ACHS Administrative Staff
Tracey Abell, M.S., B.S., Director of Operations and Acting Dean of Admissions
traceyabell@achs.edu
Tracey joined American College in 2002. She has always had a passion for natural health. Tracey graduated from the East West College of Healing Arts massage training program in 1997. She then spent several years living and working in Switzerland on an organic farm. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Western Governors University and a Master of Science in Education with a focus in Leadership in Higher Education from Capella University. Tracey is also a graduate of the ACHS Certificate in Aromatherapy program.
Tracey is a former board member of the Holistic Nutrition Credentialing Board of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. She is also a member of the Western Association for College Admission Counseling and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admission Officers (AACRAO). Tracey enjoys travel and has spent time in Thailand, Australia, and India. She also travels the West Coast and Canada with her competitive dragon boat team and currently serves as President for her paddling club, Wasabi Paddling Club, one of the nation's largest paddling clubs.
Heather Baley, B.A., Cert. Aroma., Dean of Students
heatherbaley@achs.edu
Heather joined the American College in late 2001. She has a background in the hospitality industry, social services, and accounting. Heather graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in Sociology and attended graduate school at Central Michigan University.
Today, Heather has immersed herself in aromatherapy. She has completed the Certificate in Aromatherapy program and enjoys making blends for herself and friends.
Heather enjoys spending time with her dog Maya, and remodeling her 1913 home. She actively participates in many of the cultural programs offered by the local community college in Portland.
Elizabeth Edleman, B.A., MLS, Administrative Assistant
elizabethedleman@achs.edu
Elizabeth Edleman, a Seattle native, was born and raised in the lush Pacific Northwest and has recently re-located to Portland. Elizabeth earned a B.A. in Psychology from Western Washington University in 2007. She continued her studies and earned a Master of Library Science (MLS) from Emporia State University via their weekend and online graduate program. Through her MLS degree, Elizabeth has experienced life as a distance-education student and is excited to work with others in the same position!
Elizabeth brings four years' experience in reception and administration to ACHS. Her friendly personality, attention to detail, and passion for customer service will compliment the mission of the college.
In her spare time, Elizabeth enjoys reading Agatha Christie novels, exploring Portland, and traveling to Seattle for visits. Her varied interests include: zoology, natural sciences, and cooking.
Kate Harmon, Director of Marketing
kateharmon@achs.edu
Kate first began working with the College in 1992, assisting with Student Services. She returned to the College in 2002 after living Japan. Kate enjoys working with staff and students, and draws upon her extensive online marketing experience to ensure that ACHS marketing efforts do not reflect in increased expenses for the college or students. Kate also works closely with the all military branches to elevate our servicemembers' and their spouses' learning experience with ACHS.
Kate has an avid interest in natural health and gardening, and is a passionate New Zealand All Blacks Rugby fan. She uses natural remedies in her daily life for herself, her daughter, and her two West Highland terrier dogs, Monty and Rigby.
Kelly Johnson, Shipping Manager
kellyjohnson@achs.edu
Kelly grew up in Spokane, Washington, where she studied art, anthropology, music theory, and music production. She moved to the Portland area in 2010 and says she would never want to live anywhere else.
Once settled in, Kelly began to pursue her passion for holistic healthcare, and after applying to ACHS for classes, she found herself applying for a career!
Kelly's other passions are painting, writing poetry and music, learning about history and culture, and is pursuing her holistic healthcare education.
Tanja Kaneshiro, B.S., B.A., Executive Assistant
tanjakaneshiro@achs.edu
Tanja joined ACHS in 2012 with an enthusiasm for holistic health and essential oils. She brings an extensive, varied skill set to the college including administration, client relations, sales, and project management.
Tanja grew up in Wisconsin, with an early start as an organic gardener at age 10. Tanja's passion for holistic medicine was cultivated by her mother's interest in alternative health modalities.
With a curiosity for the natural world and ecosystems, Tanja graduated with a B.S. in Biology from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR. She followed in her parents' artistic footsteps and earned a B.A. in Graphic Design from Portland State University. With the a mix of left and right brain talents, she offers assistance to the president of the college.
In her free time, you can find Tanja creating DIY art and collage projects, scouring estate sales for treasures, or enjoying brunch with her husband and friends. Her two cats and many dog friends keep her entertained. She looks forward to volunteering and exploring all that this fabulous city of Portland has to offer.
Suzanne Kent, B.A., Business Office Manager
suzannekent@achs.edu
Suzanne graduated from the University of Massachusetts Lowell with a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering. After several years' experience working as a circuit designer and then with microprocessor design for Intel, Suzanne transitioned in her life as a stay-at-home mom, during which time she retrained to be a bookkeeper and tax preparer, and opened her own small business.
"I am very happy to be able to help ACHS students and the college with their business accounts, and to be able to apply my finance skills in a very warm, friendly, earth conscience environment" Suzanne says. "I feel this is a perfect fit for me and my family right now, and I look forward to a long-term commitment."
Marion Lane, Admissions Advisor
marionlane@achs.edu
Marion Lane comes to American College of Healthcare Sciences with more than 15 years' experience working in higher education. Marion is excited to join the ACHS team and looks forward to supporting ACHS students through the admissions process, as well as supporting students' professional and personal goals.
Marion has recently completed her Cosmetology Training with Marionello's Schools of Beauty, achieving her certificate and licenses in Estetics and Nail Technology. Marion is also looking forward to continuing her education in aromatherapy.
In her free time, Marion enjoys spending time volunteering, supporting her daughter in therapeutic horseback riding, gardening, and movie nights at home.
Nora Lindsey, a Midwest native, is a recent transplant to Portland and to the ACHS team as of 2012. She has a background in agriculture, fermentation, anti-oppressive/outdoor leadership, and mind-body medicine, and is a graduate of The Evergreen State College.
Nora has been farming for six years, and in 2008 she completed the Organic Farmer Certificate Program at Michigan State University. Since then she has worked on organic vegetable and dairy farms in Indiana, Michigan, and Washington.
Nora currently co-runs a small flower farm and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in NE Portland called Milk & Flowers. She believes strongly in the power of plants and is excited to spend time with all the herbs and oils that come through ACHS.
Debbie Parigian, B.A., CPA, Chief Financial Officer
debbieparigian@achs.edu
Debbie Parigian has several years' experience working as a part-time CFO for growing companies and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the College.
Debbie has worked with several educational companies and software development companies over the past 20 years, increasing their financial strength to assist with growth strategies. She holds a bachelor's degree in business and accounting and is a Certified Public Accountant. Debbie also has served as a board member, founder, investor, and consultant with several emerging growth companies.
"I have had a lifelong involvement with health and wellness," says Parigian. "My experience-health and financial-will allow me to successfully help ACHS ensure strong, sustainable growth and development of the cutting-edge online classroom education our students have come to rely on."
Brooke Pillsbury Guyot, Assistant Registrar
brookeguyot@achs.edu
Brooke Pillsbury Guyot is currently working towards a B.S. from Portland State University and has several years' experience in both customer service and administration. She joined the American College in 2011, bringing an enthusiastic outlook towards fulfilling the ACHS mission, becoming an asset to the Registrar, and expanding her knowledge and passion for holistic health.
Outside the office, Brooke can be found with family and friends, exploring the Great Northwest, and enjoying all that life has to offer. She is an avid gardener, a culinary lover, and an energetic mother.
Joel Strimling, Dean of Freshmen Students
joelstrimling@achs.edu
Joel Strimling joined the American College in late 2005 with a diverse background and excited attitude. He brings with him over seven years of Marketing, Management, and Customer Service as well as a technical background. He has also had positions from wild land firefighting, to C.N.A., to technical management, and even a stint teaching martial arts. He is proud to have such a mix of experiences. Joel draws upon all of his experiences in assisting others using his varied path to develop his understanding of diversity.
Joel's natural health experiences come from nutritive competitive needs as well as outdoor interests and experiences. In his free time you might find Joel hiking or cooking, but most likely you will find him fishing one of his favorite rivers around the Northwest.
Amy Swinehart, B.A., Assistant Dean of Admissions
amyswinehart@achs.edu
Amy Swinehart earned a BA in Sociology from Washington State University in 1995, when she relocated to the Portland area.
Amy had previously worked for ACHS for about 10 years in both the Students Services and Admissions Departments, and most recently has worked as an at-home mom raising her two children.
In addition to her work with the College, Amy enjoys spending time with her friends and family, and outdoor activities like golfing, playing tennis, and skiing.
Doreen Ambrosio Wood, M.A., B.A.
doreenwood@achs.edu
Doreen (DW) Ambrosio Wood joins ACHS with nearly a decade as higher education faculty, specializing in online course development and implementation across computer science, humanities and business technology curriculum. During that time, DW served as peer mentor (formally and informally) to assist both new and experienced instructors with the latest technologies in computer software and online learning management systems. She has a strong foundation in distance education pedagogy with a Master's Degree in Education: Educational Technology, complemented by a Bachelor's Degree in Broadcast Communication Arts, both from San Francisco State University. Additionally, DW has extensive corporate experience in international marketing communications to include high-end web development. DW is a champion for distance education and continues to pursue best practices in online instruction.
