Meet the Staff
 Norma Palacios, Academic Advisor |
Norma earned her
Bachelor of Arts degree in
Psychology from California State
University, Fullerton and her Master
of Science degree in Criminal
Justice from California State
University, Long Beach. Her
background includes case management,
counseling and academic advising,
working predominately with at risk,
underprivileged youth, both in the
academic and non-profit sectors.
Her purpose is to help students see
their self-worth, and understand
through education lies opportunity
and choice. She feels privileged
everyday at the thought of being a true
hand up in ensuring CSUDH students
reach their academic destination and
discover their purpose. |
 Salvador Valdez, Academic Advisor |
A local boy from
South Gate (Ram
Pride!), Sal earned
both his Bachelor of
Science in Health
Science: Community
Health and his
Master of Arts in
Education: School
Counseling from CSU,
Dominguez Hills.
Currently, he is
finishing his
Credentials in Pupil
Personnel Services
at CSU, Dominguez
Hills. His
goals are to empower
students in reaching
their highest
potential, both
personally and
academically as well
as ensure that every
single student gets
the most accurate
and appropriate
academic advising.
Sal loves the field
of Counseling and
Advising, especially
working with the
diverse culture of
hard-working
students that
compose CSUDH.
He enjoys
collaborating with
faculty and staff to
ensure students get
the most out of
their college
experience.
When not busying it
away at work, Sal
likes to play soccer
and hunt for vinyl
records to add to
his never ending
collection. |
 Loren Edwards, Academic Advisor |
Hi Toros, I’m Loren-a girl who loves sports, her alma mater, and being a Toro day in and day out! Originally born in San Diego, I moved to the Southbay in the Fall of 2001 to attend Long Beach State University where the “Six Year Plan” earned me an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology-Exercise Science and a minor in Human Development. Shortly after graduation I was awarded the opportunity to work as an academic advisor for the Department of Kinesiology at CSULB. It was through this work that I developed my deep love of advising and student services and concocted the perfect Van Wilder-esque plan to stay in college forever (get a job at one!) . In the Fall of 2010 I was blessed again with the opportunity of a lifetime to come North 13.7 miles (thanks Google Maps!) and begin work here in the University Advisement Center at CSUDH. Though challenging and often a handful, I wake up daily forever in love with my job and honored to have been given the chance to be a part of one of the most incredible accomplishments of your life! Forever a family; always in Dominguez spirit and pride - GO TOROS! |
 Ben Olague, Academic Advisor |
Ben is a graduate and current student at Cal State Long Beach. In 2006, Ben completed his undergraduate double Bachelor’s degree in Comparative World Literature, and Chicano/Latino Studies. He is currently completing his Single-Subject Teaching Credential, and plans to complete a Master’s of Science degree in Education soon after. Upon completion of his Bachelor’s degree Ben began his professional career in Higher Education by taking positions in New Student Orientation, as well as small learning communities focused on student retention and advising. As the first college graduate in his family, Ben has accepted and come to love the field of education focusing his every professional action on assisting all students complete their own academic goals. Ben holds the field very close to heart and strives to make every student’s success his personal responsibility. When not at work Ben enjoys spending his time with his family and dog, or playing softball. |
 Cathy Ngo, Academic Advisor |
Cathy earned her
Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology
from UC Santa Barbara, and her
Master of Arts degree in Education
and Credential in Pupil Personnel
Services from CSU Dominguez Hills.
Her background includes advising and
counseling students at the High
School and College levels, working
particularly with first-generation,
low-income, and underrepresented
student populations. Cathy embraces
cultural diversity, and strives to
help every student realize their
academic and personal potential. She
is thrilled to be a part of the UAC
staff, and enjoys playing an active
role in the education of students at
CSUDH. |
 Sheryl Valdoria, Academic Advisor |
Sheryl is a native of San Diego and earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University. During her senior year at SDSU, Sheryl became a peer advisor for the psychology department where she discovered her love for supporting students through academic advising. Following graduation, Sheryl went on to earn her master’s degree in School Counseling along with her pupil personnel services credential from the University of Southern California. In the past, Sheryl has worked in a counseling or advising capacity with students from every grade level from kindergarten through university. She is excited to be a part of the UAC team and for the opportunity to help the Toro population successfully navigate their educational journeys at CSUDH. |
 Sharrae Evans, Administrative Assistant |
Sharrae earned her
Bachelor of Science
in Business
Administration and
Public Policy with
an emphasis in Human
Resource Management,
and her Master of
Arts in Negotiation,
Conflict Resolution
and Peacebuilding
form CSU Dominguez
Hills. Her
background includes
mentoring students
at the college level
through the SPARK
Program, to becoming
the Assistant to the
Director in which
she managed peer
mentors each
semester associated
with the TORO
Mentoring Program.
Currently she works
as the
Administrative
Assistant for the
University
Advisement Center
coordinating the
daily operations and
support functions
for academic
advising, along with
managing daily
operations of the
front desk.
Sharrae enjoys
assisting the
students of CSUDH
further their
academic goals to
reach graduation.
She is appreciative
to be able to return
the same service to
students as she was
given during her
time as a CSUDH
student. |