Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

After completing my undergraduate degree at Arizona State University, I moved to Japan with my husband to teach English.

What has led you to your current role?

I was driven to work with students since I was a student worker at Arizona State University's University Academic Advising Center.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I love to spend time at home with my family.

Degrees/Certificates

B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Japanese and a Masters in Counseling

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I originally went to college to study broadcasting and worked in public relations and radio for several years. While in college I learned about careers in student affairs through a variety of student leadership positions, and eventually went on to graduate school to study higher education administration. I like to tell students that I’m an example of how your path can change while in school, and to always keep your options open.

What has led you to your current role?

I’ve worked for over two decades in a variety of positions at four different universities. I joined the Drahmann Center staff in 2007, and have held four different positions during that time, each providing additional responsibilities within the department. I feel fortunate to be part of such a dedicated team of professionals, many who have been here since the creation of the Drahmann Center, and several others who have joined us throughout the years.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I’m an avid runner and enjoy competing in local fun runs. I’m also a lifelong sports fan, and love visiting new stadiums or attending different games or events. My bucket list is still a work in progress, but I’ve been able to knock off several different events throughout the years.

Degrees/Certificates

Bachelor of Arts, School of Journalism & Communications, emphasis in Public Relations, University of Oregon
Master of Science, School of Education, Higher Education Administration Program, University of Oregon

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I have recently graduated from Santa Clara University’s Counseling Master’s program. During my graduate studies, I was working with two departments at SCU: the Career Center & Campus Ministry. At the Career Center, I was a graduate career counseling intern and was a mindfulness graduate assistant for Campus Ministry. Before starting at SCU, I was working at a non-profit fair housing agency for 3 years where I did social media and marketing.

What has led you to your current role?

After completing my undergrad, I knew I wanted to pursue a career where I could work with others and have a positive impact. I felt that the university environment would give me an opportunity to help others navigate college life. As an academic counselor, I would have the opportunity to empower students on their journey to completing and accomplishing their educational and career goals.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

- Exploring new coffee shops
- Listening to Podcasts
- Hiking

Degrees/Certificates

San Jose State University, B.S in Public Health
Santa Clara University, M.A in Counseling

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I am from Casablanca in Morocco and have lived in 6 different states since moving to the USA.

What has led you to your current role?

My career in higher education has always been informed by my desire to make sure students feel supported to challenge themselves during their collegiate journey. I started my professional career in Residential Life and made the transition to Academic Advising about 4 years ago. I look forward to serving as a resource for students as they pursue their goals at SCU.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy themed races, exploring new coffee shops, and listening to podcasts. I most enjoy a rainy day hanging out with my three cats and a dog.

Degrees/Certificates

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in History from the University of North Florida. Masters of Education in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Florida.

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I studied abroad in Scotland in my undergrad and I worked in residence life in South Dakota for 2 years!

What has led you to your current role?

My career has always been led by a goal to help students find their home at SCU. As a University Advisor, I hope to help students find the curricular and co-curricular activities that will provide them the best possible holistic experience here at SCU.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

Reading, exploring new foods in the Bay Area, visiting family, catching up on shows on the couch with my cat.

Degrees/Certificates

Bachelor of Social Science in Hospitality Management from San Jose State University; Master of Arts in Organization and Leadership from the University of San Francisco; Doctor of Education in Social Justice Leadership from Santa Clara University (class of 2024).

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I am originally from Mumbai, India, but I was born and raised in Dubai. I moved to the Bay Area as an international student and went to San Jose State University. I earned my B.S. in Finance and Advertising, but am really passionate about social justice and helping others.

What has led you to your current role?

I pursued a Masters of Education in College Counseling and International Education at Penn State, and I worked in a variety of counseling and advising roles particularly serving students from diverse backgrounds. I enjoy traveling and lived in several countries before moving back to the Bay Area. I love the close-knit community feel at SCU and enjoy working with the amazing students that go here!

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I train in music and dance as a hobby. I enjoy traveling, surfing, spending time with family, friends, and my fur bundles Coco and Juneau.

Degrees/Certificates

BS in Finance & Advertising, MEd. in Higher Education & College Counseling

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I am a Bay Area native--growing up in Milpitas and San Jose. I've been a part of the SCU community as a staff member since 2011. I enjoy working in higher education and look forward to working with students as they travel along their own academic journey and on to their new professional lives as innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in society.

What has led you to your current role?

The work in the Drahmann Center is an opportunity to interact with undergraduates and interface directly with them to find traditional and creative approaches to education and careers. Before joining the Drahmann Center, I worked at SCU's Law School, Business School, and the Global Engagement Office - and still consider many of my colleagues as my good friends and partners across the SCU campus!

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

We've got three kids, so we don't have a lot of spare time! But when we do, we enjoy watching movies, reading, going to the beach, seeing our family & friends, traveling, and eating yummy foods from all over the world!

Degrees/Certificates

2003 Bachelor of Science: Biology Major, History minor; 2023 Master of Arts in Educational Leadership

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I am an actively licensed Certified Public Accountant. I have an MBA and MS Taxation.

What has led you to your current role?

Having worked in Public Accounting for 6 years, and being Chief Financial Officer for a family business for many years, I wanted to bring my experience to students studying business. I've been teaching at SCU for 25 years, and helped start the Drahmann Advising Center 24 years ago.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy dancing and am a licensed Zumba instructor. I also love yoga and teach it on Zoom.

Degrees/Certificates

MBA - Santa Clara University; MS Taxation - Golden Gate University

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I grew up in Florida, and I originally thought I would work for the U.S. Congress in Washington, DC. After briefly trying that, I taught at the high school level for two years before pursuing my Ph.D.

What has led you to your current role?

I have taught political science courses since 2008 and have frequently worked with students looking for internships and graduate school options, so pre-law advising is a natural extension of that. I really enjoy helping students discover paths to careers that excite them.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I love the NBA--especially the Miami Heat--and hanging out with my dog Cosmo.

Degrees/Certificates

Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida; M.A. in Political Management from the George Washington University; B.A. in Political Science from the University of Notre Dame

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I teach in the Department of Art and Art History.

What has led you to your current role?

Interest in helping students succeed.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

Making my own artwork, spending time with my family, and traveling.

Degrees/Certificates

Masters in Fine Arts from San Francisco State University and Bachelors from Santa Clara University.

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I was born, raised, and educated in Sweden. I immigrated to the US when I was in my 30s.

What has led you to your current role?

I've been a lecturer in the Department of Communication at SCU for more than 20 years. I enjoy using my experience to help students in the Drahmann Center.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy photography, music, and plants.

Degrees/Certificates

MS in Media and Communication from the University of Göteborg, Sweden.

Biography

Dr. McNelis joined the John B. Drahmann Academic Advising and Learning Resources Center in August 2013 as a University Advisor. He has been a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry since 1992. Dr. McNelis earned his Ph.D. at Duke University and was a postdoctoral fellow at University of California, Berkeley. His field of expertise is synthetic organic chemistry and his research area is enantioselective synthesis and synthesis of small molecule targets for materials applications such as organic photovoltaics. Prior to working in Drahmann, Dr. McNelis served as an orientation and transfer student advisor for many years in addition to being a faculty advisor for the chemistry and biochemistry majors. He has also advised students interested in health care careers in his organic chemistry classes. Dr. McNelis views advising as a critical resource for students as they discern their skills and passions and translate that into academic and career success.

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

As a student, I studied abroad twice (Denmark and Hungary) and also did a semester of internship in Washington DC.

What has led you to your current role?

I see advising and teaching as parts of the same project, so it makes sense that I combine those two jobs at SCU.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

In my spare time, I enjoy Zumba, traveling, reading, hiking, and thrifting.

Degrees/Certificates

I completed my undergraduate BS in International Relations at UC Davis and my MS and PhD in Political Science at Duke University.

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I am currently an instructor of bioengineering at the School of Engineering. With over two decades of experience in the biotechnology industry, I have chosen to share my knowledge and expertise with the next generation.

What has led you to your current role?

Teaching and engaging with the students has been a lifelong passion. I am grateful for the opportunity to support students through academic advising and contribute to their educational journey.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I'm a passionate hiker who loves exploring the wilderness, connecting with nature, and pushing my physical limits.

Degrees/Certificates

I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, along with various certifications including Stanford’s Innovative Technology Leader and multiple higher ed credentials from ACUE.

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

A Bay Area native, I joined the John B. Drahmann Academic Advising and Learning Resources Center in April 2012 as the Operations Manager. Prior to coming to Santa Clara, I worked as a Senior Business Financial Analyst for the Space Exploration Division at NASA Ames Research Center. I also worked as a Facilities Specialist for General Dynamics, Space Planner for Interwoven, Inc., and as a Government Program Coordinator for Al Razaq.

What has led you to your current role?

I came to Santa Clara University for what I thought was an interim position after my contract ended at NASA. After a short time at SCU, I knew I had found my calling. Helping young adults navigate their way through their academic career has been very rewarding.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy hiking, shopping, gardening, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Degrees/Certificates

B.A. in Communication with a minor in Business from San Jose State, Certified Conflict Resolution Mediator with Santa Clara County.

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I was born and raised in San Jose and have been part of the diverse and vibrant east side of the city. I did my undergraduate degree at SCU with an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Spanish triple major. I was part of many organizations as a student but continue to be part of the boxing community on campus.

What has led you to your current role?

I have always been very passionate about education as I believe it is key to changing one's life. I have always wanted to make a change in my community on the east side of San Jose, and working at the Drahmann Center has allowed me to support students in a way that brings change to many communities. I love working at the university and impacting students every day because I believe that students leave our university well prepared to change the world in their own way.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends playing board games, watching movies, and just hanging out. I also enjoy attending car events such as the SEMA car show or Formula Drift events. Finally, I love boxing, so when I can, I train and like watching professional bouts on TV.

Degrees/Certificates

Bachelor of Science in Sociology, Ethnic Studies, and Spanish triple major '14 SCU

MBA '23 SCU

Biography

Tell us something interesting about your background.

I proudly call the East Side of San Jose my home. As a first-generation graduate, I earned my B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Women’s Studies from California State University, East Bay. I am trilingual and fluent in Spanish, English, and Spanglish. 

What has led you to your current role?

At an early age, education became a powerful avenue in my life. I was fortunate to encounter an advisor who not only guided me but also challenged me to recognize and harness my strengths. The Drahmann Center’s mission “Success for Every Student,” rooted in the Jesuit value of Cura Personalis, deeply resonates with my own aspirations and commitment to fostering an inclusive and empowering educational experience for the next generation of leaders.

In your spare time, what do you enjoy doing?

I am overjoyed to share that I am pursuing a Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Latinx counseling. With that being said, I manage my work and school balance by finding solace and rejuvenation in nature, or savoring a meal with people I love! 

Degrees/Certificates

B.A. in Sociology with a minor in Women Studies from California State University, East Bay 
M.A. in Counseling with an emphasis in Latinx counseling candidate at SCU

California State Seal of Biliteracy issued by the California Department of Education
Adult Mental Health First Aider issued by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing 
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Gatekeeper issued by the QPR Institute