Meet Our Staff

Covadonga “Cova” Lamar Prieto is an associate professor of Hispanic studies and is responsible for the Student Academic Affairs Office. In her administrative role as Associate Dean, she works closely with directors of academic advising and CHASS First to support the academic progress of every CHASS student from matriculation to graduation and post-graduation. In addition, the office is also the home for all those in undeclared and pre-business programs.

Biography is not available.

Suzy A. Sharweed holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature, an M.A. in English Composition with an emphasis in TESL, and a Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership. The daughter of immigrants and a first-generation university student, she understands the struggles that are sometimes faced by this demographic and is therefore passionate about centering students and their individual experiences to improve their academic journey at UCR.  Having worked with students in an advisory role for over 25 years, she has had extensive experience with advising and student success initiatives. Suzy has been at UCR since June of 2017, with supervisory oversight of the academic advising for over 14 different CHASS majors collectively. In her current Director role, she is focused on supporting the critical and transformative work of the academic advising and enrollment management teams.

Dr. Christina Rogers is the Director/Instructor for CHASS F1RST; First Year Experience Programs. She specializes in managing and implementing programs, curriculum development, educational leadership research, and professional development to enhance staff learning and experiences. She is dedicated in creating an inclusive and supportive environment for first-year students, helping them transition smoothly into college life. Dr. Rogers' work emphasizes the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and innovation in fostering academic success and professional growth. Through her leadership, she aims to inspire students to achieve their academic and personal goals while building a strong foundation for future success. She earned her Doctorate Degree in Education from Pepperdine University focused on Organizational Leadership in Higher Education. She also earned her M.A. Degree in Sociology and B.A. Degree in Human Services from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and A.A. Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Los Angeles Southwest College. Dr. Rogers also graduated from UC-CORO Systemwide Leadership Collaborative Program through the UC System focusing on leadership and skill development for administrators in higher education and is a Certified Life Coach. Dr. Rogers is the author of the published book "Success Comes from You" used in CHASS F1RST Frosh Learning Community workshop courses. Her goal-oriented attitude, fierce leadership, and winning mindset has helped her achieve SUCCESS and help others achieve their goals in life - she emphasizes the importance of "Teamwork makes the Dreamwork".

Sarah serves as the Administrative Assistant for CHASS Student Academic Affairs and Performing Arts. She informs students of college policies, procedures, and appropriate forms and manages student traffic. Supervises student workers and works to coordinate their schedules.

Brenda graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a B.A. in Sociology in 2003. She’s been advising at UCR since 2005 and has assisted students in many different majors within CHASS. In 2017 she transitioned into her current role as Academic Advisor Supervisor and at present supervises the departments of Anthropology, Sociology, History, and the Multidisciplinary Studies Unit. She is proud to be a product of the UC system and genuinely enjoys helping UCR students and working closely with faculty, staff, and the CHASS majors advising team. In her spare time, Brenda enjoys reading, listening to a variety of musical genres, watching superhero movies, and playing video games with her husband and three boys.

Tiffany advises CHASS Undeclared students, Pre-Business students, and dismissed students seeking readmission to CHASS with last names that start with Wb to Z.  Tiffany graduated from the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences in 2007 with a Bachelor's in History and Liberal Studies.  She has been serving UCR since 2011.  She enjoys cooking, traveling, and learning new languages in her free time. 

Tony graduated from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) as a first-generation student in 2000 with a B.A. in Business Administration.  In 2003 he earned an MBA from CSUSB. Tony began at UCR in 2001 as a Career Center Counselor and in 2006 moved to Academic Advising.  He currently advises students in the Arts and Performing Arts and also supervises the Academic Advisors in the Departments of Economics, Political Science, Art,  Art History, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, and Theatre, Film and Digital Production. Tony enjoys being a part of our students' success here at UCR.

Maura Tomaszewski completed her BA in Psychology here at UCR and an MA in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis on Marriage and Family Therapy at Pepperdine University. She has worked in advising at UCR since 2014 and is passionate about helping students achieve their goals and make the most out of their time in college. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new places (especially if they’re food-related) and doing anything that gets her outdoors.

Janice Henry has been employed at UC Riverside since 2014. She received a BA in Sociology, and M.A.Ed. from Cal State University Northridge. She has been working in higher education since 2002. Her favorite quote to live by is "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts". (Winston Churchill)

Cassee Barba has worked at UCR for over 20 years. She started off in the Graduate School of Education and did a tour in Undergraduate Admissions before landing her dream job - Undergraduate Academic Advisor. Cassee graduated from UCLA with a BA in History. In her free time, which she has very little of since both her children play club soccer, she loves to travel and go to concerts.

Bryan graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a BA In Film Studies and went on to finish a MA in Film Studies at Chapman University in 1997. He worked as an instructor and advisor in the Chapman Film Studies program for a few years before moving back to IL, where he spent 17 years as an academic advisor for a variety of majors and undeclared students. In his free time, Bryan enjoys attending concerts, playing video games, watching TV and movies, and walking outdoors.

Gabrielle advises CHASS Undeclared students, Pre-Business students, and dismissed students seeking readmission to CHASS with last names that start with A to Da. She also works with the CHASS Executive Committee in establishing and approving changes to academic policies, courses, and curricula. Gabrielle has been serving UCR since 1997.

I'm an Academic Advisor in the ANTH/SOC Advising Office advising students with last names between H-N. I graduated from Cal State University, San Bernardino with my undergraduate degree in Human Services. I have a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education. With almost 20 years of experience working in higher education, I started my career at Cal State University, San Bernardino. After that, I worked at Cal State University, Fullerton, and then went on to work at the University of California, Irvine for nine years, and now UCR.

I was a first-generation/transfer student. I enjoy advising students and am passionate about their success, Go HIGHLANDERS!!

Elaine is a first-generation college student and a transfer student who earned a BA in Finance and an MPA from California State University, San Bernardino. Elaine has worked in higher education since 2009 and joined UC Riverside in 2018. She brings a passion for helping students navigate the complexities of college life and sharing her personal experiences to inspire others. She enjoys spending time with family, sipping coffee, traveling to new places, watching and analyzing movies, listening to music and podcasts, and playing video games.

Sara Cuny is a UC Riverside alumna with a BA in Psychology and MS in Clinical/Counseling Psychology from Cal State San Bernardino. She’s held various positions in higher education, dating back to her undergraduate years as a peer mentor in the Academic Resource Center. She enjoys being outside, baking cookies, weightlifting, and collecting plants.

Dennis advises students in Psychology, Psychology Law and Society and Neuroscience, in CHASS, with last names Md to Ral. He is also the webmaster for the CHASS Student Academic Affairs website. He has been serving UCR since 2006.

Holly Easley is a lifelong learner and voracious reader who graduated from both a really small school (Willamette University with a BA in Religious Studies in 2009) and a really big school (the University of Kansas with an M.Ed in Higher Education in 2013). She likes rewatching sitcoms, planning long road-trip podcast playlists, and grabbing yet another coffee from wherever she can get it. You can also almost guarantee that you’ll hear her before seeing her—yes, she really is that loud.

Kirsten graduated from UC Irvine, and got her M.S in Counseling from CSU Dominguez Hills. She has been working for UCR for about 3 years, both as an Undergraduate Academic Advisor and Graduate Student Advisor for Psychology. On her spare time, she enjoys dancing and performing Flamenco, or watching Football and Soccer.

Greetings! My name is Kim Etzweiler, and I am one of four advisors for the departments of Anthropology and Sociology. I advise students with last names beginning with letters Q-Z. I have been an academic advisor for more than 15 years. I am also a UCR graduate and a first-generation transfer student. I look forward to sharing my experience and insight with you!

Jennifer is a first-generation college graduate with degrees in Psychology and an M.Ed. in Higher Education, Administration, and Policy from UC Riverside. Passionate about student success, she thrives on helping others navigate their academic journeys. When she's not working with students, you can find her spending time with family, at the gym, binge-watching Netflix, or dancing.

As a former first-generation Highlander, Joseph earned his M.Ed here at UC Riverside. He is committed to serving students as they achieve both growth and success during their academic journey. Off the clock, Joseph loves hiking, movies, documentaries, video games, music, reading, science fiction, trying new food, and Dodgers games.

Josie is the International Student Advising Specialist. She advises Pre-Business students as well as Undeclared students and dismissed students seeking readmission to CHASS with last names that start with Mb to Re.

Veronica Ibarra began working at UCR in November 2011, and with the Department of History since 2015. She earned her Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and Masters of Science in Counseling, specializing in Higher Education and Student Services from California State University, Fresno.

Eva is a first-generation student who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish from the University of California, Los Angeles and Master’s degree in School Counseling from the University of San Diego. Eva is passionate about supporting students navigate their journey in higher education.  As a Riverside native, Eva finds joy in immersing herself in the vibrant culture of the Inland Empire, often indulging in visits to the renowned Cheech Museum (the FIRST Chicano museum).

Judith graduated from U.C. Riverside with a B.A. in Political Science/Law & Society and Spanish. She’s been advising at UCR since 2014 and has assisted students in many different majors within CHASS. Currently, Judith advises Undeclared, Pre-Business, and students seeking readmission to CHASS with last names that start with S to Wa.

Carol May has a BA in Liberal Studies and an MA in Counseling, both from Chapman University.  She is a first-generation college graduate, and an experienced academic advisor and administrator with 20 years working in higher education.  Carol joined the CHASS Advising Team in 2018, and is currently advising Undeclared and Pre-Business students with last names that start with Rf to Wa, and dismissed students seeking readmission to CHASS, as well as coordinating advising programs and services for our undeclared students.  She also serves as the College liaison for Departmental Academic Advisors in Sociology and Anthropology.  In her free time, you can find Carol at Disneyland, watching Friends, vacation and event planning, teaching Pilates, or cuddling with her two fur babies.

Maira received her BA in Economics and History from Claremont McKenna College and then earned her Master's in Higher Education in order to support students in college because she herself was a first-generation college student and had a rewarding experience studying abroad in Nottingham, England. She has been advising at UCR since 2017, first in CNAS and now in CHASS, and her hobbies include spending time in nature, traveling, listening to music, and rollerblading for fun!

Angelica advises students in the Department of Economics. She earned a BA in Communication Studies from CSULB. She had the opportunity to start the role as an Academic Advisor at UCR with BCOE in 2021. In total, she has been supporting students in higher education for the past 5 years. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with my dogs, family, and friends, trying new food, and playing video games. 

Hello! My name is Roberto and I am one of the Academic Advisors for the Department of Psychology. I received an MA in Applied Anthropology with an emphasis in Multicultural Education from CSULB and a BA in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Redlands. I have been working in Higher Education since 2015. As a first-generation student, I understand the pressure of being the first in your family to graduate from a 4-year institution. I look forward to sharing my story and learning about yours.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to the beach, hiking, and cooking/grilling.

Hello! My name is Donna, I am one of the advisors for the Political Science department. I was a first-generation college student and a transfer student as well. I transferred from Allan Hancock College to UCR where I graduated with my B.A. in Public Policy with a minor in Education. I have worked in education for about 10 years across various age groups, including Pre-K through University-level students. When I’m not advising students, you can find me at Disneyland, taking my dog for a Puppucino, or spending time with my family.

Kristy has been a strong student advocate for 14-plus years and enjoys seeing her students thrive at the university. She has two sons of her own, who are 12 years apart, so navigating educational goals is nothing new for her. She enjoys walking her two girl dogs, swimming, camping, and riding quads with her family. Don't be surprised if you see Kristy walking the campus around lunchtime as she is always striving for a healthier lifestyle.

Gerardo Rangel Sanchez earned his bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Concentration in Religious Thought, from the University of California, Santa Cruz, with membership in the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society. In his 18 years with UCR, he has provided academic advising for the departments of Sociology, Philosophy, Anthropology, History, English, Literature and Languages, and Hispanic Studies. An avid reader, Gerardo enjoys books on philosophy, religion, and poetry, as well as comics, manga, and craftsmanship. A few of his favorites include: “Song of Myself” (Whitman), “Little Women” (Alcott), “The Inward Morning” (Bugbee), “My Way of Life” (Farrell and Healy), “Ligeia” (Poe), “Beast of Burden” (Dorkin and Thompson), and “Audel’s Carpenters and Builders Guide” (Graham and Emery). He also enjoys a wide range of movies, good and bad. A few lesser-known favorites include Harold and Maude (1971), Pontypool (2009), and Them (1954).

Bradley is an inquisitive thinker with a good sense of humor and a knack for playing the drums. He graduated from the University of California, Riverside in 2013 with a B.A. in Business Economics (go Highlanders!), and quickly realized he had a passion for helping students. He enjoys listening to and playing music, playing video games with his friends, spending time with his Labrador Retriever, and camping outdoors. He also likes taking a walk around campus during lunch, so feel free to say hi if you see him!

Sumer graduated from UC Riverside with a BA in Liberal Studies and went on to get her Masters in Higher Education from the University of Redlands. She started as a Biology advisor in CNAS in 2015 and later transitioned to advise in CHASS for Anthropology/Sociology majors in 2017. She is a proud child of Palestinian immigrants and finds joy in assisting UCR's diverse student population. In her spare time, she lives for traveling, photography, and spending time with family.

Ashley advises CHASS Undeclared, Pre-Business, and dismissed students (last names Db to H) seeking readmission. She also supports the Transition Advising Program for students exploring majors in CNAS and BCOE. Additionally, she serves as the college liaison for Departmental Academic Advisors in Economics and Philosophy.

Jamie has over 20 years of experience working in education. She earned her Master of Arts in Education, Higher Education Student Affairs from the University of Redlands and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC San Diego. She taught in public schools (K-12) for ten years before becoming an Academic Advisor in the Psychology Department in 2010. Recognized for her expertise in academic advising and the psychology and neuroscience curricula, Jamie is the Academic Advisor representative for the Psychology Undergraduate Education Committee and the CHASS Neuroscience Chair's committee. In 2019, she was chosen to receive a Spot Award for significant achievements in Enhancing Undergraduate Student Success. In 2021, she was chosen to receive a Star Award for significant achievements and contributions to the Psychology Academic Advising team for providing an almost seamless transition for students as they transitioned to their new remote educational environment amid the global pandemic.

Aden is a 3rd year Economics major and a Finance minor. She's hoping to help students achieve their deserved academic success. She's passionate about fashion, comedy, and just being overall awesome. 

Carissa is a 3rd year Psychology major with a minor in Feminist Studies. She enjoys thrifting, eating, and art. She loves opportunities to be able to help guide and support others.

Selina is a 2nd Year Psychology major doing a Pre-Health route. She enjoys painting, ceramics, and puzzles. She's passionate about helping others navigate their academic journey and loves meeting new people!

Kay Hagler is a 3rd year double major in Psychology B.S. and an Education B.A. with a minor in Creative Writing. She is also Vice President for the Queer and Trans People of Color Club. She enjoys sewing, jewelry making, and fashion in her spare time.

Hi, I’m Aye Aye! I’m a second-year Sociology and Education double major. I’m Burmese and I recently moved to America from Myanmar. I’ve been learning to play guitar just for fun, and I love watching TV shows and movies. I work in the residence halls with Residential Education, and I’m also part of the Gardening Club.

Zeke Ruiz is a 2nd year Business Economics major. His hobbies include trying new places to eat, listening to music, and going thrifting! He loves being social and helping his fellow students any way he can! 

Betty Chen is a first-gen college graduate from UC Irvine with dual degrees in Environmental Science and Asian American Studies, minor in Educational Studies, and professional certification in Human Resources Management. She is a lifelong learner, avid Boba drinker, and former Health Scholar. As a proud Oakland native, she is on a mission to provide academic assistance and resources to students from all walks of life (especially those from low-income and underserved communities) to ensure that they have an equal opportunity to higher education.

Karla earned a BA in Economics from UC San Diego, as well as a Master's in Public Administration from CSUSB. As a first-generation college student, she understands the struggles students face in obtaining their degree. A native of the Inland Empire, Karla enjoys being able to contribute to her community by helping students further their education.

Agnes Lee is a proud UCR alumna. She graduated from UCR in 2014 with a BA in Political Science. Her hobby includes browsing the Humane Society adoptable pets section during her free time.

Dr. Shellee Stewart is a proud Highlander and the Assistant Director of CHASS F1RST First-Year Experience Programs. She has almost 20 years of experience working in Higher Education. She earned her BA in Psychology from UC Riverside in 2007, her Master’s in Educational Studies from University of Phoenix in 2011, and her Ph.D. in Psychology with an emphasis in Performance from Grand Canyon University in 2022. She is the author of the book, “Be Great! Your Journey is Your Legacy” that is used as the reading and curriculum for the CHASS F1RST Transfer Learning Community course. Some of her leadership highlights include being the Co-Chair of UCR Power of the Peers, Co-Chair for the UC Transfer Success Coalition, and current Lead for UCR Staff Scholars.

Stella Rocha is a first-generation, non-traditional, transfer student and proud alumna of RCC and UCR, where she earned her B.A. in Sociology. She also holds an M.S. in Higher Education Leadership and Student Development from CBU and will begin her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at Fresno State in the fall. Stella is the Transfer Lead for CHASS F1RST, supporting the success of first-year transfer students. In her free time, she enjoys Disneyland and game nights with friends.