SUCCESS IS


TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION TO THRIVE

Meet the CDEC/EDUC Team

Education & Child Development Department

Washington Street Campus, Dutton Hall 102
2201 S Washington
Amarillo TX 79109
(806) 345-5585

Department Chair, Rochelle Fouts

Rochelle Fouts is an Assistant Professor in the Education Department and has been with Amarillo College since 2010, starting out as a mentor in the Higher Ed Grant  through the Children's Learning Institute at the University of Texas, Houston Health Science Center.  She started as a full-time faculty member in the CDEC/EDUC Department in 2011.  Rochelle took a brief stint off from AC to move to inner-city Detroit to work a martial arts ministry with her husband, Shawn, for almost 2 years, then returned to Amarillo.  Before coming to Amarillo College, she worked in the Teacher Education Department as a curriculum consultant for The McGraw-Hill Companies, a Mathematics Curriculum Coordinator for Edison Schools, Inc, and was also a Kindergarten and 1st Grade Teacher both in Wichita, KS, and Dallas, TX.  Rochelle graduated from Friends University in Wichita, KS, with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1996 and a Master of Arts in Teaching degree in 2001.  

Office Phone(806) 371-5206
Emailrlfouts@actx.edu

Administrative Assistant, Angelica Bargas

Angelica Bargas is an Administrative Assistant for the Education Department and Child Development Programs. Originally from California, she moved to Texas at a young age and later earned an associate's degree in Business Management from Amarillo College. With valuable experience from working in a middle school, Angelica is enthusiastic about supporting and contributing to the growth and development of future educators.

Office Phone: (806) 345-5585
Email: angelica.bargas@actx.edu

Advisor, Luis Salazar

Luis Salazar is the academic advisor for the Education and Child Development programs at Amarillo College. He traces his journey from Mexico to Southwest Texas Junior College and transferred to Sul Ross State University, where he earned his master's degree in secondary education. During his college years, he dedicated himself to learning the English language, a skill that would prove invaluable in his future endeavors. Following his education, Luis embarked on a decade-long teaching career, imparting knowledge in world history, world geography, and Spanish to high school students. Transitioning into his role as an Academic Advisor at Amarillo College, Luis again immersed himself in the world of education, this time from a different vantage point. His experience as an educator and his journey as a learner inspire his approach to advising students, guiding them on their academic paths with empathy and insight.

Office Phone: (806) 371-5212
Email: lbsalazar21@actx.edu 

Success Coach, Tania Fuentes

Tania Fuentes is the Success Coach for the Education and Child Development programs at Amarillo College. Born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, she graduated from Palo Duro High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Corrections from West Texas A&M University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Victim Services Management at Sam Houston State University. Tania began her journey in higher education as a student worker and Peer Mentor for the TRIO programs, College Talent Search and Upward Bound, at WTAMU. She went on to serve as a Safe House Advocate with Family Support Services, supporting individuals escaping domestic violence and human trafficking. She later returned to WTAMU as a full-time Outreach Advisor for the TRIO College Talent Search Program, helping high school students prepare for higher education. Now at Amarillo College, Tania brings over 10 years of combined experience in higher education and social work/case management to her role, where she is committed to guiding students through their academic journeys and helping them apply what they’ve learned to succeed beyond the classroom. Her approach centers on personalized support, fostering critical thinking, and empowering students to reach their full potential.

Office Phone: (806) 371-5084
Email: tvfuentes@actx.edu

Instructors

Trena Rider 

Assistant Professor
Early Childhood/Child Development
B.S., Texas Tech University
M.Ed., West Texas A&M University​​​​​
Email: tjrider21@actx.edu

 

Lesley Webb, M.Ed, LPC

Adjunct Instructor
Early Childhood/Child Development
B.S., Texas Tech University
M.Ed., West Texas A&M University
Email: lawebb21@amarillocollege.com

 

Kelsey Lorenz

Adjunct Instructor
Early Childhood/Child Development
B.S., West Texas A&M University
M.Ed., West Texas A&M University
Email: kewood@amarillocollege.com

April Williams

Adjunct Instructor
Early Childhood/Child Development
B.S., Stephen F. Austin State University
M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University
Email: april.williams@amarillocollege.com

Abril Zamora   

Adjunct Instructor
Early Childhood/Child Development
Social Work & FYS
Certified Community Health Worker
A.S. in Social Work, Amarillo College
BSW, West Texas A&M University
MSSW, West Texas A&M University
Email: aivazquez@amarillocollege.com

 

Jodi Davis   

Adjunct Instructor 
Education Department
B.S., West Texas A&M University
M.Ed., Texas Tech University 
Email:Jmdavis62@actx.edu  

 

Mary Scobey  

Adjunct Instructor
Education Department
B.S. West Texas A&M University
M.Ed. West Texas A&M University
​​​​​Email: m0238656@actx.edu

 

Ginny Smith

Adjunct Instructor
Early Childhood/Child Development
B.S. West Texas A&M University
M.Ed West Texas A&M University​​​​​​
Email: vgsmith21@actx.edu

 

Elizabeth Favela, MSN, RNC-NIC, CLC   

Adjunct Instructor 
MSN, Chamberlain University 
BSN, West Texas A&M University 
Email:efavela27@amarillocollege.com  

 

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