Hi! My name is Krista Carraway, and I teach English as a Second Language (ESL). I’m currently obsessed with Greek mythology, and am reading books like Ariadne, Circe, and Clytemnestra. Blame Epic: The Musical! I joined the Contract Action Team because I’m inspired by what our union has already accomplished and want to help build on that. I’m also passionate about organizing meaningful action that brings us together as a community and helping amplify our collective voice through outreach, storytelling, and engagement! Hopefully, I’m able to contribute meaningfully by organizing clear and concise signage and infographic posters detailing current topics, and spreading the word the good old fashioned way!

Hi everyone! My name is Peter Chen, and I’m an Adjunct Faculty member teaching CSIT courses at Palomar. I come from a background in software engineering and data science, and I really enjoy helping students build practical, real-world tech skills they can carry into their careers.

I decided to join the Contract Action Team because I’ve seen how much adjunct faculty juggle behind the scenes, and I believe we deserve clearer structures, stronger support, and a more consistent voice in decisions that affect our work. Faculty voices matter because we are closest to the student experience—we see what’s working, what’s not, and where change can make a real impact.

One thing I care deeply about improving is creating more stability and transparency for adjunct faculty, which ultimately translates into better learning conditions for students. What helps faculty feel respected and supported is being heard, having clear expectations, and knowing their contributions are valued beyond just the classroom.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my daughters, traveling, staying active, and playing with our Siamese cat Snow. Lately, I’ve been listening to a mix of podcasts around tech, education, and personal growth. My favorite way to celebrate a small win is a good meal and a little downtime to reset.

Within the CAT team, I see myself contributing through organization, clear communication, and helping break down complex ideas into something actionable—whether that’s around contract details, systems, or strategies and ideas. I’m excited to be part of a team that’s working to strengthen our collective voice and make meaningful improvements for both faculty and students.

Hello! I’m Shelbi Hathaway. I love playing beach volleyball, riding bikes, and spending time with family. My newest adventure is raising twin girls who just turned six months old! I have taught in the Math Department for the past 12 years and love helping my students make sense of mathematics. I have used my mathematical super powers to help the PFF negotiations team make visible the hidden mathematical inequities in past CBAs while leading the Parity Project.I am excited to continue this great work by joining the CAT team because our students’ learning conditions are our faculty working conditions, and we all deserve the best! 

Hello, my name is Sherehe Hollins. I am proud to teach Africana Studies! I decided to join the Contract Action Team because I believe that community building and collective engagement are essential to creating a campus culture where students, faculty and staff are seen, included and supported. My favorite spot on campus is my classroom because every time I teach I feel inspired, uplifted and affirmed that I am fulfilling my purpose. One of my focuses in the CAT team is to create spaces for storytelling, where members of the Palomar community can share their experiences and highlight what they envision for PFF in the future.

Hi! My name is Holland Smith, and I work in the Speech and Communication Department. I teach interpersonal communication, public speaking, argumentation, and small group communication courses. I also work with the nationally award-winning speech and debate team on campus.

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When I’m not working, I have two kids who keep me very busy. We enjoy going to the beach, growing food in our garden, and taking family camping trips.

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I’m here because I want to help faculty find their voice. I aim to take my experience in public speaking and debate beyond the classroom and support faculty members —whether presenting to the governing board, speaking at Welcome Day, leading a department meeting, presenting at a committee meeting, or hosting a professional development workshop. Your voice is the most powerful tool you have. 

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Advocate for yourself. Advocate for your students.

My name is Marjan Vena, and I am an adjunct in the Speech Communication department, where I teach the dreaded-for-most☺ Public Speaking course (COMM C1000). I enjoy spending time with my family and our dog, Gigi. I love hiking and being in nature – it’s a perfect place to quiet my mind and spark my creativity. I joined the Contract Action Team because I care about uniting, motivating, and informing members. Building community matters to me, and I’m excited to be part of a team that brings people together around meaningful goals. I plan to contribute with strengths in research, organization, and teamwork, and by bringing a positive, collaborative attitude. I love watching my students grow into courageous speakers, listeners, and critical thinkers. I believe students thrive in safe, comfortable environments – and faculty need that same space to speak their truths. A student once described “having an empty cup and filling it with purpose,” and it really stuck with me, especially when I think about how often faculty run on empty. We need a culture of support and respect where our individual “cups” are intentionally refilled with the purpose and support we need to thrive. 

Hi! I’m Debbie Forward, and for the past 12+ years, I’ve worked full-time for PFF: first as the Organizer, and then as the Executive Director. When I’m not immersed in the union’s daily work, you can find me laughing with my family (they’re hilarious), picking through estate sales (can also provide a lot of laughs), or reading fiction on the couch (I’m partial to debut novels). Through my work with our state union, I’d long heard about other CAT teams and thought it would be a great addition to PFF. This is the year to bring it to fruition! I’m so excited about the group of people brought together for this and the incredible energy and ideas they’ve already brought to the table. The more information and understanding Palomar faculty have of our contract, how it applies to them, and the work PFF shares with the District in creating it, the more united faculty we can enjoy and the stronger contract we can create. 

Hello all! My name is Nicole, and I am the Lead Negotiator for our PFF Negotiations Team as well as the co-chair for the ESL Department at Palomar. I first joined the Negotiations Team when I was working part-time at four different schools with a goal to compensate part-time faculty more equitably for their work both inside and outside the classroom. After moving to a full-time role, I joined the parity project to continue advocating for faculty who are disenfranchised in one form or another. I’m excited for this Contract Action Team to help us keep building a stronger contract by staying connected—sharing information, checking in with colleagues, and bringing back ideas and feedback from across our membership. In my spare time, I enjoy watching the Wave win, acting like a tourist in San Diego, and having game nights with other nerds like me.