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.
Kenlyn Clark
Academic Instructor | Kenlyn Clark believes that learning has no age limit. She is dedicated to helping students grow in knowledge and as individuals. She teaches Digital Literacy, Personal Finance, and tutors HiSET students. She also does Workforce Development training and oversees Credit Recovery students for the local high school. Before AACE, she taught business math and science at a charter Arts high school. She was also a traveling teacher teaching all subjects for a charter high school program devoted to reaching “school-resistant” students, many of whom had suffered trauma at a traditional school. Before that, she tutored Math and Science at a regional community college. That is where her desire to support the learning journey of adult learners was first sparked. Kenlyn has a B.S. in Mass Communication from the University of Iowa, an M.S. in Soil Science from the University of Illinois, and a B.S. in Computer Information Systems from the University of Maine Augusta.
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. 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.
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
Evening Secretary/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!!!
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!
