Jean Perry, Director of Forensics
For the past thirty years, Jean Perry has coached her many students in all forensics events, producing numerous State Champions and a National Champion in Lincoln-Douglas debate. She has been the Director of Forensics at three high schools and three colleges. She herself participated in debate, extemporaneous speaking, and dramatic interpretation. Jean holds her bachelors and masters degrees in Speech Communications from the University of Southern California.
In addition to directing the Forensics Program at GCC, she is the Chair of the Language Arts Division at Glendale College.
Office: AD 217A Phone: x5504
Ira Heffler, Head Forensics Coach
Ira Heffler has extensive coaching experience at both the high school and college level. A graduate of California State University, Northridge, Heffler coached his high school students to the State and National Tournaments and is now doing the same at GCC. Rather than emphasizing a specific area of competitive speech, Heffler enjoys coaching all the events. Although a published author and a produced screenwriter and playwright, Heffler’s true passion remains with his students.
But be warned: once Heffler “finds” you, he won’t let go until you’ve attended a speech and debate tournament. And then you’ll be hooked.
Office: AD 207 Phone: x3113
Desi Chavez-Appel, Assistant Forensics Coach
As an undergraduate at Central Washington State University, Desi Chavez-Appel competed in forensics. She won several awards in oral ingerpretation, informative and persuasive speaking. After going on to finish her Bachelors degree in religion at Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, Desi earned her Masters in Communication Studies from California State Univesity Long Beach. She has taught courses in public speaking, interpersonal communication, and human communication. She is a published author in the Journal of Family Communication in concert with four other researchers. In addition to being an instructor, Desi is an assistant coach with GCC's Forensics and Debate Team.
Office: AD 217A
Email: dappel1953@aol.com
