Health, Child, and Family Sciences Pathway
This pathway prepares students for careers in various healthcare and human services professions, as well as providing education in areas related to family dynamics and community well-being. These programs equip you with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to succeed in your chosen field. Through rigorous coursework, hands-on experiences, and supportive faculty guidance, you will be prepared for a rewarding career in a healthcare or human services profession.
Meet Your Success Team
Pornsakdi (Pornsa) Thammaraks earned his Bachelors degree in Psychology with minors in Educational Psychology and Asian American studies from UC Santa Barbara. He then went on to earn his Masters in Counseling from CSU Long Beach. His professional experiences include counseling at San Jose State University, UC Irvine, Los Angeles Harbor College, El Camino College, and also here at LA City College, when he started as an adjunct counselor in 2016.
Pornsa has worked with many student populations and programs, but spent the past eight years working with nursing and health science students at various community colleges. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cooking/baking, and playing tennis.
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Health Sciences Office, Sci Tech 218P
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Lizzie Clark is a faculty member in the Nursing Department at Los Angeles City College. With expertise in nursing practice and education, she is committed to preparing students for success in healthcare through a balance of clinical knowledge, compassionate care, and professional responsibility. Her teaching emphasizes both the science and the human dimension of nursing, guiding students to become skilled and empathetic practitioners. If you’d like to contact Professor Clark, please email her at Clarkea@laccd.edu.
Diana Iazichyan is a faculty member in the Nursing Department at Los Angeles City College. With a focus on nursing practice and education, she is committed to preparing students for the challenges and rewards of healthcare. Her teaching emphasizes both the technical knowledge and the compassionate care that define the nursing profession, helping students grow into skilled and empathetic practitioners. If you’d like to contact Professor Iazichyan, please use her email at iazichdi@lacitycollege.edu.
Nicki (Nair) Backlar is a faculty member in the Child Development Department at Los Angeles City College. Professor Backlar began her academic journey at Santa Monica College before earning both her BA and MA in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College. She has extensive experience teaching in diverse educational settings, including preschools, parent cooperative programs, public school before- and after-care, and charter schools for kindergarten through first grade. She also provides Child Development State Permit advisement and is certified in Breathe for Change, which integrates yoga and social-emotional learning into teaching. If you’d like to work with Professor Backlar, please email her at backlanp@laccd.edu.
More about Degrees and Certificates
- An Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree provides knowledge and skills for employment or further study in a chosen field.
- An Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA-T) or Associate in Science for Transfer (AS-T) degree is for students interested in transferring to schools within the California State University (CSU) system to earn a bachelor’s degree.
- A Certificate of Achievement (C) is approved by the state and prepares students to enter the workforce.
- A Skills Certificate (SC) is issued by the department and prepares students to enter the workforce.
- A Noncredit Certificate (CN) is for students who want to acquire employment, transition to college, and/or explore pathways leading to a career.