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John Muir College 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

2126 Humanities and
Social Science Building
Monday - Friday
8:00 a.m. - 12 Noon
1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contact

Phone: (858) 534-3587
Email: mdeansoffice@ucsd.edu

Professional Staff

  • Jason Thibodeaux, Ed.D.

    Jason Thibodeaux, Ed.D.

    Dean of Student Affairs 

    - Pronouns: He | Him | His
    - Hometown: Houston, Texas
    - Alma Maters: The University of Texas at Austin | University of Southern California
    - Degrees: BBA, Business Administration | 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.

    Email: jasonjt@ucsd.edu | Phone: (858) 534-3587
    At Muir College Since 2017
  • Raymond Vera Cruz

    Raymond Vera Cruz

    Executive Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs 

    Pronouns: He | Him | His
    - Hometown: San Diego, California
    - Alma Mater: San Diego State University
     

    Raymond is a San Diego native and is a big fan of food and adventure. Ask him about great places to visit for amazing eats and breathtaking views. 

    You can find Raymond at the front desk in the Office of Student Affairs, where he supports the Dean of Student Affairs. Stop by or give Raymond a call if you have any questions about Muir College or getting involved!  When not working, Raymond enjoys speculating wildly about the Marvel Cinematic Multiverse, recreating his favorite restaurant dishes, being buried in a good book, or hiking up a mountain just because it's there.

    E-mail: rveracruz@ucsd.edu | Phone: (858) 534-3587

    At Muir College Since 2016

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    Claudia Pena

    Assistant Dean of Student Affairs

    - Pronouns: She | Her | Hers

  • Sonia Rosado, Ed.D.

    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.

    E-mail: srosado@ucsd.edu  | Phone: (858) 534-4200

    At Muir College Since 2006

  • Daniel Clark

    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.

    E-mail: dtclark@ucsd.edu | Phone: (858) 534-4200

    At Muir College Since 2021

  • Michael Vallejo

    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.

    E-mail: m3vallejo@ucsd.edu | Phone: (858) 534-4200
    At Muir College Since 2021

     

  • Justin Glover

    Justin Glover

    Middle of Muir (M.O.M), Manager

    - Pronouns: he | him | his

    - Alma Mater: Arizona State University

    - Degrees: Marketing

     

    E-mail: jdglover@ucsd.edu | Phone: (858) 534-3587

    At Muir College Since 2013

  • Nayeli Perez Gonzalez, M.S.

    Nayeli Perez Gonzalez, M.S.

    Student Care and Acountability Specialist

    PronounsShe | 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: npg002@ucsd.edu

    At Muir College Since 2023

  • Luzia Ceballos Mendoza

    Luzia Ceballos Mendoza

    Coordinator of Student Activities

    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.

     

    E-mail: L2ceballosmendoza@ucsd.edu 

    At Muir College Since 2023

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    Anush Ghoogasian

    Housing Assistant

    Pronouns: She/Her
    - Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    - Alma Mater: University of California, San Diego
    - Degree: B.S., Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience
    Hello! My name is Anush Ghoogasian and I am currently serving as the Housing Assistant for the Muir Residence Life Office! I have experience in res life as the temporary Program Assistant for Muir Res Life earlier this year and was lucky enough to be an RA for 3 years before I graduated from UCSD in 2022! I'm excited to use my experience to contribute to Muir's community. 
     
    In my free time I like to explore different parts of San Diego and am always on the hunt for any coffee/matcha spots and good local restaurants.

     

     

     Email: aghoogas@ucsd.edu

    At Muir College Since 2023

  • Vanessa Barboza

    Vanessa Barboza

    Program Assistant

    Pronouns: She | Her | Ella
    - Hometown: Indio, California
    - Alma Mater: San Diego State University
    - Degrees: BA, Chicana/o/x Studies and Economics | MA, Economics
     
    Hello! My name is Vanessa Barboza and I am currently serving as the Program Assistant for John Muir College. I was born and raised in the Coachella Valley but moved to San Diego in 2017 to pursue higher education. I attended San Diego State University (SDSU) for six consecutive years and graduated with a BA in Chicana/o/x Studies and Economics. I most recently graduated in May 2023 with an MA in Economics. I have five years of student affairs experience, serving as a Resident Advisor and Assistant Coordinator within residential education at SDSU. I am excited to join the UC San Diego community and to contribute to Muir College. I am passionate about higher ed., Ethnic Studies, and Chicana activism. In my free time, I love to attend music festivals, sing karaoke, and cook vegetarian meals. I also am a proud AMC A-Lister and love watching/reviewing movies. Please let me know if you have any questions or have any film recommendations!
     

     

     

     Email: vbarboza@ucsd.edu

    At Muir College Since 2024

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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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    Daphne Kendricks, Ph.D

    Psychologist

     

     

    At Muir College Since 2023

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    Amy Nannan, Psy.D.

     Post-Doctoral Resident 

     

     

    At Muir College Since 2023

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    Martina Galvan

    Student Affairs Case Manager

    Learn more about Student Affairs Case Management!

     

    At Muir College Since 2022

Student Staff

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    Carlos Rueda
    Student Affairs Intern - Transfer and Leadership Programs

    Ania Dudek
    Student Affairs Intern - Student Organization and College Committee Consultant

    Paulina Mondragon Lopez 
    Student Affairs Intern - Student Activities

    Linda Wei
    Student Affairs Intern - Student Activities

    Siul Maduena
    Graphic Design Intern 

    Celeste Espinoza
    Social Media Intern