Edel and her husband, Charlie Armstrong, have lived in Santa Clarita for 29 years and love this valley. A life-long educator, for the last 16 years of her career, she was a counselor and a teacher at College of the Canyons (COC). Prior to COC, she worked for the Wm. S. Hart High School District as a counselor, first at Hart High and then at Valencia.
PASSION
Edel is passionate about teaching and learning and giving students access to support services and quality education. She believes in providing educational opportunities that combine academic learning with technical training to prepare students for successful careers. Having taught and counseled at the high school, community college and university level, she dedicated her professional life to helping students succeed and achieve their personal, career and educational goals. She earned a Master degree in Counseling an a Doctorate in Educational and Organizational Leadership. Her enthusiasm and energy is genuine and earns her admiration and respect.
EXPERIENCE
Edel has counseled and taught students at the high school, community college and university levels during her 40 year career as an educator. She believes in both high academic standards and high tech job training. In addition, she served as Academic Senate President at COC. She has worked alongside administrators to develop policies and procedures, to resolve funding challenges, and to improve quality and services. These diverse roles have gained her the valuable practical experience needed to be an outstanding member of the Board of Trustees.
LEADERSHIP
In celebrating her 15 years of service at COC, the college noted that Edel is truly an "inspirational leader, loved and admired." She served two terms as President of the faculty's Academic Senate. She also chaired the faculty Qualifications Committee and co-chaired the Chancellor's Advisory Committee on Budget. Additionally, she was a member of the College Policy Council and a member of the College's Planning Team. Through these experiences, Edel illustrated her collegiality and ability to collaborate with Board members, administrators, classified employees, full and part-time faculty and students alike. She is an independent thinker who reviews data, considers options, and the effect of decisions on students and community.
