2026 CCAE State Award Winner Bios

Awardee: G. Vittoria Abatte

Bay Section

G. Vittoria Abbate, nominee, holds a B.S. in Liberal Arts and Sciences from the University of Illinois, Chicago and an M.A. in TESOL and Applied Linguistics from Northeastern. She has dedicated her career to adult education since 2002, serving in key leadership roles including ESL Coordinator (2003–04), Vice Principal (2006–07), Assistant Director (2012), and Director (2015). Her work includes teaching ESL, leading an ESL television program, and contributing to a consulting group focused on educational improvement. She has also engaged in international education projects, supporting the development of programs around the world.

Vittoria has been a committed and influential leader within CCAE, serving at the chapter, regional, and state levels. Her involvement began with the Contra Costa Chapter, where she helped strengthen local engagement and ensure members had access to the support and resources needed to effectively serve adult learners. She continued her leadership in the Bay Section, contributing to regional collaboration and later representing the section in legislative efforts. As Bay Section Legislative Representative, Vittoria played an essential role in building awareness, mobilizing members, and advancing advocacy priorities across the region. In 2015, Vittoria transitioned into state level legislative work, where her impact expanded significantly. She became a key voice for adult education funding, stability, and program growth. Her work connects back to her earlier involvement in regional consortium development during 2008–2009—a formative period in which she contributed to establishing systems focused on financing, collaboration, and accountability. The experience positioned her to support statewide initiatives that continue to shape adult education today. One of Vittoria’s major accomplishments has been championing training and support for new administrators. Recognizing the need for consistent preparation, she has advocated for structured professional development that strengthens leadership pipelines and ensures program quality across California. Her dedication to building capacity extends beyond administrators; she has continually supported advocacy training for educators and staff, empowering members to use their voices effectively. Through every role, Vittoria has maintained a steadfast commitment to ensuring that adult education receives the resources, visibility, and policy support it deserves. Her work has strengthened local programs, regional networks, and the statewide system, making her an exceptional nominee for CCAE recognition.

A defining thread throughout Vittoria’s career is her unwavering dedication to collaboration for adult family literacy. In every role—teacher, coordinator, administrator, and advocate—she kept family literacy at the forefront, ensuring that programs supported adults as learners, parents, and community members. Equally central to her work is her belief that adult education is essential to local workforce solutions. She has actively championed adult school students as a critical part of the talent pipeline in Contra Costa County.

In 2018, Vittoria organized and led Contra Costa County (CCC) adult education agencies, community colleges and Community Based Organizations (CBOs), to form the Contra Costa Workforce Collaborative (CCWC), led by member organization Rubicon Programs, for fiscal and operational management. The CCWC was formed specifically to bid on, at that time, the WDBCCC contract to divest itself of its long-standing operation of the American Job Centers of California (AJCC) at the East Bay WORKs One-Stop Career Center aka AJCC. This change was prompted by Contra Costa County leadership not wanting to be the lead agency due to fiscal concerns. Since 2018, the CCWC has successfully operated 10 AJCCs, known as "Access Points" across CCC, at adult school and CBO community locations. The CCWC continues today not only to meet its targets for expanding the services of the AJCCs to adults seeking job and career training and entry or re-entry in the CCC workforce, but consistently exceeding its targets for expanded service.

Donna Van Wert, Former Director, CCCWDB, Retired wrote in her letter of support for this award for Vittoria, “The CCCWDB released a request for proposals (RFP) for another entity to provide these services. As the various agencies began individually inquiring about the elements of the RFP, Ms. Abbate had the wisdom to see what could be lost in this competitive process. With her experience and wisdom, she quickly invited all interested organizations to come together to explore the possibility of responding to the RFP as a group. To her credit, this idea was well received and resulted in the new Contra Costa Workforce Collaborative (CCWC) being created and winning the grant. As a result, America Job Centers Access points were established at multiple locations across Contra Costa County, including K12 Adult Schools, Community Colleges and community-based organizations. It is notable that the consortium selected a CBO as the lead agency as it demonstrates the spirit of true collaboration that is built into the history of Adult Education, exemplified by Vittoria Abbate.”

Awardee: Dr. Carolyn Zachry

Northern Section

Dr. Carolyn Ann Zachry holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of California, Davis, where her dissertation examined how female county superintendents support and encourage women in educational leadership. She also earned an M.A. in Educational Administration from California State University, San Bernardino; an M.A. in Education with a specialization in Gifted and Talented Education and a minor in Educational Supervision from Wright State University; and a B.S. in Special Education from Eastern Illinois University with emphases in learning disabilities, behavior disorders, and elementary education.

Her academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to equity, leadership development, and improving systems that serve adult learners and vulnerable populations. Across decades of service, Dr. Carolyn Zachry has had a profound and widely recognized impact on adult education at the local, state, and national levels.

Locally, her leadership in El Dorado County strengthened adult education programming, expanded services for re-engaged learners, and improved systems of coordination across Adult Education, ROP, WorkAbility, SARB, and categorical programs. Her efforts ensured students facing barriers — including those experiencing homelessness and unemployment — had supportive pathways to education and work.

At the state level, Dr. Zachry has served in progressively impactful leadership roles within the California Department of Education’s Career and College Transition Division. As State Director and Educational Administrator, she has stewarded major initiatives that align adult education with workforce development, career technical education, and postsecondary transition. Her leadership has enhanced accountability, strengthened statewide partnerships, and elevated the visibility and credibility of adult education as a critical component of California’s education system.

Nationally, Dr. Zachry’s influence is equally significant. She has represented California in multiple national coalitions and served in leadership roles on boards including NASDAE and the Joint Special Populations Advisory Committee. Her voice is deeply respected across the country, and she is frequently sought out for presentations — numbering in the thousands — on topics ranging from equitable access to improvement of systems supporting adult learners.

In each role, Dr. Zachry demonstrates a relentless belief that adults deserve rigorous, compassionate, responsive educational opportunities. She is known for working tirelessly, mentoring colleagues, building bridges across agencies, and modeling the kind of steady, ethical leadership that honors the spirit of Dr. Robert Rupert’s legacy.

Dr. Zachry has been an active member and champion of the California Council for Adult Education since 2017. Her leadership has strengthened CCAE’s visibility, credibility, and impact across California. She consistently promotes CCAE, encourages emerging leaders to engage in statewide conversations, and models strong partnership between practitioners, administrators, and state-level leadership. Through her advocacy work, she has elevated how policymakers and partner organizations understand the value of adult education — particularly its role in workforce development, family stability, and community well-being. Dr. Zachry frequently represents CCAE perspectives in national and state forums, ensuring the voices of California’s adult learners and educators are heard. She supports and mentors members across the state, especially those stepping into leadership or navigating complex program transitions.

Her participation in professional networks including CAEAA, COABE, NASDAE, and broader statewide advisory groups has strengthened CCAE’s connections with the broader adult education ecosystem. She brings back insights, resources, and opportunities, helping CCAE members stay aligned with emerging statewide and national initiatives.

Perhaps most importantly, Dr. Zachry embodies CCAE’s values: equity, service, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to adult learners. Her influence has helped create a more connected, forward-thinking, statewide community of practice that honors educators while advocating for strong, sustainable adult education programs. Beyond her distinguished professional career, Dr. Zachry is known for her warmth, equitable and inclusive mindset, mentorship, and courageous steady presence. Colleagues consistently describe her as someone who leads with both strength and compassion. She is deeply community-minded, serving on multiple boards and volunteering in organizations that support youth, families, and access to education. Her commitment extends beyond the workplace — she invests fully in the people around her, celebrating their successes and supporting them through challenges. She embodies the definition of great leadership and represents the very best of California’s adult education community.

Awardee: Thomas Reid

Bay Section

Thomas Reid is Principal of Berkeley Adult School. They hold a BA CSU Fresno, liberal studies, and linguistics and ESL Certification, an MA San Jose State University. Tom’s masters thesis, “Interorganizational Relationships in Learning Networks,“ accounted for the uneven progress in implementing the strategic plan for adult education in six pilot consortia. This research was presented to leaders from CDE, the chancellor’s office, and the state librarian.

Tom’s work in adult education includes, working East Side San Jose, Metropolitan Adult Education Program, Santa Clara Adult Education - 1984-1995 - as a teacher, coordinator; West Contra Costa Adult Education - 1995-1995 - as a coordinator; Hayward Adult School - 1995-1995 - as a teacher; Hayward Adult school - 1996-1998 - as vice principal; Oakland Adult Education and Technology Center - 1998-2000 - as principal; Boston Reed Company - 2000-2013 - as vice president; Vallejo Adult School - 2014-2015 - as an administrator; and Berkeley Adult School - 2015-2026 - as principal.

Tom’s CCAE leadership started when they served on the board of Mid-Peninsula Chapter and Bay Section, early 1990s. In the late 1990s Tom actively supported Alameda Chapter, hosting countywide chapter meetings. They served as Bay Section awards chair, 2017 to 2021 and as CCAE state president 2023 to 2025, and is presently CCAE past president. Tom has often served as a presenter at state and section conferences, and is never afraid to break out in song to lead us. Currently they are serving on the Data and Accountability Workgroup composed of adult school and college non-credit leaders, charged with aligning CAEP metrics for the two systems.

In retirement, they are looking forward to feeding their soul through community singing, staying active outdoors, and growing their family.

Awardee: Sherri Watkins

Central Section

Sherri Watkins currently serves as the Executive Director of State Center Adult Education Consortium, a position she has held for 12 years. Prior to this role, she taught in ESL, CBET, CTE, Computer Literacy, and served as a medical program coordinator. Sherri holds a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Administration and Leisure Studies. She attended California State University, Fresno and Fresno City College, Fresno Pacific University and University of California, Los Angeles.

Presently, Sherri serves as the CCAE Central Section immediate Past President. She served as the Central Section President (and voting member on the State Board) prior to that. She has served as the CCAE State Conference Committee Chair. Mrs. Watkins has served as the Central Section President Elect prior to her tenure as the Section President. Always working hard for CCAE, she served as a volunteer to many working committees at the section and chapter levels.

Sherri has approximately 25 years of service in adult education. She is well known and well regarded throughout the region and state for her knowledge and experience in the field. Her service experience includes numerous statewide adult education task forces, leadership roles, committee participation, and support roles to other administrators. Aside from CCAE, Sherri served as President-Elect to the state CAEAA Board. She currently facilitates and coaches for the CAEP Leadership Academy. She has presented to the California state legislature and contributed to the CAEP program design committees. Sherri Watkins' dedication to the field is truly appreciated.

Awardee: Kathleen Porter

​Southern Section

Kathleen Porter serves as the Executive Director of Career Technical, Adult, and Alternative Education in Poway Unified School District. She graduated from the University of San Diego (magna cum laude) with a BA degree in English and minors in both Business Administration and Philosophy. She later pursued her MS degree in Educational Leadership at National University and earned her Administrative Services Credential through Pt. Loma Nazarene University.

Kathleen has made extraordinary and lasting contributions to the field of education through more than three decades of visionary leadership in adult education, career technical education, and workforce development. Since beginning her career in 1987, Kathleen has been a tireless advocate for equitable access, innovation, and meaningful pathways that lead learners to postsecondary success and living wage careers.

Beyond her district impact, Kathleen’s influence is felt statewide and nationally. She has served in numerous leadership and advisory roles, including being a member of CALPRO’s Professional Advisory Board, and representative to the California Data and Accountability Field Team. Her work with the U.S. Department of Education, National State Directors of Adult Education, and the American Institutes for Research, along with statewide data and policy initiatives have helped shape systems that strengthen accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement across adult education. A frequent presenter at state, local, and national conferences, she has authored articles and developed workshops on topics such as partnerships and collaboration, instructional leadership, data-driven decision-making, accelerated learning, and career pathways. Through her teaching, writing, and professional development work, Kathleen has elevated the practice of adult education and inspired countless educators and administrators.

Kathleen has made significant and sustained contributions to CCAE at the chapter, section, and state levels over the past nine years. From 2017 to today, she served on the CCAE Executive Board in multiple leadership roles, including President-Elect, President, Past President, and Member-at-Large. During this time, Kathleen played an instrumental role in shaping and advancing three CCAE strategic plans, helping to strengthen the organization’s long-term vision, stability, and member engagement.

As State President, Kathleen provided steady and thoughtful leadership during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of operations while supporting members navigating rapid change. Under her leadership, CCAE advanced key organizational improvements, including the development of a Memorandum of Understanding with the California Adult Education Administrators’ Association (CAEAA) and the successful transition from independent contractors to an employee-based staffing model—both of which strengthened governance, collaboration, and sustainability.

Kathleen was also a founding member of the CCAE Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, helping to establish its purpose, structure, and guiding documents. Her commitment to equity and inclusive leadership has had a lasting impact on how the organization approaches policy, programming, and professional learning.

In addition to her executive leadership, Kathleen has remained deeply engaged in CCAE’s ongoing work. She has participated in numerous Legislative Days, served on nominating committees, contributed to state and section conference planning committees, and consistently acted as a trusted advisor and resource to incoming presidents and board members following her tenure.

Through her leadership, mentorship, and service, Kathleen Porter has strengthened CCAE’s organizational capacity and ensured its continued relevance and effectiveness in advancing adult education across California.

​Kathleen has been married to her husband, Rush, for 36 years, and they make their home in San Diego. They have two grown children—though no grandchildren yet! Kathleen’s passion for education began early; as the oldest of four, she famously made her three younger brothers “play school,” with Kathleen, of course, serving as the teacher. That lifelong calling ultimately became a distinguished career devoted to learning, opportunity, and service to others.

Awardee: Pam Garramone

Southern Section

Pam Garramone is Assistant Director at Poway Adult School. She earned her BA in Liberal Studies, with a minor in Linguistics, and an ESL Teaching Certificate in 1992 from Sonoma State University. In 1996 she earned her Full-Time Adult Designated CA Teaching Credential and her CA Clear Supervision and Coordination Credential from San Jose State University. Then in 2004 Pam earned her MA in Educational Leadership and her CA Administrative Credential from Sonoma State University.

Pam started her career in 1992 in the US Peace Corps as an EFL teacher in Hungary. After service, she was hired by Napa Valley Adult School in 1994 as an ESL/Citizenship teacher, Grant Coordinator, Supervisor of Programs, and finally, Interim-Assistant Principal. In 2004 she became Principal of Sonoma Valley Adult School till in 2012 “Flexibility” closed the school. Pam went back to Napa Valley Adult Education before moving to Southern California to sign on with Poway Adult School as Assistant Director where she has oversight of academic programs. Poway Adult School is a member of the Education to Career Network consortium where Pam sits as an alternate on their Leadership Council.

Always hoping to make a difference in students' lives, teaching ESL and US citizenship was her dream job at Napa Valley Adult School, where Pam learned from some of the best instructional educators in the field under the supervision of Marilyn Knight Mendelson. Workplace education was just coming into the forefront back in the late 90s and Pam took on contract workplace education with several wineries and businesses in Napa and Sonoma Valleys. Later moving into administrative work Pam got her Admin Credential and helped to grow programs in both Napa and Sonoma. When Flexibility hit Sonoma Valley Unified, she had to do the hardest job ever by closing the school. Moving to SoCal, Pam was fortunate to land at Poway Adult School where building programs was still possible. Many opportunities were open and Pam chaired the school’s first WASC, and has been able to grow and strengthen the school’s academic department ever since.

Starting in 1995 with CCAE Pam served several years as President of CCAE North Coast Chapter of the Bay Section. Then respectively, served 4 years as Bay Section’s Vice President, President-Elect, President and Past-President. She served as Co-Chair of the 2004 CCAE State Conference held in Monterey, CA. and served as Co-Chair of the 2011 CCAE/COABE National Conference in San Francisco. Moving to SoCal, in 2016 Pam served as Legislative Chair for the Southern Section and has since served as the CCAE State Awards Chair and Tri-Chair of the CCAE 2026 State Conference in San Diego.

Over her 32 years as an adult educator, Pam has been awarded Adult Education Administrator of the Year for Region 18 from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), the Circle of Excellence Award from Sonoma State University, and the Award of Merit from the California Council for Adult Education (CCAE).

Pam is married to Chris Garramone whom many CCAE members know well from conferences as a big helper in the background. Pam and Chris have two large dogs that are their “kids.” Pam looks forward to spending more time with them at home.

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