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Adult Education

Faculty and Staff

Tom Putnam Region V Transition Coordinator, CTE Advanced Opportunities

Tom Putnam

Executive Director, College and Career Readiness

Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex 362A

208-282-4133

thomasputnam@isu.edu

I’m the Executive Director of College and Career Readiness, which includes the programs of Adult Education, Center for New Directions, Successful Transitions and Retention Track (START), and the Tutoring, Academic Support and Peer Mentoring (TAP) program. My goal is to help community members across southeast Idaho who are looking to get started in earning their GED and/or receiving ESL services to find the resources and tools necessary to be successful. Our programs are located on the 3rd floor of the Roy F. Christensen building and I look forward to meeting you and helping you to connect with a wide range of services as you begin your education or career journey!

In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors of Idaho through hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, and mountain biking. I also enjoy reading, US history, and spending time with my family. 

Mary Guyton, Administrative Assistant for Adult Education

Mary Guyton

Administrative Assistant

Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex 374

208-282-2485

maryguyton@isu.edu

I’m the Administrative Assistant for Adult Education. I have a Bachelors and Associate of Arts degree in General Studies from Idaho State University. I also have a Technical Certificate and an Associate’s degree in Administrative Management and Accounting from ISU.

In my position, I manage all aspects of the main office and help to make sure that program operations are running smoothly. I work closely with students to ensure their success and provide the best customer service possible.

When I am not working, I am busy being a new mom to a beautiful, spunky daughter and have been married to my husband for seven years. I was born and raised in Pocatello. If I have spare time, I enjoy being outside, reading a variety of genres of books, spending time with family, and watching movies or other relaxing venues.

Holly Bauer, Instruction Coordinator

Holly Bauer

Instruction Coordinator

Office: 208-282-5805

hollybauer@isu.edu

A 2014 graduate of Idaho State University, Holly Bauer is back on the Pocatello campus as the math instructor in the Adult Education program. She helps prepare students for success on the math portion of the GED test. Her math teaching experience includes all middle and high school grades in both virtual and traditional settings. She also has extensive experience tutoring one one-on-one and small groups. Her hobbies and interests include anything outdoors, especially in or on water. She lives in Pocatello with her husband and four children.

Robin Gardner, Technical Records Specialist

Robin Gardner

Technical Records Specialist

Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex 374

(208) 282-2468

robingardner@isu.edu

I am the Technical Records Specialist for College and Career Readiness. I have a Bachelor's degree in Business from University of Phoenix. I handle the data entry and records for the College and Career Readiness Program. I also assist in CASAS test proctoring for students looking to enter into one of our programs. I have a background in education and joined this team to help students be successful in their endeavor to pursue educational opportunities.

I was born and raised primarily in Idaho and moved my family to Pocatello in 2020. My family and I really enjoy this area and this community.

Diana Gull, Customer Service Representative

Diana Gull

Customer Service Representative

(208) 282-2468

dianagull@isu.edu

I am the Customer Service Representative and can help answer your questions and direct you to services related to Adult Education and other College and Career Readiness programs. I greet people as they come to our floor and direct them to the program(s) that would best fit their needs.  I also assist students in testing placement, as well as coordinate our distance learning program that helps eligible students to access GED courses and resources, online.   I monitor this online program and help students as needed with their studies as they prepare to take the GED.  

I am originally from southeast Idaho and love working with people in the community to help them improve their lives.

Lisa Goodwin, Office Support Specialist Blackfoot Outreach

Lisa Goodwin

Office Support Specialist

(208) 785-1848

lisagoodwin@isu.edu

I'm the Blackfoot Outreach Office Support Specialist and have been with the Adult Education program since 2009. My job responsibilities include answering questions related to Adult Education for our Blackfoot office, student testing, data entry, as well as helping both students and instructors with anything else that may be needed.  I also administer all four official GED tests at our outreach office in Blackfoot.  I enjoy getting to know each student and helping students achieve the goal of earning their GED.

I enjoy spending time with my family, relaxing in my hot tub, and all outdoor activities, especially four-wheeling.  I am looking forward to the arrival of my first grandchild, due in December, 2022

Heather Gooch  ESL Instructor/Coordinator

Heather Gooch

ESL Instruction Coordinator

Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex 368

208-282-3279

heathergooch@isu.edu

Heather Gooch is a graduate from Utah State University with a B.A. in American Studies and Spanish. She received a M.Ed. in Human Resource Training and Development with an emphasis in Adult Education from Idaho State University. Her travel experiences led her to an interest in working with people from around the world. Heather has been an ESL instructor since 1996 teaching students in Blackfoot and Pocatello. Heather enjoys spending time in her backyard while listening to birds and reading.

Susan Hughes  Instructor/Coordinator

Susan Hughes

Instruction Coordinator

Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex 368

208-282-1466

susanhughes@isu.edu

Susan is the Language Arts, GED Science, GED Social Studies, and Beginning ESL instructor in the Pocatello Center.  Her teaching experience has included public schools, private schools, and higher education.  She maintains a state of Idaho teacher certification and holds a Graduate Certificate in TEFL.  In addition to her work in the Adult Education program, Susan is an Adjunct Instructor of Music in the Idaho State University Music Department.  When she is not teaching Adult Education or making music, Susan enjoys spending time with her horses and donkey.

Customer Service Representative

Blanca Mendez

Instruction Assistant

Office: Roy F. Christensen Complex B166

208-282-3244

blancamendez@isu.edu