Charger Experience (Promise)

The Charger Experience Program is designed to provide all incoming students the foundation for success through direct engagement with academic programs and comprehensive understanding of support services.

Brittany Hamer
Interim Director, Charger Experience
bhamer@cypresscollege.edu

I’m the Interim Director for the Charger Experience Program. I oversee the Charger Experience Program, coordinate large campus events – such as New Student Welcome Night, Connect2Cypress, Commit2Cypress, and Charger Friday, and make sure that our program runs smoothly!  

I have been working at Cypress College in the Charger Experience Program for five years and have loved every second of it! My goal is to help you achieve your personal and academic goals and will do my best to support you. If you have any questions, don’t know where to turn to, or simply want to come into my office to say hi and grab some candy, I am here for it!  

Some fun facts about me: I am an alumna of the University of California, Irvine, and earned my bachelor’s degree in English with a Women Studies minor. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a lot of guidance in my senior year of high school and because of that, ended up graduating from UC Irvine with a lot of student debt. I am multiracial, Japanese/Mexican-American, and proudly celebrate all aspects of myself! In my spare time, I dance hula, hang out with my partner and 4-year old son, and enjoy connecting with friends and family. 

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Dario Edward Resendiz
Program Coordinator
dresendiz@cypresscollege.edu

I am the coordinator for the Charger Experience Program. I can assist you with any questions regarding requirements for our program and upcoming events! I also assist with outreach to our community partners such as high schools, educational organizations, and other colleges so please reach out if you want to discuss us representing Cypress College at an event!

A little bit about myself: I grew up in Garden Grove and was the first in my family to finish high school and go to college. I struggled in community college as I was not really sure how “college” worked and I never really asked for help; I was under the impression you had to have everything figured out by then, which is totally not true! It was only through the combined efforts of my professors that I got the help needed to finally transfer to CSU Long Beach and earn my bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology. I loved the support that I got and wanted to return to higher education to make sure I gave back to my community the way it had supported me and eventually went on to get a master’s degree in Counseling, option in Student Development in Higher Education.

When I am away from the office, I love to try out new coffee places (so if you have any recommendations please let me know!) and I spend a lot of time with my 1-year-old tuxedo cat, Spooks, who is always running around.

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Maria Haro
CEP Counselor
mharo@cypresscollege.edu

I have been working at Cypress College for six wonderful years as a counselor for the Charger Experience Program! I love getting to know students, teaching some of your counseling classes, and helping create fun events for you all. Working with students and being surrounded by such an amazing team is truly a blessing. Let’s meet to talk about your journey at Cypress College, from requirements, academic options, planning your semesters, and meeting your academic goals. I look forward to working alongside you!

A bit about me: I am a first-generation student and I know the challenges that come with that role, as well as the strengths and perseverance. My own path has motivated me to be a resource for students, families, and communities exploring higher education. I have a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Family Studies and a master’s degree in Counseling, both from CSULB. On my free time, I enjoy reading and binging different shows and movies and always welcome recommendations.

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Mai-Thi Pham
CEP Counselor
mpham@cypresscollege.edu

Hello! I am an academic counselor for the Charger Experience Program at Cypress College. I can help answer questions about requirements, create/edit your education plan, talk about transfer, or clear classes.  

I’ve been a community college counselor for about five years now, and I feel that college is a crucial time for many life transitions and opportunities for self-development and growth. This is your time to bloom! I love helping people live in alignment with their values and who they are as individuals. I love helping students feel empowered with the resources, skills, and confidence to pursue their personal goals. Whether teaching or counseling, I find joy in merely connecting with students holistically – no matter who or where they are in life. Outside of work, you can find me practicing sewing, capoeira, dancing, hiking, camping, and dog/plant-parenting.

I’m here to support you!

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Karen Hill
CEP Counselor
khill@cypresscollege.edu

I am an academic counselor for the Charger Experience Program. I can help answer questions about requirements, create/edit your educational plan, and talk about transfer or clear classes.

As a new member of the CEP team, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such a dynamic group of diverse individuals who are here to support your success!

I grew up in Inglewood and transferred to a community college after being academically disqualified from USC. I struggled as a first-generation college student to ask for help. I kept thinking I needed to work harder to earn help, yet I was so hard on myself that I never thought I had done enough to ask for help. Joining a support program like CEP was a turning point for me. It helped me realize that I needed extra support as a first-generation student because I did not have those connections in my personal life. It also taught me that college is a team effort. We need a solid support system to be successful. The biggest lesson I learned was that I did not need to earn support, nor I was weak for seeking it.

There is no one-size-fits-all pathway to your goals. Please connect with me via email so we can figure out the best route for you!

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Adriana Caridad Medina
CEP Counselor
acaridad@cypresscollege.edu

My name is Adriana Caridad Medina and I have been a counselor with the Charger Experience Program for 4 years. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Mount St. Mary’s College and a master’s degree from CSULB in Counseling, option in Student Development in Higher Education. I have more than 20 years of experience in working with young adults and my passion is helping others. My counseling philosophy mirrors the idea of meeting students where they are to help them meet their educational goals. As a counselor, it is my responsibility to provide students with the information, tools, and guidance they seek to help foster the best educational experience at Cypress College. When I’m not working with my amazing students, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughters, traveling, cooking, attending concerts, and roller skating! 

If we haven’t already met, and you have questions or need assistance with a Student Educational Plan, please feel free to set up an appointment with me or knock on my Cranium Café door. 

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Amelia Mosley
CEP Counselor & Student Success Counselor
amosley@cypresscollege.edu

I’m an academic counselor for Student Success (Probation) and the Charger Experience Program. I can help create/edit your educational plan, talk about transfer, clear classes, or help you increase your GPA. I’m your person!

I want you all to know I’m here to help and support you. If you have any questions, concerns, things you’d like to share, or just want to say hi and get to know me, knock on my door or make an appointment via Cranium Café.

A couple of fun facts about me: May is my favorite month! Blue is my favorite color! I’m a proud alumnus of Cypress College and in addition to being an academic counselor, I also have training in mental health. When I’m not working, I’ve been taking walks, stretching, sleeping, snacking, streaming, meditating, wearing sheet masks, reading, vibing to good music, and connecting with friends and family virtually. Lots of self-care!

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David Alfaro
Student Success & Charger Experience Counselor
dalfaro@cypresscollege.edu

I am an academic counselor for Student Success (Probation)  and the Charger Experience Program. My goal is to assist you in making the most out of your educational experience here at Cypress College, whether that is through educational planning, talking about transferring, guiding you to resources on campus, or just lending a friendly ear. 

A little bit about myself; I am a New York native (so if you have any questions about New York City schools I can provide some reference). I graduated from the City University of New York – Hunter College with a bachelor’s in history and California State University – Long Beach with a master’s in counseling – student development in higher education. I am proudly Salvadoran-American; my parents immigrated to the U.S. in the 1980s and we have been going back to El Salvador every couple of years. I am an avid movie fan, with a lot of time spent watching horror, foreign, and drama movies. I am also an avid traveler, which during these difficult times is very hard to do. 

I am eager to assist you through your time here at Cypress College. If you have any questions, concerns or want to chat, feel free to connect with me! You can schedule an appointment with me through email!