Years with the school: 5
Jack is originally from New York. He holds a BA in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam and an MSW from USC. Currently, he is the administrator for research for the school's Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity, and also works as an LCSW and is starting a biofeedback consulting company and private practice.
Fun fact: Jack has done a cross-country road trip from NYC to LA.
Jonathan Hoonhout Project Administrator, Children's Data Network
Sandra Parra Senior Student Programs Advisor
Maeve Harding Development Officer, Advancement
Xuan Nguyen Office Administrator, Office of the Dean
Ron Rubalcaba Assistant Director of Admissions
Monica Ellis Senior Executive Director, Academic Operations & Strategic Development
Maricel Veluz Student Services Manager, Academic Operations
Rosine Sarafian Director of Research Administration
Keisha Lee Field Data Coordinator, VAC and Workforce Development Stipend and Scholarship Program
Hailey Winetrobe Nadel Center Operations Coordinator, USC Center for AI in Society
Ellen Castillo Budget/Business Technician
Carolina Peralta Ventura Associate Director of Field Education and Telehealth Operations
Iris Aguilar, DPPD Assistant Director, USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging
Rebin Zangana Office Manager, Virtual Academic Center Field Education
Necole Yaacoub Director of Admissions
Jack Senese IV Project Administrator, Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity
Mary Gelejian Student Services Advisor, Academic Advisement and Registrar's Office
Romulo Tolentino, Jr. Admissions Coordinator, Master of Science in Nursing Lead
LaTasha Young Budget Analyst, Advancement
Malinda Sampson PhD Program Manager
Karla Gomez Program Assistant, USC Telehealth
Connie Chang Senior Financial Analyst
Steven Hong Director, Information Technology
Mayra Gomez Senior Admissions Counselor
Josh Watson Assistant Dean, Student Affairs
Ynah Veniegas VAC Program Administrator, Academic and Faculty Affairs
Amanda Decker Senior Development Officer, Constituent Relations and Advancement Operations
Project Administrator, Children's Data Network
Years with the school: 8
Prior to USC, Jonathan was the co-artistic director for the Washington Ensemble Theatre in Seattle, which included serving as a producer and grants writer. He holds a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts.
Fun fact: Jonathan's first paid job was as a roller coaster and go-kart tester.
Staff DirectorySenior Student Programs Advisor
Years with the school: 14
Sandra assists student organizations of our school in leadership development, budget planning, conflict resolution, and many other ways. She provides a wide array of educational tools, including health and wellness resources, to our students. She also uses her knowledge as an advisor in her own community as a founder of Vision City Terrace which is dedicated to the health of historic East L.A. homes, and works with Supervisor Hilda Solis & Assemblymember Wendy Carillo to combat issues in the community. Sandra has a master's in education and is currently pursing an MSL at USC Gould School of Law.
Fun fact: Sandra loves riding her bike, growing her own veggies and herbs, and anything for a healthy lifestyle.
Development Officer, Advancement
Years with the school: 2
Maeve has been with the Advancement team since April of 2020. She was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California and holds a BA in International Relations. She began her career at various nonprofits, including Dream Foundation and Community Housing Partnership, before coming to USC. In her free time, Maeve enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.
Fun fact: Maeve has done the world's biggest bungee swing in Queenstown, New Zealand!
Staff DirectoryOffice Administrator, Office of the Dean
Years with the school: 2
In her role, Xuan enjoys working directly with team leaders and learning how our collective efforts adapt to the evolving needs of our school and community. She has administrative experience working in higher education and research experience in various labs studying child mental health, autism, and substance use. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in TJMaxx and the beach. Xuan loves traveling and eating, often at the same time.
Fun fact: Xuan is lactose intolerant but is willing to suffer for good food.
Staff DirectoryAssistant Director of Admissions
Years with the school: 4 1/2
Ron is a U.S. Navy veteran and has worked in higher education admissions for 15 years at public and private universities. He previously taught government and coached football, basketball and volleyball at a private junior high school. He and his wife of 27 years have three children and a grandson. A recent graduate of Basic Police Academy, he plans to serve as a reserve police officer.
Fun fact: Ron is an identical twin.
Staff DirectorySenior Executive Director, Academic Operations & Strategic Development
Years with the school: 19
Monica oversees a dedicated and talented team at the school comprised of admissions, scholarships, academic advisement and registrar. A proud USC alumna, Monica launched her career as a primary school educator before transitioning to post-secondary education administration. Through her role with the school she is currently focused on increasing partnerships nationally to enhance recruitment efforts and diversify our graduate student body.
Fun fact: Monica tirelessly seeks to encourage others through her educational and self-help books available on Amazon under the pin name Monica El.
Staff DirectoryStudent Services Manager, Academic Operations
Years with the school: 11
Maricel was born and raised in the Philippines. She holds a Bachelor of Psychology from De La Salle University, Philippines, and a Master of Social Work from USC. She also has a private practice in Pasadena as a licensed clinical social worker. She started at USC in 2000 as an academic adviser at the American Language Institute and moved to social work in 2011. In her current role, she oversees the scheduling, registration and advisement operations for the campus and virtual programs. In her free time, she plays basketball and enjoys watching the Lakers and connecting with family and friends.
Fun fact: Maricel loves spending time with her grandnieces and nephews.
Staff DirectoryDirector of Research Administration
Years with the school: 5
Rosine is an experienced administrator with an extensive background in research, financial and academic administration. She started at USC in 2003 and has held leadership positions at the Viterbi School of Engineering and Keck School of Medicine before joining the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work in 2017, where she currently leads a team of research administrators and oversees the management and compliance of all sponsored research. Rosine is a Certified Research Administrator (CRA) and a member of the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) and the Society of Research Administrators International (SRA).
Fun fact: I speak 5 languages and can sing in 3 more without understanding a word.
Staff DirectoryField Data Coordinator, VAC and Workforce Development Stipend and Scholarship Program
Years with the school: 5
Keisha is proud to be a first-generation college graduate, blazing a trail for her three sons to follow. She earned her BA in Public Administration with an emphasis in Administrative Management from Cal-State University, Dominguez Hills, and her Master of Communication Management from USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism. Keisha has been with USC for 19 years; previously with Information Services and University Advancement. She currently supports both the VAC Field Education Department and Workforce Development Stipend and Scholarship Programs at the school of social work.
Fun fact: Keisha enjoys playing softball in her free time.
Staff DirectoryCenter Operations Coordinator, USC Center for AI in Society
Years with the school: 10
Hailey earned her Master’s in Public Health from UCLA and is a Certified Health Education Specialist. Her public health research interests lie in homelessness, sexual health, and substance abuse prevention and intervention. As the USC CAIS Center Operations Coordinator, Hailey works with faculty, staff, and students in both social work and the Viterbi School of Engineering. Prior to joining CAIS, Hailey was a part of homelessness and housing research studies led by faculty in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. She earned her BS in public health and minored in psychology at Northern Arizona University.
Fun fact: Hailey loves to bake--especially things with chocolate!
Staff DirectoryBudget/Business Technician
Years with the school: 6
Ellen was born and raised in the Philippines and moved to Los Angeles in the early 1990s. Prior to emigrating to the United States, she earned a degree in accounting from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. She began her career at USC 23 years ago as an administrative services coordinator for the Center for Scholarly Technology (CST), where she assisted faculty members in how to use various forms of technology. When CST became the university's Information Technology Services (ITS) Ellen joined the web services team within ITS and supported this new group with their administrative needs. In her current position as budget/business technician, she performs accounting needs for the Department of Academic and Faculty Affairs.
Fun fact: Ellen loves to travel with her family and friends and spend time with her grandkids.
Staff DirectoryAssociate Director of Field Education and Telehealth Operations
Years with the school: 10
Carolina earned an undergraduate degree in business administration with an emphasis in organizational management from the University of La Verne, and a Master of Education from USC Rossier School of Education. She developed her passion for the field of education and academia through her life experiences of being the first born in her family and her parents instilling the value of education throughout her childhood. She is very passionate about her work, and values the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many through her current work in the Field Education Department and the Telehealth Clinic.
Fun fact: Loves to dance, help others, spending quality time with family and friends, and eating with great company.
Staff DirectoryAssistant Director, USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging
Years with the school: 10
Iris has more than 20 years of professional experience addressing challenging health inequities that affect low-income and vulnerable populations. She has a successful track record in the nonprofit sector, government, and managing a multi-disciplinary research institute, and currently serves on the UsAgainstAlzheimer’s National Alzheimer’s Disease Index data working group and as a caregiving advisory council member for the USC Confidence Study. Iris is a past ad-hoc reviewer for the International Journal of Ageing and Society, and has served as a content expert consultant for St. Barnabas Senior Center, the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging, and the Alzheimer’s Association. She holds a vocational nursing license, a bachelor's degree in social work, a Master of Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from USC Price School of Public Policy.
Fun fact: Iris cannot pass by freshly made cotton candy!
Staff DirectoryOffice Manager, Virtual Academic Center Field Education
Years with the school: 4
Rebin grew up in Columbus, Ohio, but the harsh winters were too much! After earning his BA in English from THE Ohio State University, Rebin moved out to LA to pursue his MFA at USC. Rebin has been with the VAC Field team since 2017, overseeing an amazing staff that helps run our field department. Prior to that, Rebin worked with the Academic Programs office at USC Dornsife.
Fun fact: Rebin has previously worked as a daycare teacher, tax professional and electrician!
Staff DirectoryDirector of Admissions
Years with the school: 14
A proud USC alumna from the Rossier School of Education, she holds a Master in Education in Post Secondary Administration and Student Affairs. She believes strongly in higher education opportunities and works with her dynamic team to increase access for students from all backgrounds.
Fun fact: During the COVID lockdown, Necole taught herself to semi-professionally decorate cakes and cupcakes! Now her three children (Colette, Marc & Mia) constantly challenge her with their birthday cake requests and she loves every minute of it!
Staff DirectoryProject Administrator, Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity
Years with the school: 5
Jack is originally from New York. He holds a BA in Psychology from SUNY Potsdam and an MSW from USC. Currently, he is the administrator for research for the school's Center for LGBTQ+ Health Equity, and also works as an LCSW and is starting a biofeedback consulting company and private practice.
Fun fact: Jack has done a cross-country road trip from NYC to LA.
Staff DirectoryStudent Services Advisor, Academic Advisement and Registrar's Office
Years with the school: 7
As an academic advisor, Mary assists students with any academic-related questions or concerns, such as course registration and class scheduling for every semester. She works closely with students to ensure they complete the MSW program successfully. Mary holds a master's degree from USC Rossier School of Education with an emphasis in educational counseling. She has a true passion for working with students and providing them with all the resources and services available within the university.
Fun fact: Mary's favorite place to be is in the kitchen - she loves to cook and bake!
Staff DirectoryAdmissions Coordinator, Master of Science in Nursing Lead
Years with the school: 7
Romulo was born and raised in the Philippines and has been residing in Los Angeles since 2014. He has a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas, Philippines, and is currently pursuing an Executive Master of Health Administration at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. Prior to becoming an admissions coordinator for the MSN program, Romulo was a program assistant for the school's former Skirball Academic Center.
Fun fact: Romulo used to eat a lot and not gain weight!
Staff DirectoryBudget Analyst, Advancement
Years with the school: over 35
LaTasha is the budget analyst for the school's Advancement Office. In her role, she oversees and manages the department's budgets and restricted funds.
Fun fact: Lately, LaTasha has been enjoying car karaoke.
Staff DirectoryPhD Program Manager
Years with the school: 35
Malinda is one of the "lifelong Trojans" - serving over three decades and most of her entire career at USC. Since 2002, she has managed the PhD Program, working with renowned faculty and remarkable students that are making significant research contributions in the field of science.
Fun fact: Any DIY project is Malinda's calling. It comes from a family history of general contractors and carpenters.
Staff DirectoryProgram Assistant, USC Telehealth
Years with the school: 5
She served as a research assistant at the Center for Transnational Health and worked on the Niños Sanos, Familia Sana Project - a Mexican immigrant study focusing on combating childhood obesity in two rural California towns. Karla earned her undergraduate degree in Chicano Studies with a Social Policy emphasis from UC Davis. Currently, Karla is working on her Master of Public Administration at USC Price, specializing in health management.
Fun fact: Karla enjoys traveling, exploring new places in Los Angeles, and hiking with her senior dog.
Staff DirectorySenior Financial Analyst
Years with the school: 10
She teaches yoga at the USC Religion Center during her lunchtime for free! She guides Gen-Z to invest in wellness and wealth, building wealth through the “pay yourself first" model from sources of income to savings, then investing. Connie was born in Vietnam and raised in Los Angeles.
Fun fact: Connie loves to travel, imagination, yoga retreats, fine dining, embroidery, and share cooking Asian soup @souperhappylife.
Staff DirectoryDirector, Information Technology
Years with the school: 10
Over the past decade, Steven has led the digital transformation of the school's business processes. He holds a BS in chemical engineering, and previously worked at multiple software companies and ran his own consulting company.
Fun fact: Steven has visited 41 of the 50 U.S. states!
Staff DirectorySenior Admissions Counselor
Years with the school: 7
Mayra was born in El Salvador and raised in El Monte, California. She holds a Master in Education from USC Rossier. Mayra enjoys working with prospective students to guide them through the school's admissions process, and believes applying to graduate school is an exciting time for students as they follow their passion! She has two sons, 10 and 8, and enjoys watching them play baseball. In her spare time she loves going to concerts and spending time with family and friends.
Fun fact: Mayra's go to comfort binge show is: Schitt's Creek! Ewwww, David!
Staff DirectoryAssistant Dean, Student Affairs
Years with the school: 10
Originally from Illinois, Josh is an alum of Loyola University, Chicago. Volunteering with the AmeriCorps program (I Have A Dream Foundation) brought him to Los Angeles. He has served as a substitute teacher throughout the LA Unified School District, primarily at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary, and while earning an MS and EdD in Educational Leadership from USC Rossier School of Education, he served as a residential coordinator at New Residential Hall. Prior to joining the school of social work, he was associate director of Student Judicial Affairs and Community Standards. Josh enjoys traveling with his husband, fellow USC alum Hernando.
Fun fact: Josh introduced President Bill Clinton at his AmeriCorps graduation in Washington, D.C.
Staff DirectoryVAC Program Administrator, Academic and Faculty Affairs
Years with the school: 6
Ynah's role with the school focuses on the Department of Nursing. She was born in Marikina, Philippines and raised in Stockton, California. She holds a BS in Business Administration from California State University, Los Angeles. She is currently a second-year graduate student at USC Sol Price School of Public Policy in the Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management program. Ynah enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, home decor, and snowboarding.
Fun fact: Ynah has gone scuba diving in Oahu, HI, where she swam with baby sharks and turtles!
Staff DirectorySenior Development Officer, Constituent Relations and Advancement Operations
Years with the school: 3
Amanda has been at USC for five years, previously with USC Athletics. Born in Connecticut and raised in New Hampshire, she holds a BS from Bowling Green State and an MS from Eastern Michigan. She has worked in track and field operations both at USC and Michigan, and began her career in advancement at Eastern Michigan. Currently working on her CFRE, in her spare time she enjoys gardening, going to the dog beach with her dog Penny, traveling, and is an avid gamer.
Fun fact: Amanda is a track and field nerd and was on the USC Athletics staff that won the national track and field championship in 2018.
Staff Directory