About Us

The Counseling Office supports students in developing the skills, confidence, and help-seeking behaviors needed to succeed in college and beyond. We provide counseling services through appointments, drop-in support, and workshops, where we:

  • DIRECT students in reaching their academic goals by helping them create education plans tailored to their needs and life goals
  • Recognize the VALUE of each student’s skills, strengths, and interests through career exploration, assessments, and major research
  • Support students in staying FOCUSED on reaching their goals by providing workforce preparation and transfer guidance to four-year colleges and universities
  • NURTURE a supportive and safe space to discuss academic and personal challenges
  • CONNECT to the educational opportunities at the college, as well as campus and community resources
  • ENGAGE in advocating for student access and equitable practices

 

Counseling Graduate Assistants (CGAs)

When students visit the Counseling Office, College Graduate Assistants (CGAs) are often the first point of contact. CGAs are students who have already earned a college degree and are now completing a master’s program in counseling. They can answer many general questions and help students navigate next steps, so a counselor appointment or drop-in visit may not be needed for every question.

Counseling Faculty

Counseling Faculty include both full-time and adjunct counselors. Availability and response times may vary based on counselor schedules, teaching responsibilities, committee work, and other professional obligations.

Counselors:

  • Meet individually with students to help with academic planning, career exploration, and transfer goals, and to discuss personal concerns that may impact college success.
  • Help students create education plans and lead group workshops focused on academic, career, and transfer planning.

Patricia Garcia, Generalist/Honors Program Counselor

Garrett Hooper, Generalist Counselor

Julie Hovden, Generalist Counselor - Health Professions Emphasis

Alisha Kaminsky, Career Counselor

Susan Ling, Generalist Counselor

Dr. Anh Nguyen, Generalist Counselor

Dr. Aivee Ortega, Generalist Counselor/Counseling Office Program Coordinator

Thomas "Sonny" Requejo, Generalist Counselor

Elizabeth "Liz" Shaker, Generalist Counselor/Pathway to Law School Counselor

Sammy Sassoon, Generalist/Transfer Counselor – Transfer Coordinator

Diane Solomon, Generalist Counselor

Erika Torgeson, Generalist Counselor

Albert Alas, Generalist Counselor

Michael Fitzgerald, Generalist Counselor

Lusine Koshkaryan, Generalist Counselor

Nicole LaFontaine, Generalist - Health Professions Emphasis/Transfer Counselor

Mildred Macaranas, Generalist Counselor

Andrea “Emily” Menjivar, Generalist/Transfer Counselor

Concepcion “Connie” Perez, Generalist Counselor

Krystle Sanchez, Generalist Counselor

Rebecca Solomon, Generalist Counselor

Gohar Srapyan, Career Counselor

In addition to general counseling services, the Counseling Office houses specialized program counselors who support students in the following programs:

Canyons Promise 

Ann Marchesan (Full-Time Counseling Faculty)

Michelle Reina (Adjunct Counseling Faculty)

Mildred Macaranas (Adjunct Counseling Faculty)

 

Project SOL (STEM/LatinX) 

Mireya Milian (Full-Time Counseling Faculty)

Umoja 

Anthony Morris (Full-Time Counseling Faculty)

 

Students participating in these programs may schedule an appointment through the Counseling Office or through their program’s Canvas page.

 

 

CSlaughter

Clinton Slaughter, Dean of Counseling


COC ensures the privacy of all student records in accordance with statutes set forth in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. By law, college personnel, including Counseling faculty and staff, are not permitted to give access to or to release student records/information to anyone other than a student. This statute applies regardless of the age of the student.