Riverside County
Cal-SOAP Staff
Meet the staff working with our students every day!
Meet the staff working with our students every day!
sravila@rcoe.us
My name is Stephanie Avila and I have been a student at Mt. San Jacinto Community College since March 2019. I attend the campus in Menifee where I am majoring in my A.A. for Business Office Admin. I am a full time student and a full time mother. I was also a part time student worker at the Outreach program for our campus. I worked with the majority of the students that attended our college and we assisted in High school tours and pop up events.
I gained experience in what being an outreach mentor looked like and absolutely loved it. Working with all the students on campus showed me that this is where I want to be.
My goal after my A.A. is to be a permanent employee at MSJC or in any educational or government workforce. I strongly believe that all first time college students need the extra push and correct guidance so they can be successful. I am also bilingual in English and Spanish!
nbravo@rcoe.us
Hi, my name is Nevaeh Bravo. I was raised in the Coachella Valley and am currently an undergrad student at UC Riverside studying Political Science. During my free time I love going to the beach and hanging with friends and family. I am excited to be a part of this team and hope to help students continue to be successful.
ccastaneda@rcoe.us
My name is Crystal Castaneda. In high school, I joined the AVID program and enrolled in honors and a few AP classes. Being the second oldest of four, I was the first of us to go to college. I am the first in my immediate family to go to college. While unsure of what my future career holds, I am currently an Agriculture major at CalPoly Pomona.
Due to COVID’s nature, I have not been able to reach out and join organizations or clubs, but once the campus starts to open up, I plan on being involved. A fun fact about me is I have a twin sister!
scay@rcoe.us
My name is Shienne Patricia Cay. You can simply call me Shen. I am currently a UCR student majoring in both Sociology/Administrative Studies and Education, Society & Human Development. I was born and raised in the Philippines, so I carry many of its cultural and traditional values such as resilience, determination, adaptability, and hard work.
My career aspirations include getting into graduate school, becoming an Academic Counselor, and then later becoming a University Professor. My passion is to help students’ access resources available to them, as well as help them succeed in their academic journey no matter their circumstances in life.
mcote_c@rcoe.us
My name is Merisa Cote, a College Success Coach. I graduated from California State San Bernardino in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science studying sociology, history and economics. I am currently attending the University of Redlands to obtain my Masters in K-12 and college counseling.
cdelatorre_c@rcoe.us
My name is Christina De La Torre. I am currently a graduate student in the Counseling Program at California State University, San Bernardino. I am working towards obtaining my PPS credential and LPCC license. My career goals include working as a counselor or academic advisor in higher education.
I also have an interest in starting a support group for parents with children on the spectrum. I have experience working at both the university and community college level, assisting students through the application process, outreach, and working specifically with students with disabilities. I like to travel and binge watch Netflix on my free time.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
ddoronila@rcoe.us
My name is Dorothy Leigh Doronila. I am a 21 year old Filipina-American. I immigrated to the United States in 2004 from the Philippines and I am a first-generation student at UC, Riverside. I am double majoring in Politicial Sciences and Administrative Studies and Education, Society, and Human Development with a concentration on Finance and Community Leadership and Policy.
My goal is to become a lawyer and work in the field of civil rights law or family law.
jgomez_c@rcoe.us
Hi, my name is Jennifer Gomez. You can call me Jen or Jenni. I am currently a junior at the University of California, Riverside. I was born and raised in Riverside. My favorite pastime is hanging out with friends, painting and listening to music.
mijimenez@rcoe.us
Hello my name is Mia Jimenez! I’m currently nineteen years old. I’m a sophomore at RCC. I want to be an echocardiogram technician. I love to paint and watch movies with friends.
gkuri@rcoe.us
My name is Giovana Kuri and I am a current student at California State University, San Bernardino. I am majoring in Sociology and would like to work in the Social Work field. Outside of school, I like to be outdoors, like going for a hike and hanging out with friends.
I also use this time to focus on extracurricular activities, such as, participating in school clubs like the Sociology Club where we reach out to communities with the support of voluntary work.
cslopez@rcoe.us
Hello! My name is Cynthia Lopez. I am from Moreno Valley and attended Valley View High School. I was in the AVID Program, took AP/Honor courses, and was a part of the varsity tennis team. I am a second-year at California Baptist University
majoring in Psychology.
Education has always been a priority to me and something I have been passionate about my whole life. I aspire to become a high school counselor to be able to motivate students like you with different career paths so you can be the most successful. On my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, spending time with my family, and playing the piano.
rloustaunau_c@rcoe.us
Rachel Loustaunau is a first-year graduate student at University of Redlands, where she is pursuing a Master of Arts in Education: Pre-K-12 and College Counseling. She was born and raised in Riverside, CA and briefly lived in Perris, CA in her childhood. As a former student of Alvord Unified School District, Rachel has gained experience in AVID, EAOP, and AP/Honors courses during her middle school and high school years.
She is an alumna of UC San Diego, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education Science in Spring 2021. She has also earned an Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science and an Associate of Science in Math & Science from Riverside City College in Spring 2020.
coming soon
COMING SOON
nfournier@rcoe.us
Hi! My name is Nicole Fournier and I am a first generation college student. Science has always been a huge passion of mine and I want to inspire others to get involved in the sciences too! I’m proud to say that I just recently graduated from the University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience.
While attending UCR I worked as a Peer Educator for incoming freshman and I have extensive knowledge on how college works. I’m currently taking a gap year to catch up on applications and volunteering as a junior specialist in the Fredrick lab for the Entomology department at UCR. My plan is to pursue a Master’s or PhD in Behavioral Neurobiology or Neuropsychology. I’d like to be a Behavioral Neuroscientist when I grow up! In my free time I enjoy reading and exploring nature. When I have down time I like to go to the beach and my goal by next summer is to have my scuba diving license. I look forward to meeting all of you and getting you ready for the future.
pfernandez@rcoe.us
My name is Peter Fernandez, and I am from Jurupa Valley, CA, a recent Rubidoux High graduate apart of the Class of 2021. I am a current first year biochemistry major at UCLA on a pre-med track.
Aside from work and school, I love playing music and am a part of the UCLA Marching Band, and I love playing tennis, being a part of the Bruin Club Tennis Team.
jelizalde@rcoe.us
Hello, my name is Jasmine Elizalde, and I am a second year at University of California, Davis and I am pursuing a major in STEM. Throughout High School, I was involved in many different extracurricular activities like TRiO UBMS, and Tennis. After High School, I did become a tutor because I enjoy helping other students and giving them advice that has helped me succeed in my educational journey.
I am a first generation student who is the oldest of four daughters. I enjoy baking, playing tennis, singing with my sisters and playing with my poodle.
mmekhael@rcoe.us
In high school, Mariam Mekhael was unsure of her career path. With the guidance and encouragement of her family and school counselor, she became determined to pursue a career in the healthcare field and to obtain a graduate degree. She spent her high school years experimenting with different concurrent and dual enrollment college classes that counted towards her undergraduate credits.
Mariam has obtained thirteen Associate in Arts/Science Degrees from Coastline Community College and Mt. San Jacinto College in various subjects upon her graduation from high school. As a high school student in a college setting, Mariam has learned and experienced why and how to be prepared to embark on the college journey with the help and support of her family, counselor, professors, and peers. From this, she was inspired to unveil for other students the importance of being prepared for college and the workforce.
Mariam Mekhael currently attends Chapman University to obtain her Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
nanava@rcoe.us
My name is Norma A. Nava. I am a first year at the University of California, San Diego and my major is Business Psychology. I am hoping to be an entrepreneur one day and own a chain of businesses such as beauty salons.
I attended San Bernardino High School and in high school I was in the TRiO program and took Advanced Placement (AP) courses. I am bilingual in English and Spanish as well. A fun fact about me is that I learned how to cross-stitch over quarantine!
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
evalenciapena@rcoe.us
Hello everyone! My name is Emely Valencia Pena and I am a first year Education major at University of California, Riverside. Throughout high school I have participated in many extracurricular activities from sports, to clubs, to community service.
I know how overwhelming and stressful high school can get when there is so many things you have to get done. I am here to help you put your mind at ease a bit and tell you that if I did it, you can too! Just want to make your guys life a little easier with helping in whatever way I can from helping you with school work to anything college related.
lponte_c@rcoe.us
My name is Louis Ponte and I am 20 years old. I graduated from San Jacinto High School in 2020 and I am currently enrolled at Mount San Jacinto Community College as a Film, TV and Electronic Media Major in hopes of one day being able to do editing, camera work or a mix of both within the film/entertainment industry. During my free time I do some video editing and I love listening to music.
jrodriguez_c@rcoe.us
My name is Jessica Rodriguez, in high school I was in AP and IB courses, when I graduated high school, I was unable to receive help to fund my college education, so I decided to attend a cheaper alternative route by attending the local community college. I went to Riverside City College where I received my Associates degree in Sociology.
I then transferred to California State University of San Bernardino where I will be graduating with my Bachelors in Sociology this May 2022, and I will be pursuing my Masters in Educational Counseling in the fall. I am so excited to finally be able to work with students and help them achieve their educational goals. Outside of work and school, my hobbies are spending time with my two pugs, making iced coffee, cooking, and watching good movies.
lsalazar@rcoe.us
My name is Leslie and I am
a Freshman at Palomar Community College majoring in business with hopes to one day become a business consultant.
I graduated from Chaparral High School where I was involved in Advanced Placement and AVID classes. I am also bilingual in Spanish! Outside of work, I enjoy doing dance at a studio near my home and collecting books to read.
Besides working with the RCOE, I am also employed on-campus as a Peer Mentor. When I am not working, I am in club meetings or volunteering with elementary students from the Inland Empire. I love helping all my students, which is why I am planning to pursue my Master’s in School Counseling. Besides helping students, I also love to take care of our pets (dogs and parakeets), paint, read, and garden. I look forward to working with you all!
nsalazar@rcoe.us
My name is Nayali Salazar. I am a 28 year old UCR student and an aspiring school counselor. I transferred from community college into UCR in 2019 and graduate this Spring 2021. I will be attending graduate school soon after.
I am a fun and caring individual who loves to eat and travel!
ssaldana_c@rcoe.us
My name is Saydid Saldana. I am 21 years old and a senior at California State University San Bernardino pursuing a bachelors in sociology and psychology. I am Mexican-American, the oldest daughter and a first-generation college student. I am hoping to be an academic advisor/counselor in the near future.
jsalgado@rcoe.us
My name is Jasmin Salgado. I graduated from San Jacinto High school in 2018. During my time in high school, I made sure I was involved in many extracurricular activities and programs, as it would benefit me when it came time to apply for college.
I was a part of the early academic outreach program (EAOP) as well as an active member of AVID since middle school. I have also been a part of TRiO since the sixth grade and continue to be an active member today in college where I currently serve as a peer mentor for incoming college students who need help with the transition from high school to college. I was also a part of MECHA and choir that being said I had my hands full all four years of high school. However, thanks to AVID and TRIO I was able to get the help and information I needed to apply for college when the time came. If it were not for these two amazing programs, I would not be where I am today. Both TRIO and AVID not only motivated me to do well in school but they helped remind me of the importance of going to college and how to do so. Moreover, both programs also helped me in my classes through their excellent tutoring so I would not fall behind in my classes. I was lucky to be in both AVID and TRIO because they did a great job of guiding me through the college application process as well as applying for FASFA. As a first-generation college student whose parents did not speak English filling these papers out was very stressful and although I had an older sister who was in college and had already been through the process I would find that she would be busy with school and didn’t have the time nor patience to help me. It was because of the constant motivation and help from my parents, AVID teachers, and Trio tutors that I was able to graduate high school with a 4.0 and do what I had only dreamed of doing, apply to college for a higher education. I currently attend the University of California Riverside where I am working on receiving my bachelor’s in English bringing me one-step closer to achieving my goal of receiving my Ph.D. to become a college professor.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
msoriano@rcoe.us
My name is Marissa Soriano. I have lived in Perris, CA my whole life. I will be attending California Baptist University, located in Riverside, CA, as an undergraduate for the fall 2021 semester.
I will be majoring in Social Work. My goal is to obtain my MSW and eventually become a Foster Care Social Worker. I am excited to become a Cal-SOAP College Success Coach. I cannot wait to be there every step of the way with students helping them find the right path for their future. In my free time, I like to spend time with my family and my labradoodle named Milo!
mvela@rcoe.us
My name is Marissa Vela. I am a first-generation student and the first in my family to go to college. I am currently studying to get my Bachelors in Latin American history and a minor in Spanish. My end goal is to become a Special Needs Teacher.
It has been a dream of mine to become a teacher like the same teachers who helped me with my journey to college. Coming from a low-income family, I want to prove to students that they can accomplish anything if they work hard and try their best! I am also bilingual in English and Spanish. I also strive to provide a good experience with all my current and future students!
juramirez@rcoe.us
My name is Julie Ramirez, I am a student at the University of California, Riverside. I transferred from Mt. San Antonio College and Chaffey Community College with an Associate’s degree in Arts for University Studies of Mathematics and Science. My major is in Education with a concentration in Community Leadership.
Initially, I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry as a Dental Hygienist, since I had worked in the dental field for over a decade as a Registered Dental Nurse, however, my passion for learning led me to a different journey. I am a first generation Latinx dreamer who will be receiving a Bachelor’s degree in the winter of 2022. This would not have been possible without the support of my counselors and staff, thus, I am looking forward to serving you. I am also a wife and mother to a very energetic and adventurous toddler. I enjoy singing when inspiration strikes and my husband is a passionate, professional and personal boxing coach.
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
kvang_c@rcoe.us
Hello! My name is Kristin Vang, I am 20 years old, I am Hmong, and I am from Marysville, CA. I graduated with my AA degree in Psychology at Yuba Community College, then transferred to the University of California Riverside where I am now currently attending as a junior and majoring in Sociology. Some things I enjoy doing are traveling, sightseeing, hiking, playing tennis, and watching my tv shows! Some of my most favorite shows are Greys Anatomy, Station 19, 9-1-1, and How I Met Your Mother.
One of my biggest passions in life is cultural Hmong dancing, which I have done for 8 years! Through Hmong dancing, I have learned more about my culture and language, built friendships and sisterhood, and given back to my community through performing. I’ve also had the amazing opportunity to participate in dance competitions before with my previous dance group at Hmong New Year Cultural Festivals which has been one of the most memorable experiences in my life. This is only a little bit about me, so I hope for you all to learn more about me and for me to learn more about all of you! I am so excited and look forward to a fantastic rest of the year with you all!
rewalters@rcoe.us
My name is Renee Walters, and I am a second-year at Sacramento State University where I am currently working on achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Ever since middle school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher in the future.
My open-ended plan is to become a High School Teacher, a teacher overseas, or a teacher for children working on movie and television sets. In high school, I was involved in a plethora of extracurriculars from; Student Government, Mentorship, and Volunteering Groups ranging from the site, district, city, county, and state levels. This allowed me to see many different perspectives, which in turn inspired me to pursue a degree in sociology while trying to pursue a career in education. I want to be a mentor to students because they are the key to our future. Especially during the time of college app season because it can feel overwhelming and daunting, and I understand those feelings well because that is how I felt my senior year of high school. A fun fact about me is that I have a pet beagle named Cloey who I name after the white Chihuahua in Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I also have a great adoration for the arts.
pvarela@rcoe.us
I am Paola Varela, a first generation college student. I am 23 years old and graduated California State University Fullerton with a degree in sociology with a focus on social inequality. My goal is to complete a Master’s degree in higher education leadership & student development.
I want to help guide students to make academic decisions that will help lead them to graduation and achieve greater opportunities in life.
gimartinez@rcoe.us
My Name is Gisselle Martinez and I am a first generation Mexican-American student from San Jacinto, CA. I attended San Jacinto High school and after graduating in 2019, attended Mt. San Jacinto Community College for two years where I received my Associates degree in Communication Studies before transferring to Cal State University, San Bernardino.
I’m currently in my third year at CSUSB, majoring in Sociology. I plan to later pursue a Master’s Degree in Sociology and hope to have a career as a mental health counselor and be able to provide help and support to youth in Riverside County. Throughout high school and my time at MSJC, I was in many different clubs and programs like AVID, TRIO, First Year Experience, and Puente that helped guide me with my postsecondary plan so I understand how stressful the process can be and am excited in being a part of Cal-SOAP and providing guidance to students. Outside of school and work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, attending music festivals, and going shopping.
kzollin_c@rcoe.us
I am a first year graduate student at California Baptist University studying to become a school counselor. I am from San Joaquin County and I graduated from Lodi High School. I earned my B.S. from UC, San Diego in Human Developmental Sciences with dual minors in Psychology and Education Studies. I am passionate about education and mental health, and I look forward to having a career where I can help students succeed. I am also a big sister, a dog lover, and my favorite place is the beach.
Director I
Cal-SOAP
melder@rcoe.us
Hello, my name is Matthew Elder and I’m extremely honored to serve the students, parents, staff, and community in my role as the Director of the Riverside County Cal-SOAP (California Student Opportunity and Access Program) Consortium. I attended California Baptist University as a student-athlete where I received my Bachelor of Arts degree in 2003. Upon graduation, I traveled the world while playing professional basketball in Denmark, Australia, and Germany. Upon returning to California, I resumed my education at CBU to obtain a Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential in 2006, added a Subject Matter Authorization in Mathematics, earning a Master’s Degree in Education in 2009 and my Administrative Services Credential in 2014. My job experiences have given me the opportunity to take on many different roles in both secondary and elementary educational settings. I started teaching in Alvord USD in 2006 as a Fifth Grade Teacher.
I joined Val Verde USD in 2007 as a Math Teacher and Basketball Coach at Citrus Hill High School. I served as an Assistant Principal at Citrus Hill High School for 4 years, overseeing: the Guidance Office, Master Schedule, and College & Career Readiness program; Assessments, Facilities, and Special Education; Discipline, Intervention, and Attendance. I then served as an Assistant Principal at Orange Vista High School for 3 years, overseeing: the Guidance Office, Master Schedule, and College & Career Readiness program.
Program Manager
Cal-SOAP
ccunningham@rcoe.us
Hi there! My name is Cherrie Cunningham and I’m so pleased to be a part of this program for the students in our consortium. I am the Program Manager for the Riverside County Cal-SOAP Consortium and work closely with the Director, College Success Coaches, and students. Originally from the Philippines, I was a first-generation college student who attended California State University San Bernardino(CSUSB), Riverside City College(RCC), and the University of Phoenix. I have worked for the Riverside County Office of Education since March of 2015 and strive to make sure we honor our pledge that every student in Riverside County will graduate from high school academically and socially prepared for college, the workforce, and civic responsibility. I have had the honor of working in the Department of College and Career Readiness for the past few years, which has given me the opportunity to collaborate with different stakeholders and work on important initiatives and events like the California College Affordability Summit, School Counselor Leadership Network, Grading Practices Project, AP Readiness, and more. I specialize in event logistics management, foster youth, and undocumented students. As a volunteer, I am also a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for foster youth which holds a special place in my heart. I believe education is a human right that is the way out of cyclical poverty and a successful future for all families.
TCME
Cal-SOAP
gsmith@rcoe.us
I began my career in education as a teacher in elementary and middle school in Colombia, South America. During the past 30 years in the United States, I have taught Spanish at the high school and junior college level and I have been a high school counselor. The combination of my passion for teaching and my desire for helping and motivating individuals in a more holistic manner brought me to the profession of Counseling. As a retired counselor from VVUSD, I am excited to be part of the support team at Cal-SOAP to help and support student’s college and career readiness.
PRESIDENT
Moreno Valley College
julio.gonzalez@mvc.edu
VICE PRESIDENT
Moreno Valley
Unified School District
LBrown1@mvusd.net
BOARD MEMBER
California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI)
jmcdaniels@californiacolleges.edu
BOARD MEMBER
Growing Inland Achievement (GIA)
ida@inlandempiregia.org
BOARD MEMBER
Hemet Unified School District
cmacaraeg@hemetusd.org
BOARD MEMBER
Mt. San Jacinto College
mdillard@msjc.edu
BOARD MEMBER
Murrieta Valley
Unified School District
druiz@murrieta.k12.ca.us
BOARD MEMBER
Riverside County
Office of Education
ccifuentes@rcoe.us
BOARD MEMBER
San Jacinto
Unified School District
vgomez@sanjacinto.k12.ca.us
BOARD MEMBER
Temecula Valley
Unified School District
tmey@tvusd.us
BOARD MEMBER
University of California, Riverside
veronica.zendejas@ucr.edu
BOARD MEMBER
Perris Union High School District
shannyn.cahoon@puhsd.org