India Tips currently serves as the Executive Director of the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). She is responsible for overseeing the daily operations and all accreditation activities, including the review and implementation of Commission-directed actions. She serves as the liaison to state and federal regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Education, national and other accrediting agencies, and credentialing bodies in the health field.

Ms. Tips joined ABHES in November 1995. In her 25-year tenure, her experience spans the full spectrum of accreditation, membership services, and operations. She developed the educational content and curricula for the required training’s for initial and renewal applicants where she has been the lead presenter for nearly 15 years. She has participated in and supported efforts for more than five petitions for re-recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. Ms. Tips also serves as the staff liaison to the Commission’s Standards Review Committee (SRC) charged to review all components of the Accreditation Manual to ensure its content is relevant, adequate, and predictive of successful qualitative outcomes. She has been instrumental in the management and successful execution of 16 conferences serving more than 400 attendees and exhibitors annually, and has performed hundreds of accreditation visits to institutions seeking initial and renewal ABHES accreditation.

Shaun is a leadership and empowerment expert and lectures widely on the Code Method, a high-impact program that ignites the power of purpose to improve wellbeing, engagement and performance. He is a former World Surfing Champion, has been described as one of the 10 greatest surfers of all time and one of the most influential surfers of the century. During his professional career he won 19 major pro events and is recognized as one of the world’s most innovative surfers.

Shaun is the author of three #1 Amazon best-sellers: Surfer’s Code; The Code -The Power of “I Will”; and The Surfer and the Sage. As an entrepreneur he founded two market leading, international clothing brands – Instinct in the 80’s and Solitude, which he co-founded with his wife Carla, in the 90’s. He produced and co-wrote the award-winning documentary film Bustin’ down the Door. He has a Bachelors in Business Finance, a Master of Science in Leadership and is an inductee in the US, Jewish and South African Sports Halls of Fame.

Shaun has lectured across the world and inspired corporations like General Motors, Cisco, Price Waterhouse, Google, Disney, Patagonia and The Gap. He is a former board member and current ambassador for Surfrider Foundation and Santa Barbara Boys & Girls Club, an ambassador for Boys to Men Mentoring, and a previous board member of Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. He lives in Santa Barbara, California with his wife Carla and sixteen-year-old son Luke.

His mission is to show individuals how to activate their own personal Code to change mindstate to create a better and more purposeful life.

Internationally known educational consultant and nurse educator, Tim Bristol, is a faculty member at Walden University, consultant for the Haiti Nursing Foundation and FSIL nursing school, and owner of NurseTim, Inc. Dr. Bristol helps empower schools not only across the country, but also across the globe — at all levels of education and accreditation. He has led teams through initial program approval, interim reports, and reaccreditation as a faculty member, administrator, and consultant, and specializes in active learning for class, clinical, and lab environments. Schools and government organizations around the world consult with Dr. Bristol to integrate new standards, introduce curricular innovations, make education more accessible, and develop strategic plans. As a faculty development and curriculum design specialist, he is an expert in bringing the evidence-base of nursing, healthcare, and education to students and faculty in the states, and as far away as Haiti. Dr. Bristol also writes and contributes to numerous publications, and is known for his motto: “Today we will learn how to learn.”

Kelli Blocher has been involved in private post-secondary education since 2007 and brings a wealth of unique experience—having served in both accreditation and compliance roles. She has worked as an Accreditation Specialist for a national accrediting agency and as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist on the school side in Corporate Regulatory Affairs.

Kelli spent nearly eight years with the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) before transitioning to the private sector, where she supported a college system with seventeen campuses. She later moved into consulting, drawing on her extensive regulatory background and knowledge. Having conducted more than 300 site visit evaluations, served as a liaison on the Programmatic Accreditation Committee for Medical Assisting, and participated in numerous commission meetings, Kelli is skilled at making complex compliance standards clear and actionable. Beyond her regulatory expertise, she combines comprehensive policy, procedure, and process assessments with personalized coaching to help institutions bridge compliance gaps effectively.

Kelli holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Promotion and a Master’s degree in Human Services from Liberty University.

Iraklis “Herc” Notis serves as the Corporate Director of Information Systems at Success Education Colleges, where he oversees the technology infrastructure that supports all campuses and corporate operations. With a reputation for solving complex challenges and keeping systems running seamlessly, Herc has become the go-to resource for innovative IT solutions that empower both team members and students.

Bringing years of experience in information systems management, Herc specializes in building secure, reliable, and user-friendly technology environments. His leadership extends to areas including network security, data protection, and system optimization—ensuring SEC stays ahead of emerging threats in an increasingly digital world.

Passionate about making technology approachable, Herc is known for translating complex concepts into clear, practical strategies. In his session on Cybersecurity, he will share insights on how every team member can play a role in safeguarding data, preventing breaches, and creating a culture of digital safety across the organization.

Lisa Fuerst is a shining example of how education can transform lives. A graduate of North-West College, she overcame personal hardships and pursued a career that changed her future long before she met her husband, Mitchell Fuerst. With determination and resilience, Lisa built a successful career in healthcare and later co-founded the Fuerst Family Foundation, dedicated to empowering students and strengthening communities. Today, as Vice President of Success Education Colleges, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her leadership. Her journey, from student to executive, reflects the mission of SEC and reminds every team member of the profound impact education can have. Lisa’s story is deeply relatable to the students SEC serves and continues to inspire others to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.

Dr. Janelle R. Sokolowich is Chief Academic Officer at Success Education Colleges
and a nationally recognized leader in health education innovation. With over a decade in
higher education leadership, she has directed academic operations for 40,000+
students across institutions like Western Governors University and Chamberlain
University. Her expertise spans nursing education, faculty development, and
technology-enhanced learning. Dr. Sokolowich’s research explores multilingual learner
support and hybrid learning environments, informing inclusive pedagogy and digital
faculty engagement. A published scholar, she champions equity, competency-based
education, and transformative academic design.

Cris is the Founder and Director of AI at iSolutionsAI, where he and his team have been actively deploying AI solutions for organizations of all sizes. Cris also works as Chief Product Owner with a Silicon Valley AI product company, overseeing their AI product strategies. With over 25 years of experience in helping organizations manage their data using emerging technology, Cris is a well-respected thought leader in the field and continues to drive advancements in the field of AI.

As a nursing education specialist at Elsevier, Dee provides faculty with invaluable guidance on implementing active teaching strategies and effectively utilizing digital resources. Drawing from a diverse nursing background that includes family practice, women’s health, and pediatrics, Dee brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Dee’s teaching experience spans various educational environments, encompassing lab, clinical, simulation, and didactic instruction at all educational levels, whether in-person or online. She advocates for the integration of clinical practices into the classroom to enhance students’ critical thinking and clinical judgment abilities. Furthermore, Dee’s extensive knowledge in curriculum design, program evaluation, and accreditation processes enhances her capacity to assist faculty in delivering top-tier nursing education.

Shirley Powell joined North-West College in September 1980, when there were only two campuses: West Covina and Pomona. Over the past 45 years, she has witnessed and contributed to tremendous growth throughout the College system.

Shirley began as a part-time instructor, later becoming a full-time teacher for eight years. Recognizing her talent and dedication, Marsha Fuerst, our Founder and President, invited Shirley to transition into the Career Services Department as a Career Services Representative for both the West Covina and Pomona campuses. Marsha personally mentored Shirley, guiding her not only in career placement but also in areas related to compliance and accreditation reporting.

During her time at the Pomona Campus, Shirley placed Lisa Fuerst, then a student in the Medical Biller and Coder program, on her internship. She later stepped in as Interim Campus Director before being promoted to Corporate Career Services Director, overseeing all campuses at the time: West Covina, Pomona, Glendale, and Pasadena. Shirley served in that role for approximately 25 years, during which she helped lead expansion efforts that included the addition of new campuses such as Riverside, Glendale Career College, and Nevada Career Institute.

Shirley also played an integral role in developing new programs, including the Vocational Nursing and Registered Nursing programs, both of which were part of Marsha Fuerst’s vision for the College. Her primary responsibility involved securing partnerships and clinical site agreements, building strong relationships with healthcare facilities to support these programs.

As SEC continued to grow, Shirley’s role evolved. Her responsibilities shifted from overseeing Career Services to focusing on internal reporting, compliance, and facility relationships. She now serves as Corporate Director of Facilities and Internal Compliance, continuing to support the College’s mission and growth.

Throughout her distinguished career, Shirley worked closely with Founder Marsha Fuerst, whom she credits as her mentor. She has been recognized with Pacesetter and First Circle Awards and has served on the Emanate Health Foundation’s Autumn Nocturne Planning Committee for five years.

Outside of work, Shirley enjoys spending time with her family and pursuing her hobbies. A proud veteran of 45 years with the College, she remains deeply committed to its continued success and looks forward to contributing to the development of new programs and campuses for years to come.

Eddie Bezalel is the founder of TEXPERT, an IT consultancy dedicated to empowering businesses to navigate digital transformation confidently. With over 15 years of experience in IT and Cybersecurity, Eddie is a strategic IT consultant known for translating complex challenges into scalable solutions that reduce risk and drive operational efficiency.

TEXPERT is a trusted partner for companies seeking to modernize IT infrastructure, strengthen digital security, and align technology with business strategy for maximum ROI, including AI adoption and cloud migration. 

Prior to TEXPERT, Eddie served as Head of IT for Intel Studios at Intel Corporation, where he led the infrastructure design for one of the world’s first (and largest) volumetric video capture facilities. His deep experience across industries, including manufacturing and professional services, positions him as a trusted advisor committed to thought leadership and hands-on innovation. 

Eddie holds a Master’s in Computer Science from California State University Fullerton and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from the University of Arizona. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children. 

For all inquiries, please contact Eddie@myTexpert.com 

With 28 years of experience in operations leadership, Beylor Meza currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Success Education Colleges. Throughout his career, Beylor has driven organizational excellence and operational efficiency, helping institutions achieve sustainable growth and deliver exceptional educational experiences. His expertise spans strategic planning, team development, and process optimization, making him a trusted leader in the education sector. Beylor is passionate about building high-performing teams and fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. Under his leadership, Success Education Colleges has implemented transformative initiatives that enhance student outcomes and streamline organizational processes. Known for his collaborative approach and results-driven mindset, Beylor continues to champion strategies that align operational goals with his core mission of empowering students through education.

Andrew Bulaich is currently a Project Manager at Success Education Colleges, where he has triaged and overseen numerous construction and facilities projects across multiple campuses. Over the past 12 years, Andrew has become the organization’s go-to person for building-related issues—trusted to navigate the complexities of maintaining our educational facilities while ensuring that every project supports the colleges most important core value: “We will always take care of the student.”

Managing our campus system is no small task. It requires balancing technical demands with human needs, coordinating a strong network of sub-contractors, and exercising patience and persistence to see projects through from start to finish. 

Andrew has built that network and cultivated the resilience needed to keep our facilities running smoothly, even in the face of unexpected challenges. His leadership style is rooted in a people-first philosophy. Andrew believes that the true measure of success lies not only in cohesive and well maintained buildings, but in the growth of the individuals who contribute to our facilities in so many ways. By fostering collaboration, empowering teams, and leading with honesty and clarity, he ensures that every initiative strengthens our infrastructure.

Beyond his professional accomplishments here at SEC, Andrew recently married his high school sweetheart, a milestone that reflects the same loyalty and commitment he brings to his work. He is also passionate about golf and exercising—two pursuits that keep him grounded, disciplined, and focused both inside and outside of the workplace.

Andrew’s perspective reflects years of professional expertise and a genuine belief that aligns with SEC’s Core Purpose: We Educate Students for Success!

Brooke Allen is an accomplished operations leader with nearly two decades of experience in higher education and healthcare. As Executive Divisional Director of Operations at Success Education Colleges, she oversees academic and student services operations across 11 campuses, driving organizational efficiency and growth. Brooke’s career spans roles in academic leadership, campus management, and clinical instruction, supported by a strong foundation in human services and vocational nursing. Her expertise includes strategic planning, team development, and operational excellence, making her a trusted leader in advancing educational outcomes and student success.

Lupita Macias is the Corporate Director of Academic Operations at Success Education Colleges, where she is dedicated to strengthening academic quality and supporting student success across all campuses. Since joining the organization in 2006, Lupita has built a diverse and impactful career rooted in service, leadership, and a deep commitment to education.

She began as a part-time instructor and soon expanded her responsibilities, overseeing the Central Supply Department for several years. Lupita later served as the Medical Assistant Program Chair, a role in which she guided program development, faculty support, and student outcomes. Her continued growth within the organization reflects her passion for improving academic operations, elevating program standards, and fostering an environment where students and educators can thrive.

Lupita is known for her collaborative leadership style and her unwavering dedication to student achievement.

She began her career as a Medical Assistant over 26 years ago, starting her journey as a young mother with no clear academic direction and seeing her own story reflected in many of her students. After eight years of teaching Medical Assisting, her dedication to student success led her into progressively more leadership roles, including Program Director, Director of Education, Campus Director, Executive Campus Director, and, later, Corporate Director of Academic Operations. She now serves as a Regional Director of Operations, supporting multiple campuses and championing student-centered excellence. Her career stands as a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of education to transform lives.

Tammy Latu is a dedicated leader in postsecondary education, currently serving as Executive Campus Director at Success Education Colleges’ Riverside campus. Her journey began with the completion of a Medical Assistant program, laying the foundation for a career rooted in service, education, and opportunity.

Since 2007, Tammy has served in a variety of leadership roles including Instructor, Division Manager, Academic Dean, and Regional Director of Education. Her career reflects a strong dedication to operational excellence, team development, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to succeed. She is a proud example of SEC’s commitment to growing people from within the organization, consistently demonstrating leadership, vision, and a passion for education.

As a first-generation American of Tongan descent, Tammy is deeply motivated to help others access the same life-changing opportunities that shaped her own path. She is a passionate advocate for access, growth, and empowerment in education—and a trusted leader who inspires those around her to reach higher.

Jason Li is the Chief Financial Officer at SEC, with over 30 years of experience in finance and higher education.  A member of the Executive Committees and a 24-year veteran of the organization, he oversees all financial strategy, planning, and key operations like Accounting and Financial Aid. he drives sustainable growth, strengthens financial controls, and supports data-driven decision-making across the organization.