Charger Experience (Promise)

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Mission

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.

Meet Our Team

Brittany Hamer
Special Project Director, Charger Experience
bhamer@cypresscollege.edu

I’m the Special Project 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.

Adriana Caridad Medina
Charger Experience Program 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.

Maria Haro
Charger Experience Program 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.

Kassandra Lawrence
Outreach and Charger Experience Program Counselor
klawrence@cypresscollege.edu

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

At the beginning of the quarantine I was busy completing my master’s degree and transitioning to working online. Now that I have completed my degree, however, I have been taking on new hobbies like baking, painting, and doing fun fitness videos. In addition to this I have been spending a lot of quality time with my dog Clyde and my husband by going on walks, watching TV, and making fun meals together. My husband and I got our marriage license at the Honda Center, which we thought would be a funny story to tell people after the pandemic lockdown! I feel so grateful to work on a team that is dedicated to helping students succeed and stay connected, even while remote. I look forward to seeing you all soon and feel free to reach out whenever.

Andres Licea

I am the outreach specialist for the Charger Experience Program. I get to attend high school and events in the area to promote everything that Cypress College offers!

I graduated from Savanna High School in AUHSD and then attended Cypress College. I was a part of the Charger Experience Program from the very start and am so happy to see where it is now. I then transferred to Cal State Fullerton, where I graduated Cum Laude with my B.A. in psychology. I am currently at Chapman University where I am pursuing my degree in educational psychology with an educational specialist (Ed.S) in school psychology.

A couple of fun facts about me: My favorite color is purple! I moved to California from Indiana when I was 14. I love going to the movies so you will always find me at any movie theater that sells a Coke Icee. Hope to see you around!

Amelia Mosley
Charger Experience Program and 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!

Micaela Munn-Perez

Hi! I’m Micaela, an academic counselor and athletics liaison for Charger Experience. I’m excited to assist you on your journey at Cypress. Having navigated a non-traditional educational path myself, I understand that everyone’s journey can have its unique twists and turns. I started my college experience at community college, took some time off to work, and eventually earned my bachelor’s in communications with an emphasis in public relations from CSUF. After working in marketing and events in Santa Monica, I returned to school to pursue a master’s in educational counseling from the University of La Verne. I’m passionate about helping students navigate the complexities of higher education, and I look forward to making this experience amazing together!

A few fun facts about me: I’m an avid reader, I enjoy running half marathons for fun, and I love to bake. On weekends, you’ll usually find me spending time with my dog.

Linda Olmos

My name is Linda, and I am a student success counselor.

Student Success is a support system on campus for students who faced a challenging semester and were placed on scholastic probation. My goal is to ensure that students are making satisfactory progress toward their educational goals! I can help you update your educational plan and review institutional policies to help clean up your transcripts and possibly increase your GPA.

A bit about me: I am a product of the California Community College system! I was one of you. At first, I struggled to find my path, partly because I was too embarrassed to ask for help but mostly because I had no clue who (what – when – where) to ask. Because of my mentors, I found my way, transferred, and received my master’s in counseling at Long Beach State. Now, I have over fourteen years of experience working with diverse students, and I am grateful to be here.

I want to help you achieve your goals at Cypress College and beyond!

Some fun facts: I have a French bulldog, named Jedi, and her hobbies are chasing cats and sleeping. In my free time, I love to read books, bake all types of cookies, and spend time with my friends.

Dario Edward Resendiz
Charger Experience Program Counselor
dresendiz@cypresscollege.edu

I have been working at Cypress College for 3 years and have just started as a counselor with 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.

Anissa Tagayun
Charger Experience Program Counselor
atagayun@cypresscollege.edu

I am an academic counselor for the Charger Experience Program. I support students with educational plans, completion of certificates and degrees, and transferring to colleges and universities. As a counselor, I aim to advocate for educational equity and increase opportunities for diverse student populations to attain higher education. I enjoy connecting with students, learning about their backgrounds and identities, and encouraging them to grow in their potential. I continue to be inspired in being a part of this community of difference makers.

I love art—painting, photography, and pottery! I enjoy traveling to different countries, learning about various cultures, and meeting people from around the world. I also enjoy reading, hiking, and being outside in nature.

Madeleine Torosian

I am a graduate coach with the Charger Experience program. I am here to answer your questions about CEP and to refer you to our other wonderful resources on campus!

I am currently a graduate student, studying counseling and higher education. As a former community college student, my passion is supporting students at two-year colleges and helping them discover all the potential opportunities and possibilities that exist right here at the community college.

In my free time, I love reading romance, fantasy, and thriller novels. I also enjoy swimming, cooking, playing with my two cats, and watching competition reality TV.

Kendra Ubierna
Charger Experience Program and Student Success Counselor
kubierna@cypresscollege.edu

I am an academic counselor for Student Success (Probation) and the Charger Experience Program. I am available to answer questions about educational plans, transfer goals, guide you to support services, and provide a safe space to express your needs.

This is my first year working at Cypress and I am beyond excited to get to know the students and campus that make it unique. As a former transfer student, I have an appreciation for the community college experience, and I am eager to collaborate with students to guide them through their journey.

I consider myself to be an extrovert and introvert. My extroverted self loves hanging out with friends and checking out food festivals, traveling around Mexico, and going to run clubs with friends. My introverted self equally enjoys practicing yoga, binge watching shows with some snacks, and tending to my plants to recharge.

Requirements

Program Eligibility Requirements

Complete the FAFSA or Dream Act application and verification process
Meet California residency or AB 540 requirements
Register for a minimum of 12 units every semester
Enroll and complete Math, English, Counseling in your first year
Be a first-time college student with no other course credits from other colleges/universities (this does not apply to students who have taken Dual Enrollment classes while in high school)