Dr. Kimberly Sebastian
President
Dr. Kimberly Sebastian serves as the President of Community HigherEd, where she leads Clary Sage College, Community Care College, and Oklahoma Technical College with a strong commitment to leadership and education. Driven by a passion for empowering others, she has dedicated her career to fostering a culture of excellence and continuous growth. Dr. Sebastian holds a Bachelor’s in Business Management, a Master’s in Leadership and Organizational Development, and a Doctorate in Values-Driven Leadership, reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning. With a diverse background in corporate America and higher education, she’s known for building strong organizational cultures and driving innovation. As a certified executive coach, her mission is to guide others in realizing their full potential and achieving enduring success.
Christina Stueart
Campus Director
Christina Stueart, with over 25 years in post-secondary education, excels in roles such as Manager of Student Records, Director of Financial Aid, and Director of Accreditation and Compliance. Renowned for her organizational compliance and regulatory controls expertise, she ensures adherence to ACCSC accreditation standards. Christina’s accomplishments include overseeing student records, managing federal and state accreditation compliance, and serving as the Primary Designated School Official for International students. As the Director of Accreditation and Compliance for 7 years, she recently assumed the Campus Director position at Clary Sage College, showcasing her commitment to continuous professional development and adapting to industry trends. Christina completed her Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting with a minor in Business Management in December 2022.
Michelle LaFortune-Wamego
Director of Education and Fashion Design Department Head
Michelle LaFortune-Wamego, a Tulsa native, holds a Bachelor of Science in Design, Housing, and Merchandising from Oklahoma State University, specializing in Apparel Design. With experience in women’s wear design, patternmaking, and marketing, she resides in Tulsa with her husband and two sons, indulging in hobbies like cooking, gardening, biking, and sailing. Initially unconsidered, Michelle found her calling in education as an “artist in residence” instructor, later joining Clary in 2010 as a Fashion Design instructor. Transitioning to department head in 2022 and now serving as Director of Education, Michelle champions continuous learning and skill development for students and instructors, aiming to elevate Clary Sage College’s educational standing.
Brent Watson
Director of Admissions
Brent is a veteran of the USAF and has over 20 years of experience in post-secondary education. He has held various leadership positions in Academics, Career Services, and Admissions. Before moving to Tulsa, he spent 22 years in Phoenix. Brent is passionate about engaging with students throughout their educational journeys. In 2024, he joined Community HigherEd as the Director of Admissions for Community Care College, Clary Sage College, and Oklahoma Technical College. He leads three teams dedicated to serving and guiding students in pursuing their educational goals, while promoting a diverse and inclusive academic community. Outside of work, Brent enjoys live music, art, and traveling. He is also the proud father of a son who graduated from Purdue and is currently working as an engineer in Atlanta.
Paula Matthews
Barber Department Head
Oklahoma Native Paula Matthews, residing in Owasso, dedicates 30 years to the barber industry. As a licensed barber instructor for 14 years, she actively participated in the “Oklahoma Barber Advisory Board and The National Association of Barber Boards of America.” Prior to founding Clary Sage College’s barber program, Paula channeled her industry passion into mentoring barber students. In the program’s 12 years, Paula witnessed student success in established shops, high-end barbershops, and salons, some even becoming shop owners. Engaged in community service, she provides haircuts at shelters and rehab centers, reflecting her love for the barber industry through skill-sharing and passion.
Elizur McLaughlin
Cosmetology and Master Instructor Department Head
From a family of hair industry professionals, Elizur McLaughlin initially aimed to become a Psychiatrist post-high school. Despite intending to serve in the U.S. Air Force, a shift led him to excel at Barber College in Washington State in 1999. As a Master Instructor and former Owner/Operator of Salon/Barber Shops, Elizur, with dual licenses in Cosmetology and Barbering, emphasizes community service with student-led haircut donations. Pioneering Clary Sage College’s Cosmetology Crossover program, he earned industry acclaim, including winning the Housewives of Atlanta hair takeover. Committed to ongoing education, Elizur enhances student training, leading the Cosmetology/Master Instructor Departments and fostering the C.A.R.E.S culture.
Erica Parker
Esthetician Department Head
Erica Parker, a seasoned beauty industry professional, enhances Clary Sage College with her vast expertise. Graduating from cosmetology school in 1989, she envisioned a career in education. Before becoming a Master Instructor, Erica owned a salon for 14 years, finding fulfillment in preparing future professionals. After a hiatus focusing on family and the medical field, she returned to teaching, specializing in esthetics. Passionate about skincare, Erica shares her knowledge with Clary Sage College students, emphasizing exemplary customer service. With 35 years in the beauty industry, her diverse experience shapes the educational journey she imparts in underlining the importance of customer service.
Katherine Ashby
Makeup Artistry Department Head, Nail Technician Department Head
At a young age Kat knew that she wanted to grow up to work in a field where she could be creative; to surround herself with likeminded people and all come together to create the bigger picture. She has been a licensed Cosmetologist since 2009, Master Instructor since 2013, two-time award-winning Makeup Artist, and Clary Alumni! Kat loves to work with all things beauty but has specialized in the Production scene since 2015. She loves working in film because it gives her the opportunity to create something new every time she’s on set and it also gives her time to meet and connect with people. A nerd to the core, she loves to create a look from hair, makeup, props, wardrobe, and everything in between. When Kat is not running the Departments of Makeup Artistry and Nail Technology you can usually find her hanging out with her kids, cat, or starting a new project to stay busy and learn new things.
Dr. Nancy Tegan
Massage Therapist Department Head
LMT, NCBTMB, B.A., B.S, MAEd, MSOM, DACM
Nancy holds a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine from Pacific College of Health Sciences. Additionally, she has a Master’s in Oriental Medicine from East West College of Natural Medicine, a Master’s in Education, a Bachelor of Science in Business Communications, and a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences. As a published author, educator, and speaker, she has been a licensed massage therapist in Alaska, Oklahoma, Kansas, Washington, Montana, and Florida. She is also an NCBTMB National (Massage Therapy) CEU Provider with a lifelong passion for teaching. After completing her massage therapy program, she became a Department Chair/Director over two University Therapeutic Massage Programs. Her focus has always been teaching people how to facilitate healing for themselves and others. Recently, she has traveled and lived at top resorts, providing massage therapy to clients and classes for therapists in Montana, Alaska, and the San Juan Islands. She is excited to be part of the CHE family as the Department Head of the Massage Program.
Alexis Acker
Interior Design Instructor and Department Head
Alexis Acker, a esteemed Clary Sage alumna, transitioned to an interior design teaching career in 2021 after an externship at ME Interiors and junior designer role at 918 Interiors in Tulsa. Originating from Mannford, Oklahoma, she navigated her academic journey on a full-ride soccer scholarship at Allen Community College before majoring in Broadcasting/Reporting Communications and minoring in Interior Design at Pittsburg State University. Despite initially aiming for a media career, Alexis rediscovered her calling in Interior Design. Completing her meteorology degree at TCC, she embraced her passion at Clary Sage College. Alexis, devoted to educating others, balances her family time with a love for literature and coffee outdoors.
Elizabeth Blake
Director of Career Services
Elizabeth’s journey from a dedicated healthcare professional to a higher education leader spans over a decade. After a decade as a Registered Medical Assistant, she transitioned into post-secondary education in 2009. Through continuous growth, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health from Kaplan University in 2014, followed by a Master’s in Health Information Management from Purdue University Global in 2021. Elizabeth’s career at Community Care College began in 2023 as the Director of Admissions, overseeing admissions across all campuses. Elizabeth was promoted to Campus Director in March 2024, where she continues to lead with passion and dedication. Beyond her professional life, she cherishes family moments, travel, country music, NASCAR, and quality time with her grandchildren.
Stephanie Rose
Interim Registrar
Stephanie began her journey with Community Care College (CCC) as a student, earning an Associate of Occupational Science (AOS) in Business and Industry Management in 2011. Following graduation, she started working in the Registrar Department at CCC as a clerk. Due to her strong work ethic and proficiency in her role, she was soon promoted to Assistant Registrar. In 2012, Stephanie transitioned to Clary Sage College, continuing her work as the Assistant Registrar. Over the years, she gained extensive experience in academic administration. In August 2024, she was promoted to Interim Registrar, where she now oversees the Registrar operations for all three campuses. Stephanie’s career path, from student to Interim Registrar, reflects her deep connection to the institution and her professional growth within the organization.
Pallavi Agarwal
Chief Financial Officer
Pallavi “Polly” Agarwal serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Community Care College, Clary Sage College, and Oklahoma Technical College. Polly is a true servant leader and loves the college’s CARES culture. Polly has her Bachelor’s degree in Accounting with a major in Accounts/Finance. While pursuing her bachelors, she worked as an intern at a CPA firm for several years. A few years later she earned her Master’s in Business Administration at Oral Roberts University (ORU), Tulsa OK. During her M.B.A. program, she started working at Community Care College as an Accountant, and was then promoted to the Accounting Manager position. Polly has been serving as the CFO of the colleges since January of 2016. Throughout her 10+ years with the colleges Polly has been dedicated to serving others and developing leaders.
Karissa Marcangeli
Director of Financial Aid
Karissa Marcangeli has been a part of our financial aid team for over 20 years. She started her career at Community Care College over 21 years ago after attending Oklahoma State University. Karissa has a passion for helping students create financially responsible educational plans that make their career goals a reality. College is a large investment and can be an overwhelming process for students. Karissa and her team work hard to make the financial aid process as painless as possible during the enrollment period. Karissa grew up in McAlester, OK and loves Italian food. Karissa lives with her fur child, Duke and enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews.
