
Maria E. Grandone, Ph.D.
Director, University Advisement Center
Contact Information
Email: mgrandone@csudh.edu
I'm passionate about supporting CSUDH students in their journey toward academic and professional excellence.
Latest News
Dr. Glenn Bach
Faculty Advisor and Retention Specialist
gbach@csudh.edu
Dr. Corina Benavides Lopez, Professor
Chicano/a Studies
corinabenlo@csudh.edu
Dr. Debra Best, Faculty Advisor
English Department
dbest@csudh.edu
Andrea Johnson, Assistant Professor
History
anjohnson@csudh.edu
Jaime Harnage
Student Support Advisor
jharnage2@csudh.edu
Dr. Annemarie Perez, Professor
Interdisciplinary Studies
aperez@csudh.edu
Doris M. Namala
Faculty Fellow/Advisor
University Advisement Center/ History department
dnamala@csudh.edu
Channel Shorter, MPA
Professional Advisor and Graduation Specialist
cshorter@csudh.edu
Penny White
Professional Advisor
Communications
Negotiation, Conflict Resolution & Peace Building
plabaun@csudh.edu
George Abraham
Advisor
gabraham@csudh.edu
Daryl Evans
Advisor
devans@csudh.edu
Ineki Fike
Lead Academic Advisor
ifike@csudh.edu
Jessica Peraza
Enrollment Advisor
jperaza@csudh.edu
Cathi Ryan
Advisor
cryan@csudh.edu
April Uhlig
Advisor
auhlig@csudh.edu
Jherilyn (JJ) Christomo
Advisor, Liberal Studies
crisostomo@csudh.edu
Darlene Nguyen
International Student Services Specialist
Extended Ed Academic Programs Community Relations
dpeceimer@csudh.edu
Lisa Langford
Lead Academic Advisor, Child Development
llangford@csudh.edu
Mark Kerr
Academic Advisor, Health Science
mkerr@csudh.edu
Cristina Prado
Academic Advisor, Human Services
cprado@csudh.edu
Mo Chatterji
Advisor
mchatterji@csudh.edu
Helen Chun, Assistant Professor
Biology
hchun@csudh.edu
Thomas Taylor, Professor
Biology
ttaylor@csudh.edu
Thomas Landefeld, Professor
Biology
tlandefeld@csudh.edu
Patrick Still, Professor
Chemistry and Biochemistry
pstill@csudh.edu
Dr. John Keyantash
Faculty Advisor, Earth Science
jkeyantsh@csudh.edu
Debbie Yoklavich
Academic Advisor, Nursing
dyoklavich@csudh.edu
Natalie Lockhart
Compliance Coordinator, Athletics
nlockhart@csudh.edu
Kisha Calbert
Academic Advisor, Athletics
kcalbert@csudh.edu
Sean James
Associate Director, EOP
sejames@csudh.edu
Hubert De Leon Tzic
Academic Advisor, EOP
hdeleontzic@csudh.edu
Godwin Thurton
Academic Advisor, EOP
gthurton1@csudh.edu
Simone Curry
Academic Advisor, EOP
sicurry@csudh.edu
Daniela Choto
Academic Advisor, EOP
dchoto1@csudh.edu
Adriana Williams
Lead Academic Advisor, EOP
acwilliams@csudh.edu
Angelica Jimenez
Academic Advisor, EOP
ajimenez102@csudh.edu
Jorge Padilla
Academic Advisor, EOP
jpadilla@csudh.edu
Joshua Williams
Toro Guardian Scholars Coordinator, EOP
jowilliams@csudh.edu
JuLinda Holmes
Retention Specialist, EOP
jholmes@csudh.edu
Mayra Soriano
Director, Encounter to Excellence
masoriano@csudh.edu
Jeffrey Cabanez
Academic Advisor, ETE
jcabanez@csudh.edu
Brenna Carl
Academic Advisor, ETE
bcarll@csudh.edu
Gloria Gandana
Academic Advisor, ETE
ggandara1@csudh.edu
Tania Garcia
Academic Advisor, ETE
tgarcia@csudh.edu
Rogelio Gonzalez
Academic Advisor, ETE
rgonzalez@csudh.edu
Tiffany Lara
Academic Advisor, ETE
tlara@csudh.edu
Lizbeth Maldonado
Academic Advisor, ETE
lmaldonado@csudh.edu
Teresa Payne
Academic Advisor, ETE
tpayne@csudh.edu
Sheyla Peinder
Academic Advisor, ETE
speinder1@csudh.edu
Cristina Rodriguez
Academic Advisor, ETE
cdediosrodriguez@csudh.edu
Elizabeth Hanna
Director, TRIO Student Support Services
Foundation Student Affairs
ehanna@csudh.edu
Tyffanye Hoang
Program Specialist, TRIO
thoang@csudh.edu
Rodrigo Rodrigo
Program Advisor, TRIO
rrodrigo1@csudh.edu
Catherine Jermany
Coordinator, Rose Black Resource Center
cjermany1@csudh.edu
Ana Barragan
TDSC Coordinator, Multicultural Affairs
abarragan@csudh.edu
Arlin Gonzalez
Advisor, TDSC
agonzalez322@csudh.edu
Karama Blackhorn
Queer Culture and Resource Center Program Coordinator
Multicultural Affairs
kblackhorn@csudh.edu
Jerrie Jones
Assistant Director Toro GuardianToro Guardian Scholars
jjones271@csudh.edu
If you are a first-time and continuing student, you may schedule an appointment with a General Education Advisor through Toro Success Collaborative (TSC) via my.csudh.edu.
Tutorial on How to use the TSC: How to Schedule a Self-Service Appointment
Director, University Advisement Center
Email: mgrandone@csudh.edu
I'm passionate about supporting CSUDH students in their journey toward academic and professional excellence.
With over 20 years of higher education administration, her professional experience in postsecondary education encompasses a wide range of expertise in academic advising; equity, diversity and inclusion programs; community outreach; assessment of student learning outcomes; student leadership and intercultural development; student life; international student programs; academic support services; student government; first year programs; service learning and community service; judicial affairs, study abroad; strategic planning on diversity; and curriculum development. She has been dedicated to fostering the next generation of college graduates, especially students who come from low-income, first generation, and historically underserved/underrepresented backgrounds.
Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction and Master of Science in Adult and Continuing Education from Kansas State University.
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Administrator Support Coordinator
Email: taubry1@csudh.edu
My advising philosophy has always centered on student needs and development professionally, personally, and academically.
Tanae currently serves as the Administrative Support Coordinator for the UAC. She was incredibly involved on campus during her undergraduate years, working as a student assistant in the University’s Office of the President, serving as a Campus Liaison for the Millennium Momentum Foundation, and as a Lead Peer Academic Coach for the Dominguez Hills First-Year Experience Program. In her current role, she ensures that the Advising Staff is well supported so that they may fully support every student who comes through the doors.
Tanae earned her BA in Psychology in May 2017 from CSUDH.
Academic Advisor DH Transfer Learning Community
Email: schito@csudh.edu
My advising philosophy leans heavily on taking a holistic approach to the overall development of students so that they are achieving their full potential, not just in their academics, but as individuals in society.
Stephanie Chito is an East Coast native who calls Philadelphia, Pennsylvania home. After college, she relocated to Chicago, where she started her professional career as a leasing manager. Stephanie quickly realized she had little interest in climbing the corporate ladder and changed career paths. She began working for the non-profit Chicago Cares Inc., as the Children’s Education program coordinator. Stephanie relocated to Washington D.C. and served as a House Life Coordinator for The George Washington University, while pursuing her Master’s in Higher Education Administration, Student Affairs and International Education.
She’s worked for the Institute of International Education’s Department of Fulbright Exchange Scholar and Professional programs. She was the Assistant Director for the Georgetown Institute for the Study of Markets and Ethics at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, prior to working at CSUDH, where she now serves as an academic advisor for the University Advisement Center, and program manager for its First-Year Experience program for transfer students, the Dominguez Hills Transfer Learning Community (#DHTLC). As an academic advisor, it is her primary mission is to help students navigate successfully through their academic careers while exploring their educational and career options. It is her belief that this is best accomplished by working in partnership with students through a collaborative process that identifies the most comprehensive path towards academic success. Additionally, she is student-centered and believes in utilizing and integrating best practices found throughout higher education and student development fields.
Stephanie attended The Pennsylvania State University for her undergraduate studies, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies.
Academic Advisor - Returning Toros
Email: acunningham7@csudh.edu
My philosophy and style of advising is an appreciative approach that leaves students with a level of autonomy and accountability that will permeate multiple aspects of their lives.
Like so many Toros, Autumn is a proud transfer student, having completed her B.A. in Sociology at CSUDH. It was her experience at CSUDH that inspired her to embark on the work that she loves so much: empowering students to aspire to greatness. She completed an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling at Loyola Marymount University. However, after several years of working in the Los Angeles Community College District, she returned to CSUDH to give back and instill in future generations what was instilled in her. She remains devoted to student advocacy and success. Autumn is excited to be a resource for CSUDH students in their journey toward academic and professional excellence. Go Toros!
Autumn completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at CSUDH and an Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling at Loyola Marymount University.
Retention Specialist, CNBS
Email: vfowler@csudh.edu
I am passionate about facilitating a safe place where young adults can grow within themselves to be the best that they can be.
My background includes advising for the last 7 years. I feel fortunate to dedicate my time to my students so that I am paying it forward. I was enthusiastic about joining the CSUDH community because I come from this very community I am serving.
I earned Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at California State University, San Bernardino, and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Ashford University.
Senior Academic Advisor Coordinator & College Specialist CHHSN
Contact Information
Email: sflores@csudh.edu
I'm passionate about working with a diverse population of college students and strives to help students reach their maximum potential.
Stephanie's background includes orientation, advising, mentoring incoming college freshmen, and outreach. She feels fortunate to dedicate her time to empowering students, giving back to her community, and assisting students in their progress toward graduation. Stephanie is enthusiastic about joining the CSUDH community and looks forward to making a positive impact on campus.
Bachelors of Arts degree in Human Development from Long Beach State University, and a Master of Science in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton.
Academic Advisor
Email: sgreen@csudh.edu
I feel fortunate to be a part of the CSUDH community and to be able to serve our students on their journey to reaching their academic goals.
Silvia has worked with diverse student populations including underrepresented students, transfer and non-traditional students, student-athletes and international students in various student affairs and advising roles for over 10 years. She is passionate about working with college students, politics and community organizing, and photography.
Silvia earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in American Studies and Ethnicity, and a Master of Education in Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs, both from the University of Southern California. Before transferring to USC, Silvia earned an Associate of Science in Fashion Merchandising from Los Angeles Trade-Tech College.
CBAPP Retention Specialist
Email: magutierrez@csudh.edu
I see myself as a strong advocate for students and a firm believer that all students can pursue higher education.
Mrs. Marisol Gutierrez began her journey in education seven years ago as a school counselor in a K-12 setting. She was a high school counselor for the last five years in a charter school in East Los Angeles. As the first in my family to go to college in the United States, she did not have anyone to guide her through the process. This fueled her passion for education and in promoting higher education to students in similar situations. In her free time, she enjoys going to Disneyland and taking care of her two dogs.
Mrs. Marisol Gutierrez earned her BA in Psychology from California State University, Fullerton and an MA in Counseling with a PPS credential from Loyola Marymount University.
Academic Advising Assistant
Email: khill60@csudh.edu
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be?
- Marianne Williamson
Karen (she/her/hers) grew up in Inglewood and is a first-generation college student. After graduating from high school she spent 2 ½ years at USC majoring in Architecture and then Business before being academically disqualified. Although heart broken, ashamed, and lost Karen went on to enroll in several community colleges (LACC, WLAC, ELAC, LATTC, SMC, and ECC) in search of a major that she could be passionate about. During this time she also worked several civil service jobs, explored many majors, became a licensed tax preparer, and eventually took a break from school. When the K-12 school district Karen worked for started laying employees off, she decided to return to El Camino to earn a medical field related degree. After a couple of years in the medical field Karen realized that it was not for her and she came to CSUDH where she discovered her love of working with first-generation, transfer, marginalized, and other non-traditional student populations. During her senior year at CSUDH Karen worked in the UAC as a Transfer Peer Coach for DHTLC, interned in the ETE office, and was a NASPA Undergraduate Fellow. A few months after graduation Karen was honored to accept a full-time position in the UAC as the Academic Advising Assistant. She is currently attending CSULB part-time to earn her Masters in Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education (SDHE).
MS, Counseling (SDHE) – In Progress, California State University, Long Beach
BA, Psychology, California State University, Dominguez Hills
AS, Respiratory Care, El Camino College
AA, General Studies, El Camino College
Online Advisor
Email: grjohnson@csudh.edu
My philosophy includes a focus on student advising practices that support the whole person, incorporating the various dimensions of wellness so students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally with the ultimate goal of becoming a Toro graduate!
Grace is a native Angelino born in East Los Angeles. She is a first-generation college student and a CSU graduate. She has worked in higher education in various capacities, including leading campus foster youth scholarship programs and has also served as a Student Affairs administrator focused on campus health and well-being initiatives and its impact on student success. Grace has been an adjunct lecturer for the Department of Child and Adolescent Studies and the Department of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton.
Grace completed her bachelor’s degree in in Business Administration from Cal State University, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in Counseling from Cal State University, Fullerton. Grace holds a doctorate degree in Education, from the University of Southern California. Her research interest includes the first-year experiences of foster youth in higher education and the relationship between emotional personal connections and student academic success.
Academic Advisor for CA Promise Finish in Four Program
Email: aklintsone@csudh.edu
As an International Student who was educated within the UC and CSU system, I'm passionate about supporting all students and believes in the evolution of the education system.
Anete serves as the Academic Advisor within the University Advisement Center, where her extensive educational background in various areas has provided the opportunity for her to hold multiple positions, including College Specialist for Kinesiology, Sociology, and Psychology, International Student Academic Advisor, and Program Coordinator for Dominguez Hills First-Year Experience. As an Academic Advisor, she serves to educate and empower students to develop educational plans that are consistent with their academic, professional, and personal goals. She is committed to student success and to ensuring the development of expertise, accountability, critical thinking, and life-long learning skills, all while embracing CSUDH’s unique campus diversity.
Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from University Of California Irvine
Master of Arts in Physical Education Administration from California State University Dominguez Hills
Academic Advisor
Email: plasmarias@csudh.edu
My advising philosophy is that higher education opens doors to a sea of opportunity, and it is his duty to instill confidence in students so that they may be better equipped with the necessary skills to fulfill their academic and career goals.
Matt was born and raised in Echo Park, a small neighborhood in the heart of Los Angeles, and a melting pot of cultural diversity. He has six years of experience in the field of higher education. A majority of his advising experience has been supporting undergraduate military and veteran student populations.
Matt earned his B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies (Business Administration) with a minor in Economics from UC Riverside. He is currently pursuing his MBA with a concentration in Finance at Trident University.
Academic Advisor - Undeclared Students
Email: slopez305@csudh.edu
I am enthusiastic about joining the CSUDH community because of the students we serve.
I was born and raised in East Los Angeles. I enjoy attending old film screenings at the New Beverly and Egyptian Theatre.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and Latin American & Latino studies from UC Santa Cruz
Master of Science in Higher Education from CSU Fullerton
Academic Advisor and College Specialist for CAH and COE
Email: jmanqueros1@csudh.edu
As a proud CSUDH Alumni, I am excited to be back where my student success started and paying it forward to the future leaders of new generations to come! GO TOROS!!
Born and raised in Southern California. I have seven years experience in the field of Higher Education working in student services, academic advising, success coaching and mentoring diverse student populations. A majority of my advising experience has been supporting first year, transfer, returning, military and veteran students transition into the college setting by providing orientations, student success workshops, and resources to cultivate a network community that best fits the students' needs and success.
I feel fortunate to dedicate my time to empowering students to discover their inner-selves and come to terms with their own expectations in search for opportunities to reinvent themselves. College is a great platform for students to develop professional skills and attributes and I encourage students to be the best they can.
As a long time fan of Star Wars, Yoda said it best, " Always pass on what you have learned." My passion stems from my holistic approach to student development. I am fully committed and determined to advocate for students in their academic endeavors as I believe every student, if given proper guidance, can find their path to their own personal success.
I am enthusiastic about joining the CSUDH community and making a positive impact on students as well as the campus.
B.A. Degree in Psychology from California State University, Dominguez Hills
M.A. Degree in Education: Counseling from California State University, Dominguez Hills
Graduation Specialist
Email: amelena@csudh.edu
My philosophy about advising is rooted on strengths-based advising which focuses on students’ possibilities, rather than their challenges.
Growing up in the South Bay, Alma loves giving back to the community that she was raised in. CSUDH has been a home for her and three of her siblings, two of whom have obtained Master’s Degrees. The third one will be graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree and has been admitted to a graduate degree program. Having been a first generation Latina student, she understands the challenges and struggles associated with belonging to an underserved population. It is her goal to provide all students with the resources needed to be successful.
Alma earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Business Administration and her Master’s Degree in Education and Sociology from CSUDH.
Retention Specialist, COE & CAH
Email: mnarez@csudh.edu
I'm excited to be a resource for CSUDH students in their journey toward academic and professional excellence. Go Toros!
I have been an employee at CSUDH for 15 years. I am a first-generation Latina student that grew up in the surrounding areas. I am passionate about the students, staff and faculty here at CSUDH. I am so happy that I was able to join the UAC so that I can provide the guidance that was once provided to me as a freshman here at CSUDH.
I received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Marketing from CSUDH.
Academic Advisor for CA Promise Thru in Two Program and College Specialist CBAPP
Email: tsadowski1@csudh.edu
I'm passionate about supporting all students, not only in their academic goals, but in becoming integral members of their community and the world at large.
Tanja grew up on an American Army base in Germany, where she developed an interest in different cultures and the experiences of those around her -- not to mention a deep passion for soccer. Working in Public Relations and Marketing, she soon realized corporate America was not for her, so she went back to school and earned her Master of Arts in School Counseling from the Phillips Graduate Institute. She accepted a job at Village Glen High School as the College & Career Counselor, where she was tasked with developing and implementing the College & Career Counseling Department. She then moved on to Notre Dame Academy as an Academic Advisor, where she worked primarily with freshman and sophomore students, but also oversaw a number of programs, including services for students with disabilities, online learning, international students, and a freshman academic support program. She is very excited about joining CSUDH – Go Toros!
After high school, Tanja went on to earn her B.A. in Public Relations from Purdue University, then returned to Europe for a few years before moving to Los Angeles.
Transfer Specialist - Transfer to Success
Email: basmith@csudh.edu
As Transfer Specialist my focus is helping you clarify your purpose. College is all about you! What are you interested in? What keeps you motivated? Finding your path is your most important task at CSUDH and I'm here to help with the journey.
Bailey was most recently the director of Student Equity at Compton College. Her previous positions included directing the Learning Assistance Center at Mt. San Antonio College, director/academic advisor at the University of La Verne Learning Enhancement Center and managing education programs in job training non-profits in Long Beach, Compton, and downtown Los Angeles. She serves on the Board of Directors of Local Hope, a non-profit organization that promotes sustainable community development in Guatemala. When not doing homework, Bailey dances salsa and runs in half marathons (slowly).
Bailey is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling/Bilingual Emphasis at Cal State Fullerton, and has earned a certificate in Spanish/English Legal Translation and Interpretation from CSUF. Her first Master’s is in Multicultural Education from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and she has a Bachelor’s in Sociology from UC Santa Cruz.
Academic Advisor Retention and Innovation Specialist and CNBS College Specialist
Email: svaldez@csudh.edu
I’m passionate about being a student advocate above all and assist students in acquiring knowledge to reach their educational goals and beyond.
Grew up in Southeast LA (South Gate) and was a 1st generation college student at CSUDH. Sal has been advising students for over 10 years and is passionate about working with students from all different backgrounds which make up the great student population at Dominguez Hills. In his free time, he enjoys going to LAFC and Dodgers games and increase his growing collection of vinyl records and sports jerseys.
Bachelors of Science degree in Health Science, Masters of Arts in Education: School Counseling & PPS credential from CSUDH.
Academic Advisor & Peer Academic Coach Coordinator
Email: avaquera2@csudh.edu
I'm committed to student success and in taking a holistic approach in empowering students and supporting life-long learners that will obtain their degrees, apply them, give back to the community, and create future leaders.
As an Academic Advisor & Peer Coach Coordinator for the University Advisement Center, Aimee adheres to all of CSUDH’s diverse students’ needs. With an educational and professional background in criminal justice administration, higher education, and the transfer process, Aimee is able to support students at a unique level. Within her role, she specializes in the Toro Undocumented Student population and keeps staff and faculty up-to-date with information that affects the undocumented student population and mixed-status families, along with serving the transfer and first-year program student cohorts within the University Advisement Center and across campus departments.
Aimee has earned a Bachelor of Science is Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science in Counseling. She is currently working on a Doctorate in Educational Leadership.
Retention Specialist
Email: jviray2@csudh.edu
My advising philosophy is to combine leadership with students as they navigate their way through academic and personal barriers.
Janelle has been working in the field of higher education for six years. She spent three years as a Peer Advisor for prospective transfer students at El Camino College. Born and raised in Carson, California, it has been an incredible opportunity for her to be able to support students from her community. As the Retention Specialist for the College of Health, Human Services, and Nursing at CSUDH, she is grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting students from Carson and the surrounding area. It is her dream that one day, all students will have equal opportunity to pursue a higher education and meaningful personal and professional careers. She is a strong advocate for equality in education and committed to doing everything she can to increase student achievement, graduation, and access to higher education.
Janelle graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and minor in Education.
1000 E. Victoria Street
Carson, CA 90747
310-243-3696
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