Our Instructors
Meet Our Instructors
Thomas Carr, MS: 
Tom has been working directly with adults with Intellectual Disabilities for more than 25 years. Throughout his career in the field, he has been part of numerous programs committed to empowering individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) to realize their full potential. He received a Master's in Rehab Counseling from San Diego State University with an emphasis in counseling. He taught Disability and Society at Grossmont College from 2006-2009, with both in person and virtual instruction modalities. Tom is passionate to share with everyone that a disability is not what defines a person, and we should all emprace each other in spite of our differences and disabilities.
Gerardo "Jerry" Godinez, MSC:
Jerry is a dedicated professional with over 19 years of experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). His work has consistently focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities through compassionate, empathetic care.
Since 2011, Jerry has served as an Adult Residential Facility (ARF) administrator and has played a pioneering role as the Senior Manager for California’s first two dementia care homes for aging adults with I/DD. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Dementia Studies from the University of Stirling in the UK, his commitment to continuous learning is evident through the completion of the Residential Services Specialist program and the Disability Services Management Certificate from Grossmont College.
As a National Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP), Jerry has taught courses approved
by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and the California Board of
Registered Nursing, providing continuing education for ARF and RCFE administrators
and registered nurses. Additionally, Jerry is an approved Regional Trainer for the
National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia (NTG).
As an active advocate for the rights and inclusion of individuals with disabilities
and dementia, Jerry is passionate about raising awareness, educating others, and delivering
high-quality training that drives meaningful change.
Janice Melroy, Ed.D:
Janice has worked in the disability and education field for more than 25 years. She has worked in residential, educational, and day program settings, supporting people with developmental disabilities. She has coordinated state and federally funded training and dissemination programs employing individuals with Developmental Disabilities, and has taught Disability Services courses since 2004. Janice is passionate about lifelong learning, and is very responsive to student needs- especially those who are first time distance learners. Janice’s educational background includes: an A.S. degree in Disability Services Management from Grossmont College, a Bachelor’s degree in Vocational Education, Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling with emphasis on Rehabilitation Technology, and finally a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, with emphasis on Community College Leadership at San Diego State University. Her dissertation included research on the efficacy of Universal Design for Learning.