prodriguez@polk.edu

Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico to a family of twelve, Mr. Rodriguez's family moved to New York when he was one.  He graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1975 with a BA in Sociology and a BA in American Studies/Political Science.  He received his masters from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1989 with an MA in American Studies.  In 1987 he began his educational career at Erie Community College, where he held many roles throughout his time there.  While in Florida, where he moved in 2000, he has worked as Assistant Director for Student Support Services at South Florida Community College and a Mental Health Therapist for Psychotherapeutic Services of Florida and for Polk Juvenile Corrections.  In March 2004, Pete became Director for the Educational Talent Search Program at Polk Community College.

mparsons@polk.edu

Mrs. Parsons graduated from Northeastern University, in Boston, MA, with a BA in Human Services and a minor in Spanish.  While at Northeastern, she worked as a Service-Learning Coordinator and Peer Tutor.  She also served as an Americorps member for two years, through which she worked with Stand Up for Kids and Room to Grow, as well as helping to create a service-learning program at NU.  She moved to Lakeland after getting married in June 2006. 

Daisy Rivera, Academic Advisor
863-297-1010 x 5242 or 292-3698

drivera@polk.edu

Daisy Rivera was born in Dominican Republic (DR).  Although her parents and two of her sisters moved to NY, her oldest sister and she were raised by family in DR.  She completed two years of college there and in 1987, decided to move to NY.  In 1996, she graduated from Eugenio Maria de Hostos Community College (CUNY).  In 1999, she received her BA in Sociology/ Psychology from Herbert H. Lehman College (CUNY). 

While attending Hostos, she worked with the Admissions and Student Disabilities departments, and as Serrano Scholars Coordinator.  In 2001, she started working at LaGuardia Community College as a (TAP) Tuition Assistant Program Coordinator.

After nine years working for (CUNY), she relocated to Florida in September 2004.  Before starting with the ETS Program, she worked for Youth and Family Alternatives, Inc.

She has a son who is enrolled at USF studying Business and Finance.

jgrullon@polk.edu

Bio and picture coming soon!

jwaskiewicz@polk.edu

Mrs. Judy got married in 1962 and lived in NJ.  She moved from NJ to FL and then, NC.  There, she adopted her daughter and finished raising her 4 children.  She also had 50+ foster children over her time there.  She attended Stanly Comm. College where she received a Certified Nursing Assistant Certificate.  She then drove for Stanly County Mental Health/Rehab. Workshop, while taking Office Management classes at Stanly Community College.   After her last child graduated high school, Judy moved to Winter Haven, Florida, where she lived for 18 years before moving to Auburndale 3 years ago.  After working several other jobs, she became an OP worker in the campus library and took classes at PCC.  She has always been involved in civic and community organizations.  She has been with ETS for over five years as the Program Assistant.