Our Team

Meet Our Staff Members

The friendly faces who help students and families navigate every step from first appointment to college, certification, or career.

Andrew Gardner ACC Executive Director

Andrew Gardner

ACC Executive Director

Andrew Gardner serves as the Executive Director of Amador College Connect, where he leads efforts to expand access to higher education, workforce training, and career pathways across California’s Sierra region. With a strong background in career technical education (CTE), regional collaboration, and workforce development, Andrew is committed to creating streamlined education-to-employment pathways that meet the unique needs of rural communities. Throughout his career, Andrew has worked closely with K–12 districts, community colleges, industry partners, and public agencies to build innovative programs that connect students and adult learners to meaningful opportunities. His leadership focuses on reducing barriers to education, strengthening regional partnerships, and aligning training programs with high-demand industry sectors. Andrew is especially passionate about supporting underserved populations ensuring they have the tools, guidance, and support needed to succeed. Under his direction, Amador College Connect continues to grow as a vital hub for educational access, career advancement, and community impact in the region.

Rachelle Jose De Mattos-Saldate ACC Director of Operations

Rachelle Jose de Mattos-Saldate

ACC Director of Operations

Rachelle José de Mattos-Saldate began working at Amador College Connect in April 2017 as the Center Coordinator, where she supported students throughout their college enrollment journeys. During this time, she also completed a counseling internship at Columbia College in the Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS) department. From March 2020 to June 2025, Rachelle served as ACC’s first Executive Director. In July 2025, she transitioned into her current role as Director of Operations. Prior to her work at ACC, Rachelle worked in special education for both the Amador and El Dorado County school districts. She also brings several years of experience in customer service and business operations within the automotive and hospitality industries. After graduating from Galt High School, Rachelle earned undergraduate degrees from American River College in Sacramento and San José State University, as well as a Master of Science in Educational Counseling from National University. When she is not working, Rachelle loves spending time with her family and two cats, and traveling as much as possible.

Isabella Ruiz ACC Dual Enrollment Coordinator

Isabella Ruiz

ACC Dual Enrollment Coordinator

Bella is the Coordinator of College & Dual Enrollment Programs at Amador College Connect, and she’s been part of the ACC story from the beginning as a former student herself. She went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Sacramento State and now brings that firsthand experience back to the community she cares deeply about. Bella believes that students in rural areas deserve strong access to education and clear pathways to higher learning. If you visit the center, you’ll likely find her helping high school students get enrolled in college classes or supporting adult learners as they navigate community college. Bella loves working directly with students and helping them take the next step toward their goals.

Kate de la Garza-Hicks ACC Enrollment Specialist

Kate de la Garza-Hicks

ACC Enrollment Specialist

Kate de la Garza-Hicks is the Enrollment Specialist here at Amador College Connect, primarily serving Dual Enrollment students. She is a UC Davis alumna (Go Ags!) with her B.A. in Ethnic studies and is on track to earn her Master of Management from the UC Davis Graduate School of Management this December. She is passionate about expanding access to higher education for underrepresented communities and is ecstatic to contribute to ACC's wonderful team. She is excited to support students along their unique educational pathways and celebrate their progress as they work toward their goals. In her free time, Kate enjoys going to the gym, cooking and baking, trying new coffee shops, and spending time with her family and her five pets.

ACC Logo over Pine Trees

Shilpa Rasmusson

ACC Program Specialist

Shilpa Rasmusson is our Program Specialist and manages our BHSA and JRCR scholarships. She moved to Pioneer from India in 2018. She is actively involved in our community in various roles. She has been working in the field of mental health , and uses her lived experience to help others by volunteering with NAMI Amador and co-facilitating peer support groups. She is very experienced in teaching the Mental Health First Aid course, having worked as a contractor for Amador County Behavioral Health Services for 3 years. She also serves on the board of the Amador County Senior Center, and volunteers there as well. She is now using her experience in volunteering with non-profits and her lived experience to help connect more students who want to work in the field of mental health with the BHSA scholarships, and employees of JRCR to further their careers by assisting them with grants for advanced education and certification in their areas of work. She loves building community, motorcycling with her husband, playing pickleball, and spending time with her rescue kitty.

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Amador College Connect is a completely free local resource center that quickly and easily connects people to online college classes and other programs/coursework by providing help at every step of the process, from filling out financial aid forms to signing up for classes, tutoring, and more.

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