Coastal Representative Candidates
Natalie Abundiz
My entire career since graduating from the University of Texas at Austin in 2009 has been in the wonderful field of Education. I started as an Academic Advisor for the School of Engineering (2009-2012) and member of NACADA: The Global Community for Academic Advising. In 2012, I decided to move back home to Houston, Tx, where I served in the role of Advisor and Coordinator at Our Lady of the Lake University’s Weekend College (2012-2016) and earned my Master of Arts Degree in Human Sciences with a concentration in Sociology and Education. My journey in adult education officially started in 2016 when I accepted the role as Program Manager for Adult Education & Literacy at Lone Star College. Since then, I have held various positions within the field including Director of Adult Education (2019-2021), Coastal Texas Association for Literacy and Adult Education Representative (2022-2024) and Director of Continuing Education and Adult Education & Literacy (2021-Present). These experiences have equipped me with the skills and insights to develop a deeper understanding of the unique needs and challenges faced by adult learners while identifying ways to bridge the gap in today’s workforce through continuing education programs. Each day, I strive to create inclusive learning environments where adult learners can acquire new skills, pursue their passions, and facilitate pathways to meaningful employment and career advancement. I truly love the work that I do. It is both powerful and meaningful. I have the power to help transform lives, instill confidence, self-esteem and offer an environment where learners feel supported through their mission to break down barriers to build a better life. I have enjoyed attending conferences as a member of the Texas Association of Literacy and Adult Education and the Coalition on Adult Basic Education. It’s through these memberships that I’ve had the space to exchange ideas and collaborate with other programs and organizations to promote the professional growth of teachers, administrators, and adult learners in my program.
Joshua Hayes
I'm thrilled to be running for the position of TALAE Board Coastal representative. With over twenty-four years of experience in Adult Education and Literacy, my journey has taken me from the grassroots of small non-profits, including five great years in homeless services in Houston, through the largest consortia in the state. My role as Director of Adult Education at College of the Mainland in Texas City is every bit as rewarding as my first day in 2000 at a small non-profit in Beaumont, which ignited my passion for education.
My journey to this field started as a first-generation college student, feeling fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the University of Texas. This experience opened doors for me to work in adult education, and I later pursued my master's degree in reading and literacy at the University of Houston.
Beyond my professional life, I find joy in the simple pleasures. At home, I'm accompanied by my somewhat disloyal basset hound, Mr. Gus, and enjoy adding to the chaotic garden at our home in Kemah with my wife and kids. On weekends, you'll likely find me out on the water, indulging in my love for sailboat racing.
I believe in the importance of fostering a sense of community and collaboration within our organization. Together, let's ensure that every adult learner has the support and resources they need to succeed. I'm committed to advocating for inclusive policies and innovative practices that uplift learners and educators of all backgrounds.
I humbly ask for your support and trust as we embark on this journey together. Let's set sail towards a brighter future for adult education!
My journey to this field started as a first-generation college student, feeling fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend the University of Texas. This experience opened doors for me to work in adult education, and I later pursued my master's degree in reading and literacy at the University of Houston.
Beyond my professional life, I find joy in the simple pleasures. At home, I'm accompanied by my somewhat disloyal basset hound, Mr. Gus, and enjoy adding to the chaotic garden at our home in Kemah with my wife and kids. On weekends, you'll likely find me out on the water, indulging in my love for sailboat racing.
I believe in the importance of fostering a sense of community and collaboration within our organization. Together, let's ensure that every adult learner has the support and resources they need to succeed. I'm committed to advocating for inclusive policies and innovative practices that uplift learners and educators of all backgrounds.
I humbly ask for your support and trust as we embark on this journey together. Let's set sail towards a brighter future for adult education!
Kevin Smith
Having worked in higher education for most of his adult life, Kevin Smith can be viewed as a seasoned educator with more 20 years of experience in Higher Education. The last 5 years Kevin has work for Houston Community College (HCC), starting out as an instructor and applying for and being selected to fill the vacant position as an Adult Education and Literacy (AEL) Teacher Supervisor for the Central/South regions.
Prior to arriving at HCC, he was the Vice President for Business Systems and Chief Information Officer at FortisTCI in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Because of his dedication to education, he took an early retirement to focus on ensuring that his youngest child had the support needed to fulfill his education growth. The flexibility of being a teacher, at the time, offered him many opportunities as a single parent to ensure his child’s education was always a priority.
Before working at FortisTCI, Kevin’s career in higher education began in 1995 at Texas Southern University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology, working in the Computer Science and Physics Department as a Graduate Assistant. He was at times assigned to teach classes in both subject matters and managed the department’s computer labs. He later move on to work in the Enrollment Services Department working closely with the offices of the Registrar, Admission, Recruitment, Financial Aid and International Student Affairs.
As educators in AEL we come in contact with individuals who have been told that they will never be able to learn and this has an impact on their self-esteem. Kevin believes that it is our duty as educators to help those individual to look within themselves and believe in themselves that it is possible to understand, learn and grow and not give up on their dreams and goals.
Prior to arriving at HCC, he was the Vice President for Business Systems and Chief Information Officer at FortisTCI in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Because of his dedication to education, he took an early retirement to focus on ensuring that his youngest child had the support needed to fulfill his education growth. The flexibility of being a teacher, at the time, offered him many opportunities as a single parent to ensure his child’s education was always a priority.
Before working at FortisTCI, Kevin’s career in higher education began in 1995 at Texas Southern University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering Technology, working in the Computer Science and Physics Department as a Graduate Assistant. He was at times assigned to teach classes in both subject matters and managed the department’s computer labs. He later move on to work in the Enrollment Services Department working closely with the offices of the Registrar, Admission, Recruitment, Financial Aid and International Student Affairs.
As educators in AEL we come in contact with individuals who have been told that they will never be able to learn and this has an impact on their self-esteem. Kevin believes that it is our duty as educators to help those individual to look within themselves and believe in themselves that it is possible to understand, learn and grow and not give up on their dreams and goals.