Staff Spotlight: Amador Renteria

Published on Jan 13 2026

Amador Renteria currently works as a Technology Specialist II in the Information Technology (IT) Department at College of the Redwoods. He started at CR in 2022 as a Technology Specialist I.

While the plan was originally that Amador and his wife, Kayla, would save Humboldt for their retirement years, Kayla’s grandfather fell ill in 2021. It was then that they decided to make the move up to the place where the trees meet the ocean, where peace seems to rise naturally from the towering redwoods, and where slow pace does not mean gridlock, but a gentle, unhurried drive down the 101.

From South Orange County, Amador had only visited Humboldt twice, but he immediately fell in love with the scenery and the slower pace of life.

During his job search, College of the Redwoods stood out to him because of his love for education and the IT field.

With twelve years of experience, Amador’s first job in the IT field was with the Los Angeles Unified School District in downtown Los Angeles. “That experience showed me how impactful it can be to support students and staff through technology, and it shaped the direction of my career.”

The experience he gained at that job helped solidify his decision to pursue IT within the educational realm.

“I started my career in IT because I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and figuring out how things work. I love helping people navigate technology, especially when it feels intimidating or overwhelming.” He goes on, “I enjoy helping people and the problem-solving that comes with IT. It’s rewarding to turn a stressful situation into a moment of relief.”

When asked about a project or initiative he’s particularly proud of, he doesn’t hesitate. “During COVID, while working at Saddleback Valley Unified School District in Orange County, our IT department was responsible for configuring and deploying thousands of hotspots and laptops across thirty-four schools. It was a massive effort, but incredibly meaningful to support students during such a challenging time.”

Asked what he would like others to know about the IT Department’s work, he says, “When an issue comes up, it’s often due to something outside of our control or something we didn’t initiate. Even so, we work quickly to find the cause and get everything back up and running. Not every day is the same, and there's always something new to figure out.”

When Amador isn’t working at CR, you can find him playing video or board games, spending time with his wife and their two long-haired miniature dachshunds named Sam and Dean (yes, from the show Supernatural), being outdoors, and listening to music. He’s driven by challenges, goals, and the satisfaction that comes from accomplishing them. “I’m very goal-oriented, so reaching milestones and resolving issues quickly is incredibly motivating for me. It’s even more rewarding when those achievements make technology easier and less stressful for others.”

Amador says he’s excited for the IT Department’s upcoming office move and to see the new construction around campus take shape. He’s also eager to continue closing as many tickets as possible and staying responsive to the day-to-day needs of the college. “Our department is always working to improve processes where we can, and support the upgrades and changes happening around CR.”

For Amador, IT is a way of quietly shaping the world around him, one problem solved and one student or colleague helped at a time. It’s in these moments, turning frustration into understanding, complexity into clarity, that he finds great satisfaction. Surrounded by the calm of Humboldt and the steadfast redwoods, he brings patience, curiosity, and dedication to every challenge, building not just systems, but trust, confidence, and a little more ease for everyone who relies on them.