What does that entail?
As Financial Aid Officer at Ventura College, I oversee the administration of all federal and state student financial aid programs in compliance with all regulatory agencies. I work to establish and maintain timelines and priorities to ensure the timely delivery of financial aid in its various forms to students. I also work collaboratively with my colleagues to support the outreach and retention of our students.
How long have you worked for the District?
I began my employment with VCCCD as a student worker in the Ventura College EOPS department in 1990. I became a full-time employee in 1997 in the Ventura College Financial Aid Office. I have held the position of Office Assistant, Student Services Assistant II, Financial Aid Technician and Financial Aid Specialist. In 2010, I became the Financial Aid Officer.
Were you a student at one of the District’s colleges and if so which one? What was your major and your degree?
I attended Ventura College and received my associate degree in general liberal arts and sciences.
Are you from the area and if not where are you from?
I was born in Ventura and lived and attended schools in Fillmore. My family and I moved to Ventura in 2018.
Share something personal about yourself:
I am married and have four children, ranging in age from 16-26. I am a huge fan of our VC Pirate basketball teams and our football team. I love to cheer them on!
While I may not love cooking, I love watching cooking shows like “Somebody Feed Phil” or “Taste the Nation with Padma Lakshmi.” Pre-COVID-19, I enjoyed going out to try new local restaurants and listening to local musicians.
What do you find rewarding about your job or career?
The most rewarding part about my job is knowing that I can positively transform and impact student lives every day. The majority of our students rely on some sort of financial assistance and my role gives me the opportunity to advocate for additional funds and streamline processes to ensure students receive their assistance in a timely manner.
Two words to describe yourself:
Passionate and Fast-Paced
Ongoing campus efforts:
On campus I also oversee the Basic Needs Office. Along with John Ruff, our Basic Needs Specialist. We have been providing food, personal necessity products and various other forms of assistance to our students. We recently held a Drive-Thru Thanksgiving event in partnership with ASVC and served over 190 hot meals and provided groceries and turkeys to VC students.
I am also the co-chair of the Ventura College UnDocuAlly Taskforce. The taskforce works to provide support and services to AB540/Undocumented students. We also organize events such as Undocumented Student Action Week and partnered with Oxnard and Moorpark colleges and the District this year to reach our community and students.
Do you do any volunteer work? If so, what?
My job and my family keep me pretty busy, but when I have the ability I volunteer at my son’s school and at his sports events.