STAR: Meet the STAR Staff

Linda Noteboom, Director

Greetings, I am Linda Noteboom, Director of the STAR/TRIO program. I was a first generation, low income student at Black Hills State University many years ago. As an Education major, I realized the importance of education and felt a calling to assist, support and teach others. I started this endeavor with Special Education students then with women in domestic abuse situations, to the Superior Courts, and to the Community College.

I have been in the Community College system for 13 years and am still excited by the students here. I find that the older students get, the more assistance and encouragement they need. As the administrator of the STAR program, I know we are making a difference in the lives of many 1st generation, low income, and/or disabled students. It is my greatest pleasure to see students achieve their Associates degree and transfer on. My motto is, “Hitch your wagon to a star” for I know if students are moving forward and reaching upward to the stars, nothing can stop them.

Walter Briggs III, Counselor

Hello, my name is Walter Briggs III. Starting with the Fall 2006 semester I am your full-time TRIO/Student Support Services counselor. I have been working at Antelope Valley College as an adjunct counselor for the past three years. Prior to coming to Antelope Valley College I worked in the Antelope Valley Union high school district teaching ninth grade health, as well as doing some substitute teaching for a number of years. I would like to invite all TRIO/SSS students to come visit me as often as you like, and I would like to encourage other eligible students to apply to the program. This is a great program that offers wonderful services to facilitate the acquisition of an associates degree and beyond for students committed to academic success and excellence. I look forward to seeing all STAR/TRIO students, and I'm excited about working with future STAR/TRIO students.

Sara Stanton, Clerical Assistant III

I am Sara Stanton and I began working with STAR in September 2005. I have worked at Antelope Valley College since fall semester of 1998 in various departments of Student Services and hope that I can be a resource to students in the STAR program. I am excited to get to know the members of STAR and eager to learn the “ins and outs” of the day to day operations, while adding a piece of myself to this unique program. As the youngest of eleven children and a first generation college student, I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and gaining insight from your experiences as well.

Jose Panchame, Student Peer Mentor

Katryana Zide, Student Peer Mentor

Hello, I am Katryana Zide. I am currently attending AVC and I plan to transfer to CSUN where I will major in Music and minor in Business. Here at the STAR office, I am a Peer Mentor for English, so if anyone is having trouble with a paper for ANY class, I am ore than welcome to help out. I can help out anyone by appointment or walk-in. I will be adding workshops here at STAR where you can learn more about writing different types of papers or writing styles for inspiration. I am looking forward to getting to know all of the members of the STAR program and can’t wait to start working with everyone!