Meet the Orientation Team

Dr. Kaci Turpin

Director of New Student Programs

Pronouns: She/Her

Advice for Incoming students: Get involved early and step outside your comfort zone during your first semester. By attending campus events or joining a club, you'll have the opportunity to try new things, meet new people, and build a sense of community and belonging on campus.

 

Elizabeth Hayes

First-Year Experience Coordinator

Pronouns: She/Her

Advice for Incoming students: Always be your authentic self

 

Desiree Hyde

New Student Programs & Campus Tour Coordinator

Pronouns: She/Her

Advice for Incoming students: Don't be afraid to smile at a stranger on campus or go to events alone. These are the moments where you will meet some of the best friends you will ever have. College is a pivotal time in your life where you will find yourself and become who you've always wanted to be!

 

Heather Martin

NODA Intern

Pronouns: She/Her

Advice for Incoming students: Find yourself while you are here. Embrace the uncomfortable!

Idaly Ortiz Hernandez 

Student Supervisor 

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Third-Year

Major: Business Administration

Advice to incoming students: "Say "yes" to every event possible. Especially during the first few weeks of the semester."

 

Bethzy Cisneros 

Student Supervisor 

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Third-Year

Major: Human Development & Family Science

Advice to incoming students: "Never be afraid to ask for help! Your questions matter!"

 

Carlos Acevedo

Den Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "Do not compare yourself to anyone else on campus. Every person you meet is carrying a different story, facing different challenges, and growing in their own unique way. It can be easy to look around and feel like others are ahead, but your journey is not meant to look like anyone else's. Growth takes time, patience, and self-compassion. Give yourself grace as you learn, make mistakes, and discover who you are becoming. College is not a race; it is an opportunity to write your own story. Take advantage of the resources, opportunities, and connections around you, because they can help you grow in ways you never expected. Trust yourself, celebrate your progress, and remember that even the smallest steps forward are still steps toward the person you are meant to become."

 

Jennifer Aguirre-Franco

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "Utilize the support and resources this campus offers you. Using them will improve your experience."

 

Stephanie Amaya

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Second-Year

Major: Biology

Advice to incoming students: "Go to your professor's office hours- it sounds small, but that one conversation can open doors to research opportunities, better grades, and letter of rec when you need them most. Also join club or program even if you feel too busy. College gets lonely fast if all you do is class and homework. Your people are out there- you just have to show up once to find them. Everyone around you feels just as lost and unsure as you do. So trust yourself and don't be afraid to ask for help."

 

Isaiah Anaya

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Year

Major: Kinesiology

Advice to incoming students: "Make sure you genuinely take time to study. You do have a lot of free time but in reality it's study time, but of course don't overdo yourself!"

 

Elena Arguello

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Business Administration

Advice to incoming students: "Try everything that sounds fun at least once. You will get to see on your own what you actually like and the environment as well. No one is going to tie you down. Every place on campus is set to be welcoming so there is no right or wrong as to what you want or don't want to do."

 

Alexander Castaneda

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Second-Year

Major: Communication Design & Computer Science

Advice to incoming students: "When met with an opportunity, don't be afraid to take a chance because you never know where it'll lead."

 

Eden Deluca

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Second-Year

Major: Liberal Studies

Advice to incoming students: "Success doesn't come from having the perfect plan. It comes from taking the first step. As a freshman, don't let fear of failure or uncertainty hold you back. Progress is made by learning, adjusting, and continuing to move forward, even when you don't have all the answers." 

 

Noah Diamond

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Year

Major: Marine Science

Advice to incoming students: "If you're taking a math course don't be afraid to use the Math/Stats Cafe, it's an amazing resource."

 

Maya Espinosa

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Third-Year

Major: Marine Science

Advice to incoming students: "Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and connect with the people around you. Get involved within the campus community by attending events and taking advantage of the opportunities to meet others. Don't hesitate to express yourself and ask questions in class. Your professors and the resources around you are there to support your learning and help you succeed, so just take the initiative to engage and have fun with your college experience."

 

Genessa Frederick

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Fourth-year

Major: Human Development & Family Science

Advice to incoming students: "Find someone to adventure with, even if it's out of your comfort zone! Whether they are from a class or a roommate, having that person to explore/have fun with will help college feel so much more manageable!"

 

Alessandra Granados 

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Second-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "Don't be afraid to talk to people. It can be so intimidating to come to a new school and try to make friends. I highly recommend that you go to the welcome week events and put yourself out there. This is everyone's first time being an incoming student and everyone is looking for a friend. The more you get out of your comfort zone the more friendships and connections you will make. Hello matters, remember to at least say hello."

 

John Hodgkinson

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Year

Major: Business Administration 

Advice to incoming students: "It's never too late to change your major! Do what you love!"

 

Hannah Howes

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Second-Year

Major: Biology

Advice to incoming students: "Don't be afraid of trying new things and branching out. It's a great way of making new connections!"

 

Sebastian Lange

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Second-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "If you are feeling disheartened, smile, and share your worth!"

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Jane Leithead

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Second-Year

Major: Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management

Advice to incoming students: "Don't be afraid to be involved and talk to your professors"

 

Diego Macias

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Year

Major: Marine Science

Advice to incoming students: "Do everything that you can right now so you can laugh about it later on."

 

Tristan Martinez

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: They/Them

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Cinematic Arts & Technology

Advice to incoming students: "I find that having an open mind and a free spirit will help you immensely as you acclimate to Cal State Monterey Bay! Coming into CSUMB, I felt scared that I had no connections here, but when it came time to meet people, being your most authentic and personable self will get you far. Stepping outside one's comfort zone is insanely scary, but I find the payoff so rewarding when you take a chance and end up making meaningful relationships. Everybody is so sweet and understanding, from the students, teachers, faculty, and the wildlife! Love the Otter campus, and even more, the lifelong friends I've made! Love you Jac <3"

 

Lexie Melendez

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Third-Year

Major: Liberal Studies

Advice to incoming students: "No matter how hard things get or how alone you may feel, remember that you are never truly alone. There are people here who care about you, support you, and want to see you succeed. Don't be afraid to reach out, make new friends, and take advantage of the opportunities around campus. Over the next four years, you'll make memories, learn valuable lessons, and grow into the person you're meant to become. Hold on to those experiences, because even as life changes, the memories and connections you make here will stay with you forever."

 

Akemi Moreno

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Business

Advice to incoming students: "My biggest piece of advice is to be open to new experiences and give yourself grace as you adjust to college life. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, meet new people, join organizations, and take advantage of the many resources available on campus. If you have the opportunity to be part of a campus program, apply for it and go for it , you never know where it might lead or what connections you'll make. Some of the most rewarding experiences come from taking chances on opportunities that seem a little intimidating at first. Ask questions, seek support when you need it, and celebrate your progress along the way. Stay curious, stay involved, and trust yourself. You belong here, and there is a community ready to support you throughout your journey at CSUMB."

 

Leslie Ortega

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Third-Year

Major: Biology

Advice to incoming students: "Do not be afraid to be vulnerable & branch out. You will make friends & connections that will last a lifetime."

 

Zoi Phillips

Den Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Third-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "Never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and connect with new people. Every conversation is an opportunity to learn, grow, and gain new perspectives."

 

Jacob Renteria

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Second-Year

Major: Kinesiology

Advice to incoming students: "It's okay to not have everything figured out!"

 

Mia Rubalcava

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Second-Year

Major: Sustainable Hospitality & Tourism Management

Advice to incoming students: "The quickest way to find your people is to be yourself!"

 

Diksha Shetty

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Computer Science

Advice to incoming students: "Step outside your comfort zone early and often. Sit with someone new, go to the event you almost skipped, and most importantly, get to know your professors beyond the classroom. They are one of the most valuable resources on campus, and a simple conversation during office hours can change the entire direction of your college experience. Everyone here is figuring it out as they go, including the people who look like they have it all together. Trust the process, be patient with yourself, and remember that showing up is often the hardest and most important part."

 

Cass Tolentino

Den Leader

Pronouns: She/Her

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "Get involved around campus academically and professionally while also taking advantage of the many resources CSUMB provides for students to excel on your journey here!"

 

Ignacio Vasquez

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Fourth-Year

Major: Humanities & Communication

Advice to incoming students: "Dive in head first!! Get involved, be yourself, and most importantly have fun!"

 

Marcel Viles

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Year

Major: Psychology

Advice to incoming students: "Challenge yourself to step outside of your comfort zone and put yourself out there by attending the wide variety of events CSUMB offers, because it's a great opportunity to find your community and network in your field!"

 

Gilberto Villicana

Orientation Leader

Pronouns: He/Him

Year: Third-Yeari

Major: Mechatronics Engineering

Advice to incoming students: "Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today."