Meet Our Staff

Maria Garcia-Gonzalez Interim Director of TRIO Programs mgarcia@yccd.edu (530) 668-2587 Hi my name is Maria Garcia-Gonzalez, I graduated from California State University, Chico with my bachelor's degree in liberal studies in 2014. However, I soon discovered that this is not where I saw myself and decided to pursue a career in support programs as they had a large impact on my life, and I wished to do the same for future generations. This led me to pursue my Higher Education Leadership & Policies Studies, M.A. at Sacramento State. I have been with TRIO for over 14 years. I was first introduced to TRIO as a participant in ETS and later in SSS during my undergraduate and it was history after that, as I could not see myself parting from the TRIO community. I have an open-door policy, so please feel free to stop by and say hi and I look forward to working with everyone at Woodland Community College.

Jasmin Santoyo TRIO Administrative Secretary I jsantoyo@yccd.edu (530) 661-2285 I attended Woodland Community College (WCC) and transferred to San Jose State University. While at WCC, I learned a lot from being a student worker for Admissions & Records. Throughout my time at WCC I had constant support from the Counseling department, and EOP&S and CARE. I apply my knowledge of both a student and staff perspective to help students succeed. WCC is a unique campus in which everyone comes together to help you succeed. As part of the TRIO team, I hope to join everyone's efforts of student success.

Educational Talent Search (ETS)

Christian Saavedra ETS Specialist Woodland Community College csaavedra@yccd.edu (530) 668-2590 I grew up in Arbuckle, CA. During my time at Pierce High School, I was part of the ETS Program. This program helped me navigate my career, college, and life pathway to allow myself into college. I started college at Sac State; Stingers Up! I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with a Minor in History. I want to further my education eventually with my master's but for now I do want to focus on my role as an ETS Specialist. Growing up as a first-generation Latino and economically disadvantage, I understand the walls you need to climb to further your education. I climbed those walls and I'm now on the other side guiding students on how to navigate themselves to further their education as well.

Jimena Angel ETS Specialist, Colusa County Campus jangel@yccd.edu (530) 668-2512

Student Support Services (SSS & SSS-ESL)

Neli Gonzalez-Diaz SSS Counselor, Woodland Community College ngonzale@yccd.edu (530) 668-2529 I have eleven years working at Woodland Community College (WCC). I began as the EOP&S/CARE Program Specialist, during that time also served as Interim SSS Counselor for the TRIO Program. I later became the EOP&S/CARE Interim Counselor Coordinator, and also a College Success Instructor. I am a former low income educational disadvantage and first generation college student. I am a strong believer in the value of a college degree and the amazing impact it can have on students’ lives. I received my BA in Liberal Studies from California State University, Chico and a Master’s Degree from the University of Laverne in Educational Counseling. I am now a full time TRIO Counselor. I am married with two daughters my oldest graduated from Sac State and my youngest graduated from Chico State.

Joanna Ramirez SSS-ESL Counselor, Colusa County Campus jramirez1@yccd.edu (530) 668-2504 My first college experience began at Sacramento City College, where I obtained an Associate of Arts in Administration of Justice. I then transferred over to California State University, Sacramento, where I obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Soon after I attended Saint Mary’s College of California and obtained a Master of Arts in Counseling with a specialization in College Student Services. I have seven years of experience working for different California Community Colleges. I’ve had the pleasure of working for Sacramento City College, Consumes River College, Laney College, and Woodland Community College (WCC). I currently have been with WCC for a little over a year, working at their Colusa County Campus (CCC) in Williams, California. At CCC I am the TRIO SSS-ESL Program/ General Counselor.

Upward Bound (UB)

Maria De Los Santos UB Specialist, Colusa County Campus mdelossa@yccd.edu (530) 668-2506 Hi! My name is Maria, but I usually go by Lupita. I grew up in Arbuckle, CA and graduated from Pierce High School. During my time in school, I was a part of the WCC ETS program and they gave me the resources to go to college. After graduation, I moved to Isla Vista, CA and attended UC Santa Barbara, where I got my Bachelor of Arts in Geography. As a first generation student with a low income background, I acknowledge the roadblocks that many students face on the path to a post-secondary education. My goal is to help students achieve their goals, much like how TRIO helped me achieve my own.