Meet the Team
The Center for Experiential Learning & Innovation is comprised of four departments, take a moment and meet the Staff and Student Assistants from each.
Career Development
Rhonda Mercadal-Evans
Executive Director Center for Experiential Learning & Innovation
831-582-3095
Rmercadal@csumb.edu
MBA, Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry Univeristy
Human Resouce Management
Bachelor of Science, DeVry University
Technical Management, emphasis Human Resources
Rhonda Mercadal-Evans serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Experiential Learning and Innovation at CSUMB, where she has been a valued community member since August 2012. She holds an MBA in Human Resources with a focus on diversity and brings a wealth of expertise and dedication to student success. Her 26 years of experience in Corporate America have refined her leadership skills and passion for guiding students in their academic and career pursuits. Having spent her childhood in the area as an "Army brat" while Fort Ord was still an active military base, her deep connection to CSUMB fuels her commitment to helping students navigate their educational and professional journeys.
Rhonda's mission is to help students understand the critical link between academic achievements, career aspirations, and long-term success. She advocates for integrating real-world experiences—such as internships, service learning, capstone projects, research, study abroad, and industry collaborations—to enhance employability and foster social mobility.
Rhonda enjoys music, reading, hiking, visiting art galleries and museums, meeting new people, and continuously learning. Her favorite snacks include seasonal fruit, nuts, and dark bitter chocolate. A favorite quote she holds dear is: "When you have a revelation, it is a sudden burst of knowledge from God!" Her personal goal is to become the best version of herself.
Shaun Levy
Career Advisor
(831)582-4278
shlevy@csumb.edu
Master of Science, Central Connecticut State University
Counselor Education: Specialization in Student Development in Higher Education
Bachelor of Arts, University of Connecticut
Sociology & Urban and Community Studies
Shaun C. Levy is proud to have coached thousands of undergraduates through work-life transitions. Shaun has over a decade of experience in higher education, including career advising, academic advising, governmental grant compliance, and Federal TRIO programming. Service to the public threads the work one has done to date, and Shaun is intrigued by the linkages between teaching, human learning, and prosperity.
Shaun enjoys brutalist architecture, music, dance, and taking the drudgery out of career prep.
Marc Garcia
Career Advisor
(831)582-3334
marcgarcia2@csumb.edu
LinkedIn
Master of Science, CSU Fresno
Student Affairs and College Counseling
Master of Fine Arts, University of Arizona
Lighting Design
Bachelor of Arts, CSU Fresno
Theatre, emphasis on Lighting and Sound
Originally from the Central Valley, Marc began his career journey in the entertainment industry working as a Theatre Facility Manager, AV Manager, Lighting Designer, Sound Designer, and Professor living in Texas, Florida, Arizona, England, and various cruise ships. After 30+ years in the entertainment industry he decided to make a career shift and focus on collaborating with all students helping them succeed academically and flourish professionally.
His current career path began with returning to college, discovering career and utilizing his career and life experiences to emphasize non-linear career paths and the significance of lifetime learning.
Marc focuses on career exploration, non-linear pathways, and a holistic approach to counseling.
Lauren Knottek
Career Advisor
lknottek@csumb.edu
Master of Social Work, University of South Carolina
Communities and Organizations
Bachelor of Arts, University of South Carolina
Social Work
Lauren Knottek is a career advisor and lecturer at California State University, Monterey Bay, where she helps science students grow personally and professionally through career counseling and professional development workshops. With a background in social work, she creates engaging, practical learning experiences to prepare students for success in the workplace. Lauren also volunteers with the Monterey Bay Aquarium and California State Parks, sharing her passion for environmental conservation. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of South Carolina and is known for her strong community connections, student-focused approach, and commitment to career readiness.
Jenny Martinez
Career Advisor
jennymartinez@csumb.edu
Master of Arts, San Jose State University
Counseling and Guidance
Bachelor of Arts, San Jose State University
English
Jenny began working with CSUMB Career Development in 2022 as an intern and became a staff member in 2023. She is a graduate of San Jose State University with a bachelor's degree in English and a master's degree in Counseling and Guidance. Jenny is passionate about empowering students to identify their strengths, interests, and goals, and supporting them in uncovering their academic and career aspirations. She values building rapport with diverse student populations and collaborating with faculty, staff and community partners to help bring meaningful experiences to students. In her free time, Jenny enjoys exercise, traveling with her family and seeking opportunities for continuous learning.
Daisy Moore
Career Advisor
(831)582-5020
moore@csumb.edu
Master of Arts, University of Wyoming
Higher Education Administration
Humboldt State University
K-8 Teaching Credential
Bachelor of Arts, University of Hawaii
Women's Studies
Associates of Arts, Foothill Community College
Sociology and Women's Studies
Daisy has dedicated her career to education, driven by a profound belief that education is the path to personal and societal transformation. Her experience in program development, student support services, and teaching has equipped Daisy with the skills to contribute meaningfully to student success.
Denise Angulo
Career Ambassador Trainee
Major: Psychology
Clovis Community College – AS Psychology, AS Sociology
Denise J. Angulo is a transfer student, passionate about empowering her community with the skills necessary to help them understand, explore, and advance their career path. Denise thrives collaborating with people from diverse backgrounds and is deeply committed to supporting her peers’ personal and professional growth. Learning about people and conforming education to the underrepresented communities leads to new innovations and growths.
Denise loves cooking, movies, scrapbooking, and learning ways to elevate her community.
First Year Seminar (FYS)
Information Coming Soon
Second Year Experience (SYE)
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Daisy Moore
Second Year Experience Coordinator
(831)582-5020
aimoore@csumb.edu
Master of Arts, University of Wyoming
Higher Education Administration
Humboldt State University
K-8 Teaching Credential
Bachelor of Arts, University of Hawaii
Women's Studies
Associates of Arts, Foothill Community College
Sociology and Women's Studies
Daisy has dedicated her career to education, driven by a profound belief that education is the path to personal and societal transformation. Her experience in program development, student support services, and teaching has equipped Daisy with the skills to contribute meaningfully to student success.
Daisy is a yoga teacher, loves the outdoors, and is a lifelong learner. She is working towards an Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) and researching how universities can teach students about financial literacy as a means of economic justice and social mobility.
Ramona Jalomo
Peer Mentor
Major: Psychology
Alyssa Olivas
Peer Mentor
Major: Environmental Studies
Service Learning
Pam Motoike
Acting Director, Professor
(831)582-3914
pmotoike@csumb.edu
Pamela Motoike is a Professor of Service Learning who teaches lower division and upper division service learning courses. She has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and has worked as a Director of Diversity Student Services, an intergroup dialogue facilitator, a counselor in a university counseling center, a faculty of Asian American studies and women’s studies courses, and a medical transcriber.
Tritia Moneypenny
Coordinator
Community Partnerships
(831)582-5175
tmoneypenny@csumb.edu
Masters, Kansas State University
Youth Development
Bachelor of Science, University of California Santa Cruz
Marine Biology
Minor in Education
Tritia (pronounced Trisha) is SLI's Coordinator of Community Partnerships. Armed with her master's in youth development and service learning from Kansas State, Tritia actively combats white saviorism in volunteer efforts. She is a member of Whites for Racial Equity, a local chapter of SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice), was Board Vice-Chair for Black Leaders and Allies Collaborative for 2 years, and can often be seen at community events in Seaside and Monterey. Tritia also has a B.S. in Marine Biology, with a minor in Education, from UC Santa Cruz. Previously, she worked at the Monterey Bay Aquarium for nearly 12 years, at York School for 6 years, and at Northwestern University's Civic Leadership Institute for two summers, among others. Having been in the realms of animal advocacy, ocean conservation, environmental conservation and advocacy, and social justice in the Monterey Bay area for more than 20 years, Tritia came to SLI with relationships and connections with many of the Institute's community partners. In her spare time, Tritia enjoys walking in Ford Ord or on the beach with her husband and dogs, planning events or weddings, spending time with her plants, and getting together with friends for a variety of social occasions.
Andrew Amorao
Director, College Corps
831-582-3406
aamorao@csumb.edu
Bachelor of Arts, Asian American Studies
San Francisco State University
Andrew is fundamentally passionate about empowering college students to make an impact in their local and global communities. His experience bridging diverse communities, government, and nonprofit organizations has led to historic engagement rates at the US Census Bureau, 2020 California Citizens Redistricting Commission, and colleges and universities across the San Diego region.
Andrew is a practitioner of yoga and mindfulness, which he incorporates into his work. You will often find him exploring the outdoors and taking in the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula.
Support Staff
Diana Centeno
Diana Centeno, a CSU Monterey Bay alumna, was born in Celaya, Guanajuato, and raised in the Monterey Bay. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Language and Hispanic Cultures in Fall 2022. For four years, she worked with the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), supporting students with migrant and farm-working backgrounds in achieving academic success at CSUMB. Now a graduate student in the Chicana and Chicano Studies Master’s Program at San Jose State University, Diana balances her academic career with a passion for music. Since early 2023, she has been known as DJ "Baby Dizzle," curating the energy at concerts and dance parties throughout California, with a mission to amplify female representation in the music industry.
Caroline Fantone
Analyst
Center for Experiential Learning & Innovation
Center for Advising, Career & Student Success
(831)582-5061
cfantone@csumb.edu
Caroline Fantone has several years of customer service experience as it is appropriate she has supported staff at the executives level and managing office operations. She is a team player, self-motivated, enthusiastic, and personable.
Miguel Silva
Community Placement & Compliance Analyst
(831)582-3380
msilva@csumb.edu