Kristie Chavez, the new Department Assistant II in Tehachapi, brings a diverse background of experience to Cerro Coso. She spent the last 8 years in the medical field in billing, insurance, and front office, and is a licensed Emergency Medical Technician and certified phlebotomist. Chavez is also a skilled event planner and works as a wedding coordinator for a picturesque country garden in Tehachapi, a job she puts to good use as she plans her own upcoming wedding.

Growing up in Sacramento, Chavez’s family moved to Tehachapi when her father was stationed at a nearby military base. After high school she moved back to Sacramento, only to return to meet the love of her life and fiancé Adam. Chavez returned to Tehachapi after Adam relocated from Alaska to California and settled in Palmdale. The two plan to marry next July in a vineyard.

Thrilled with her new position at the college, Chavez says Cerro Coso has brought exciting new opportunities to the community. Building on the college’s program strengths and excellence the new location has created an exciting synergy within the community of Tehachapi. Chavez loves interacting with the students in the continuation high school adjacent to the facilities the college is renting and is looking forward to seeing many of them take classes at the college. She knows firsthand the drudgery of traveling over the mountain to CSU Bakersfield and is looking forward to taking classes herself.

Cerro Coso extends a warm welcome to Kristie!