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.

Gisela Verduzco
Director of Student Equity & Success
gverduzco@cypresscollege.edu

---

Dario E. Resendiz
CEP Coordinator
dresendiz@cypresscollege.edu

I’m the coordinator for the Charger Experience Program. I can help answer questions about requirements for our program and upcoming events. I also work with our community partners such as high schools, education organizations, and college/career fairs, so please reach out if you want to discuss us representing Cypress College at an event.

I was the first in my family to finish high school, attend a community college, and finally graduate from California State University Long Beach (GO BEACH!) and then go back to CSULB get my masters in counseling. I understand the stress and feeling of entering the unknown when starting college and not having anyone to guide you through the process, so if you need help I am here for you! When I am not at work or answering emails, I like to go try different boba places and walk my cat (yes on a leash!). I look forward to meeting you and working along side you as you start your journey in higher education!

---

Kassandra Abreu
CEP Counselor
kabreu@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 this quarantine I was busy completing my master’s degree and transitioning to working online! However, now that I have completed my degree, 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 fiancé by going on walks, watching TV, and making fun meals together. My fiancé and I recently got our marriage license at the Honda Center, which will be a funny story to tell people when this is over! Although I am sad that I have not been able to see everyone at Cypress College every day, I feel so grateful to work on a team that is dedicated to helping students succeed and stay connected during this time. I look forward to seeing you all soon and feel free to reach out whenever!

---

David Alfaro
CEP 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!

---

Tania Cano
CEP Academic Success Coach
tcano@cypresscollege.edu

I’m an Academic Success Coordinator for the Charger Experience Program. I can help answer questions about requirements for our program, upcoming events, and connect you with campus resources.

I am a Cypress College alumnus and super grateful to be back at my home campus serving fellow Chargers! I am a first-generation student who had no idea how to navigate the college system when I first started and have now made my way to graduate school. I currently attend CSULB to earn my master’s in counseling with the option in student development in higher education. My career goal is to work as a community college counselor and help students of all backgrounds and identities navigate college life. Aside from working and being a student, I enjoy trying new restaurants with friends, spending time outdoors, and engaging in self-care such as going on walks, painting, reading, and watching movies.

My favorite part of the job is connecting with you all throughout the year! Please reach out if there is any way I can be a resource to you; I’m happy to help.

---

Adriana Caridad Medina
CEP Counselor
acaridad@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.

I am ecstatic to be a part of such an amazing team and program at Cypress College. The most exciting part of my job is establishing a connection with the students and helping them through their educational journey. When I’m not working, I enjoy cooking for my family, attending concerts, and trying new restaurants with great food. I try to preoccupy myself by implementing self-care routines such as taking walks alone or simply practicing breathing techniques. 

If we haven’t already met, please feel free to knock on my Cranium Cafe door (Links to an external site.) to ask any question or say hello!

---

Cynthia Ferrufino
CEP Counselor
cferrufino@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.

I am honored to be working with such amazing students and team at Cypress College! During my free time, I enjoy watching movies with my family, playing board games with my sisters, or having family BBQs. Recently, my family and I have been reminiscing on old family home videos. During times when I feel stressed, I take my dog Waldo out for walks. 

I am here to help and support you all through these difficult transitions.  To schedule an appointment you can email me or do so through Cranium Café. 

---

Lisa Duong
CEP Academic Success Coach
lduong@cypresscollege.edu

Hello, Charger! I am one of the academic success coaches for the Charger Experience Program and I’m here to help you achieve your goals. Throughout your time at Cypress College, we will work together to learn skills and strategies that will help you become a well-rounded student. Whether it’s academics, time management, or other life skills, let’s figure them out together!

Currently, I am a first-generation graduate student in the Counseling (Student Development in Higher Education) program at CSULB. When I’m not working or going to school, I like to try out new recipes at home or go out to explore popular restaurants in the area. I’m originally from Sacramento so if you ever need any food recommendations from spots up there or all-around California, just say the word!

Lastly, just like the rest of this wonderful team, I am here to help and support you. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you have.

---

Brittany Hamer
CEP Counselor
bhamer@cpyresscollege.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.

I loved talking to students and getting to know each and every one of you on an individual basis, so being quarantined has definitely been a major transition for me. As some of you have seen from our Cranium Café appointments, I have an 8-month-old son at home that sometimes makes “guest appearances” during my appointments and keeps us on our toes! 

When my partner and I are not entertaining a baby or working, we have found joy in taking family walks together (with our Corgi named Cheddar), trying our new recipes, and baking. It’s been hard trying to figure out what “self-care” looks like for us, but every day is a new day and we do the best we can. I am always here to support you in whatever way I can, so if you want to chat  or need advice on classes to take, send me an email.

---

Maria Haro
CEP Counselor
mharo@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.

I have been working at Cypress College for three wonderful years! I love getting to know you, 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.  

As an introvert and professional homebody, my routine hasn’t changed much while staying safe at home. I hang out with family, babysit my niece and nephew, Facetime/Zoom with friends, binge A TON (send me your recommendations!), and have failed at removing my own manicure (*face palm*). I have also tried some new things, such as new skin care masks, yoga, and will attempt baking soon (fingers crossed). If you have any questions, thoughts, things you’d like to share, or just want to say hi, knock on my door or make an appointment via Cranium Café.

---

Amelia Mosley
CEP 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. That training has come in very handy during this social distancing environment. 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!

---

Eric Sanzon
CEP Counselor
esanzon@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 am excited to meet all of you! I was a community college student myself and am willing to meet with you to help you to navigate this journey. I graduated with a B.A. in psychology from Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and have a master’s degree in counseling from CSULB. During my spare time, I enjoy catching up with friends (virtually since the pandemic started) and spending time with family. I also like to follow sports, watch movies, find new things to cook, and go running in the evenings. You can schedule an appointment with me through Cranium Café!