Muir Student Affairs Staff
The Student Affairs and Residential Life staff support student life and personal development outside the classroom. They advise Muir student organizations, collaborate with students in planning special events such as the annual Muirstock concert and festival, and organize leadership training opportunities.
Location & Hours
Humanities and Social Sciences Building (HSS) 2126
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - Noon
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Contact
Phone: (858) 534-3587
Email: mdeansoffice@ucsd.edu
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Jason Thibodeaux, Ed.D.
Dean of Student Affairs
- Pronouns: He | Him | His
- Alma Maters: The University of Texas at Austin, University of Southern California
- Degrees: BBA - Management Information Systems | MEd - Educational Psychology | EdD - Organizational Change and Leadership
Greetings, Muirons! My name is Jason Thibodeaux, and I serve as your Dean of Student Affairs. That means that I work with this great team of people at Muir College to support your educational environment during your time at UC San Diego. I grew up in Houston, Texas, and I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin where I received a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology. I also attended the University of Southern California and received a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership. My dissertation research was on compassion fatigue in student employees, and supporting your health and wellbeing is very important to me.
Outside of UC San Diego, you can find me taking my dog Ripley on a journey to Balboa Park, exploring a museum, or stand up paddle boarding. I also love traveling to new places and trying all the great food San Diego has to offer. I hope I get the chance to meet you during your time at UC San Diego, so please reach out if you need any support.
At Muir College Since 2017
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Sonia Rosado, Ed.D.
Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Director of Residence Life
- Pronouns: She | Her | Hers
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Alma Maters: UC Santa Cruz | Indiana University-Bloomington | UC San Diego & CSU San Marcos
- Degrees: BA, Sociology | MS, Higher Education & Student Affairs | EdD, Educational Leadership
Hola I am Dra. Sonia Rosado, Associate Dean of Student Affairs/Director of Residence Life at UC San Diego. I have been in the field of Student Affairs for over 20 years working in areas such as Residence Life, Student Outreach, Recruitment, Training and Development, Community Organizing, Student Activities, Social Justice, and the First-Gen Experience. I am the founder and advisor of the LGBTQIA+ Living Learning Community at Muir College. I train the Muir community on equity, diversity, and inclusion. I promote the use of inclusive language and understanding of LGBTQIA+, racial/ethnic and multicultural identities. On my spare time, I enjoy learning and mentoring others. Originally from the Los Angeles area, I graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a B.A. in Sociology. I attended Indiana University-Bloomington, where I graduated with an M.S. in Higher Education and Student Affairs and received my Doctorate (Joint Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership from the University of California-San Diego and California State University-San Marcos. My publications include (2011 dissertation) titled Browning the Rainbow: The Academic Persistence and Multiple Identities of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Latino/a Students and (2015 article) titled Learning Applied Critical Leadership from Cultural Center Staff and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Latino/a Students in Applied Critical Leadership in Higher Education. My hobbies include bullet journaling, reading non-fiction books, playing board games, visiting various coffee shops, and traveling to tropical places.
email: srosado@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2006
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Claudia Peña, Ed.D.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs
- Pronouns: She | Her | Her
- Alma Maters: UC San Diego, San Diego State University, UC San Diego/CSU San Marcos
- Degrees: BA, Political Science/American Politics | MA, Post-Secondary Educational Leadership | EdD, Educational Leadership
Claudia Peña is a first generation graduate originally from the Coachella Valley and enjoys spending time with her two boys. She has previously served as the Student Care and Accountability Specialist for Revelle College, and she has thrived in that role creating both individual level and group support for students in need of support. Prior to this, she was Muir’s very own Coordinator of Student Activities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/American Politics from UC San Diego, a Master of Arts in Post-Secondary Educational Leadership from San Diego State University, and she defended her dissertation for the joint Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from UC San Diego/CSU San Marcos in December. In her various roles, Claudia has excelled in providing inclusive, thoughtful, and empathetic leadership to the students she works with. You can come by and say hello to Claudia in HSS second floor 2133.
email: c2pena@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2023
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Justin Glover
Middle of Muir (M.O.M), Manager
- Pronouns: He | Him | His
- Alma Maters: Arizona State University
- Degrees: Marketing
email: jdglover@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2013
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Daniel Clark
Assistant Director of Residence Life
- Pronouns: He | Him | His
Daniel has been working in higher education for over 6 years and has a passion for student development and success. Daniel believes in helping actualize the potential within the future movers and shakers of the world. He was born in Los Angeles, California, migrated north to Fresno, California and has made San Diego County his home for almost 4 years where he enjoys the abundance of sunshine and farmers markets.
A graduate of Fresno City College, California State University, Fresno and University of the Pacific, Daniel is a product of the education system in the San Joaquin Valley. In 2017, he won the prestigious University of the Pacific 2017 Latino Graduate Student of the Year award. In 2020, he was awarded Advisor of the Year at Cal State San Marcos.
When he is not working on behalf of the college student, he can be found drinking an unhealthy amount of coffee and listening to podcasts about Professional Wrestling, Comic Books, or anything produced by NPR.
email: dtclark@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2021
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Michael Vallejo
Assistant Director of Residence Life
- Pronouns: He | Him | His
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Alma Maters: University of California, San Diego
Hello! My name is Michael Vallejo and I am currently serving as the Assistant Director of Residence Life for John Muir College. I am a Muir College alum who graduated from UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry in 2018. After graduation, I joined Teach For America where I spent 2 years teaching high school chemistry in the South Bronx. During my time in New York I also earned my Masters in the Art of Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, and of course the beach. I love working with students and helping them find success. I hope to make you feel at home in Muir and welcome you to our little family.
At Muir College Since 2021
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Nayeli Perez Gonzalez, M.S.
Student Care and Accountability Specialist
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Pronouns: She | Her | Ella
- Hometown: Los Banos, California
- Alma Maters: UC San Diego | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
- Degrees: BA, Political Science | MS, Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs
Hey there! My name is Nayeli Perez Gonzalez, and I am thrilled to be the Student Care & Accountability Specialist for John Muir College. Growing up in the beautiful Central Valley of California, I've always had a passion for supporting student and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
I'm proud to be an alumna of UC San Diego, graduating in 2020 with a B.A. in Political Science - American Politics. I had the opportunity to continue my studies at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where I earned my M.S. in Higher Education Counseling & Student Affairs in 2022. Throughout my higher education experience, I've had the privilege of working in various areas, including residential life, academic advising, orientation, program coordination, and admissions.
When I'm not cheering on my favorite sports teams or hitting the dance floor, you'll find me exploring the best local coffee shops and trendy brunch spots. I believe good food and great company can brighten anyone's day!
I'm here to serve you on your college journey. Whether you have questions, need support, or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. Your success and well-being are my top priorities. I'm excited to be part of this vibrant Muir community and can't wait to make your college experience memorable and fulfilling!
email: nayeli@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2023
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Luzia Ceballos Mendoza
Coordinator of Student Activities
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Pronouns: She | Her | Hers
- Hometown: Woodland, CA
- Alma Maters: University of California, San Diego
Hi! My name is Luzia Ceballos Mendoza. I am Muir-Grown and have participated in Muir orgs such as Muir Volunteer Program and Muir Art Club. I have also worked for Muir Student Affairs as a Student Activities Intern and for ResLife as a House Advisor. I graduated with a B.S. in Psychology/Clinical Psychology and am excited to continue being a part of the Muir Community.
In my off time I like to go on walks to watch the sunset, swim in the ocean, indulge in a sweet treat and watch movies or new shows.
email: L2ceballosmendoza@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2023
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Leslie Perez-Godinez
Student Events and Transition Programs Specialist
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Pronouns: She | Her | Ella
- Hometown: Monroe, North Carolina
- Alma Maters: California State University, Chico
- Degrees: B.A, Multicultural & Gender Studies
Hola! My name is Leslie and I am excited to be the Student Events and Transition Program Specialist for John Muir College. I am a proud first-generation alumna from Chico State. There, I held various student leadership roles such as orientation leader, campus ambassador, peer mentor, and more. During my undergraduate experience, I discovered my passion for student affairs and transforming higher education to make it an equitable environment. In my commitment to improving educational experiences for students, I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs at San Diego State University.
When I am not working or in class, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, going to the beach, and eating good food during my free time. I also love Nike sneakers; I have over 25 pairs and counting! I’m excited to be a part of the Muir family and I look forward to supporting students in finding their path to success!
email: lperezgodinez@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2024
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Catherine Peng
Housing Assistant
- Pronouns: she/they
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California
- Alma Mater: UC San Diego
Hello! My name is Catherine Peng and I'm the Housing Assistant at Muir College Residential Life. I was born and raised in Monterey Park, California, in the Los Angeles area. I graduated from UCSD in 2024 with a BA in History. During my undergraduate years, I worked as a Muir House Advisor for 2 years, and was also involved in campus tours, TRiO, and Basic Needs. I'm excited to continue to be a part of the Muir community! In my free time, you'll find me browsing secondhand stores, trying new recipes, and collecting poetry books. Stop by the Muir Reslife Office to say hello and ask any questions you have!
email: c3peng@ucsd.edu
At Muir College Since 2022
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Cindy Toscano
Student Success Coach
- Pronouns: She | They
At Muir College Since 2023
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Sarah Bromley, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
At Muir College Since 2022
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Taylor McCavanagh, Psy.D.
Psychologist
At Muir College Since 2021
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Danielle Simien, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
At Muir College Since 2021
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Linda Wei
Student Affairs Intern
Fall Quarter: Student Activities
Winter Quarter: EDI & Cultural Celebrations
Spring Quarter: First Gen, Transfer, Commuter and Leadership
- Pronouns: She | Her
- Major: Molecular and Cell Biology. Minor in Psychology
- Year at UCSD: 3rd
Linda's favorite treat is ice cream and she is the VP Programming in Muir College Council (MCC).
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Celeste Espinoza
Social Media Intern
- Pronouns: She | Her
- Major: Latin American Studies with a Concentration in Mexico
- Year at UCSD: 3rd
Celeste likes to journal, cook, and explore new places on her free time!
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Ania Dudek
Student Affairs Intern
Fall Quarter: First Gen, Transfer, Commuter and Leadership
Winter Quarter: Student Activities
Spring Quarter: EDI & Cultural Celebrations
- Pronouns: She | Her
- Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
- Year at UCSD: 4th
Ania has been an Orientation Leader for the past 2 years and is also involved in Muir College Council and a research lab on campus. Her favorite treat is a KitKat!
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Aliyah Calderon
Student Affairs Intern
Fall Quarter: EDI & Cultural Celebrations
Winter Quarter: Student Activities
Spring Quarter: EDI & Cultural Celebrations
- Pronouns: She | Her
- Major: Psychology with a Specialization in Social Psychology. Minor in Ethnic Studies
- Year at UCSD: 2nd
Aliyah loves iced coffee and is involved in OASIS Summer Bridge, Muir College Council, and Nueva Herencia. She likes swimming on her free time!
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Maximiliano Hernandez
Graphic Design Intern
- Pronouns: He | They
- Major: ICAM
- Year at UCSD: 4th
Maximiliano's favorite past times are going to the gym, playing video games, and baking.
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Delainey Molano
Student Affairs Intern
Fall Quarter: EDI & Cultural Celebrations
Winter Quarter: First Gen, Transfer, Commuter and Leadership
Spring Quarter: Student Activities
- Pronouns: She | Her
- Major: Global Health
- Year at UCSD: 2nd
Delainey is involved in Muir College Council (MCC) and Muir Environmental Corps (MEC). She loves going thrifting, getting coffee, reading, hiking and running.
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Sam Propst
Student Affairs Intern
Fall Quarter: Student Activities
Winter Quarter: EDI & Cultural Celebrations
Spring Quarter: Student Activities
- Pronouns: They | She , Elle | Ella
- Major: Structural Engineering and Spanish Literature
- Year at UCSD: 2nd
Sam is involved in the UCSD Library Student Advisory Council (LSAC). They enjoy reading, running, swimming, hiking and one of their favorite snacks is white cheddar popcorn.
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