Meet The Team

Dr. Kevin O’Rorke is the Interim Superintendent/President at Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Community College District.  He has served the District as a committed administrative leader since 2006. Kevin has provided leadership in all aspects of the District programs and also assumes responsibility for all of the Extended Education sites, including Tehama, Trinity, Burney, and the Downtown Redding Community Leadership Center. An advocate for the college both locally and statewide, he continually looks for ways to promote and expand the myriad of programs and services provided by the District.

Kevin also serves as the Chief Executive Officer for North State Together and is joined by a backbone team that provides support to county collective impact networks. The primary mission of North State Together is to support the cradle to career objectives of our county networks, with the goal of increasing the education and career attainment of our North State students. Since spearheading the creation of the North State Together collaborative, he has been instrumental in bringing people and agencies together to enhance educational access and community vitality through the cradle to career collective impact model.

Kevin began his career in higher education in 1998 where he was an academic counselor at Northern Arizona University; he then migrated to nearby Yavapai College to serve as financial aid coordinator. By 2001, he joined the staff at Arizona State University to work as a senior advisor and faculty member. He taught graduate and undergraduate courses in Curriculum/Instruction, Learning, Motivation and Tests and Measurements at ASU until he accepted the position of Associate Dean of Students at the third largest community college in the country located in South Florida. He joined Shasta College in 2006 as the Dean of Enrollment Services before being promoted to Vice President of Student Services, then to Associate Superintendent and now as the Interim Superintendent/President.

Kevin has served as the North representative on the Executive Board for the Chief Student Services Officer Association, was on the Board of Directors for the California Community College Athletic Association, was selected for the Chancellor’s Office task force to evaluate Community Colleges granting bachelor’s degrees, and has served on nine Commission for Community and Junior College’s accreditation teams. He is currently a member of the Advisory Council for the CA Rural Education Network, the California State University, Chico North State Planning and Collective Board, and was recently appointed to the Shasta County Children and Families Commission.

Kevin holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Health, a master’s degree in Counseling and a Ph.D. in Lifespan Developmental Psychology.

Kevin and his wife Kate have two strong, smart, and bold girls ages 16 and 13.

Billy Miller is the Dean of Extended Education and North State Together at Shasta College. In addition to overseeing the Shasta College Tehama, Trinity, and Intermountain campuses, he is responsible for supervising operations at North State Together. As a Dean, his focus is to collaborate with colleagues across the Shasta-Tehama-Trinity Joint Community College District, and to leverage the regional and statewide partnerships established through North State Together to grow, advocate for, and ensure educational and training opportunities for community members throughout Far Northern California.

Billy has dedicated his career to improving equity, access, and economic mobility for diverse populations. He possesses over a decade of public service, regional leadership, director, and program management experience in the nonprofit and education sectors, and has contributed significantly to the promotion of collective impact in the North State. Billy joined Shasta College as an administrator in 2018, and since then has fostered student success in various capacities, including managing student service programs, directing enrollment services departments, and ensuring quality educational and workforce training opportunities for students throughout the region.

Billy is proud of his heritage and is passionate about serving students and communities. He firmly believes in the power of education to improve quality of life and believes everyone has the right to access it. Billy’s educational journey includes several years at West Valley Community College where he graduated with an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts. Afterwards, he transferred to California State University, Stanislaus, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. Most recently, Billy graduated from Pennsylvania State University, earning a Master of Public Administration degree.

Billy lives in Redding, California with his wife, Vanessa. Together, they enjoy spending time with friends and family, loving their dogs, staying active, and serving their local church.

Corinne Ewing is a passionate leader able to make positive change through collaboration. As Director of Planning and Development for North State Together, a Cradle to Career collective impact partnership in rural Northern California, she fuels innovation to empower individuals and teams.

Corinne began her educational journey at Shasta College, completing an Associate of Arts in Social Sciences. She continued her education earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simpson University, and a Master of Science in Human Resources combined with a Graduate Certificate in Organizational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts.

Her career at Shasta College began in 2017 as an Administrative Assistant for Business, Agriculture, Industry, Technology, and Safety. When a position opened in Human Resources in 2018, she jumped on the opportunity to transition into the field. She has served as a Human Resources Analyst, Lead Human Resources Specialist, and most recently as the Program Coordinator – Professional Development. She also serves as a board member for the California Community College Council for Professional Development (4CPD) a non-profit organization and acts as their conference coordinator. These roles have allowed her to follow her career passion of employee advocacy, engagement, and organizational leadership.

As the Program Coordinator – Professional Development, her creative skills thrived as she built the framework for a sustainable training and development program with a focus on employee engagement. She spearheaded programs such as the Classified Leadership and New Employee Engagement Academies and implemented an Employee Celebration Week in addition to revisioning the Employee Recognition Awards. She designed and led initiatives targeting positive culture shifts post-pandemic and was awarded a two-year grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office in response to these efforts.

Outside of work, Corinne enjoys spending time with her husband and canine companions, Mazikeen and Caliber. She can often be found at home either reading or cooking. She is always up for a good escape room and loves to be around friends and family.

Amy Speakman serves on a highly effective team that provides backbone support to North State Together’s county-based collective impact networks. A dedicated professional with a passion for enhancing educational outcomes along the cradle-to-career pathway, she brings over 25 years of experience in navigating and improving educational systems.

Amy understands the significance of forming strong partnerships to implement and sustain effective initiatives throughout the educational spectrum. As Director, she plays a vital role in facilitating communication across our region, ensuring the alignment of goals and strategies to enhance equitable access to education. Amy believes in the power of quality education to unlock a brighter future for our rural communities.

Amy has successfully led large grant initiatives, overseeing fiscal planning, resource allocation, and implementation to maximize impact. Her expertise in budget management and strategic planning guarantees the effective execution of educational programs and initiatives.

Amy resides in rural eastern Shasta County with her incredibly supportive husband, James, and their pack of rescue dogs. When not pursuing efforts to increase educational outcomes, she can be found training for a trail race or ultra marathon and advocating for shelter animals.

Andrew Fitzhugh is honored to serve as Program Director at North State Together, passionately supporting regional cradle-to-career collective impact networks. With a knack for analytics and financial management and a heartfelt dedication to student success at North State, Andrew brings a personal touch to drive organizational excellence.

Since joining North State Together in December 2022, Andrew has shown exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the needs of the North State region. His journey began as a Program Coordinator, where he excelled in managing the K-16 Education grant and supporting the 10-county network. His effective management and strategic vision have proven invaluable.

Andrew embarked on his academic journey at Shasta College, earning an Associate of Arts in Business Administration and having the unique privilege of playing basketball for his father, Kele Fitzhugh. He continued his studies and basketball career at CSU, Maritime Academy, earning a Bachelor’s degree in International business and Logistics, and recently completed an MBA in Business Analytics from Southern Oregon University. These achievements underscore his desire for continual growth to support further the community he calls home.

When he’s not at work, Andrew enjoys spending quality time with his loyal dogs, watching sports, exploring the great outdoors, and most importantly, cherishing the warmth and laughter of his close-knit circle of friends and family in his hometown of Redding, CA.

Onica Mello serves as Program Director at North State Together, supervising the implementation of the K-16 Educational Collaborative Grant in support of cradle-to-career initiatives within ten counties in far Northern California. Her work emphasizes careful project management, creative problem solving, and regional networking with the aim of removing barriers and increasing career readiness for all in the North State.

Throughout her career in higher education, Onica has excelled in leadership roles focused on creating clear pathways for student access to assistance programs and counseling support. She is passionate about providing equitable educational offerings to all students — a goal which goes beyond the classroom and addresses unique personal challenges and varying local needs.

Onica holds a Bachelor of History degree from the University of Oregon and an MBA with a specialization in Project Management from Chico State University. In addition to her years working in Student Services, she has a background in event management and coordination. She views herself as a lifelong student whose life has been transformed through opportunities afforded through education, and she strives to open those same doors for others.

In her free time, Onica seeks to gain a glimpse into different cultural perspectives through traveling, reading, and visiting museums. She also loves to cook, craft, listen to podcasts, and spend time in the great outdoors.

James Crandall is a dynamic and visionary leader serving as the Regional Director of Data Strategies for a regional cradle to career collective impact partnership in rural far Northern California. With a passion for empowering communities and driving data-informed decision-making, James is dedicated to ensuring every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

With a wealth of experience in data analysis and strategy, James brings a unique perspective to his role. He has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by rural communities and is committed to bridging the gap between data-driven insights and actionable solutions. James firmly believes that by harnessing the power of data, communities can identify and address the root causes of educational disparities, ultimately ensuring a brighter future for all.

Known for his exceptional analytical skills and innovative thinking, James is constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. He is adept at transforming complex data into clear and compelling narratives that drive positive change. His ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from educators to policymakers, makes him a trusted advisor and advocate for evidence-based decision-making.

Beyond his professional achievements, James is deeply invested in the community he serves. He actively collaborates with local organizations, government agencies, and community leaders to build sustainable partnerships that foster collective impact. By leveraging his extensive network, James ensures that diverse perspectives are heard and incorporated into the data strategies he develops.

James is a lifelong learner, always seeking new ways to deepen his understanding of data science and its application to social change. He has completed numerous professional development programs to stay at the forefront of his field. His commitment to ongoing growth and innovation enables him to tackle complex challenges with creativity and resilience.

Outside of work, James enjoys exploring the natural beauty of Northern California, fishing, golfing, and spending quality time with his family. His unwavering dedication to improving educational outcomes and fostering equitable opportunities has earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and community members alike.

Susan Schroth is the Director of the GRAD Partnership for North State Together, where she serves on a backbone team supporting a ten-county collective impact network in far northern California. North State Together’s mission is to advance the Cradle to Career objectives across the region, focusing on increasing educational and career attainment for residents of the North State.

With over 17 years of experience in education, Susan has committed her career to supporting local schools and communities. At Shasta College, she has contributed to the Office of Innovation, driving initiatives such as dual enrollment and ACE/BOLD programs. She has supported Career Technical Education and the math and science departments. Before Shasta College, Susan held various educational roles, including elementary school librarian, middle school registrar, and state/district testing coordinator. She also served six years as a board member for the Shasta Union Elementary School District, where she gained invaluable insights into California’s K-12 education system.

Susan is a graduate of Mills College in Oakland.  As a first-generation Chicana Graduate, Susan is passionate about supporting underrepresented and disadvantaged students.  She feels privileged to empower students and their families, helping them navigate academic and career success pathways.  Susan’s commitment to equity in education is informed by her own journey, and she takes pride in sharing her experiences to inspire others.

Susan is proud of her two sons’ educational milestones, both of whom earned their undergraduate degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Residing in Redding with her husband, Susan enjoys sports (having played collegiate volleyball), outdoor activities like kayaking and abalone diving, and staying active through mountain biking and trail running with her dogs. She also enjoys reading and crafting.

Arlene Miranda is an integral member of North State Together’s dynamic team, serving as an Administrative Professional since 2022. North State Together serves as a hub for collective impact, fostering county-based cross-sector partnerships across 10 counties in California’s North State. Through the Regional K-16 Education Collaboratives Grant Program, North State Together has broadened its reach to include networks in Butte, Glenn, Sierra, Plumas, and Lassen counties. The primary mission of North State Together is to support the Cradle-to-Career objectives of our county networks, aiming to enhance the education and career success of students in the North State.

Arlene brings a resourceful, upbeat, and positive problem-solving approach to her role in administrative support. She is known for her strategic innovation in translating program goals into project deliverables. Before joining North State Together, Arlene was a key contributor as the Program Assistant for the nationally recognized Gateway to College program at Shasta College, where she helped build a supportive community for at-risk students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their high school diplomas and improve their lives and communities. With over a decade of experience promoting student success in higher education, Arlene continues to be a dedicated advocate for educational attainment.

Outside of work, Arlene enjoys adventuring with her husband and visiting their adult children in the San Francisco Bay Area and Tennessee. She is actively involved in her church, playing piano on the worship team, serving on the women’s ministry board, and hosting bi-weekly home group meetings. Arlene’s favorite pastime is experimenting with new recipes to share with family and friends.

Chloe Lopez has recently embarked on an exciting new chapter in her career as an Administrative Professional with North State Together, a pioneering collective impact organization dedicated to fostering educational success across the rural regions of the North State. With its vision firmly set on building a thriving community through the continuous support of every child from cradle to career, Chloe’s role is pivotal in orchestrating the collaborative efforts that make this dream a reality.

Hailing from a small, rural town in Washington, Chloe brings a deeply rooted understanding of the challenges and rewards associated with growing up and being educated in a rural community. Her journey into the world of education and administrative support began at Clark Community College, where she earned her Associate’s degree. This foundational step was followed by a Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Sacramento, where she not only excelled academically but also shone brightly as a student-athlete, competing in Track and Field as a heptathlete. Her athletic experiences honed her discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills—qualities that she seamlessly integrates into her professional life.

Before joining North State Together, Chloe accumulated valuable experience through her roles as a substitute teacher and as an office assistant. These positions allowed her to develop a keen insight into the educational system’s intricacies and the importance of administrative efficiency in creating supportive learning environments. Further enriching her career was her tenure as an administrative professional in Shasta College’s Umoja program, an initiative aimed at improving the cultural and educational experiences of African Americans and other students. Here, Chloe played a crucial role in fostering a community of support, belonging, and academic excellence, demonstrating her commitment to equity and access to education.

Chloe’s multifaceted background in education, administration, and athletics, coupled with her personal experience from a rural upbringing, uniquely positions her to contribute to North State Together’s mission. Her understanding of the psychological aspects of student development, combined with her administrative proficiency and passion for community engagement, enables her to effectively support the organization’s strategic initiatives. Chloe is dedicated to ensuring that every child in the North State has the opportunity to succeed, from cradle to career, and she views her role as a conduit for positive change and community empowerment.

As she steps into her new role with enthusiasm and a clear vision, Chloe Lopez is poised to make a significant impact on the educational landscape of the North State. Her journey reflects a commitment to service, a passion for education, and a deep belief in the power of collective impact to transform communities for the better.

Outside of the professional space, Chloe cherishes the great outdoors, finding joy in hiking and kayaking, and constantly seeking new physical challenges that echo her days as a collegiate athlete. Alongside her husband and three dogs, she enjoys exploring God’s beautiful creation, creating lasting memories. At home, her creative side flourishes, with several projects always in progress, showcasing her multifaceted interests and boundless energy. This blend of adventure, family time, and creativity defines Chloe’s vibrant approach to life.

Diane Taylor is new to the team, joining in the spring of 2023.  Her current position as the Executive Assistant supports Kevin O’Rorke and the North State Together team.

Diane brings with her over 10 years of experience in the educational field, having worked in the elementary, high school, and university setting. Diane started at a small public school district providing teacher support at an elementary school before transitioning to the high school level as an assistant to the counselor and office manager. After leaving the district, Diane began working at the University of California, Davis in the Plant Biology Department as an administrative professional.

Before joining the North State Together team, Diane was a manager for Driscoll’s, Inc. Nursery where her duties were managing both nursery packaging procurement and the nursery cold chain network. After spending years working in the agriculture industry, Diane is excited to return to the educational field in a role that utilizes her administrative, office management and bookkeeping experience.

As a single parent raising two daughters in the rural town of Arbuckle, Colusa County, Diane is aware of the resources needed for rural schools.  With strong parental guidance to emphasize the importance of higher education, both daughters have earned bachelor’s degrees or higher. One daughter is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and the other completed her bachelor’s degree, teaching credential and a master’s degree in early childhood education and is currently working as a teacher.

Though working in non-educational fields was rewarding, Diane is thrilled to be a part of an organization that is working toward increasing the education and career outcomes of students in the North State. A desire to return to this atmosphere of student success is the reason Diane is grateful to have joined the North State Together team.

When not supporting the team, Diane enjoys spending time with family (especially grandkids) in the outdoors, hiking, and RV “glamping.”

Kate is Associate Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives at Shasta College and is also the Director of a new project called SCAILE (Shasta College Attainment and Innovation Lab for Equity). SCAILE has evolved from the work of North State Together, the Lumina Talent Hub and the Innovation Awards at Shasta College. Its goal is to create a place where policy, practice, inquiry and applied research come together to foster educational attainment and innovation and reduce equity gaps; with a spotlight on the changing dynamics of rural communities.

Kate has held leadership roles in K-12, Community College and the UC system and understands the importance of helping students and families navigate between educational sectors. She is recently returning from a two year assignment with the CCCCO where she worked with all community colleges in the north and far north to expand guided pathways and equity strategies at the local level. Kate has a master’s degree in Humanistic/Multicultural Education from SUNY New Paltz and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from University of Southern California. Kate has worked in education for over 20 years with the focus on improving the educational pipeline, both access and outcomes; especially for underrepresented students and communities.