Meet New Assistant Director Lori Parris

Meet Our New Assistant Director Lori Parris!

Lori Parris

Our new assistant director Lori Parris is excited about education - and we are excited to have her as part of our team!

Lori has a lot of experience as a leader in both education and business.  She has been both a Principal of an Adult School(Napa) and an Assistant Principal at a comprehensive high schools(East Bay). And before that, she was the director at a technology company.  She understands that it is important for people to feel good about what they are doing and learning  and she looks for innovative ways to support our community.
 
Lori obtained her Bachelors Degree in Computer Science and a Masters Degree in Education. After working in the software and manufacturing industry in Canada for many years, her journey brought her to Silicon Valley where she had a wonderful career.  

But her passion was Education, so she is now doing what she loves where leadership and creativity are important - Adult Education!  She has taught in and developed curriculum for GED, High School Diploma and Business and Computer Application programs. Lori oversees Career Education, High School Diploma, GED, Fifty Plus, and other community programs.

She is also the mother of two teenagers.  She understands the work, life and family balance that so many SMAS students must maintain.  And like so many of our students, she is bilingual.  She speaks both French and English.  She also loves traveling and has visited many countries.  

Teacher Cynthia sat down with Lori to ask her a few questions.  Here are her answers: 

How long have you been in Adult Ed?

10 years

What you like about being in AE?

I love helping staff and students succeed  while designing programs with amazing support services

Where did you grow up?

Montreal, Quebec - Canada 

What was your favorite thing about school?

Learning and Growing as a person

What do you like to do on the weekends?

Biking and Dancing 

Lori’s office is in the SMART Center - on your left in the corner as you walk through the door.  If you see her in the SMART Center or on campus, please tell her hello and welcome!