Operations Team
Monica Demcho
EOPS & CalWORKs Coordinator
A little bit about me...
During COVID I took up boogie boarding and bike riding. Since the beach and bike rides were a safe form of entertainment, I found myself boogie boarding two to three times a week during the summer. I started bike riding to the beach. I eventually purchased an electric bike and now I try to ride 3 – 5 times a week. I love to travel, especially internationally. Learning about new cultures, sight-seeing, trying new foods – I love it all. My favorite destination so far has been Vietnam.
Zabiullah (Z) Popal
EOPS Project Analyst
A little bit about me...
I play video games/board games with friends, rock climbing, hiking. The main thing I've been doing for fun lately is playing D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) with my friends. We've been doing this for the past 8 months and it's been so much fun, I can go on and on about the campaign we're playing but I'll spare you. It's also just been a great activity to stay in touch with my friends that I play with because none of them are in the city anymore.
Lora Anastasia
EOPS/CARE & CalWORKs Ambassador
A little bit about me...
I am the single mother of a beautiful 6-year-old girl. School has been a task for me but thankfully through EOPS, CARE, and CalWORKs I found a community full of support. My goal is to use my life experiences and barriers as tools to help and motivate others. I am Disney obsessed and love fantasy, sci-fi, and horror shows and movies!
Mansoora Ameri
EOPS Ambassador
A little bit about me...
I chose a career in education due to personal experiences I had in the past. In my country, girls are not allowed to go to school to achieve their career goals. Here I have this opportunity to pursue my education so I can help others. I like to play basketball, watch movies, and read books. I also enjoy spending time with my family/friends.
EOPS Counselors
Ali Gonzalez
EOPS Counselor
A little bit about me...
I’m a first-generation college student who can often be found walking my dog at Balboa Park, being out and about with family and friends, or drinking coffee at home while jamming to 90s R&B, salsa, or many other genres of music. I’m an aspiring camper, rock climber, traveler and I believe in the power of education to change lives. I enjoy learning about new cultures, and becoming more fearless in my food exploration. Final tidbits- Gryffindor is the best HP house, the X-Men are the top superhero team, and Mariah Carey is the greatest artist of all time!
Marcella Osuna
NextUp/EOPS Counselor
A little bit about me...
I chose a career in education because I am a proud first-generation college student and former community college student and I know what it is like navigating the college system. I wanted to be a counselor to be able to guide my students in meeting their personal, academic, and career goals. On my free time, you can find me trying new restaurants or coffee shops, being outside at the beach or on hikes, and spending time with my dog Bilbo.
Jenny King
NextUp/EOPS Adjunct Counselor
A little bit about me...
I was a first-generation college student who attended Community College and I felt that navigating the college culture and environment was not easy/friendly. I wanted to be able to be part of that change for future incoming students. I enjoy nature walks, hikes and camping with my husband who I have been with for 22 years, as well as my 3 daughters who are 9, 11 and 13. I also enjoy my 2 fur babies Kali and Archie.
Vanessa Montano
NextUp/EOPS Adjunct Counselor
A little bit about me...
I chose a career in education because it is where I personally felt the most empowered! During my time at community college, I was blessed to have really great counselors who encouraged me to pursue my Bachelor’s degree, which changed my life. Because of this, I understand the impact that higher education professionals can have on students. I was also heavily involved on campus, and during this time I became passionate about empowering other students myself.
Judy Patacsil
Special Populations Personal Counselor
A little bit about me...
I chose a career in education because I see education as a tool of empowerment. For fun, I love to travel & even though I go as often as I can, I love going to Hawaii because of the “Aloha” spirit that I experience there.
Theron Page
EOPS Adjunct Counselor
A little bit about me...
I am an obsessive Los Angeles Lakers fan, and I like to think I can throw down in the kitchen. My favorite movie is Lion King, but the cartoon version. The real version isn't my cup of tea, but we can debate about it. I like watching documentaries, playing sports, and playing with my Pitbull Blue!
Rabia Khan
EOPS Adjunct Counselor
A little bit about me...
I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of education! As a first-generation college student, I can attest to both the obstacles and to the successes in navigating higher education and am passionate about helping guide students with overcoming their challenges, while supporting them with achieving their unique academic and career goals. For fun, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling and exploring new places, being in nature, sipping tea, practicing yoga, and consuming all things Conan O’Brien and Seinfeld related.