Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership
Meet Some of Our Currently Enrolled Students
Kristina Barger
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: White Supremacy in Higher Education
- Professional Role: VISTA Program Manager, CSU Chancellor's Office
- Hometown: Livermore, CA
- Current Location: Long Beach, CA
Edie Brown
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Advising students of color in a predominantly white 4 year higher education institution, Diversity, equity and inclusion in Student Affairs with a focus on student services, How unions and universities can co-exist while serving students
- Professional Role: Union President
- Hometown: San Francisco, CA
- Current Location: Santa Rosa, CA
Eve Castellanos
Face-to-Face Cohort 11: Class of 2020
- Research Interests: Female Leadership in Higher Education, Women of Color as Administrators in Higher Education, Resiliency in Leadership Program Evaluation
- Professional Role: Program Coordinator
- Hometown: Sanger, CA
My Kou Chang
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Hmong Men in the High School Counseling Profession
- Professional Role: High School & Community College Counselor
- Hometown: Porterville, CA
- Current Location: Sanger, CA
Jennifer Chinander
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Equity, Connection between behavior and engagement, Achievement Gap and English Learners
- Professional Role: Assistant Principal
- Hometown: Clovis, CA
- Current Location: Santa Margarita, CA
Brittany Clason
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Student self-efficacy in higher education
- Professional Role: Clinical education coordinator for Fresno State’s Athletic Training Program
- Hometown: Clovis, CA
AmyK Conley
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Literacy and equity issues, social-emotional learning and problem-solving to decrease exclusionary disciplinary practices, distance learning and educational technology;
- Professional Role: Instructional coach at Fortuna High, Instructor in credential programs at Humboldt State University
- Hometown and Current Location: Fortuna, CA
Ariel Davis
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: First-generation college students, Black and underrepresented students, underresourced students, colorism, misogynoir and dismantling systems of oppression
- Professional Role: Coordinator, Outreach and Relations with Schools
- Hometown: Wilmer, LA
- Current Location: San Bernardino, CA
Jennifer J Enns
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Research Interests: Educational and Organizational Psychology, Organizational Leadership, asset-based approaches that empower individuals and organizations, Teacher Retention
- Professional Role: Executive Leadership Coach, CSI (Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools)
- Hometown: Merced, CA
- Current Location: Clovis, CA
Eleanor M Esquada
Face-to-Face Cohort 14: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Early Childhood Education, Equity and Access to programs and SEAL support
- Professional Role: General Ed Teacher, Kindergarten
- Hometown and Current Location: Fresno, CA
Nathan Evans
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: College promise programs, postsecondary access and completion, educational equity
- Professional Role: Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor for Academic and Student Affairs, CSU Office of the Chancellor
- Hometown: Spencer, WV
- Current Location: Irvine, CA
Jen Evans
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Dissertation: Dissenting in Educational Practice: An Evaluation of Free Speech and its Limitations Among Educators
- Professional Role: 5th grade teacher
- Current Location: Arroyo Grande, CA
Corinne Folmer
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Human resources and teacher retention
- Professional Role: P-12 Administrator
- Current Location: Sanger, CA
Rashonne Founts-Saenz
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: First Year Student Success, Transitional summer programs that support first year students
- Professional Role: Educational Opportunity Program Academic Advisor, Summer Bridge Program Coordinator, Lecturer, Multidisciplinary Studies at Stanislaw State University
- Hometown and Current Location: Manteca, CA
Nick Fuentes
Online Cohort 2: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Adult learning, continuing education, lifelong learning, education for healthy aging. I am researching lifelong learning programs and the older adult students that attend them. I am seeking to identify barriers that prevent older adults from participating and help programs create a more welcoming and enjoyable environment for a much more diverse audience.
- Professional Role: Seeking my next adventure
- Hometown: Ventura, CA
Danielle Gamez
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Dissertation: The lived experiences of students in schools while navigating homelessness
- Professional Role: District Enrollment Manager
- Hometown: Saginaw, MI
- Current Location: Port Hueneme, CA
Angelica Gil
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: College & Career Readiness, Career Counseling; Dissertation Topic: Intersectionality in HE Among First-Gen. Latinx Students
- Professional Role: Career Counselor
- Hometown: Fresno, CA
Anayeli Gomez-Navarro
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Women Leaders, Underrepresented Minorities, First Generation College Students, Latinas in Higher Education
- Professional Role: Academic Advisor
- Hometowns: Mexico City & Arvin, CA
- Current Location: Bakersfield, CA
Lydia Gonzalez
Face-to Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Culturally Responsive Teaching Practices
- Professional Role: AP Psychology Educator
- Hometown: Reedley, CA
Hank Gutierrez
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Dissertation: The Enactment of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy: A Case Study of Two Schools
- Professional Role: Deputy Superintendent, FCSS
- Current Location: Fowler, CA
Omar Gutierrez
Face-to-Face Cohort 14: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Budget, finance and full impact on students access
- Professional Role: VP Administrative Services
- Current Location: Visalia, CA
Andrea Hall-Cuccia
Face-to-Face Cohort 14: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Academic factors impacting time to graduation at California Community Colleges (major switching, academic load, summer sessions, DFW, math/writing placement, total credits), particularly pre- and post- AB705 and Guided Pathways
- Professional Role: Institutional Researcher, UC Merced
- Hometown and Current Location: Merced, CA
Belinda Hammond
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Dissertation: Development and implementation of virtual child life community practicum experiences.
- Professional Role: Lecturer
- Hometown: Van Nuys, CA
- Current Location: Lompoc, CA
Amie Hammond
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Dissertation: Work Values, Organizational Change, White Supremacy and Systems of Oppression within
Organizations, Career Development
- Professional Role: Associate Director of Career Counseling and Education, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
- Hometown: Palo Alto, CA
- Current Location: Paso Robles, CA
Esra Hashem
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Critical discourse analysis in higher education media
- Professional Role: Director of Marketing and Communications at California State University, Bakersfield
- Hometown: Fresno, CA
- Current Location: Bakersfield, CA
Doreen Hatcher
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Gendered Racial Experiences of Black Women Attending Hispanic-Serving Institutions
- Professional Role: Director, Student Transition & Engagement Programs
- Hometown: El Paso, TX
- Current Location: Moorpark, CA
Debi Hill
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Shifting the culture of rape on college campuses
- Professional Role: Associate Vice President Equity & Transition - Student Affairs
- Hometown: Visalia, CA
- Current Location: Arroyo Grande, CA
Rafael Iniguez
Face-to-Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Career Technical Education, Mindfulness, Dual Enrollment, first-generation students, migrant students, Latinx students
- Professional Role: Career Technical Education Coordinator
- Hometown: Parlier, CA
- Current Location: Fresno, CA
Gus Leonard
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Language and Culture learning; technology-enhanced learning. Dissertation Topic: Understanding Intercultural Competence in Civic Engagement/Citizenship through Photovisual Elicitation of Study Abroad Student Photoblogs
- Professional Role: CSU Monterey Bay, Language Lab Coordinator
- Hometown: Burlington, VT
- Current Location: Del Rey Oaks, CA
Sierra Lewis
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Professional Role: Associate Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Hometown: Boise, ID
Cyndie Luna
Face-to-Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: The impact of culturally-competent teacher immediacy on disproportionately impacted students
- Professional Role: Dean, Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, Fresno City College
- Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
- Current Location: Fresno, CA
Aaron Luna
Face-to-Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Effects of music education on academic achievement, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic; Student social and emotional outcomes that are influenced by instrumental music
- Professional Role: Band Teacher & Adjunct Professor
- Hometown and Current Location: Selma, CA
Kenzie Major
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Culturally Responsive Literature and Teaching
- Professional Role: Teacher
- Hometown and Current Location: San Jose, CA
José A Maldonado
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Undocu Students, Transfer Success, Student Resources, Collaboration Between Community and Campus, Connecting Students to Opportunity
- Professional Role: Full-time faculty
- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
- Current Location: Ventura, CA
Monica Malhotra
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Women Leaders in Higher Education: Surviving at the Top and Shaping Bold leadership
- Professional Role: Director, Strategic Analytics
- Hometown and Current Location: La-Palma, CA
Ricardo Marmolejo
Cohort 11: Class of 2020
- Research Interests: Social justice in higher education
- Professional Role: Director of Special Grants Project – Title V, West Hills College Lemoore
- Hometown: Riverdale, CA
Kymbee McKay
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Home/school connections for elementary students; best teaching practices in primary classrooms
- Professional Role: Teacher
- Hometown: Amherst, TX
- Current Location: Valley Center, CA
Tasneem Mohamed
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Professional Role: Academic Advisor
- Hometown: Oakland, CA
- Current Location: Marina, CA
Oronne Nwaneri
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Black Student Success, Experiences of Black International Students, Affects of COVID on low income college and university students
- Professional Role: Director, Upward Bound Programs, Pasadena City College
- Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
- Current Location: Pasadena, CA
Monica Ocampo
Online Cohort 4: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: First-gen students, Latinx students, HSIs, first-gen professionals, college access (outreach), student-parents
- Professional Role: University Culture Pathways Activity Director, CSU Channel Islands
- Hometown and Current Location: Oxnard, CA
Michael Ornelas
Face-to-Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Stigma and Impact of Career and Tecnical Education on minority groups
- Professional Role: Manufacturing Technology Instructor
- Hometown: Visalia, CA
- Current Location: Kingsburg, CA
Stephanie Sandoval Peoples
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Social Justice in Education,Organizational Psychology and Educational Technology
- Professional Role: Child and Family Education Instructor at Antelope Valley College
- Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
- Current Location: Stevenson Ranch, CA
Kara Perkins
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Financial Aid, Retention and Graduation at the CSU
- Professional Role: Associate Vice President, Budget & Administration - CSU Long Beach
- Hometown: Kennewick, WA
- Current Location: Long Beach, CA
Cynthia Rodriguez
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Providing access to culturally relevant social-emotional learning opportunities as well as making the educational space more equitable for all students.
- Professional Role: School Counselor
- Hometown: Reedley, CA
- Current Location: King City, CA
Sam Rodriguez
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Examining the Lived Experiences of California Hispanic Agriculture Teachers
- Professional Role: Agriculture Business Instructor, Reedley/Madera College
- Hometown: Wasco, CA
- Current Location: Hanford, CA
Steve Ross
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Job Satisfaction of Residence Hall Directors
- Professional Role: Graduate Program Coordinator
- Hometown and Current Location: Sacramento, CA
Yadi Sanchez
Online Cohort 5: Class of 2023
- Professional Role: Manager of Outreach and Academic Services
- Hometown: Fort Bragg, CA
Andriana Scherrer
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Instructional Coaching, New Teachers, Cultural Proficiency
- Professional Role: Site administrator
- Hometown: Fresno, CA
- Current Location: Sanger, CA
Soki Siv
Face-to-Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Academic Achievement in PK-12
- Professional Role: Principal
- Hometown and Current Location: Fresno, CA
Mike Snell
Face-to-Face Cohort 14: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Exploring youth workers in expanded learning programs and the role they play in teacher
quantity, quality and diversity
- Professional Role: CEO
- Hometown: Fresno, CA
- Current Location: Sanger, CA
Sara Soria
Face-to-Face Cohort 11: Class of 2020
- Research Interests: Academic achievement of Mexican American high school boys and the impact of parents and schools
- Professional Role: Assistant Principal at Granite Hills High School, Porterville USD
- Hometown: Exeter, CA
Khat Assil Tarvirdian
Online Cohort 3: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: Afghan Americans, Critical Race Theory, Diversity and Identity, Gender Issues, Assessment, testing and measurement, Intersectionality Higher Education, International and Comparative Education, Research Methods, Sociology navigating U.S. education, Immigrants and Immigration, Data Sciences, Educational Policy, Diversity and Identity, South Asian Americans
- Professional Role: Assessment & Evaluation Analyst
- Hometown: Kabul, Afghanistan
- Current Location: Simi Valley, CA
Cruz Madrigal Trejo
Face-to-Face Cohort 14: Class of 2023
- Research Interests: Success of migrant students in higher education, Early Childhood Education and the importance of SEL
- Professional Role: School Psychologist
- Hometown and Current Location: Madera, CA
John Williams
Face-to-Face Cohort 12: Class of 2021
- Research Interests: CTE/Agriculture Education; Dissertation: Role Agriculture Education has on a Students Decision to Earn a College Degree
- Professional Role: Full Time Lecturer CSU, Fresno. Part time instructor, Reedley College
- Hometown: Los Alamos, CA
- Current Location: Clovis, CA
Jerry Vang
- Face-to-Face Cohort 11: Class of 2020
- Research Interests: Mindset Self-Efficacy
- Professional Role: Teacher
- Hometown: Fresno, CA
Ko Yang
Face-to-Face Cohort 13: Class of 2022
- Research Interests: Hmong Women in Leadership within Higher Education
- Professional Role: Supplemental Instruction Assistant Coordinator
- Hometown and Current Location: Fresno, CA