Our Team
Administration
Charlie Pease
Director
Mr. Pease joined the CCTC family in the fall of 2019. He has served in a wide range of school leadership roles over the last fourteen years including Principal and Assistant Principal in Lee County, and various administrative positions with charter school management organizations in Chicago. Prior to his transition to Cape Tech, he was an administrator at South Fort Myers High School where he helped grow some of our area’s most successful career and technical education academies. Mr. Pease is currently working to bring new “career in a year” skilled trades training programs – including Automotive and Marine Service Technology, Welding, HVAC/R, and Building Construction – to CCTC as part of a 30,000 square foot $25 million campus expansion project. These new programs will launch in the fall of 2026. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from the University of Florida and earned his MBA and Master of Arts in Education Policy & Leadership from the University of Michigan.
Gina Sabiston
Associate Director
Ms. Sabiston joined our team in the fall of 2019. She is a veteran educator with over two decades of classroom experience. She began her career working with at-risk students in a career and technical setting. She continued at South Fort Myers High School, where she was a Digital Media and Florida Southwestern State College Dual Enrollment Instructor, Career and Tech Ed Department Chair, as well as the FGCU/FSW Intern Coordinator. She is also an experienced grant writer. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and earned her Master’s in Educational Leadership from the American College of Education.
Raham Abdelghafour
Senior Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Abdelghafour started her tenure with us in 2015 as our Health Science Clerk Typist. She later transitioned into her current role as a Senior Administrative Assistant amongst other student support-related responsibilities. She is a proud graduate of Cape Coral Technical College’s Medical Administrative Specialist program, and has earned her Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree from the University of Florida.
Student Services
Hilda Perez
Student Services Administrative Specialist
Mrs. Perez brings a wealth of experience to her role as our Student Services Administrative Specialist. She owned and operated a successful hair salon in Fort Myers for several years and previously managed a family business in partnership with her husband. Outside of work, Hilda enjoys spending time on her family farm in North Fort Myers, where she cares for her beloved horses, chickens, pigs, and sheep.
Jaquelisa De Jesus
Health Science Administrative Specialist
Mrs. De Jesus has been with Cape Coral Technical College since 2015. She started in the front office as our Clerk Typist/Receptionist and after three years transitioned into her current role as Health Science Secretary. She graduated from the Nails/Facial Specialist program at CCTC (High Tech North at the time) in 2007 and worked in a salon for seven years before returning to the CCTC family.
Mike Powelson
Admissions Specialist and Equity Coordinator
Mr. Powelson has been with the School District of Lee County since 2009 and joined the Cape Tech team in 2022. He started his career in education teaching high school and adult education courses in math and science before becoming a school counselor. In addition to assisting prospective students as they explore and enroll in our career in a year programs, he works closely with high school counselors and CCTC staff as our Student Services Department Chair. He earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2013.
Anthony Rivera
College & Career Specialist and Testing Coordinator
Mr. Rivera has been with the School District of Lee County since 2015. His responsibilities include facilitating connections between students and industry-specific career pathways while leveraging a network of more than 450 local business partners. He supports students through resume development and interview preparation, coordinates on-campus job fairs and presentations, and a number of marketing and stakeholder engagement efforts. Mr. Rivera also serves as our testing coordinator, and has earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida.
Financial Aid
Darling Catalan
Financial Aid Specialist
Mrs. Catalan joined the Cape Tech team in 2017 as a Paraprofessional supporting the Culinary Arts program. She was then promoted to Information Specialist and later transitioned to the Financial Aid Specialist role in the 2020 school year. She has a wide-range of banking industry, customer service, and data entry/analysis experience and she takes great pride in her work.
Annette Lugo
Financial Aid Advisor
Ms. Lugo has worked in Financial Aid with the Lee County School District’s technical colleges since 2017. She previously worked in banking for more than 20 years and with another local technical college for nine years. She enjoys advising students and is happy to assist with Pell grant and scholarship opportunities!
Bookkeeping & Accounting
Maria Rivero
Bookkeeper
Mrs. Rivero has been part of our team since 2016. Her work involves maintaining a complete and systematic set of records of all financial transactions and assisting with budget prep, controls and reporting. She graduated from the Cape Coral Technical College Accounting program in 2014!
Susan Rose
Bursar
Ms. Rose joined the Cape Coral Technical College team in 2018. She worked in the banking industry for 20 years before transitioning into the world of education. Her work involves accounting, planning, organizing, and customer service along with assisting in the management of student financial files and accounts receivable.
Security
Bobbie Murph – Security Specialist
Mr. Murph joined the Cape Tech Team in the summer of 2020. He has been with the School District of Lee County for more than 35 years, serving as a Security Specialist and Student Services Specialist at a handful of schools. He earned his Business Administration Certification here at Cape Tech (then “High Tech North”) in 1994. His positive energy is contagious and he always makes our students, staff and visitors smile!
Data Management
Pamela Mena
Data Management Specialist
Ms. Mena joined our team in the fall of 2020. She is a licensed Cosmetologist with eight years of experience working in a technical college setting where she previously assisted students in Career Services and Financial Aid. She takes pride in being detail-oriented and ensuring that student data is accurate for local decision-making as well as state, federal, and accreditation reporting. In her role, she supports all three Lee Technical College campuses – Cape Coral Technical College, Fort Myers Technical College, and the SWFL Public Service Academy.
Eve Brito
Information Specialist
Mrs. Brito joined the CCTC family in 2023 and she is a proud graduate of Cape Coral Technical College’s Medical Administrative Specialist program. She has several years of administrative support experience in both the healthcare and real estate industries. She also previously worked in the world of education as an early childhood instructor in Miami.
Technical Support
Andrew Riggs
Technical Support Specialist
Mr. Riggs joined our team in the spring of 2025. He has a strong background in technology, having worked with multiple companies in IT support roles. He is a graduate of Cape Tech’s 10-month Network Systems Administration program where he earned several industry certifications, further enhancing his expertise. Andrew was also selected by classmates and staff as Cape Tech’s student speaker for the 2024-25 Lee Technical Colleges Commencement Ceremony at FSW Suncoast arena.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Sherry Braddock, CVT
Veterinary Assisting Instructor
Mrs. Braddock founded the Veterinary Assisting program here at Cape Coral Technical College in July of 2017. Prior to that she was a Veterinary Technology instructor at Pierpont Community and Technical College for 12 years and has 20 total years of teaching experience in the field of veterinary medicine. She earned her degree in Applied Science in Veterinary Technology from Fairmont State University. If you love animals you will love her program!
Health Science
Ayman Abdelghafour, CDA, EFDA
Dental Assisting Instructor
Mr. Abdelghafour joined Cape Coral Technical College in the fall of 2023, bringing extensive experience in the dental industry. His background as a dental assistant spans multiple specialties, including orthodontics, family dentistry, and sedation dentistry. With a strong foundation in both clinical practice and patient care, Mr. Abdelghafour is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise with the next generation of dental professionals.
Amber Stevens, BSN, RNC
Practical Nursing Instructor
Mrs. Stevens joined our team in the spring of 2024, bringing 24 years of experience as a Registered Nurse working in hospitals. She also previously served as one of our part-time adjunct clinical instructors. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida Gulf Coast University and is currently pursuing her Master of Science degree at Rasmussen University.
Marybeth Weissberger, BSN, RN
Nursing Assistant Long-Term Care Instructor (Evening Program)
Ms. Weissberger joined our team in 2023 with many years of experience as a nurse. She has worked in a wide range of roles, including nurse administrator, recruiter, and adjunct instructor at the state college level. She is very excited to work with our students in the evening CNA program on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Dorine Walker BSN, RN
Health Science Department Chair and Nursing Assistant Instructor
Mrs. Walker joined the CCTC family in 2022. She has worked in multiple areas of healthcare including phlebotomy, management, and acute care nursing for more than 20 years. Her work as a Registered Nurse includes experience in ER, acute care, and outpatient surgery settings. In addition to teaching more than 100 CNA students per year as the instructor for the 6-week long CNA program, she currently serves as the Department Chair for all Health Science “career in a year” programs. She is also a proud United States Army veteran!
Jamie Valenciano CPOA
Optometric Assisting Instructor
Mrs. Valenciano joined our team in January 2021, bringing a wealth of experience working with eye clinics across Southwest Florida. She has served as a trainer in the industry and proudly calls herself an “eye nerd.” She began her teaching career as a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant and has since advanced to become a Certified Paraoptometric Assistant. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Catholic University of Costa Rica.
Lorraine Creadon, MSN, BSN, RN
Medical Assisting Instructor
Ms. Creadon transitioned to Cape Tech in 2023 after teaching in the Nursing Assistant academy at South Fort Myers High School for several years. She brings decades of comprehensive healthcare experience, having practiced as a Registered Nurse in Arizona, New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida. She earned her Master’s degree from the University of Delaware and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Temple University.
Nancy Manson, RN, EMT/P
Medical Assisting Instructor
Mrs. Manson joined CCTC in 2018 to help expand our Medical Assisting program. She previously worked as a cardiology nurse and paramedic for Lee County EMS and served as a clinical instructor at FSW for EMT and Paramedic programs. She earned degrees from Florida Southwestern State College and Excelsior College of Nursing.
Macy Carbonell, BSN, CPN, RN
Practical Nursing Instructor
Mrs. Carbonell came to Cape Tech in 2025 as an experienced healthcare professional with a background as both a Certified Nursing Assistant and Registered Nurse. She has a wide range of clinical experience working with Lee Health in various roles. Most recently, she served as an RN with Golisano Children’s Hospital’s Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Center where she specialized in caring for children with complex medical needs.
Nicki Torres, MSN, BSN, RN
Practical Nursing Instructor
Mrs. Torres has been an instructor in the Practical Nursing program at Cape Coral Technical College since 2012. With more than 25 years of experience in the medical field, she has worked in diverse areas including Medical-Surgical, Labor and Delivery, Newborn Nursery, Pain Management, and the Operating Room. Her passion lies in educating and mentoring future nurses. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Central Methodist College and a Master of Science in Nursing from the American College of Education.
Chris Weygant, EFDA, CDA
Dental Assisting Instructor | Program Director
Ms. Weygant started at Cape Tech in 2018 after having worked in the dental field for more than 20 years. She is an advocate for giving back to the community and her students often volunteer at local non-profits such as Project Dentists Care and participate in events such as Dentistry from the Heart and Smiles for the Community. She earned her Associate’s degree from Florida Southwestern State College and her Bachelor’s degree from Florida Gulf Coast University.
Business, Management & Administration
Ana Lemos
Medical Administrative Specialist Instructor
Ms. Lemos has been our Medical Administrative Specialist program instructor since 2015. Prior to teaching at CCTC, she managed a large dermatology office in Fort Myers. She loves helping students achieve their goals and uses a hands-on, scenario-based approach to prepare students for the workplace. She is a graduate of Cape Coral Technical College’s MAS program and holds industry certifications as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and as a Microsoft Office Specialist.
Human Services
Cristina Almodovar
Cosmetology Instructor
Mrs. Almodovar has been teaching for more than 15 years and joined our team in 2015. Before coming to CCTC she taught at two private cosmetology schools. She strives to instill professionalism and a sense of confidence in all of her students. She graduated from technical school with her cosmetology license during high school in 1995 and she is a life-long learner – completing the Milady Master Educator course in 2014 and the CND Grand Master Nail certification in 2017.
Cindy Grigiski
Cosmetology & Barbering Assistant
Mrs. Grigiski joined our team in early 2024. She has extensive experience as an educator, business owner, and administrative assistant. She has taught courses at Florida Academy in Fort Myers, and previously owned and operated a nail salon in Punta Gorda. She is an integral part of both our Cosmetology and Barbering programs – serving to support teachers, students, and public customers in our busy salon and barbershop.
Stephanie Lewandowski
Barbering Instructor
Mrs. Lewandowski founded the Barbering program at CCTC in July 2017. She takes pride in giving back to the community and promoting service learning. Her students travel three times per month to places such as Hearts and Homes for Veterans and the American Legion to provide free haircuts and beard services to those who have served our country. She is a dual Licensed Barber/Stylist and has been an educator in the field of Cosmetology and Barbering for more than 30 years. Our salon is open to the public — call today to schedule an appointment!
Hospitality & Tourism
Sierra Trombetti
Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality Assistant
Sierra is a proud 2022 graduate of our Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality program. Since completing her training, she has gained valuable hands-on experience working in a variety of settings, including local restaurants, country clubs, and resorts, most recently at the Captiva Island Yacht Club. Her passion for the culinary arts and dedication to excellence make her a wonderful addition to our program and an inspiration to current students following in her footsteps.
Derek Stone
Professional Culinary Arts & Hospitality Instructor
Chef Stone has taught Culinary Arts in Lee County for more than 15 years and has been at CCTC since 2019. Before joining the district he served in all aspects of the restaurant business – from waiter to bartender to every position in the kitchen brigade – for well over a decade. He is a former co-owner of Ralph’s Place where he also served as restaurant chef. His goal is to teach both business and culinary skills with a high level of energy and create passionate professionals who are ready to enter the industry and soar.
Information Technology
Carl Bolling
Network Systems Administration Instructor
Mr. Bolling came to Cape Tech in 2014, bringing over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. He has more than 15 years of experience teaching at local colleges and universities and has earned more than 20 industry certifications covering a broad range of IT subjects. He holds a Master’s degree in Management of Information Systems and a Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Engineering Technology.
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Jen Curls
Digital Design Instructor
Mrs. Curls joined the CCTC family in July 2021. She is a veteran Lee County high school teacher with 18 years experience in Graphic Design, 3D modeling, Animation, Gaming and Motion Graphics. She was the Department Head for 6 years and is an experienced grant writer. She is also a licensed Realtor with Rockstar Realty and has her own own business, Jen Curls Designs specializing in 3D rendering and design work. She graduated from the University of South Carolina as a full scholarship athlete.
Manufacturing
Brian Hart
Electronic Technology Instructor
Mr. Hart has been the Electronic Technology Instructor at Cape Coral Technical College since 2000. He previously taught Introduction to Computers at North Fort Myers High School in the evenings and worked in the Electrical Field as a supervisor earning several certifications. As an ETA International Certification Administrator, Mr. Hart can administer certification exams for various occupations. If you love to tinker with wires and circuits, his program will give you practical experience while helping you achieve your career goals.
Jordan McEvoy
Welding Technology Instructor
Mr. McEvoy joins our team as the founding instructor of our new Welding Technology program that will launch in fall 2026. His industry experience includes a range of work as a welder/fabricator and co-owning and operating a family fabrication and design business. He earned his degree in Welding Technology from Rowan Cabarrus College in North Carolina and later returned to his alma mater as a full-time college instructor for three years. After relocating to Florida, he most recently served as an instructor at the South Florida State College Arcadia campus.
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Brendan Picarelli
Master Automotive Service Technology 1 Instructor
Mr. Picarelli joins the CCTC family as the founding instructor of our new Master Automotive Service Technology program that will launch in fall 2026. He brings over 30 years of experience in high-volume automotive repair and management. Most recently, he owned and operated BC Automotive in Fort Myers for 16 years. He also has experience as an adjunct instructor at a community college in Bronx, NY and he is committed to preparing students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s automotive industry.
Architecture & Construction
Keith Quackenbush
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Instructor
Mr. Quackenbush joins our team as the founding instructor of our new HVAC/R program that will launch in the fall of 2026. He brings a wide range of experience as an operational leader in the technology industry, as well as an entrepreneur. He owned and operated Temperature Pro Southwest Florida in Cape Coral from 2020 to 2025 and served as the 2025 President of the Cape Coral Construction Industry Association (CCCIA) where he continues to serve as a board member. He is also a part-time visiting professor for the School of Business & Technology and the Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute at Florida SouthWestern State College. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and earned his MBA from Northeastern University.
Facilities & Maintenance
Keith Madigan
Sites Worker & Facilities Support
Mr. Madigan joined the Cape Coral Technical College family in 2023 with an extensive background in landscaping and property management.
Aramis Hernandez
Head Custodian
Mr. Hernandez joined the CCTC family in 2022 and has been a Head Custodian with the School District of Lee County since 2018. He brings a broad range of experience in maintenance and handyman work, and he is a certified swimming instructor.
Nora Armenteros
Custodian
Mrs. Armenteros joined the Cape Tech family in 2022 and she has worked with multiple School District of Lee County schools for several years.
John Trupo
Building Supervisor
Mr. Trupo has been part of our team and making our building shine since 2015! He started with the School District of Lee County in 2007 as a custodian before advancing into supervisory roles. He is a proud veteran, having served our country in the United States Army right out of high school.