Michelle Sandoval
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Los Angeles
Major: Psychology
Hello everyone!
My name is Michelle Sandoval, and I am a first-generation college graduate. I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. Some of my hobbies include interior design, singing, cooking, and spending time with my pets. Ultimately, I want to be a school counselor because I have a profound interest in being a resourceful outlet for students regarding their academic, career, and socio-emotional development. I want to aid students in forming healthy goals, mindsets, and behaviors. My continuous goal is working with students with diverse cultural backgrounds while prioritizing equity and inclusion.
Major: Psychology
Hello everyone!
My name is Michelle Sandoval, and I am a first-generation college graduate. I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area. Some of my hobbies include interior design, singing, cooking, and spending time with my pets. Ultimately, I want to be a school counselor because I have a profound interest in being a resourceful outlet for students regarding their academic, career, and socio-emotional development. I want to aid students in forming healthy goals, mindsets, and behaviors. My continuous goal is working with students with diverse cultural backgrounds while prioritizing equity and inclusion.
Anna Pérez-Gómez
Undergraduate Education: UC Santa Cruz
Major: Sociology
Minor: Education
Hello, my name is Anna Pérez-Gómez! I was born and raised in South Los Angeles. During my undergraduate studies, I attended UC Santa Cruz, and majored in Sociology with a minor in Education– go Banana Slugs! I consider myself a mix of a homebody and adventurous. I love exploring nature, hiking during the peaks of sunrise/sunset, reading at the beach, baking pastries, watching documentaries/movies, and a gardener–plant collector.
Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American from low-income status, I understand how difficult it is not to have adequate resources and guidance. In a way, I had to learn and be my own guide when navigating higher academia. Every opportunity to work with students of diverse, underprivileged backgrounds is my passion. After spending years serving the youth in predominantly low-income, impoverished communities, I realized my true calling in life was to become a School Counselor. Seeing others flourish brings me joy. I intend to be a resource and an advocate for youths of all intersecting identities. I hope to become the School Counselor that I wish I'd had and be a positive influence on the communities I serve.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Major: Sociology
Minor: Education
Hello, my name is Anna Pérez-Gómez! I was born and raised in South Los Angeles. During my undergraduate studies, I attended UC Santa Cruz, and majored in Sociology with a minor in Education– go Banana Slugs! I consider myself a mix of a homebody and adventurous. I love exploring nature, hiking during the peaks of sunrise/sunset, reading at the beach, baking pastries, watching documentaries/movies, and a gardener–plant collector.
Growing up as a first-generation Mexican-American from low-income status, I understand how difficult it is not to have adequate resources and guidance. In a way, I had to learn and be my own guide when navigating higher academia. Every opportunity to work with students of diverse, underprivileged backgrounds is my passion. After spending years serving the youth in predominantly low-income, impoverished communities, I realized my true calling in life was to become a School Counselor. Seeing others flourish brings me joy. I intend to be a resource and an advocate for youths of all intersecting identities. I hope to become the School Counselor that I wish I'd had and be a positive influence on the communities I serve.
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou
Amy Oshima
Undergraduate Education: CSU Fullerton
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Hello! My name is Amy Oshima and I’m so excited to be a part of the 2024 cohort! I was born, raised, and currently live in Orange. When I find myself with free time I love to spend it with my niece Arlo and nephew Santino. I also really enjoy reading, watching movies/tv shows, and squeezing in naps whenever possible! I graduated from California State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development. While my focus was on elementary school teaching, an internship at the Center for Healthy Neighborhoods really impacted me and made me realize my passion might lie outside of the classroom. The one on one interactions I experienced with my students opened up a path to school counseling. I want to be a counselor because to me it means I can be a constant and provide support in student's lives who may not normally have that.
I am thrilled to be learning how to be a school counselor alongside you all. In the future, I hope to work with and uplift underserved communities, promote advocacy, be mindful of various cultures and identities, be an effective ally, and hold a safe space for my students. Best wishes as we move forward!
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Hello! My name is Amy Oshima and I’m so excited to be a part of the 2024 cohort! I was born, raised, and currently live in Orange. When I find myself with free time I love to spend it with my niece Arlo and nephew Santino. I also really enjoy reading, watching movies/tv shows, and squeezing in naps whenever possible! I graduated from California State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Child and Adolescent Development. While my focus was on elementary school teaching, an internship at the Center for Healthy Neighborhoods really impacted me and made me realize my passion might lie outside of the classroom. The one on one interactions I experienced with my students opened up a path to school counseling. I want to be a counselor because to me it means I can be a constant and provide support in student's lives who may not normally have that.
I am thrilled to be learning how to be a school counselor alongside you all. In the future, I hope to work with and uplift underserved communities, promote advocacy, be mindful of various cultures and identities, be an effective ally, and hold a safe space for my students. Best wishes as we move forward!
Jose Gomez
Undergraduate Education: San Jose State University
Major: Sociology
Minor: Mexican-American Studies
Hello All!
My name is Jose Gomez and I am born and raised in Los Angeles. My undergraduate degree in Sociology was conferred at San Jose State University. As a first-generation student, earning a bachelors degree was a milestone for my family and my community. I am pursuing my masters in school counseling because I want continue breaking barriers, while also having the privilege to serve others. I believe education has the power to change the trajectory students' lives. I am motivated by the rigorous process of re-framing the idea of education to better serve vulnerable communities. My goal is to equip our students with the tools necessary to fight against the systemic inequities they face in their everyday lives.
Major: Sociology
Minor: Mexican-American Studies
Hello All!
My name is Jose Gomez and I am born and raised in Los Angeles. My undergraduate degree in Sociology was conferred at San Jose State University. As a first-generation student, earning a bachelors degree was a milestone for my family and my community. I am pursuing my masters in school counseling because I want continue breaking barriers, while also having the privilege to serve others. I believe education has the power to change the trajectory students' lives. I am motivated by the rigorous process of re-framing the idea of education to better serve vulnerable communities. My goal is to equip our students with the tools necessary to fight against the systemic inequities they face in their everyday lives.
Jaime Garcia
Undergraduate Education: UCLA
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education Studies
I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Education Studies from UCLA in 2021. I came to the United States when I was only 4 years old. During my elementary years, I transferred through 8 different elementary schools before finally calling West Covina home. At UCLA, I was a Bruin Advisor with the Early Academic Outreach Program where I helped support college access at Huntington Park High School. It was here where I realized that I had a passion for helping students. I understand the struggles of undocumented students and know how resilient, persevering, and caring these students are. I hope to be able to be a mentor to all students and help them achieve their goals.
Major: Psychology
Minor: Education Studies
I graduated with my B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Education Studies from UCLA in 2021. I came to the United States when I was only 4 years old. During my elementary years, I transferred through 8 different elementary schools before finally calling West Covina home. At UCLA, I was a Bruin Advisor with the Early Academic Outreach Program where I helped support college access at Huntington Park High School. It was here where I realized that I had a passion for helping students. I understand the struggles of undocumented students and know how resilient, persevering, and caring these students are. I hope to be able to be a mentor to all students and help them achieve their goals.
Dani Moore
Undergraduate Education: UCLA
Majors: Anthropology & Spanish
Graduate Education: UC Irvine
M.A. in Teaching & Teaching Credential
Hello! I am Dani Moore from San Clemente, California. I am fascinated by the human experience and how unique it is to the individual, all around the world. From a young age, I have been privileged with the opportunity and access to travel internationally. While studying Anthropology and Spanish at UCLA, I studied abroad at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain for my junior year. After graduation, I attended UCI to gain my Masters of Arts in Teaching and to become a credentialed Spanish teacher.
My favorite aspect of teaching was not instructing students the curricula, but rather the times in between lessons when interacting with my students on a more direct and personal level. I look forward to spending my whole days focusing on the wellness and growth of my students as individuals as a school counselor. I am excited to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all of my students to come as they authentically are, and to advocate for my students in their success in school and in their futures beyond.
Majors: Anthropology & Spanish
Graduate Education: UC Irvine
M.A. in Teaching & Teaching Credential
Hello! I am Dani Moore from San Clemente, California. I am fascinated by the human experience and how unique it is to the individual, all around the world. From a young age, I have been privileged with the opportunity and access to travel internationally. While studying Anthropology and Spanish at UCLA, I studied abroad at Universidad Complutense de Madrid in Spain for my junior year. After graduation, I attended UCI to gain my Masters of Arts in Teaching and to become a credentialed Spanish teacher.
My favorite aspect of teaching was not instructing students the curricula, but rather the times in between lessons when interacting with my students on a more direct and personal level. I look forward to spending my whole days focusing on the wellness and growth of my students as individuals as a school counselor. I am excited to provide a safe, welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing environment for all of my students to come as they authentically are, and to advocate for my students in their success in school and in their futures beyond.
Alejandra V. Gonzalez
Undergraduate Education: UCLA
Major: Chicana/o Studies
Minor: Education Studies
Graduate Education: Harvard University
Prevention Science and Practice
Hi all, my name is Alejandra (she/her/hers). I am a first-generation college student. I was born + raised in the city of Santa Ana, CA. My undergraduate education began at UCLA where I majored in Chicana/o Studies and minored in Education Studies. A few years after undergrad, I started my first graduate program at Harvard University where I eventually graduated with a Master’s Degree in Prevention Science + Practice. I am now on my next journey to earn my PPS credential from CSULB and finally get to counsel in a K-12 setting. My educational & life journeys have pushed me to develop a deep love to create equitable systems + structures within schools that facilitate spaces of empowerment and transformation for students.
During my free time, I enjoy eating, listening to music, and attending concerts and music festivals. I am a HUGE Tame Impala fan! I also occasionally dabble in photography and enjoy exploring new cities and spaces. I am a BIG foodie and am currently on a quest to find the best al pastor taco, as well as the best pork soup dumplings.
Major: Chicana/o Studies
Minor: Education Studies
Graduate Education: Harvard University
Prevention Science and Practice
Hi all, my name is Alejandra (she/her/hers). I am a first-generation college student. I was born + raised in the city of Santa Ana, CA. My undergraduate education began at UCLA where I majored in Chicana/o Studies and minored in Education Studies. A few years after undergrad, I started my first graduate program at Harvard University where I eventually graduated with a Master’s Degree in Prevention Science + Practice. I am now on my next journey to earn my PPS credential from CSULB and finally get to counsel in a K-12 setting. My educational & life journeys have pushed me to develop a deep love to create equitable systems + structures within schools that facilitate spaces of empowerment and transformation for students.
During my free time, I enjoy eating, listening to music, and attending concerts and music festivals. I am a HUGE Tame Impala fan! I also occasionally dabble in photography and enjoy exploring new cities and spaces. I am a BIG foodie and am currently on a quest to find the best al pastor taco, as well as the best pork soup dumplings.
Aaron Stiles
Undergraduate Education: CSU Long Beach
Major: Art Education
Hello Everyone! My name is Aaron Stiles. I was born and raised right here in Long Beach. I completed my undergrad and my credential program here at CSULB and it was such a positive experience that I knew I had to return for my masters in School Counseling! I am passionate about self-reflection, helping others, spending time with friends & family, watching movies, and being out in nature. I have always had a passion for working with students, and I value my current work as a teacher, but I am ready to support students’ development holistically, which translates better into the helping role of a school counselor. My background in art and education has reinforced my belief that I would be an excellent school counselor because I have dedicated myself to the growth and development of students.
Major: Art Education
Hello Everyone! My name is Aaron Stiles. I was born and raised right here in Long Beach. I completed my undergrad and my credential program here at CSULB and it was such a positive experience that I knew I had to return for my masters in School Counseling! I am passionate about self-reflection, helping others, spending time with friends & family, watching movies, and being out in nature. I have always had a passion for working with students, and I value my current work as a teacher, but I am ready to support students’ development holistically, which translates better into the helping role of a school counselor. My background in art and education has reinforced my belief that I would be an excellent school counselor because I have dedicated myself to the growth and development of students.
Bianca Torres
Undergraduate Education: Arizona State University
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduate Education: USC
Teaching
Hello! My name is Bianca Torres and I am a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue a Master’s Degree. I began my college journey at Pasadena City College then transferred to Arizona State University where I majored in Criminal Justice. My undergraduate studies took a bit longer than planned because while going to school I also served in the U.S. Army. It was during this time that my interest in education and teaching began. I completed a Master’s in Teaching at USC and worked as a teacher for 4 years. My experience in teaching allowed me to gain deeper insights into the specific areas where I can support my students, inspiring me to pursue a career in school counseling. As I envision my future as a school counselor, my primary goal is to create a nurturing environment that allows students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
In my free time I love traveling, spending time with my dog Charlie, and staying active outdoors. I love biking, rollerblading, yoga, and running. I completed my 6th full marathon in March 2022 with Student Run Los Angeles and I have plans for my 7th full marathon in Chicago in 2023!
Major: Criminal Justice
Graduate Education: USC
Teaching
Hello! My name is Bianca Torres and I am a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue a Master’s Degree. I began my college journey at Pasadena City College then transferred to Arizona State University where I majored in Criminal Justice. My undergraduate studies took a bit longer than planned because while going to school I also served in the U.S. Army. It was during this time that my interest in education and teaching began. I completed a Master’s in Teaching at USC and worked as a teacher for 4 years. My experience in teaching allowed me to gain deeper insights into the specific areas where I can support my students, inspiring me to pursue a career in school counseling. As I envision my future as a school counselor, my primary goal is to create a nurturing environment that allows students to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
In my free time I love traveling, spending time with my dog Charlie, and staying active outdoors. I love biking, rollerblading, yoga, and running. I completed my 6th full marathon in March 2022 with Student Run Los Angeles and I have plans for my 7th full marathon in Chicago in 2023!
Ana Jeronimo
Undergraduate Education: CSU Long Beach
Major: Sociology
Hi everyone! My name is Ana Jeronimo. I am from Michoacan, Mexico but I was raised in the city of Long Beach. I am a first generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree. I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CSULB in 2020.
I am very excited to start this masters program! I look forward to this new chapter in my academic journey as I know it will open more doors to opportunities. I look forward to helping students from all different backgrounds and ensuring students reach their full potential.
Major: Sociology
Hi everyone! My name is Ana Jeronimo. I am from Michoacan, Mexico but I was raised in the city of Long Beach. I am a first generation college student and the first in my family to pursue a graduate degree. I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CSULB in 2020.
I am very excited to start this masters program! I look forward to this new chapter in my academic journey as I know it will open more doors to opportunities. I look forward to helping students from all different backgrounds and ensuring students reach their full potential.
Jonathan Silberman
Undergraduate Education: UCLA
Major: Ethnomusicology
I’m a native of Los Angeles who attended LA’s public schools and earned a BA in Ethnomusicology from UCLA. Growing up, I was surrounded by people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and I developed a love for global arts and cultures from an early age. I’ve been closely involved in the Los Angeles DIY music community, and I built a small business career before life called upon me to become a School Counselor.
I’m passionate about facilitating equity and access for underserved communities, and hearing/amplifying underrepresented voices. My background of varied interests, and many years of volunteer work, has led me on my path to becoming a School Counselor. This includes being a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in LA County’s child welfare system and working with Art in the Park, an arts nonprofit in Northeast LA which provides multicultural arts education and programming to the local community. My close relationship with music and art has informed how I think about language and the broad potential that exists for unique individual expression and contribution. I want to empower students as a School Counselor, and I am thrilled and grateful to be here at CSULB!
Major: Ethnomusicology
I’m a native of Los Angeles who attended LA’s public schools and earned a BA in Ethnomusicology from UCLA. Growing up, I was surrounded by people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and I developed a love for global arts and cultures from an early age. I’ve been closely involved in the Los Angeles DIY music community, and I built a small business career before life called upon me to become a School Counselor.
I’m passionate about facilitating equity and access for underserved communities, and hearing/amplifying underrepresented voices. My background of varied interests, and many years of volunteer work, has led me on my path to becoming a School Counselor. This includes being a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) in LA County’s child welfare system and working with Art in the Park, an arts nonprofit in Northeast LA which provides multicultural arts education and programming to the local community. My close relationship with music and art has informed how I think about language and the broad potential that exists for unique individual expression and contribution. I want to empower students as a School Counselor, and I am thrilled and grateful to be here at CSULB!
Alondra Cortes
Undergraduate Education: CSU Chico
Major: Child Development
Minors: European Studies and Spanish
Hello! My name is Alondra Cortes-Suarez and I am a first-generation college graduate and will be the first in my family to have a Master's Degree. I completed my undergraduate career at CSU Chico with a BA in Child Development, a minor in European Studies, and a minor in Spanish. I am grateful I had the opportunity to study abroad for a year in Granada, Spain. I was not sure what my passion was until I came back from Spain and started working as a college advisor and a study abroad advisor. It was until I worked with students that I discovered that was my passion! I believe every student has the right to receive help and tools at their schools. As a school counselor I hope to provide those tools necessary for students to have a bright present and a successful future! In my free time I love traveling, biking, reading, hiking, spending time outdoors, and enjoying every second I get with my loved ones.
Major: Child Development
Minors: European Studies and Spanish
Hello! My name is Alondra Cortes-Suarez and I am a first-generation college graduate and will be the first in my family to have a Master's Degree. I completed my undergraduate career at CSU Chico with a BA in Child Development, a minor in European Studies, and a minor in Spanish. I am grateful I had the opportunity to study abroad for a year in Granada, Spain. I was not sure what my passion was until I came back from Spain and started working as a college advisor and a study abroad advisor. It was until I worked with students that I discovered that was my passion! I believe every student has the right to receive help and tools at their schools. As a school counselor I hope to provide those tools necessary for students to have a bright present and a successful future! In my free time I love traveling, biking, reading, hiking, spending time outdoors, and enjoying every second I get with my loved ones.
Sarahi Salcedo
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Fullerton
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Hello! My name is Sarahi Salcedo (she/her/hers), and I am a first-generation college graduate. I was raised in Lynwood, CA. I graduated with my B.S in Child and Adolescent Development from CSUF in 2018. Some of my favorite activities are spending time with my loved ones, traveling, reading, drinking iced coffees, and walking my dog, Luke Skywalker. I chose to pursue a career in school counseling because I want to support students in their academic, college/career, and social-emotional development. As a school counselor, I hope to not just advocate for students and families, but to advocate to eliminate inequities and barriers students face.
Major: Child and Adolescent Development
Hello! My name is Sarahi Salcedo (she/her/hers), and I am a first-generation college graduate. I was raised in Lynwood, CA. I graduated with my B.S in Child and Adolescent Development from CSUF in 2018. Some of my favorite activities are spending time with my loved ones, traveling, reading, drinking iced coffees, and walking my dog, Luke Skywalker. I chose to pursue a career in school counseling because I want to support students in their academic, college/career, and social-emotional development. As a school counselor, I hope to not just advocate for students and families, but to advocate to eliminate inequities and barriers students face.
Osvaldo Perez-Diaz
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach
Major: Family and Consumer Sciences
Minor: Human Development
Hi everyone! My name is Osvaldo Perez and I was born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles. I completed my undergraduate studies at CSULB and I am thrilled to be back completing my master’s degree in school counseling. I am a first-generation college student and it is my goal to continue working with students from educationally underserved communities who may need the extra support to pursue their dreams. I am passionate about supporting holistic student growth in the academic, social-emotional, and college and career realms while also working towards equitable practices in education that ensure all students develop the tools they need to overcome barriers and be successful post-graduation. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, staying active through weightlifting or sports, and traveling to new places. It is my hope to visit at least one new country per year!
Major: Family and Consumer Sciences
Minor: Human Development
Hi everyone! My name is Osvaldo Perez and I was born and raised in Southeast Los Angeles. I completed my undergraduate studies at CSULB and I am thrilled to be back completing my master’s degree in school counseling. I am a first-generation college student and it is my goal to continue working with students from educationally underserved communities who may need the extra support to pursue their dreams. I am passionate about supporting holistic student growth in the academic, social-emotional, and college and career realms while also working towards equitable practices in education that ensure all students develop the tools they need to overcome barriers and be successful post-graduation. In my free time, I enjoy going on hikes, staying active through weightlifting or sports, and traveling to new places. It is my hope to visit at least one new country per year!
Julio Montenegro
Undergraduate Education: CSU San Marcos
Major: Sociology
Hi everyone, my name is Julio Montenegro. I'm originally from a small town in Northern California called Watsonville. Growing up, it was hard for me as a student to connect with the K-12 system. Many years later in college, I realized that I continued to feel this way and that I wasn't alone; among many of my friends and classmates, who were also first-generation or children of immigrants, this was a common experience. Through my experience with my college EOP, I realized that I could have a positive impact on my community through academic counseling. "There's no such thing as neutral education. Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom." Paulo Freire
Major: Sociology
Hi everyone, my name is Julio Montenegro. I'm originally from a small town in Northern California called Watsonville. Growing up, it was hard for me as a student to connect with the K-12 system. Many years later in college, I realized that I continued to feel this way and that I wasn't alone; among many of my friends and classmates, who were also first-generation or children of immigrants, this was a common experience. Through my experience with my college EOP, I realized that I could have a positive impact on my community through academic counseling. "There's no such thing as neutral education. Education either functions as an instrument to bring about conformity or freedom." Paulo Freire
Daisy Gutierrez
Undergraduate Education: California State University, Long Beach
Major: Psychology
Hello! My name is Daisy Gutierrez, and I am a first generation college graduate born and raised in the city of Santa Ana. During my free time I love spending time with friends, weightlifting, cooking for friends and family, and watching movies. I have spent my post-undergraduate career supporting at-risk youth in underserved communities and look forward to being an advocate, leader, and agent of change working towards equity, inclusion, and success for my students as a future school counselor.
Major: Psychology
Hello! My name is Daisy Gutierrez, and I am a first generation college graduate born and raised in the city of Santa Ana. During my free time I love spending time with friends, weightlifting, cooking for friends and family, and watching movies. I have spent my post-undergraduate career supporting at-risk youth in underserved communities and look forward to being an advocate, leader, and agent of change working towards equity, inclusion, and success for my students as a future school counselor.
Anais Cortes
Undergraduate Education: UC Davis
Majors: Human Development & Cognitive Science
Hello! My name is Anais Cortes and I was born and raised in Fullerton, CA. I love running, reading, and animals! As the daughter of an immigrant and a high school teacher, my passion for education was instilled in me from an early age. During my undergraduate career I volunteered with Sprout Up, a club on campus that teaches students how to be environmental stewards. This experience sparked a love for working with young students from diverse backgrounds. My life experiences, field of study, and personal values led me to pursue a career where I can create safe and inclusive spaces that foster autonomy and success for all students---School Counseling! I look forward to advocating, supporting, and educating students to reach their full potential.
Majors: Human Development & Cognitive Science
Hello! My name is Anais Cortes and I was born and raised in Fullerton, CA. I love running, reading, and animals! As the daughter of an immigrant and a high school teacher, my passion for education was instilled in me from an early age. During my undergraduate career I volunteered with Sprout Up, a club on campus that teaches students how to be environmental stewards. This experience sparked a love for working with young students from diverse backgrounds. My life experiences, field of study, and personal values led me to pursue a career where I can create safe and inclusive spaces that foster autonomy and success for all students---School Counseling! I look forward to advocating, supporting, and educating students to reach their full potential.