training staff
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The Forensic Field Isn't for the Faint of Heart
It takes skill, resilience, and the kind of hands-on experience most college programs can’t offer.
That’s where I come in.
I’m Terri Armenta, director of one of Southern California’s leading CSI training programs. For over 25 years, I’ve taught forensic science, criminalistics, and criminal justice — but I’ve also built something many students need even more than classroom theory: a bridge to real-world CSI careers.
I’m not just an educator. I’m a mentor who’s committed to guiding aspiring CSIs.
And I know what it takes to turn passion into employment.
My Passion
My teaching is grounded in four core values:
- Resilience — Overcoming challenges, both in training and in the field.
- Empowerment — Building the confidence and practical skills students need to succeed.
- Leadership — Guiding students with honesty, high expectations, and real-world insight.
- Service — Committing to every student’s professional growth and long-term success.
My students don’t just walk away with certificates. They gain real-world experience, industry knowledge, and — most importantly — interviews.
They leave prepared to compete for jobs, confident in their abilities, and ready to take on the demands of the profession.
My Experience & Credentials
Alongside running my training program, my career has included teaching at various respected institutions, where I’ve designed and instructed courses such as Criminalistics, Introduction to Criminal Justice, and Forensic Science.
I’ve also completed specialized training with multiple law enforcement agencies and forensic training programs, ensuring that my teaching reflects both academic excellence and field expertise.
My academic background includes:
Master’s Degree in Forensic Science
PhD in Distance Learning and Instructional Design
I’m an active member of professional forensic organizations and regularly contribute to academic conferences, publications, and consulting projects for forensic and law enforcement-focused organizations.
But while credentials matter, what matters most to me is student success. Many of my former students are now working as CSIs across the region — turning their passion into meaningful careers.
our instructors
Sheri Orellana-Senior Instructor
Rebekah Hollingsworth--Associate Instructor
Rebekah Hollingsworth--Associate Instructor
Sheri Orellana is a retired Crime Scene Investigator from the Pomona Police Department, where she dedicated her career to processing crime scenes, collecting and analyzing evidence, and assisting in countless investigations that brought justice to victims and their families.
With decades of field experience, Sheri became a recognized authority in crime scene processing techniques, evidence documentation, and forensic photography. Her expertise includes latent print development, impression evidence collection, trace evidence recovery, and advanced crime scene reconstruction methods.
Sheri’s commitment to advancing the forensic science profession extended beyond the field. She served as President of the Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers (SCAFO), where she played a key role in promoting education, professional development, and ethical standards within the forensic community.
Today, Sheri continues to share her knowledge and passion through workshops and training sessions designed for aspiring CSIs and law enforcement professionals. Her mission is to prepare the next generation of forensic experts with the tools and confidence they need to succeed in the field.
Rebekah Hollingsworth--Associate Instructor
Rebekah Hollingsworth--Associate Instructor
Rebekah Hollingsworth--Associate Instructor
Rebekah Hollingsworth is an experienced Crime Scene Investigator with a BS degree in Criminal Justice and eight years of practical experience across three states and three law enforcement agencies.
GA POST-certified as a Specialized Instructor, Crime Scene Technician, and an IAI Certified Crime Scene Analyst, Rebekah provides extensive forensic expertise and investigative skills at every scene she processes. Her skills encompass the full spectrum of crime scene investigation—from photography to latent print development to scene sketching.
Rebekah has also delivered numerous presentations to the public, including Cub/Girl Scouts, senior citizens, and police cadets.
Whether she's documenting complex crime scenes or training future investigators, Rebekah approaches her work with precision, integrity, and a strong commitment to justice.
Sarah Ragsdale-Associate Instructor
Rebekah Hollingsworth--Associate Instructor
Sarah Ragsdale-Associate Instructor
Sarah Ragsdale is a former Forensic Specialist with the Santa Monica Police Department, where she served in the Criminal Investigations Division. During her tenure, she worked both in the forensic laboratory and out in the field, processing complex crime scenes and analyzing evidence critical to solving cases.
Sarah brings extensive hands-on experience in a variety of forensic disciplines, including impression evidence collection, presumptive testing, trace evidence recovery, latent print processing, and crime scene photography. Her expertise also spans fingerprint classification and ACE-V methodology, chemical processing, bloodstain pattern analysis, ballistics, and forensic entomology.
Currently, Sarah is a Faculty Associate at Arizona State University, teaching Ethics in Forensic Science. She holds a Professional Science Master’s degree in Forensic Science from ASU (4.0 GPA) and graduated summa cum laude from Saint Leo University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice specializing in Criminalistics. She has also completed advanced training at The Forensic Science Academy and the Death Investigation Training Academy.
Sarah is a proud member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the International Association for Identification (IAI), and the International Association of Coroners and Medical Examiners (IACME).