Dr. DiThomas began her career in education as a middle school teacher with Yucaipa Joint Unified School District. After 17 years in the K-12 system, DiThomas took a counselor/instructor post with Riverside Community College District (RCCD). It was there that she spent her time learning everything about community colleges and served as Dean of Matriculation from August 1999 to October 2004. Between 2004 and 2013, DiThomas continued to serve in a variety of positions for RCCD including, Vice President Student Services, Associate Vice Chancellor Student Services & Operations, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Services & Operations and Interim President, Norco College. She left RCCD to accept the position of Superintendent/President of the Barstow Community College District on July 1, 2013, where she served until her retirement on June 30, 2017. 

Throughout her career Dr. DiThomas was actively involved in regional and statewide efforts to improve the integrity of student data with the ultimate goal of recognizing and decreasing student equity gaps; and to advocate for funding to address student success and achievement gaps that emerged through the improved data. As a CEO, she served as a member of the California Community College CEO Board, chaired the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) Accreditation Teams, led several Institutional Effectiveness Partnership Initiative Teams, and presented at several state and national conferences.

In retirement, Dr. DiThomas has remained actively involved in work with community colleges in California and nationally. Her work has focused on supporting community college governing boards and individual trustees in their efforts to become—and remain—high-performing.  She has also assisted colleges and boards with executive searches. In addition, Dr. DiThomas serves as a mentor to current and aspiring CEOs; and supports institutions in developing and implementing effective institutional planning, resource allocation practices, participatory governance structures and processes, and strategies to ensure access and success for all students. 

A product of the California educational system, DiThomas graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a bachelor’s in physical education and English. She holds two non-terminal, master’s degrees from Azusa Pacific University in Educational Counseling and Educational Psychology and a Doctorate in Educational Technology from Pepperdine University.