Learning Resources at MDC, Hialeah Campus

Alex Hernandez is responsible for overseeing the Learning Resources Department at the Hialeah Campus. This includes the library and tutoring for all subject areas. He has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Florida International University and a Master of Arts in Library and Information Science from University of South Florida. Mr. Hernandez is firm believer in the transformative power of libraries.

Nerys Torralbas is the Associate Director of the Hialeah Campus Learning Resources. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from Florida International University and a Master of Arts degree in Library and Information Science from University of South Florida. Nerys has been supporting student learning at Miami Dade College since 2012. She currently oversees the Writing and Speech tutoring center at the Hialeah Campus and works closely with faculty and various departments to promote digital literacy and information literacy through the library instructions.

Christina Machado Dillon is a Learning Resources Professional for Miami Dade College, Learning Resources, at the Hialeah Campus. She received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Florida Atlantic University and holds a Master of Arts Degree in Library Information Science from Florida State University. Prior to joining Miami Dade College in 2016, Christina worked for the Hialeah Public Libraries, first as Collection Development Librarian and later as Library Services Supervisor. In addition to her current position, she has also served as an instructor of Intro to Online Research.

Teresa Cusidor, also known as Tess, is the Academic Support Writing Coach at Learning Resources and is an alumni of Miami Dade College. She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature with a certificate in Public and Professional Writing from Florida International University (FIU). She has worked at Miami Dade College, Learning Resources for 7 years. In her career, she mentors student learning through writing support, leading events and workshops for student support. In working with other departments, Tess led programming for supporting the holistic student -- not just in academics, but professional development, advocacy, communication and leadership. As she works with students, Tess always reminds them of their larger goals as students of MDC. She hopes they see their time as not only productive for a class grade but also as readiness for their future.

Steven Ignetti is the Associate Instructor for the Liberal Arts, Math, and Science Area at the Hialeah Campus Learning Resources. He has a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a Minor in Mathematics and Mathematical Science from Florida International University, and a Masters of Science in Interactive Entertainment - Programming Division from the Florida Interactive Entertainment Academy at the University of Central Florida. Steven has been a high school teacher and a tutor in the STEM field before working at Miami Dade College and has since been working at Learning Resources to improve the education of students at MDC.

Patricia Gancedo, also known as Patty, is the Associate Instructor overseeing the circulation desk at Hialeah Campus Learning Resources. A Miami Dade College (MDC) alumnus, she received her bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing her Master of Arts Degree in Library and Information Science from the University of South Florida. She has been supporting student success at MDC since 2019 where she began her journey as an Academic Advisor with both Hialeah and North Campus, respectively. Before her time at MDC, she helped establish and grow her family’s small business and had the opportunity to collaborate on archeological digs in both Ecuador and Florida. 

Emmanuel Garcia is an Associate Instructor for Business and EnTec area at the Hialeah Campus, Learning Resources. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from Florida International University and is working on a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in computational linguistics. An MDC alumni, Emmanuel has over five years of experience teaching computer science students programming in different programming languages, discrete mathematics, as well as topics in theoretical computer science. Emmanuel is passionate about teaching programming and artificial intelligence to people from all walks of life, as he believes there are no barriers to learning.

Patrick Jean-Philippe is an Associate Instructor coordinating circulation at the Hialeah Campus Learning Resources. Originally hailing from New York, Patrick is Haitian-American raised in West Palm Beach. His educational journey began at Palm Beach State College, where he pursued his associate’s degree before venturing into the field of international relations at FIU for his bachelor’s degree. Currently, Patrick is furthering his education with a second bachelor’s degree in IT, also at FIU. Patrick eagerly looks forward to collaborating with the entire team and contributing to the success of students here at MDC.