Sutton, Steve - Executive Director
ssutton@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-6849

Greetings from UC Berkeley!  Like many, my path into this profession began with my own undergraduate experience.  As a student at a large, complex public institution, I struggled to find my way.  I eventually discovered my path through involvement as a student leader when I became a resident assistant.  After working as a resident assistant for three years, my life was changed forever in positive and profound ways!  This experience prompted me to pursue Student Affairs as a career.  Today, after twenty-five years in the profession, I am blessed to work with a group of talented, creative individuals, each with their own story, that are committed to helping all new students and families be successful during their transition to Cal, and assist each of them as they forge their own path towards success. 

I have been at UC Berkeley since January 2009, returning to the campus where I began my professional career as a Residential Life Coordinator in 1987. During that time away, I worked at universities in Florida and Texas in a variety of student affairs areas, such as student activities, student union management, and I worked as a dean of students, as well.  Before returning to Cal, I served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.  The University of Houston is where I completed my doctorate having studied the retention of students enrolled in web-enhanced classes.  I have also been active in the American College Personnel Association (ACPA), having been involved in the Commission for Administrative Leadership and two convention planning teams, as well as other leadership roles.

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Taylor, Anne - Office Manager
anne@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-4177

Hello and welcome to my corner of the OSD neighborhood! I've worked here since 1989 (has it really been that long?), starting out as an Administrative Assistant and evolving along with the department over the years into my current position as OSD's Office Manager. Working at the university, and OSD in particular, has given me the opportunity to meet and work with many talented and interesting people during my time here at Cal. I look forward to meeting and working with those of you who plan on joining us in the future. :)

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Blossom-Garcia, Jackie - Executive Assistant
blossom@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-8241

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Kwong, Katherina - Administrative Assistant
kkwong01@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-9624

I have worked in Office of Student Development for about 6.5 years.  I just recently returned in March 2011 from the RSSP Budget Office because RSSP and the campus were going through an Operational Excellence reorganization and I was requested to move to the RSSP Budget unit last year. Before I came to UC Berkeley, I worked in the private sector as a Bookkeeper, managing expenses and collecting past due revenue. I received my B.S. degree in Business Administration specializing in New Venture/Small Business from Cal State University, East Bay (Hayward). I also received a certificate in Accounting and Finance from UC Berkeley Extension. I enjoy working as a bookkeeper because this keeps my accounting skills fresh. I enjoy working on financial projects as well. I also speak Cantonese, which is a dialect of Chinese. Hope to talk to you sometime!

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Snider, Jessica - Administrative Assistant
jsnider@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-3280

I have been working at UC Berkeley since 2006.  Prior to coming here, I worked as an Academic Adviser at the University of Phoenix.  I have an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences from the University of Arizona.

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Hershkowitz, Robin - Training & Staff Development Specialist
rhershkowitz@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-8565

I began my Berkeley career in 2007. I started as a Resident Director for the Apartments, but now I currently work with hiring, training, and developing opportunities for student employees in the Office of Student Development. Prior to that, I worked in housing and residential life at Wesleyan University in Connecticut and at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

McRipley, Lisa - Manager, Community Development & Inclusion
lmcripley@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-7129

Hello!  I am Lisa McRipley, and I am the Manager for Community Development and Inclusion in OSD.  I am originally from the metropolitan Detroit, Michigan area and I love all things Detroit, especially the Detroit Pistons and the culture!  I attended Northwestern University and Oakland University where I received my Bachelor’s in Communications.  Later, I attended the University of Michigan and received my Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration.  Professionally, I worked at the University of Michigan as a Coordinator in the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs (MESA); served as Assistant Dean and Director of Student Diversity Programs at Mills College; and most recently was the Director of the Intercultural Center at St. Mary’s College of California.  As Manager of Community Development and Inclusion at Cal, I direct Critical Dialogues Across Differences (CDAD), and advise the Bears Breaking Bread (BBB) dinner dialogue series.  I love what I do because I’m able to work with students and staff on developing a community at Cal where all people feel they belong and are appreciated for their multiple social identities!

Padilla, Je Nell - Associate Director, Planning & Research
je_nell@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-2599

After working in a variety of student affairs and teaching positions at institutions in Colorado, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia and California, I was very excited when I had the opportunity in 1999 to join the UC Berkeley campus community. I have never worked at a more exciting campus where I have been fortunate to work directly with students who exemplify the reputation of Cal students as being smart, creative, accomplished, and challenging. It has been my good fortune to work in the area of planning and analysis for the Office of Student Development because of the opportunities to learn about this community and the broader field of higher education. My educational background includes Social Work, Guidance and Counseling, and Educational Psychology.

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Ocampo, Dan - Director, Residential Living
dro2@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-4510

I arrived on the UC Berkeley campus in the summer of 2000. Prior to my arrival at Cal, I worked at Cornell University, the State University of New York at Brockport, and Boston College. I hold an Ed.D. from the University of San Francisco in Organization and Leadership. My doctoral dissertation is entitled: "Black and Latino Theme Housing at Berkeley and Cornell: A Critical Hermeneutic Understanding of Ethnic Identity." I received my B.A. in Psychology from the University of San Francisco and a M.S.Ed. in College Student Personnel from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to music, and playing with my dog Tia.

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Carroll, James A. - Assistant Director, Unit 1, Apartments, Beverly Cleary
jcarroll@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-9169

I received my BA and MA degrees from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) and grew up in Pittsburgh, PA (Go Steelers!) After graduation, I worked at IUP primarily in residence life (with some time spent in academic advising and orientation programs) until my move to Berkeley in 2004. I truly enjoy working in a university community helping college students achieve their goals. In my role, I’m honored to serve as the RHA and NRHH advisor, oversee residential leadership programs, and supervise Resident Directors. I also serve as the advisor to Berkeley’s Dance Marathon raising money for pediatric AIDS. Feel free to stop by my office located in the lower level of Christian Hall. I'm looking forward to hearing your suggestions for how my staff and I can make your experience most enjoyable here at Cal. Go Bears!

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Gerdes, Cora - Assistant Director, Units 2 & 3
cgerdes1@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-5764

Hello my name is Cora Gerdes and I am an Assistant Director in Residential Living.  I am originally from Illinois where I received my undergraduate degree from Elmhurst College.  I was an accountant for several years before I decided to pursue my passion to work with college students.  Since receiving my Masters from University of Arizona, I have worked at Cornell University, San Jose State University and Stanford.  I truly enjoy working in the Office of Student Development at Berkeley where I deeply believe in our mission.  I look forward to meeting you.

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Tran-Taylor, Michael - Assistant Director, Units 4 & 5
mdt@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-4263

I am originally from the Midwest, having grown up in a small Indiana town. I attended North Central College just outside of Chicago and received my degree in Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Anthropology. I then attended Northeastern University in Boston where I earned a Master's degree in
Student Development and Counseling, and worked for a year in Student Activities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). After graduating I managed Residence Halls at the Pratt Institute in New York City and Reed College in Portland, Oregon before coming to California to work here at Cal in 2003. I enjoying reading, watching movies, and am a passionate fan of college sports, my favorite teams are the Cal Bears and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish!

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Sgt. Don Jewell - Residential Security Sergent
djewell@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-8561

Ciao, I am D. Jewell and I am delighted to be a member of the Office of Student Development in Residential and Student Service Programs team. I have been a Police Officer for 15 years with various municipal police agencies and have been here at the University of California for 5 years. I am a graduate of Southern Illinois University, where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Adult Education and a minor in Human Resources. I am also an adjunct instructor of Criminal Justice at a local college. I am a firm believer of self-assessments and prioritizing your life, taking the positives with passion and the negatives with grace. If ever you are in need of assistance, please feel free to stop by or if you just want to say hello.

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Cohen, Aaron - Psychologist
acohen@uhs.berkeley.edu | (510) 643-5017

I am a licensed psychologist working with Counseling and Psychological Services. I am happy to have my office at the Residential and Student Services Building. This is an exciting collaboration between CPS and OSD in order to meet the mental health needs of students living on-campus. I came to Cal in 1999 when I did my post-doctoral training at CPS. I have also worked at Social Services and most recently at the Disabled Students' Program. I was born and raised in Chicago and remain loyal to all my Chicago sports teams. Go Cubbies, Bulls and Bears (both Cal andChicago)!!!

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Ho, Stephanie - Psychologist
stburns@uhs.berkeley.edu | 510-643-2897

Hello, I am a licensed psychologist working with Counseling and Psychological Services. I share my time between CPS and RSSP.  I was born and raised in Southern California, but first came to Cal as an undergraduate in the 1990s. Go Bears!  In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling and playing tourist, watching movies, and being outdoors. I have also worked at the George Washington University Counseling Center and at Arizona State University Counseling and Consultation. My degrees are a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, an M.S. in Clinical Psychology, and a B.A. in Psychology.

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Thomas, Shannell - Resident Director, Unit 1 (Cheney, Christian)
shannell@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-0014

Hellooooooo!! My name is Shannell Thomas, and I am one of the Unit 1-derful Resident Directors. Since graduating from the University of South Florida with my Masters of Education, I have worked as a Resident Director at both The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) and the University of California, Berkeley. I have been at Cal for 10 years, and have learned much from my colleagues, the students and the local community. I continue to enjoy my work with the Berkeley community, so there is no definitive end in sight for me, with regards to my "Berkeley" career :-). My areas of interest include Social Justice, Intercultural Communication and Wellness.

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Hull, Zachary - Resident Director, Unit 1 (Deutsch, Slottman)
zwhull@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-1727

Greetings! I am delighted to be at Cal in the Office of Student Development and I look forward to a great semester. Originally from Nebraska, I have slowly moved further away in recent years. My travels took me first to Northwest Missouri State University where I completed a bachelor's degree in Recreation Management and Business, and then on to Michigan State University where I earned a master's degree in Student Affairs Administration. Before Cal, I worked at Willamette University in Salem, OR in Residential Life and Fraternity advisement. My office is located in the basement of Christian Hall; I hope that you will stop by.

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Castellanos, Diana - Resident Director, Unit 1 (Putnam, Freeborn)
diana.c@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-6282

Greetings!!!! My name is Diana Castellanos and I’m currently a Resident Director at Unit 1-Derful. I hail from the East Coast spending my time between Jersey and New York.  Before arriving to Bear Territory, I was at the University of Buffalo, where I received my Master of Education in Student Affairs Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences Interdisciplinary Studies.  While at UB I served as a graduate assistant in the Center for Student Leadership and Community Engagement; Greek Affairs; and the Intercultural Diversity Center.  I also served as an ACUHO-I Intern in the summer of 2008 as the Assistant Resident Director for the Summer Bridge Program. I’m super excited to be here, if you ever want to talk about snow storms or buffalo wings come visit me in Christian L-16.

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Delo, Kristin - Resident Director, Unit 2 (Ehrman, Wada)
kdelo@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-9406

Hello Cal! I am one of the Unit 2 Resident Directors, where I both live and work. I first came to Cal as an ACUHO-I intern in the summer of 2006, as an Assistant Resident Director with the Summer Session Program. After spending the summer in Berkeley, I returned full-time the following academic year. Before coming to Cal, I worked as a Resident Director at American University in Washington DC. I earned my Masters of Education in College Student Personnel from Ohio University, where I worked in the office of Health Promotion. I also earned my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) Here at Cal, I am also an instructor with RAD, a self-defense class for women. I am excited to be working with all of the amazing students here at Cal! Please stop by my office in Unit 2 and say hello!

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Choi, Yoo Mi - Resident Director, Unit 2 (Davidson, Griffiths)
ymc@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-5812

Hey there, Cal Bears! I am one of the Unit 2 Resident Directors and after spending 5 years on the East Coast completing my Master's degree at Northeastern University in Boston in College Student Development & Counseling and then working as an RD at University of Maryland for 3 years, I started here at Cal in the Summer of 2006. I'm a true blue Californian growing up in Anaheim and getting my undergraduate degree at the friendly UC San Diego, John Muir College campus. I'm excited to spend the year with you, so drop on by and say hello!

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Faughn, J'Lissabeth - Resident Director, Unit 3 (Norton, Spens-Black)
jlissabeth@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-2622

I began my career at Illinois Wesleyan University in Residential Living where I held a duo position in student retention.  I worked in housing at University of Alabama Birmingham and Iowa State University where I was also Coordinator of LGBT Student Services.  I also served as the Director of the LGBTQ Resource Center at University of Missouri. I am a Transgender Activist who has served as a consultant/speaker at a variety of conferences, colleges and universities around the country.  I have served on a variety of committees and leadership roles in ACPA (American College Personnel Association), Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Professionals, regional chapters of ACUHO-I (American College and University Housing Officers International) and was one of the founding faculty members of the Campus Pride Leadership Camp.   I have facilitated and taught a variety of courses including Dialogues on Diversity, Gender Justice and Society, Queer Theory and Intro to Social Justice.  In my spare time, I am actively involved in the Drag Community and have competed at drag pageants throughout the country.  I recently completed a chapter for a forthcoming textbook on transgender identity and I am collaborating on a book/series of presentations focusing on transsexuals working in higher education.

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Paul, John - Resident Director, Unit 3 (Ida Sproul, Priestley)
pauljr@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-0009

I am happy to say that after 9 years working in the Office of Student Development, I am more than ever a student-focused Resident Director for the campus. My background prior to Cal includes a Masters in Education from Seattle University, studying Student Development Administration while also serving as a Resident Director at a nearby institution. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Music from Whitman College, studying the Viola there but also beginning the foundations in Higher Education where I got very involved in campus life as an RA and LGBT advocate.  I have a strong interest in multi-cultural education and Ally development work, having attended SJTI and interning with them in June 2012. I am also certified in interpretation and administration of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI).  Outside of Cal, I work with people around homeless animal issues and find homes for needy cats with Mainecoon Adoptions.  I am an avid movie-goer and love a good TV series.

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Crawford, Wade - Resident Director, La Loma
wadec@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-8873

Hello Cal Students! I've been at UC Berkeley since 2004. Before working in higher education, I ran a harm-reduction program at a LGBTIQQA youth center in Florida. Just after I started RDing in La Loma, I worked with students, faculty, and staff to create the Unity House theme program. I've really enjoyed collaborating with Unity students and Gender and Women's Studies (GWS) faculty to develop our theme program. Email is by far the quickest way to contact me.

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Lowy, Nicole - Resident Director, Hillside
nlowy@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-9704

Hello CAL students! I originally hail from St. Louis, MO.  Currently, I am the Resident Director for Hillside, Bowles and Stern. I moved here from the Grand Canyon State, in 2006, where I worked at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Before that, I earned my MA in Counseling from the University of San Diego. While studying there, I worked in the Multicultural Center organizing diversity workshops. My undergraduate degree was conferred from Hamilton College in Upstate New York in Philosophy. Cal has become home to me after being here for half a dozen years. I love to be outdoors and explore the Bay Area.  I have been here for several years now, so please don’t hesitate to stop by for suggestions.  If you need anything, please stop by my office located next to the Hillside Bldg 6 laundry room.

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Mikanovich, Troy - Assistant Resident Director, Unit 4 (Foothill/Bowles/Stern/La Loma)
ardtroy@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-1726

I have been working at UC Berkeley since 2007.  Originally a Resident Assistant while I pursued my BA in Astrophysics, I am now working as an Assistant Resident Director for Unit 4 while attending the Graduate Theological Union.

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Siecienski, Jen - Resident Director, Clark Kerr Campus
jen.s@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-9517

I am really excited to be working at Cal! I arrived at the beautiful Clark Kerr campus in November 2007 with my partner (Leo), our two children (Emma and Abby), and our two cats (Acorn and Isaac). I have also worked in Residence Life at Smith College, UC Santa Cruz, Lehigh University, and the University of Toledo. I love to knit, bake elaborate desserts, and go to the beach with my kids. My office is in Building 1 at CKC. Stop by – I love having visitors!

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Ruffin, Joleen - Assistant Resident Director, Clark Kerr Campus
joleen@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-9517

Hello there, I’m new to the Cal Community and excited to be here in Berkeley. Originally from Zimbabwe, I have called California home for the last 14 years. As a graduate of the University of Oregon, I’m still figuring out the whole Bears/Ducks thing, so bear with me! I moved to the Clark Kerr Campus (CKC) with my husband and 3 kids from Tracy, California and I am enjoying the diversity of people and things to do in this area. You can find me in Building 1 at CKC, drop by any time.

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Gilbert, Troy - Director, Academic & New Student Services
troyg@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-9843

I'm responsible for the overall academic success programs of students living in the halls, faculty programs, and theme programs. I really love Cal. I arrived here after ten or so years working at “that other school across the Bay.” Prior to my time at Stanford, I worked in residence halls at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Before that, I was at Indiana University, Bloomington, where I received my degrees and where I am from originally. I'm fascinated by the history of the Bay Area, and in particular the wonderful architectural heritage of Berkeley. Stop by, let's discuss Maybeck!

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Assistant Director, Academic Services


This position is currently vacant.

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Anthony, Jason - Academic Program Coordinator, Unit 1
jason.anthony@berkeley.edu | 510-643-3420

Hi There! My name is Jason and I'm a recent addition to the Academic Services Staff as of this past January 2012.  I'm originally from Eastern Long Island, New York, but I'm quickly turning into a Californian. My higher education career has spanned the past 12 years and brought me to several different east coast institutions including Columbia University, The New School University, John Hopkins University, Brown University and The George Washington University.  Professionally, my career has afforded me the opportunity to work in various student affairs areas including student activities and leadership development, disability access and support, higher education opportunity, religious life support, to academic services. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and my Master of Arts in Higher and Post-secondary Education Administration at Teachers College- Columbia University in New York, New York.  I'm looking forward to the challenges that await me here at Cal and working with our great student employee team, our residential faculty and our residents. Please stop by and visit me in the Academic Services Center in Unit 1.

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Morr, Kelly - Academic Program Coordinator, Unit 2
kellymorr@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-8673

I took a winding, crooked road to end up as the APC of Unit 2. I grew up in Denver, Colorado, completed my B.A. in Film & TV Studies at Dartmouth College, and then moved to Los Angeles to - I thought - become a screenwriter. The next six years I dabbled in all manner of unusual career choices: I tutored writing and calculus, taught summer school, led service learning trips to the Caribbean and South America, designed websites, edited independent films, worked for a rare books dealer, and one Halloween I convinced rich people to pay me to carve their pumpkins for them. Somewhere in there I also managed to get a Master of Professional Writing degree from USC. I'm excited to be in the Bay Area and to become part of the Cal community! Outside of UCB, I spend my time writing, figure skating, and adventuring. If you ever need to chat or request some fine pumpkin carving, you can find me in my snuggly basement office in Unit 2.

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Lee, Legacy - Academic Program Coordinator, Unit 3
legacylee@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-1727

I am very excited to be joining the Academic Services team here at UC Berkeley. I am an Oakland, CA native, who received a B.A. in American Literature & Cultures from UCLA and an M.A. in African American Studies at Boston University. Currently I am enrolled in Boston University's American Studies PhD Program, focusing on interracial representations in 19th and 20th century film and literature. Previously I've worked in student involvement and leadership offices at Saint Mary's College of California and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, MA. I am excited to oversee a dynamic Academic Service Center, as well as to supervise our wonderful Peer Advisors. Feel free to stop by my office in Unit 3 to say hi!

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Villaluz, Roxanne- Academic Program Coordinator, Unit 4
rox.annev@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-2907

I enjoy dialoging about the myriad opportunities that college offers. My academic trajectory falls short of typical. I majored in Biology at UC Irvine (zot, zot!), but 2 ½ years later I left because of financial difficulties. Two years later I returned to Fresno Community College then transferred to Fresno State where I completed my degrees. I earned a BA in Liberal Studies, a MA in Linguistics, and a single-subject teaching credential in English Literature. Discourse analysis and the phonology of American Sign Language are areas of interest and Victorian Literature is my obsession. At Fresno State's Learning Center I began as a tutor and eventually became the Academic and Learning Coordinator. Prior to CAL, I was a production/line cook at the Oakland Whole Foods and attended culinary school in San Francisco. The pursuit of knowledge has kept me mentally, emotionally, and physically fit. Come by Foothill: let's break bread, talk about your favorite meal, the Brontës or any other subject you find interesting.

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Padilla, Maria - Academic Program Coordinator, Unit 5
mlucerop@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-0917

 am delighted to join a team of energetic and highly skilled student services professional staff! I have enjoyed a 30+ year career in higher education administration as a multicultural education and retention specialist. I am a beneficiary of the Department of Education Trio Programs and was an Upward Bound student at Howard University. This led to a life-long commitment to serving low-income, first generation college students. At Cal I implemented and administered both a comprehensive community college transfer academic enhancement retention program and a faculty-mentored undergraduate research program. I currently design and conduct anti-discrimination and sexual harassment prevention programming for the campus and serve as an early resolution facilitator for discrimination concerns. As Co-Director of the Interactive Theater Program, I collaborate with the Department of TDPS, Gender Equity Resource Center and UHS Health Promotion staff to develop experiential learning prevention education programs on issues salient to Berkeley students. I have a special interest in addressing attitudinal barriers that exist for student with less visible disabilities and collaborate with DSP and the Disabled Students Union on awareness activities. I especially enjoy connecting students to services and academic enhancement opportunities that will enrich their overall experience. Cal is a wonderful place for all!

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Cruz, Annalyn - Assistant Director (interim), New Student Services
annalyncruz@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-8656

Aloha! I am originally from the L.A. area, and received my BA in Asian American Studies and Sociology from UC Santa Barbara (GO GAUCHOS!). I survived graduate school in the Rockies, and emerged with a Masters degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Colorado State University. Throughout my professional career, I have worked in many areas within Student Affairs and Services: Leadership and Diversity Programs/Campus Activities at Colorado State, Multicultural Affairs at San Jose State University, Academic Support Services and now in Orientation and Transitional Programs for new students at Cal. I love living in the Bay Area and now consider this home. Feel free to stop by my office at RSSB to say hello!

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Range, Terrance - Program Coordinator
range2@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-2463

Salvete! After receiving my B.A. in Mass Media Communications with a focus on Broadcast Journalism at Wilberforce University (Wilberforce, OH), my first professional experiences in Student Affairs were in Judicial Affairs, and Student Activities at the University of Southern California and UCLA. I’ve also worked in Residence Life and New Student Orientation in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois, where I also received my Masters degree in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. I’m currently serving as one of two Program Coordinators in the New Student Services Department. My professional affiliations include: NASPA, ACPA, and ACUHO-I. I’m excited about Berkeley and the wonderful things to come. Suo Marte! 

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Krechel, Emily - Program Coordinator
emilykrechel@berkeley.edu | (510) 643-2601 

Hello! I'm an East Coaster at heart (grew up in Virginia) and recently relocated to the east bay and began working with New Student Services at Cal. I received a B.A. in Sociology from James Madison University and a M.S. in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Miami University (in Ohio). In my free time I enjoy watching roller derby, cycling, writing and sometimes performing spoken word, exploring the bay area and Northern California, and enjoying the outdoors! I am a passionate student affairs professional dedicated to ensuring each student has a smooth and positive transition to their new life at Cal! Some of my other professional areas of interest include inclusion and ally training, advocacy for underrepresented and/or minority students, and social justice education.

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Tipton, Tavie - Associate Director
tippy@berkeley.edu | (510) 526-8505 x213

I hail from St. Louis Missouri originally. I started at University Village Family Housing in 1986. Before that I was a property manager for the John Hancock building in Chicago. Since 1998 we have torn down and replaced 976 apartments for student families. Our mission is to support the student and their family members, so that they can graduate and go out into the world and do good things. I think that's a pretty good goal for all of us. Email is my best mode of communication.

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Black, Pepper - Program Director
fullmoon@berkeley.edu | (510) 526-8505 x212

I have previously worked in Student Affairs and now work in University Village; also I’ve worked at my alma mater UCLA as a Psychiatric Counselor at the Neuropsychiatric Institute. I was headed to becoming Dr. Pepper, but became sidetracked while having a baby and studying acupuncture. My favorite academic pursuit was a two year stint in music (playing oboe). I’m a “professional student” who’s always in class—I’ve taken certification courses in family mediation and Marshall Rosenberg's Nonviolent Communication, I’m certified as an EFT trainer and in Life Coaching and I’m currently studying Strategic Intervention.  I’ve attended paramedic school and instructors’ courses in wilderness first aid, rock climbing, and mountaineering, I even redid yoga teacher's training to deepen a daily practice, not to teach, though I'm happy to show you "mountain" pose :) and my favorite quote is from Longfellow: "If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."

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Martin-Rugo, Dawn - Director of Recreation and Community Services
dmrugo@berkeley.edu | (510) 526-1033

I started out at UC Santa Cruz in 1973 as a student and student employee (yes! Freshman year I served food at the Dining Hall--yay). I've worked on the Santa Cruz campus for the Theatre Dept and the Office of Financial Aid, at UCLA as a consultant to the Department of Foreign Students and Scholars and finally at the Berkeley campus for Women's Athletics, Department of Recreational Sports and at University Village. I've enjoyed the opportunity to serve on the Albany Youth Task Force, multiple PTA boards, Berkeley Bear Swimming, the Positive Coaching Alliance Parent Education Committee, with the Writer-Coach Connection at Berkeley High and these last couple of years as a facilitator of CDAD (Critical Dialogues Across Differences) at UC Berkeley.

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Akins, Shalina - Resident Director
sjakins@berkeley.edu | (510) 642-6922

Ciao Amici! Sawadee kaa tuk kon! Hello Out There! Hola Amigos! Bonjour Mes Amis! I am Shalina J. Akins and am passionate about helping young and old alike navigate their way through life. I am an Air Force brat and had the distinct honor of spending much of my life overseas. I am moved by rain, music, dance, languages, travel, children, kind people, forward thinkers, and warm fuzzies. I have been associated with Student Development for nearly eight years and very much look forward to serving the UC Berkeley Community! Stop in and say hello!

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