Where the System Ends, CAA Begins. We Built the College We Couldn't Find. CAA Story #8: Professor Sharon Lea

Sharon obtained her degree in English from Chico State and worked most of her life in administrative roles. The companies she worked for made products like medical devices, and she always enjoyed customer service and helping people. After surviving a cancer diagnosis and losing her husband all within a three-year span, Sharon took time off work and began volunteering with CAA. That volunteer work quickly turned into a fulfilling career. 

CAA came into Sharon’s life at a time when she needed them, and when CAA needed instructors who had compassion and commitment to teach. 

“At CAA, you don’t need the degree but you need the heart,” said Sharon. 

Professor Sharon is the Director of Music at CAA and teaches many popular classes, including Concert Choir and Music Appreciation. In both those classes, she stresses to her students to find something that they like in the music and reminds them that it’s not about hitting all the right notes. 

“One of the reasons I love CAA is because I see the benefits of what I’m doing every day in the classroom,” said Sharon.  

When she was young, Sharon had to overcome a significant stutter so she can relate to the difficulties some of her students have with being heard and understood. Sharon says that she learns just as much from her students as they learn from her, and she loves coming away from classes hearing new perspectives and ideas.  

According to Professor Sharon, CAA is a unique place to work because the leadership puts people in positions where they can really thrive.

“This has been such a wonderful growth experience for me,” said Professor Sharon. “I feel incredibly lucky to be a part of a supportive environment which celebrates caring and collaborative teamwork.”