Kayla Sikora
Director | Dr. Kayla Sikora is a highly accomplished educator, recently awarded her Doctorate in Education from the prestigious University of New England. Her dedication to the field of education has been unwavering, and she firmly believes that education is a lifelong journey. Dr. Sikora holds a Bachelor's Degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies, a Master's Degree in Adult and Higher Education, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Adult Learning, and has recently completed her Degree of Doctor of Education through the University of New England. Having accumulated over a decade of experience in adult education, Dr. Sikora's passion lies in helping students reach their full potential and achieve their goals. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education and encourages lifelong learning in all aspects of life. Her profound understanding of adult education, coupled with her compassionate approach, enables her to make a significant impact on the lives of her students. Her vision is to empower learners, making education accessible and rewarding for all, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances.
Kelli Gilzow Stowell
Program Coordinator | Kelli has an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from CMCC, a Leadership, Organizational Studies Bachelor’s degree from University of Southern with a minor in Business Administration from the USM School of Business, and a Master’s degree in Adult and Higher Education. Kelli is also an entrepreneur and small business owner. A mother of two, a Coach’s wife, an Outdoor Educator, and coordinator of all of life’s chaos. Kelli is a lifelong learner purposefully living each day intentionally and passionately sharing this message with those around her.
Sydney Bolduc
Academic Advisor | Sydney earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mental Health and Human Services at the University of Maine in Augusta. She previously worked as a Behavioral Health Professional (BHP) and Direct Support Professional (DSP). Sydney enjoys helping students find the pathway that best suits them and allows them to achieve their goals. She always has free stickers for students in her office.
Amanda Brown
Workforce Coordinator | Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education for English at the University of Maine in Augusta. She previously worked as an Adult Comprehensive Case Manager (CCM) and Student Support Specialist. Amanda enjoys connecting students to resources to support their goals.
Melody Doody
Administrative Assistant | Mel has been the evening secretary for AACE for 20 years and is now our Administrative Assistant. She is known by learners past and present as "the one with the colorful hair" and the friendly face that greets them when they first come through the door. Mel was a learner at AACE in the Certificate Program, completing it in 2001. Mel is known as the "data plunker," meaning she makes sure the data on the backend is accurate and helps the program run efficiently. Mel helps learners find their room, connect with their teacher, and get the information they need to succeed.
Liz Johnson
Academic Instructor | Liz is an enthusiastic, energetic teacher with over 15 years of experience in education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Art from Johnson State College and continued her studies in Mathematics at the University of Maine at Augusta. Liz also has her Master's of Education in Adult Education and Training. She teaches Math and Art and enjoys working with students of varied ages, backgrounds, and abilities. She is passionate about helping students make connections between academic subject matter and their everyday lives. Liz was recently awarded the John B. Forster Award. This award recognizes a staff member who shows outstanding dedication to their students.
Eleanor Lunt
ELA instructor| Eleanor is a highly dedicated educator who has earned her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education K-8 at the University of Maine at Farmington, as a first-generation college student. As a 2nd and 4th-grade teacher, she has worked with many students of differing backgrounds and abilities, teaching students with over 7+ languages! Eleanor has experience working with Adult Learners at Lewiston Adult Education and coordinating family literacy workshops. Eleanor strives to make her learning space inclusive to all students. When she is not working, Eleanor enjoys spending time with her 15-year-old cat, hiking, and enjoying time with family and friends.
Shelley McGowan
Administrative Assistant | Shelley has been working in the field of education for over twenty-five years. She loves to help bring order to the learning environment by supporting staff and students however she can. Shelley loves being on a team that helps students continue to learn and grow, preparing them for work and life. She strongly believes that we never stop learning and must strive for excellence in all we do.
Mahmood Omar
Translator | Mahmood has a Bachelor of Arts in Education & Human Science from Kirkuk University in Iraq. When he immigrated to the United States in 2017 through SIV (special immigration visa awards for the interpreters who helped the United States military in Iraq), Mahmood worked for AmeriCorps in the education field and then worked for Portland public schools as a translator and teacher. The greatest interest in his current role as a refugee and immigrant employment specialist with the Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine is to help refugees and immigrants become self-sufficient and succeed in their new lives here in America in terms of education, employment, or even though starting business, by sharing what he has learned from all his experiences here in the United States.
Tom Renckens
Academic Instructor | Tom has worked for Augusta Adult and Community Education for over a decade! He teaches HiSET Prep in all subjects here at AACE and the Kennebec County Correctional Facility. Tom has worked in education for 25 years. He worked as a Special Education Alternative Teacher and has taught in a Behavior Day Treatment program for grades 7-12. He has worked with Adult Education as a History/Civics teacher and HiSET instructor. Tom tells Dad jokes to anyone who will listen. If he asks you a random question - RUN- run as fast as you can! You can bet a bad joke is coming!!!
Heather Toth
Academic Instructor | Heather, a dedicated educator with 18 years of experience in Adult Education, continues to make a significant impact in the lives of learners across the region. A graduate of the University of Maine Farmington with a Bachelor’s Degree in math, Heather has built a career centered on student success and lifelong learning. Throughout her career, Heather has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to helping students of all levels improve their skills, earn their diplomas, and prepare for the next phase of their lives. Whether supporting students in finding employment, pursuing higher education, or enrolling in specialized training programs, Heather ensures each individual has access to the resources and guidance they need to thrive. Her passion for education and student achievement has made her a trusted mentor and advocate in the field of Adult Education. As the landscape of education continues to evolve, Heather Toth remains a guiding force in helping adults navigate their personal and professional journeys. When she is not working, Heather enjoys spending her time outside: walking, cycling, gardening, kayaking, photographing nature and just enjoying the outdoors. She also spends many hours volunteering her time with both organizations and helping family and neighbors.
Tracy Weber
Academic Instructor, ELL | Tracy is our English Language Learner Instructor. She has a bachelor's degree in Horticulture & Agronomy and a master's in Literacy Education. She can't imagine her life without books!
Sheila Williams
Evening Secretary | Sheila joins our team as an active Senior who enjoys working with people and helping them achieve their educational goals, no matter where they are in life. Prior to retirement, Sheila’s career was focused in Human Resources with Training and Workforce Development a passion she pursued throughout her career. As the Evening Secretary, she will be assisting students and staff in any way that she can while helping out the Adult Education team with various administrative tasks and projects.
