education with a certificate or degree from GRCC. "When I was in high school I took AP classes and sent my AP scores to GRCC," says Isabel. "I got college credit for several classes, even before officially starting college! It was a relief to know that I didn’t have to take those classes! I encourage all perspectives and current students to transfer credits because it's one step closer to meeting graduation requirements!" Isabel enjoys lending a hand to students who have been looking for a career change. "What gets me excited about my work is seeing the huge excitement in the student's eyes/voice when I tell them the credits that they were awarded," says Isabel. Isabel is a proud community college student. She graduated from GRCC in 2017 and transferred to Grand Valley State University where she earned her bachelor's in Business Administration in 2020. "It is truly an honor to serve as a resource for students and impact their life, the way mine was impacted when I was a student here," she says.

I enjoy working with children.  I received my associate degree in Child Development from Grand Rapids Community College in August, 2017, and began working at the Early Childhood Learning Laboratory in September of 2017.  In my spare time I enjoy dancing, word search puzzles and spending time with my family and friends.

Hi! I have been working at GRCC's Lab Preschool for three years now.  I went through the Child Development program here at GRCC and earned my Associate degree in 2014.  I have loved being able to stay at GRCC and work at the Lab.  I have recently earned my Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Ferris State University. In my free time I enjoy being outside, spending time with my Golden Retrievers, and fishing.  I also enjoy spending time at Helen DeVos Children's Hospital where I volunteer with their Child Life program.

I am faculty at the Fratzke Early Childhood Learning Laboratory.  I have spent my thirty plus year career engaging with preschool aged children.  Currently, I am the lead teacher/instructor in one of our Great Start to Readiness Program (GSRP) classrooms working with four year old children.  I earned my bachelor degree from Michigan State University in elementary education with endorsement in early childhood education.  In 2022, I completed the Master of Education degree from Grand Valley State University with a focus in Early Childhood Education.  I began teaching in the ECLL in 2010, first as an assistant teacher, then as the lead instructor.  I appreciate the opportunity to lead young children and the future early childhood educators working their way through the education program at GRCC.