Shanelle Watkins, M.A.

Hometown: San Diego  
High School: Point Loma High School 
College BA: California State University, San Marcos  
MA: University of San Diego
EdD: University of California, San Diego (ABD)  
Favorite spot at UCSD: Does Target count?  
Bucket list: To vacation in the south of France after I complete my doctoral program 
Advice to new students: Throughout your journey here, remember your greatness, and that your story is uniquely yours, and do not be afraid to share it! 
 
Shanelle has worked in the field of education for over 14 years, at the K-12, community college and four-year university levels. As a first-generation student herself, Shanelle’s life passion has been to ensure that all students have supportive pathways to and through postsecondary education. Her dissertation research focuses on the experiences of Black women undergraduate student leaders at Hispanic Serving Institutions in the state of California.

swatkins@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-5392

Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR

Noemi Vera | INTERIM STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR

Hometown: Ramona, CA
High School: Romona High School
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: 5th floor terrace at Sixth College
Bucket list: I want to hold and feed a small baby penguin, specifically an Emperor Penguin.
Advice to new students: Take things one step at a time at your own pace! It is ok if you are not at the same pace as the rest, everyone does things their own way and as long as it is getting done, you're golden!

Noemi was part of the 2021 CASP cohort and started working for the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Programs June 2022 as a summer intern and is now working as the Interim Student Success Coordinator. She is the first in her family to obtain a Bachelor's degree having majored in Human Biology at UC San Diego. She was raised in the small town of Ramona, found in the foothills of the San Diego County Mountains. She is passionate about mentoring and helping students to achieve their educational goals, as well as a deep enthusiasm for the field of medicine. Currently, she are enrolled in an M.S. in Medical Sciences with Southern California University of Health Sciences.

novera@ucsd.edu

Schedule an appointment,  https://calendly.com/novera23/

Specializations: Questions regarding Campus involvement, Career development, CPL/first-year mentoring, CASP 101, Alum events, General advising, Financial aid eligibility/questions.

Maria Soto

Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Gompers Preparatory Academy
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: Muir & Price Center!
Bucket list: Create an organization that supports first-generation students applying to college!
Advice to new students: Please do not be afraid to ask for help! There are lots of people on campus willing to support and guide you, as long as you ask. When things get rough, remember that you deserve and earned your spot-on campus!! Lastly, enjoy your time, try new things, and discover yourself on this journey.

Maria Soto is a first-generation, Latina, alumna from the University of California, San Diego. She is part of the 2015 CASP Cohort and majored in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. Maria was born and raised in South East San Diego and it has always been her dream to come back and help students towards their educational goals. She is passionate about social justice issues, access, and equity in education.

m8soto@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-3526

Schedule an appointment, https://calendly.com/m8soto

Specialization: Academic jeopardy, General advising, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission.

Coming Soon...

Kimberly Knight Ortiz

Hometown: San Jose, CA
College (BA): UC San Diego
College (MSW): San Diego State University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Forest behind RIMAC
Bucket List: Going to Thailand
Advice to new students: Find your people and community, they will make your UCSD experience so special!

Kimberly Knight Ortiz (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working at Counseling and Psychological Services since June 2021. Kimberly attended UCSD, studied psychology and identifies as a first generation Latina. She strives to provide a safe space for individuals of all sexualities and genders. She is also bilingual in Spanish and English. In her role as the liaison to CASP she provides consultation with professional staff, presentations/workshops to students and has set aside 3 intake slots a week for CASP students. If you want to schedule an appointment with Kimberly please contact CAPS directly at 858 534 3755 or request an appointment online through the caps.ucsd.edu website. You can find more information on Kimberly's therapeutic style through this link: https://caps.ucsd.edu/about/staff.html#Counseling-Staff