Growing up in the San Fernando Valley and attending a high school where violence and safety concerns were all too common, and raised with a family that did not value education, I was determined to change my situation.  The motivation to get out of my neighborhood, feel safe, and become self-sufficient fueled the beginning of my college career. I knew that education was my way out so off I went to LA Valley College. When I decided to transfer to an out of state university, unfortunately I was poorly advised by a counselor and from that point on, I knew I wanted to be an academic counselor.  I wanted to be a counselor who respected each student for their individuality and one who was willing to go that extra mile or two for their students. I love being a part of helping students discover their strengths and explore their options, and ultimately achieving their goals.

Having counseled students at every age group from kindergarten to college, I have a broad and rich perspective of the trials, questions, issues of concerns throughout the life span. I feel privileged to help guide and advise individuals in such important educational/career decisions that shape their today, tomorrow, and future.

As a graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Cesar completed his Bachelor of Arts  degree majoring in Sociology and minoring in Spanish Literature in 1997. He received his Master's in Counseling and Guidance from Cal Lutheran University in 2005. Cesar’s professional Career and journey in higher education,  officially began dating back to 1999,  once being hired by his alma mater (UCSB) to work as an Admissions and Outreach Counselor, targeting various High-schools and community Colleges through-out southern California.

Cesar’s professional roles with both the UC and the California Community College system grew  and evolved to include outreach, recruitment, retention, program development, coordination and program implementation.

As a product of the community college system and in particular, the EOP&S program himself (while attending Santa Barbara City College), this has fueled his passion for serving students at the community college level, who have not always had access to higher education and viewed higher education and obtaining a degree as unattainable. Helping students with limited resources realize their full potential to create an avenue for educational, social and economic mobility brings him great fulfillment,  pride and love for his profession. More specifically, as the EOP&S/CARE Program Coordinator,

Cesar started serving as EOPS/CARE Coordinator/Counselor in 2011 at Moorpark College and transitioned to Oxnard College in his current role, in 2014.