SMC First Generation Faculty, Staff and Administrator Directory
SMC Students: Want to connect with SMC Faculty, Staff, and Administrators? Check out their mini-bios and reach out ot them!
Are you a faculty, staff member administrator who was a first-generation college student? If so, click on the link below to join the list of contacts on this new directory page and be connected with the larger first-generation community at SMC!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdp6GiwlOfKvAfXVBfbaIJ0s2lBhXoHLh1zxyztYhiu9vNPbA/viewform
The Directory is in alphabetical oder, by last name.
Brenda Antrim
Email Address: antrim_brenda@smc.edu
Department(s): Library
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Fullerton Community College, CSU Fullerton, University of Washington (UW), CSU Los Angeles- Master's degrees in Information Science (MLIS) and Comm Studies (MA); Bachelor's in Comm Studies (BA); Associate's in Liberal Arts (AA)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I'm a librarian, a teacher, and a resource for help with research online and in-person when we get back on campus.
Leyla Arenas
Email Address: leylarenas@gmail.com
Department(s): IEC
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC and CSUN & Public Sector Management
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I assist new International student with enrollment application and admission requirement questions. I also assist continuing students with different requests like verification letters, I-20 , Transfer Out, etc.
Marian Bagamaspad
Email Address: BAGAMASPAD_MARIAN@SMC.EDU
Department(s): Counseling - STEM/SRI Program
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: University of California, Irvine and Loyola Marymount University-Public Health B.A. and Guidance and Counseling M.A.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): At SMC, I work in the awesome STEM/SRI Program. I help students who are STEM majors or those who are curious about those fields figure out a transfer path that works best for them. I love when students discover that they have what it takes to get through challenging courses and enjoy the process, even when things get difficult. After all, first-gen students have the skills to pave the way!
Jennifer Benavides
Email Address: benavides_jennifer@smc.edu
Department(s): DSPS - LD Program
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Mills College, Pepperdine University- Bachelor's in Biopsychology; Working on getting a Master's in Psychology
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Instructional Assistant at the Learning Disabilities Program.
Deyadra Blye
Email Address: blye_deyadra_m@smc.edu
Department(s): Student Affairs
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Seattle Central Community College, Seattle University, Loyola Marymount University- BA - Psychology, MA - Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): My team and I are developing the Peer Navigator Program - Peer Navigators are continuing SMC students who will support 1st year students within the same Area of Interest to navigate SMC to be successful.
Vanessa Bonilla
Email Address: bonilla_vanessa@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Santa Monica College, UCLA and CSULB- Spanish B.A., Counseling - Student Development in Higher Education, M.S.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am Counselor and Instructor for Counseling 20. I grew up in the area and attended SMC before transferring to UCLA. I often felt lost while in community college until I sought the help of counselors who made everything from applying for financial aid to transferring less overwhelming! My mission is to do the same for students.
Juliana Carranza
Email Address: carranza_juliana@smc.edu
Department(s): Care and Prevention Team
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: UCLA, USC School of Social Work- B.A in psychology, Master of Social Work (MSW)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Case Management Coordinator. I'm a licensed clinical social worker, working as a case manager at SMC. I help students get connected to various resources and support services, both on and off campus.
Julie Chekroun
Email Address: chekroun_julie@smc.edu
Department(s): Communication Studies
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Universite La Sorbonne, Santa Monica College and Cal. State University, Northridge- AA, BA, MA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a full time faculty in the Communication Studies department. Navigating college as a first gen college student and as a non English native speaker was challenging but thanks to the support of the many mentors I met during these years, I was able to find my path. I am here for students who are navigating this foreign educational setting. Reach out!
Erin Cue
Email Address: cue_erin@smc.edu
Department(s): Psychology
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Vanderbilt University ; University of California, Los Angeles- B.S. ; M.Ed. ; Ph.D.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): My role as faculty member is to empower students to become active agents in their learning and to make learning fun and engaging. This involves making content knowledge accessible, relevant and meaningful. It also involves engaging students in critical thinking exercises, discussions and active learning activities. My pedagogical approaches to teaching recognize the importance of student-centered learning, community building and acknowledging diversity in all aspects of learning.
Shari Davis
Email Address: davis_shari@smc.edu
Department(s): Philosophy & Social Sciences
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: USC, Harvard- Bachelor's; Master in Public Policy
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): As Co-Director of SMC's Public Policy Institute and special project manager for the Santa Monica Early Childhood Lab School, my career has involved many different jobs and roles that preceded joining SMC. I have extensive political campaign experience, and have led various public-private partnership and nonprofit projects.
George Davison
Email Address: davison_george@smc.edu
Department(s): English
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Orange Coast College (community college), University of Arizona, Cal State Long Beach, Waseda University (Japan)- BA, MA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I'm an English professor who was a psychology undergrad and studied and lived in Japan for many years.
Jennifer de Caussin
Email Address: decaussin_jennifer@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Pierce College and CSUN- AA, Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in College Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I'm a Career Counselor and I teach a Counseling class online
Aaron De La Torre
Email Address: delatorre_aaron@smc.edu
Department(s): EOPS/CARE
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC- Associate's Degree; Liberal Arts (Arts & Humanities) LMU- Bachelor's Degree; Studio Arts (Emphasis- Graphic Design)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Specialist for the EOPS/CARE Program. Work with assisting first-generation students from low socio-economic and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds navigate through the community college system by connecting them to a variety of services and resources at SMC and throughout the state.
Collin Ellis
Email Address: ellis_collin@smc.edu
Department(s): life sciences
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: South Puget Sound community college, Eastern Washington University and UC Davis- bachelors, masters, doctorate
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Professor of human anatomy and physiology
Jackeline Felix
Email Address: Felix_jackeline@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: B.A. Psychology with a minor in Anthropology (UCLA) & M.S. Counseling with a specialization in College Counseling and Student Services (CSUN)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a full time Counseling 20 instructor. I developed the online version of it in 2006 and have been teaching it online ever since. I also work in the General Counseling and Transfer Center.
Christina Fuller
Email Address: Fuller_Christina@smc.edu
Department(s): Dream and Guardian Scholars
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: West LA College, Azusa Pacific University, Simmons University- AA Business Management, BS Organizational Leadership, Clinical MSW (expected 2022)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): My role is to connect student to the counselors, resources, and information that are available through SMC and in the community. My role includes fostering relationships and helping students to feel welcome, heard, and supported at SMC.
Dennis Funes
Email Address: funes_dennis@smc.edu
Department(s): Office of Student Life/Peer Navigator Program/Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: UCSB B.A. and USC- M.Ed.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Counselor for Office of Student Life and new Peer Navigator Program and assist clubs on campus as the ICC advisor. Assist with various events as it relates to First Gen students and male students of color.
Amanda Garcia
Email Address: garcia_amanda@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Los Angeles Mission College, CSUN, LMU, Cal Poly Pomona (currently)- Lib Arts AA, English BA, Guidance & Counseling MA, Educational Leadership Ed.D (in progress)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am the full time Counselor that supports the students who belong to programs housed at the Center for Media and Design. I specialize in academic advising for students interested in pursuing an associates and/or bachelors degree in: Graphic Design, Interior Architectural Design, Animation, Digital Media-Post Production, Film Production/Studies, Broadcasting, and Journalism. I have also served as the Project Manager for the Interaction Design Bachelor Degree Program here at SMC! You can make an appointment with me by visiting: www.calendly.com/garcia_amanda
Jessie Garcia
Email Address: garcia_jessie@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: University of California, Santa Cruz & Loyola Marymount University- BA in Psychology, minor in Education & Masters in School Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Hello! I am a counselor here at SMC. As a first gen student, I remember my experience with navigating the new world of higher ed which inspired me to work in education. I am a resource and support for you academically or if you have any questions I will always do my best to help
Ernesto Gonzalez Jr
Email Address: gonzalezjr_ernie@smc.edu
Department(s): Theatre Arts
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Texas State University at San Marcos, Kent State University- BFA Acting, MFA Acting
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Adjunct Faculty
Chris Grant
Email Address: grant_chris@smc.edu
Department(s): Life Science
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Kinesiolgy with Business Emphasis (UCLA), Master of Science in Physical Therapy (Boston University-Sargent College), MBA (UCLA)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I want to help students find and follow their path to achieve their dreams. I do that through teaching anatomy and physiology
Tupelo Hassman
Email Address: hassman_tupelo@smc.edu
Department(s): English
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Santa Monica College, University of Southern California, Columbia University School of the Arts- AA, BA, MFA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a first-generation college student who dropped out of high school after the first week of 10th grade. Many years later, I began taking classes at SMC, then transferred to USC and went to Columbia for an MFA, all the while working as a T.A. and then an Associate Professor at SMC. My number one goal is to aid every student in their journey at SMC and help them know this place as their own.
Jose Hernandez
Email Address: hernandez_jose@smc.edu
Department(s): Welcome Center
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Santa Monica College, UCLA, LMU- Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts; Bachelor of Arts History; Masters of Arts in Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Supporting ALL new students to Santa Monica College with the onboarding process and connecting them to support services and programs across the campus.
Edith Hernandez-Cabrera
Email Address: hernandez_edith@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: UCLA, LMU, & USC- BA, MA, EDD
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I teach counseling 20 courses in the fall.
Wendy Holmes
Email Address: holmes_wendy@smc.edu
Department(s): ESL
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Skagit Valley College; University of Washington; San Diego State University- Bachelor's in Comparative History of Ideas; Master's in Applied Lingusitics
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I teach credit and non-credit English as a Second Language.
Tiffany Inabu
Email Address: inabu_tiffany@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling & Office of Student Life
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC, UCLA , & CSULB- Associates (Liberal Arts), Bachelors (Asian American Studies) Masters (Counseling)
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I work as a counselor in the Office of Student Life - I mainly work with student leaders. I also have experience with food security programs, transfer counseling, and taught Counseling 20. Proud to be SMC!
Antonya Jackson
Email Address: Jackson_antonya@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: CSULB, LMU, UCLA- B.A, M.A, PhD
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I teach the counseling 20 class, I am a SJA and general counselor.
Paul Jimenez
Email Address: jimenez_paul@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Orange Coast Community Collge, UCLA, LMU, and USC- A.A., B.A., M.A., and Ed.D.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I can answer questions you have about your classes, transferring or life. If I don't have the information that you want, I can connect you with someone that will or the appropriate resources on campus. But it will be up to you to follow-up with the information that I provide you. I want you to want to help yourself.
Hannah Lawler
Email Address: lawler_hannah@smc.edu
Department(s): Institutional Research
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Pepperdine University, USC- Bachelor's in psychology, doctorate in education
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Collect and analyze data about students, programs to help campus leaders make data-informed decisions and improvements to existing programs and services
Alejandro Lee
Email Address: lee_alejandro@smc.edu
Department(s): Modern Languages and Cultures
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: National Taiwan Normal University, Pitzer College, Monterey Institute of International Studies, University of California Los Angeles- BA, MA, PhD, MLIS
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a professor of Spanish, teach heritage and second-year Spanish and serve as the liaison for the Modern Languages Tutoring Center.
Maria Leon-Vazquez
Email Address: leon-vazquez_maria@smmusd.org
Department(s): Workforce & Economic Development
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC; UCSD; UC Hastings College of Law- AA, BA, JD
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Oversee Career Pathway programming between high school and SMC. Have information on career certificates leading to an AA then BA.
Gail Livings
Email Address: livings_gail@smc.edu
Department(s): Philosophy and Social Sciences
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: UCLA, Georgetown University and University of Georgia- C.Phil - Sociology and Women's Studies, MA - Sociology and Women's Studies, MA - Political Science, BA - Sociology/Political Science
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): My role is to facilitate and generate informed discussion and critical analysis of issues affecting my students' lives from a sociological perspective. Using an Intersectional approach means that race/ethnicity, gender/sex/sexuality, and class are central to any understanding of events occurring in our nation today [and yesterday].
Jamar London
Email Address: London_jamar@smc.edu
Department(s): Mathematics
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: San Bernardino Valley College, UCLA, CSULA- AS in Math, BS in Pure math, MS in Pure Math
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): My main role is that of a full time Math instructor. Additionally, I am currently serving in the Academic Senate and Faculty Association.
Enrique Lopez
Email Address: lopez_enrique@smc.edu
Department(s): Business
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Los Angeles Valley College, California State University Northridge, Stanford University- AA, BS, MBA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Professor of Accounting, Advisor to SMC Business Club
Maria Martinez
Email Address: martinez_maria@smc.edu
Department(s): Latino Center/Adelante Program
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC, CSUN, LMU- AA, BA, MA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am the Program Leader and Counselor of the Latino Center/Adelante Program
Beatriz Magallon
Email Address: magallon_beatriz@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Chico State and San Diego State- Masters
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I too had to overcome the barriers of going to college. None of my friends went to college after high school and because I had a strict father that was my way out. Community college opened the doors to the possibilities and I thank those who helped me along the way to believe that I could go to a University. I learned to show up and play the game. I try to impart to students the important tools that helped me and hopefully plant the seeds that everything they dream is possible. I am here to help with anything, every step of the way. I believe in you and you can do it too!
Nick Mata
Email Address: mata_nicholas@smc.edu
Department(s): Special Programs/Student Affairs
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: University of Missouri- BA English, MA Higher Education Administration-Student Affairs
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am the administrator for numerous SMC special programs, including: EOPS/CARE, CalWORKs, Guardian Scholars, Pico Partnership, DREAM, Black Collegians, Adelante, Veterans Success Center, and Law Pathway.
Srey Ngov
Email Address: Ngov_srey@smc.edu
Department(s): International Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned:UCLA- BA, MA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Counselor
Mark Oliva
Email Address: oliva_mark@smc.edu
Department(s): Life Science
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned:UCLA (undergrad), CSUN (grad, MS)- BS: (Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution; Biology); MS: Biology
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I work as a lab tech in the life science dept, and work with students and faculty to facilitate student learning. I specifically work with Bio major courses, and care for our live animals.
Stuart Ortiz
Email Address: ortiz_stuart@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Santa Monica College, UC Santa Cruz, University of Rhode Island- AA, BA, MS
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Counselor at SMC since 2005. Worked in the Welcome Center, Outreach & Recruitment, Transfer Center. SMC alum, studied Sociology & Psychology. First generation student from a single mother. Proud advocate and ally to all minoritized groups.
Jamie Poole
Email Address: poole_jamie@smc.edu
Department(s): English
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned:SMC, UCLA, and the University of South Alabama- B.A. and M.A.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am the coordinator of the Writing and Humanities Tutoring Center.
Margaret Quinones-Perez
Email Address: quinones_margaret@smc.edu
Department(s): Board Member
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned:SMC, CSUDH, USC, UCLA- AA, BS, MSED, EDD
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): When I came to SMC I was a Special ED student who was terrified I would be a failure. SMC gave me to courage to continue on to higher education. Being a board member at SMC is my way of saying Thanks/Gracias! Proud to be SMC. Need encouragement contact me!!
Isaac A. Rodriguez Lupercio
Email Address: rodriguez_isaac@smc.edu
Department(s): Student Life
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Oxnard College, University of California Santa Barbara, Loyola University Chicago, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa- B.S. Physical Geography, M.Ed. Education, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Education
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Connect and support students in leadership opportunities such as student government, clubs, civic engagement, food security, and student equity center initiatives.
Rebecca Romo
Email Address: romo_rebecca@smc.edu
Department(s): Philosophy and Social Sciences
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: California State University Sacramento and University of California Santa Barbara- B.A., M.A., PhD
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I teach sociology in the department of Philosophy and Social Sciences.
David Shirinyan
Email Address: shirinyan_david@smc.edu
Department(s): psychology
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned:UCLA UCLA UCLA- PhD
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Im here to help each and every student succeed and thrive in whatever they intend to do with their time on earth.
Antoinette Simmonds
Email Address: simmonds_antoinette@smc.edu
Department(s): CIS / Emeritus
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned:CSUN- MBA
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): To achieve my bachelor’s degrees, I worked full time for four years and attended college at night. Reaching the goal of an AA degree, I transferred to full-time status to receive my bachelor’s. I also obtained my master’s degree in Instructional Technology while working full time and raising a family.
Febe Soliman
Email Address: Soliman_febe@smc.edu
Department(s): International Education
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC and CSULA- B.A. in Communication Studies
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Support international students with admission, health insurance, and promote campus activities.
James Thing
Email Address: thing_james@smc.edu
Department(s): Social Science/Philosophy
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC, CSULB, USC- BA, MA, PhD sociology
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a faculty in sociology.
Cristina Torres
Email Address: torres_cristina@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling/Noncredit Initiatives
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: SMC, UCLA, CSUDH- SMC - AA in Women's Studies & Liberal Arts. UCLA - BA in Gender Studies & Chicana/o Studies. CSUDH - MS in Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a counselor in the Noncredit department. We offer free classes in ESL and in career development/college preparation. I can assist with academic and career counseling as well referrals to community services.
Esau Tovar
Email Address: tovar_esau@smc.edu
Department(s): Enrollment Services
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Los Angeles Mission College, California State University Northridge and Claremont Graduate University- A.A., B.A., M.S., Ph.D.
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Dean of Enrollment Services. I oversee Admissions and Records, Success and Engagement Center, Commencement, SMC Promise, SMC GO, Pearl Chatbot, Student Communications.
Dyana Valentine
Email Address: valentine_dyana@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Brown University, Antioch, UCLA, SMC- Bachelors', Masters
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am here to help you learn how to go to college through my Student Success classes. Welcome. You've got this. Keep going.
Olivia Vallejo
Email Address: vallejo_olivia@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: CSU Dominguez Hills- M.A. Educational Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I am a Counseling 20 instructor and a Counselor for General Counseling & Transfer Services.
Alicia Villalpando
Email Address: villalpando_alicia@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: Loyola Marymount University, California State University Long Beach, Santa Monica College, Long Beach City College- Masters of Arts, Counseling, Loyola Marymount University; Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, California State University Long Beach
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): As a Counselor, I can assist you in creating an ed plan based on your academic goals, listen to your concerns, explain the financial aid options and how to file for state, federal financial aid and scholarships, identify programs and services that can assist you in becoming a successful student while also engaging in student opportunities to gain leadership skills and be part of your SMC support team!
Cheryl Ward
Email Address: ward_cheryl@smc.edu
Department(s): SMC Foundation
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: UCLA- B.A., Political Science, Public Law
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): Nonprofit management and funding development -- involves everything from marketing and messaging to potential donors, to writing grant proposals and meeting with major donors to secure support for SMC's mission.
Audra Wells
Email Address: wells_audra@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: CSU Dominguez Hills and Loyola Marymount University- Bachelor of Arts in Human Services / Master of Arts in Education/Counseling
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I have been a Counselor at SMC for 20 years in various programs, including General Transfer, Nursing, Noncredit, International and most recently, the Scholars Program. My role in student support services provides assistance with career/workforce readiness, transfer preparation, educational planning, financial aid, basic needs and wellness.
Lori Williams
Email Address: williams_lori@smc.edu
Department(s): Counseling
College(s) and/or Universities attended & Degree(s) earned: CSUN, Pepperdine University- B.A., M.A., and Psy.D. in Psychology
Describe your role at SMC? (1-3 sentences; keep in mind this will help students understand how you can best support them.): I work in the Counseling Department. I'm a licensed psychologist, but my primary role at SMC is as an academic counselor.