Laredo College Faculty Spotlight

Dr. Rafael Romo has been part of Laredo College for 10 years, but his journey started much earlier. He began coaching at just 17 years old while he was a student at Laredo College himself. Today, he brings that same passion into the classroom, teaching kinesiology along with courses in health awareness and drug use and abuse, which he calls an eye-opener for students. His philosophy is simple and powerful: when you become his student, you become his student for life.

In this episode of Faculty Spotlight, we visit the kitchen at Laredo College’s South Campus to meet Alejandro Casillas, a Culinary Arts instructor whose journey came full circle. After earning a bachelor’s degree in dance from UTRGV, Alejandro followed his passion for cooking and enrolled in the Culinary Arts program at Laredo College. He later returned as an instructor and has now been teaching at the college for the past four years.

Blanca Magaña-Shehab, a Vocational Nursing instructor and lab assistant, has been part of Laredo College for 14 years. After working as a floor nurse, she was encouraged by an LC professor to apply when her natural connection with students stood out. She takes pride in making a difference not only in patients’ lives, but in their families’ lives as well. Currently pursuing her master’s degree, she finds her greatest reward in hearing students say they feel fully prepared after completing the program.

Professor Brenda Garcia, Chair of the Cosmetology Department, moved to Laredo in 1996 without knowing English and began learning the language in high school. A Cigarroa High School graduate, she discovered her passion for cosmetology when a friend signed her up for classes. Licensed since 2000, Garcia has spent the last decade teaching future cosmetologists, including seven years at Laredo College, where she continues to share her love for the craft and her story of perseverance.

Professor Gloria Castillo, Chair of the Child Development Department, began her journey at Laredo College as a student. One of her professors, who had also been her kindergarten teacher, helped inspire her career path. Since joining LC in 2004, Castillo has dedicated herself to shaping future educators and helping students build strong foundations, just as she once did with children in her own classroom.

Director of Computer Sciences and Technology and the Cybersecurity Institute, Tekuani Perez first discovered computers at age seven; but his path wasn’t a straight line. After studying music and spending a decade in warehouse work, he returned to school at Laredo College, where his journey in technology began. Now pursuing his doctorate, Perez continues to teach while leading LC’s growing programs in computer science and cybersecurity.

Born and raised in Laredo, Music Instructor Luis Leal is the director of Mariachi Los Palominos—a group he helped bring back to LC. A proud graduate of Cigarroa Middle and High School, he discovered his love for music as a young violinist and later earned his master’s degree in Latin Music Performance after reflecting on his path during COVID. Now in his second year at LC, Leal hopes to inspire students through Mariachi and dreams of one day hosting a Mariachi festival on campus.

For Professor Eddie Vandewalker, teaching and music go hand in hand. Originally from Oklahoma, he shares his love for both with students at Laredo College and at the high school level. In just two years at LC, he’s come to appreciate the historic Fort McIntosh campus and says he hopes to make this his home for the rest of his career.

Originally from Ohio, Dr. Joe Crabtree moved to Laredo in 1997 to join Laredo College as Professor of Music and Voice. Now in his 28th year at LC, he has performed in three languages on two continents, lent his voice to commercials—including Super Bowl spots—and currently serves as President of the Laredo Philharmonic.

Juan Saldivar spent 10 years as an over-the-road truck driver before becoming a CDL instructor. He taught at a private company before joining Laredo College and is state-certified to train students for their commercial driver’s license.🎧 Recorded using podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #CDLInstructor #LCFaculty #TruckDriving #TransportationCareers #WomensCityClub

Julie Kelly discovered her love for field biology as a young migrant worker. Now in her 10th year at Laredo College, she shares that passion with her students—and with the community as president of the Bird Club of Laredo.🎧 Recorded using podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #Biology #LCFaculty #BirdWatching #WomensCityClub

Freddy Garcia was just 9 when he started learning about cars in his dad’s mechanic shop. Now, he’s the department chair for Transportation & Technology at Laredo College—and a collision repair professor. He inherited his dad’s restoration shop, and his lifelong passion drives everything he teaches.🎧 Recorded using podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.

Originally planning a career in occupational therapy, Mary Provence found her true calling after a life-changing visit to the Art Institute of Chicago. Since 2006, she has made Laredo her home, inspiring students through art at Laredo College.🎧 Recorded on location with podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.

For 17 years, Dr. Jose Ramirez has shared his love of history with students at Laredo College. Inspired by one of his own professors, he now passes that passion on to the next generation.🎧 Recorded using podcast equipment purchased through a grant from the Women’s City Club.

Before stepping into the classroom, Rene Montemayor spent 12 years in the music industry as a drummer. Now department chair for English, Languages, and Cultural Studies, he still teaches—and brings that same creative energy to his students every day.🎧 Recorded on location with just an iPhone – real stories from LC faculty.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #EnglishDepartment #LCFaculty #FromMusicToTeaching

Dr. Carolina Ramos once dreamed of being an investigative journalist—until a professor sparked her passion for teaching. A proud Laredoan, she’s taught at two other universities and now shares her expertise with students in speech and the BASORGL program at LC.🎧 Recorded on location with just an iPhone – real stories from LC faculty.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #SpeechInstructor #BASORGL #LCFaculty #HigherEd

After a career in the medical field, Erica De Leon found her second calling in teaching. With a fun, positive attitude, she loves working with students at both campuses—and learning from them along the way.🎧 Recorded on location with just an iPhone – real stories from LC faculty.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #Kinesiology #LCFaculty #PositiveTeaching

For 20 years, Humberto Cardenas has taught English at Laredo College—but that’s just one of the many hats he wears. Tune in as he shares his story, his passion for teaching, and everything else he’s involved in on campus.🎧 Recorded on location with just an iPhone – authentic stories from LC faculty.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #EnglishInstructor #LCFaculty #TeacherLife

Norma Martinez started as a student at Laredo College. Right after high school, she knew she wanted to give back to her community—and nursing was the way. Today, she’s an instructor in the Vocational Nursing program, guiding future nurses on their own journeys.🎧 Recorded on location with just an iPhone – real conversations with LC faculty.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #VocationalNursing #LCFaculty #NursingInstructor

Bernabe Gutierrez planned to become a pharmacist—until an American Lit class at Laredo College changed everything. Inspired by Dr. Tom Mitchell, he found his true calling in literature. Seventeen years later, he’s still teaching at LC and loving every moment.🎧 Recorded on location with just an iPhone – real stories from real educators.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #EnglishInstructor #LCFaculty #Literature

Lissa Liveson is an occupational therapist and former business owner who brought her real-world experience to the classroom when she joined Laredo College in 2017. Now an instructor in the Medical Assistant program, she shares what makes this career so essential to the healthcare field—and what students can expect when pursuing this path.

In this episode of Faculty Spotlight, we sit down with Jeannette Johnson, Associate Professor of the Associate Degree Nursing program at Laredo College. She shares what led her to a career in nursing, her passion for teaching, and the values she hopes to pass on to the next generation of healthcare professionals.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #Nursing #AssociateDegreeNursing #LaredoNurses #LCFaculty #NursingEducation

Maritza Morris, a History instructor and proud product of Laredo, has been teaching at Laredo College for 10 years. In this Faculty Spotlight, she shares who inspired her to become a history teacher and her passion for the subject.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #History #HigherEducation

In this Faculty Spotlight, we meet Alan Webb, Acting Director of the Laredo College Honors Program, Editor of La Frontera Magazine, and English faculty member. Originally from England, Alan shares his journey, his passion for teaching, and how he encourages students to think creatively and critically.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #HonorsProgram #English #HigherEducation

In this Faculty Spotlight, we meet David Cabrera, a History instructor at Laredo College. Originally from Venezuela, David shares his journey to the U.S. and what led him to the classroom.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #History #HigherEducation

In this episode of Faculty Spotlight, we sit down with Leticia Huerta, a dedicated mathematics instructor at Laredo College. Discover how her passion for teaching numbers and equations inspires her students to find confidence and success in math. Tune in to hear her insights, experiences, and advice for students tackling one of the most challenging — and rewarding — subjects.#LaredoCollege #FacultySpotlight #Mathematics #HigherEducation

Meet Ana Lu Ramirez, a passionate educator at Laredo College, in this episode of Faculty Spotlight. She shares insights into her teaching journey, her approach to student success, and the impact of education beyond the classroom.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Ever Lopez, a dedicated faculty member at Laredo College. In this episode of Faculty Spotlight, we dive into his experiences, teaching philosophy, and the impact he’s making in the lives of students.

Meet Dr. Tayo Penosen, Government instructor at Laredo College. Learn how he inspires students to engage with politics and civic life.

Join us as we highlight Professor Prakash Mansinghani in this episode of Laredo College Faculty Spotlight. Learn about his journey, teaching philosophy, and the impact he has on students at LC.