SSHA Academic Advisors
Meet your SSHA Academic Advisors!
Brenda Maldonado-RosasDirector of Students ServicesAbout Brenda: Brenda grew up near UC Merced in Livingston, California. She attended the University of California, Davis (Go Ags!) and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish. She then headed to California State University, Sacramento where she completed her Master of Science in Counseling, with a specialization in Career Counseling. "What I enjoy the best about my job is assisting students find the connection between what they want as a career and their major and experience at UC Merced. There is no set road for people to get to their dreams and goals, so being able to show students their different paths on how to get there makes my job worthwhile." “Failing to plan is planning to fail" ― Alan Lakein |
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Lauren BrackettAssistant Director of Student ServicesAbout Lauren:
Lauren grew up in southern California (Victorville, CA and LA County), and is forever fan of the Los Angeles Lakers! Lauren attended California State University, Fresno and received a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and a Master of Arts in Higher Education, Administration, & Leadership. Recently she has begun her doctoral studies in Educational Leadership at UC Davis.
"I love the field of advising because of the interaction I get to have with students. I, myself, was a struggling student, and I want nothing more than to share my experiences and help students find their pathways to personal success. Advising allows for me to share the knowledge that I have gained and hopefully create opportunities for students to thrive in their college career."
“Everything negative - pressures, challenges - is all an opportunity for me to rise.” ― Kobe Bryant
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Linda SaferTransfer CoordinatorAbout Linda:
Linda was born and raised in Turlock, California, located here in the Central Valley. Linda attended Chico State University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Career & Life Planning and Family Relations. When she's not advising students, she is spending time with her loved ones, reading a good book, or soaking up the sun with her fur baby, Gigi!
"As a first-generation college student, I depended heavily on campus resources to help me succeed in school. My advisors, mentors, and professors played a huge role in my academic success. Being able to take the knowledge I learned from them and my own educational journey and share it with students is so rewarding. I love being able to empower students and see them make their dreams a reality."
"You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously." – Sophia Bush
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Valeria Salcedo LomeliAcademic AdvisorAbout Valeria:
Valeria grew up in Modesto, California. She is an alumnus of the University of California, Davis where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History with a minor in Chicana/o Studies. She then earned her Master of Arts in Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies from California State University, Sacramento.
"As a first-generation student myself, interacting with students from diverse backgrounds is such a rewarding experience. I love that my job allows me to support students in helping them reach their academic and professional goals. I firmly believe that every student can reach their fullest potential if they are given the opportunity to do so. Empowering and serving students (especially those from underrepresented communities like myself) makes my job worthwhile."
“Success is its own reward, but failure is a great teacher too, and not to be feared.” – Justice Sonia Sotomayor
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Faustino AguilarCareer Support Coordinator About Faustino: |
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Elizabeth WhitmyreDegree Completion Program CoordinatorAbout Elizabeth:
Elizabeth was born and raised in San Jose, California. After moving to Merced, California, Elizabeth attended Merced College and CSU Stanislaus and received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a concentration in Mathematics from CSU Stanislaus. She then dedicated 12 years to teaching mathematics and advising students in the A.V.I.D. program. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading, watching The Office, baking cookies, and working out with her friends.
“I found through my teaching career that I have a passion for helping students discover and develop their own strengths and empowering them to be independently successful in their academic careers. It’s an honor to be a part of each student’s journey and to help provide resources and be a guide that will allow students to bring their own goals and dreams to life. I love that UC Merced is dedicated to celebrating and embracing the diversity of its student and community population.” “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. – Wayne Gretsky” – Michael Scott
Darlene SaavedraAcademic Advisor- Degree Completion ProgramAbout Darlene: Darlene was born and raised in Delano, CA and later moved to Turlock to pursue their Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a Juvenile Justice emphasis and minor in Psychology from Stan State. After earning their bachelors, she took time to gain professional experience before returning to school to pursue a Masters of Science in Counseling in Student Affairs and College Counseling at Fresno State. In her free time, Darlene enjoys going on walks, spending time at local coffee shops, and relaxing with her cat, Rocket, who always keeps life entertaining. "As a first-generation student, I understand how important it is to have people who truly see and support you. I’m passionate about advocating for students and creating environments where they feel heard, valued, and empowered. It’s a true privilege to be part of each student's journey." "There's a lot of beauty in ordinary things. Isn't that kind of the point?" -Pam Beesly |
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