Project ACCESS

Sophia Baeza
Sophomore

Inspired by experiences with her niece’s speech development struggles and motivated by her mother’s wisdom and encouragement, Sophia is dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities through a career in Special Education. Gifted with an artistic flair, Sophia enjoys crafting and learning to play the keyboard.

Catherine G. Coelho
Senior

Inspired by her desire to provide a better future for her son, who is on the autism spectrum, to pursue a career in the Special Education to assist children with special needs. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Catherine brings a unique bilingual perspective to her work.

Cheyenne Eidson
Junior

Inspired by her mother with Cerebral Palsy, Cheyenne is pursuing a career in special education to advocate for students' needs. She works full-time as an SLC Tech for Visalia Unified and is the mother of two children. Project ACCESS will help her financially, allowing her to focus on her studies and family.

Lee Esparza IV
Junior

Motivated by his passion for seeing growth in students with special needs, Lee aims for a career in special education. He chose Fresno State to stay close to home and enjoys watching baseball. Project ACCESS supports his educational goals by providing financial assistance for his credentials and master's degree.

Lizette Miramontes
Junior

Driven by her desire to be the supportive teacher she needed, Lizette is pursuing a career in special education. A transfer student from COS, she brings a diverse background and has overcome learning challenges. Project ACCESS supports her financially, boosting her confidence to pursue her educational goals without the burden of loans.

Tomasa Felix
Junior

Driven by her current work in special education, Tomasa aims to have her own classroom. A junior in the Liberal Studies program at Fresno State, she loves kayaking and exploring lakes. Project ACCESS helps her minimize student loans, allowing her to focus on her studies without needing a second job.

Elizabeth Gormley
Senior

Inspired by a volunteering experience in 6th grade, Elizabeth is passionate about working in special education. She plays tennis and chose Fresno State for its proximity to home and the opportunity to join the tennis club. Project ACCESS supports her financially and helps her connect with future special education teachers.

Brittany Hatton
Junior

With five years of experience in special education, Brittany returned to college after fifteen years to pursue a Special Education teaching degree. Motivated by her children, she is now aiming for a master's degree with the help of Project ACCESS, which eases her financial burden.

Jessica Danielle Henson
Junior

Inspired by her younger brother with autism, Jessica is dedicated to a career in special education. Originally planning for law school, she found her true calling in education. Project ACCESS has eased her family's financial burden, allowing her to focus on her studies and her brother's future.

Gisselle Rodriguez Maciel
Dual Credential - Multiple Subject

Inspired by her sister with multiple disabilities, Gisselle is committed to a career in special education. A Phase 2 student in the Dual Credential program at Fresno State, she actively participates in educational workshops and works with migrant students. Project ACCESS provides essential financial support, allowing her to focus on her studies.

Caitlin Elizabeth Ortiz
Junior

Motivated by her desire to integrate students with special needs into mainstream classrooms, Caitlin is pursuing a career in special education. She has a strong interest in ceramics and plans to incorporate arts into her future teaching. Project ACCESS has alleviated her financial concerns, allowing her to focus on her studies.

Brenda Pimentel
Senior

Inspired by her younger sibling born with Down Syndrome, Brenda is eager to learn more about different disabilities as her heart is with special needs students. With two years of experience working in special education and the support of Project ACCESS, she looks forward to this career path and becoming the first teacher in her family.

Victor Manuel Rodriguez Jr.
Junior

Driven by a desire to teach students with learning differences, Victor returned to school after a seven-year hiatus. He has achieved publication and made the Dean's Honor Roll twice. Project ACCESS helps alleviate his family's financial burden, allowing him to complete his academic journey.

Aizia Thao
Senior

Since being a kindergarten, Aizia has wanted to be an educator. Inspired by a sibling with special needs, she is now focused on pursuing a career in Special Education and is a first generation American, college student and will become the first educator in her family through the support of Project ACCESS.

Andrea Catalan Yepez

Junior

An avid coach across elementary softball, volleyball, track and basketball, Andrea has been passionate about pursuing a career in special education since high school where she saw a positive impact of her involvement with students with disabilities.