Meet the Staff

 

I’Riel is a graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University. She received a degree in Psychology. She is a dedicated individual who enjoys helping others and making sure that she excels in all that she does. I’Riel works for Innovative Education & Partnerships as the Coordinator of Marketing & Student Enrollment. I’Riel brings a warming personality to any environment and is highly skilled in customer service and leadership skills. She brings a variety of skills that are expressed through her maturity and practical experience.

In free time, she enjoys listening to music, cooking, writing and spending time with her dogs, family, and friends. She also volunteers with a local rescue Paws Crossed Inc. as their Adoption/Volunteer Coordinator.

As a part of the Continuing Education and Skills Academy team at Florida Gulf Coast University, Tifarah Pardue works on talent initiatives across the university. She also works to develop micro-credentials and skill badges that address the skill gaps across various industries. As a part of her work with FutureMakers Coalition, a nationally recognized collective impact initiative, she also co-chairs several committees. She serves on several committees focused on regional and collaborative approaches to address workforce development in Southwest Florida. She joins this team after working at FGCU for the past 6 years both in the Lutgert College fo Business as the Corporate Programs Coordinator, where she oversaw internships for the college at both the graduate and undergraduate level and worked directly with local and national employers to address recruitment needs and challenges. Prior to this, she also worked in various community outreach positions across the region.  

Originally from Arizona, she and her husband have called Fort Myers home for almost a decade and have a six-year-old daughter. In addition to her professional roles, she is an occasional runner, a working mom, and a workforce development champion. She is also pursuing her Ed.D. at Florida Gulf Coast University and studies workforce development trends and graduate employability factors. She received her M.A. from Colorado State University in English and worked as a composition instructor before focusing on community outreach, fundraising, and program development work over the last decade.

 

Dr. Fortin, a Visiting Assistant Professor of Integrated Studies at FGCU and Faculty Coordinator of Digital Badges and Micro-credentials, has extensive experience in development of workforce credentials and digital badges relevant to the Southwest Florida population. Dr. Fortin has led the development of the 10 transferable skills digital badge courses in addition to resources to support faculty and community partners interested in developing micro-credentials with FGCU. Dr. Fortin has contributed to the development of non-credit program offerings through the Continuing Education and Skills Academy of FGCU. Dr. Fortin volunteers to lead the Career Pathways initiative with the FutureMakers Coalition. She also works closely with the Roots of Compassion and Kindness (ROCK) Center through her research and teaching.

Melissa is a graduate of St. Petersburg College and the University of South Florida and is currently pursuing a Masters degree in History at Florida Gulf Coast University. She is a Florida native reigning from Clearwater (claiming world’s most beautiful beach!)  She is the Lead Navigator for the FGCU Complete program which assists students who have returned to complete a baccalaureate degree. Melissa brings a strong sense of empathy and guidance and has the ability to work with any age, any background. She finds it very fulfilling to help others attain a college degree as she has a keen sense of how obtaining a higher degree can change one’s life.

Melissa is immersing herself in all the great outdoor activities that Southwest Florida has to offer and has become involved in volunteering for CREW Land Management and loves to hike all the great trails.  

Kiley Barnett joined the Innovative Education and Partnerships team as an FGCU Complete Student Navigator in fall 2021. Prior to becoming a navigator, Kiley was an academic advisor at FGCU, Kansas State University, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.  

Kiley earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Health and Human Performance and Secondary Education from Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS) and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership: College Student Development from Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK). During college she competed as a collegiate athlete on the women’s golf team, participated in her sorority and other student life activities, which all led her to a career in higher education. Her professional background includes experience with student programming, orientation, and academic advising. She is committed to helping student grow, learn, and thrive during their time in school. 

Kiley and her husband, Reid, have a young daughter and dog. Reid also works at FGCU as a strength and conditioning coach. Both Midwest natives, they enjoy college football, traveling, Disney World, and family time.