Future Faculty Fellows

Nancy Esparza-Perez

I am attending Concordia University in pursuit of the MAEd in School Counseling degree. My educational career began at my local community college. After completing my general education, I transferred to Channel Island University. I then started school at Channel Island University in January 2020. Unfortunately, only three months later, COVID halted that experience for me. After that I finished my undergraduate virtually and graduated at the end of 2021. I decided to take a gap year after earning my bachelor's degree to decide what career I wanted to pursue. During that time, I exposed myself to different jobs and was able to get a better understanding of what I truly enjoyed. A year ago, I began working at my current job as an Outreach Mentor for my local school district. In this position, I became exposed to the school counselor role, as I work closely with one. From this experience, I grew fond of the role and decided to pursue the career. I have been very fortunate to have met an outstanding school counselor at the school site who motivates me and answers all my questions about the career. My future goal is to be a school counselor in the next few years and work for my local elementary school district. I have realized there needs to be more bilingual school counselors in my community and how essential they are. I plan to use my ability to speak two languages to help my future students.

Malaya Dodson

I have always had a love for learning and working with kids. This journey began with nannying in high school and college, being financially independent since I was 18, and working part-time jobs while pursuing my undergraduate degree in psychology. I tutored, became a registered behavioral therapist, and worked in after-school programs until I found my niche. After graduating with a B.S. in Psychology from Washington State University, I reflected on my career goals and quickly realized through God guiding me that school counseling was my path. I learned something about myself through every experience I have had working with kids. Every day, I showed up for these kids to be the only positive light and conversation they had all day, and I felt very grateful to be able to impact their lives. I want to work in higher education to give students the information and resources I did not get until my senior year of high school when my school counselor saved my life. Through various family events, my family did not have financial means, and I had to drop out of university and find alternative options. Without the help of my counselor, I don’t think I would’ve finished school. I want to be that light for others and let them know there is always another option. No matter what obstacles life has thrown my way, God has always allowed me to make ends meet. My passion for this field is not going away and will only flourish once I graduate. In five years, I will be working as a school counselor in a low-income area, in a high school setting. I want to provide resources and opportunities to students of all backgrounds. I believe every student deserves a chance.

Kelli Yogi

Ever since I was little, I looked up to my mother and dreamed of working in education. I studied how the world and human minds work with a BA in Physics and a minor in Psychology at Cal Poly SLO. After graduating, I traveled the world and taught high school English in Japan for four amazing years. Now, I am pursuing a MAEd in School Counseling to help children be their best selves and succeed in this ever-changing world. I want to continue advocating for diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism in education. My world experiences and diverse background make me a valuable team member for discussing different perspectives, and I hope to represent those who get easily overlooked.

Klarissa Liendo

Hello, I started my school journey at my local community college, Allan Hancock College. I first received my associate degree in Criminal Justice and later decided to pursue psychology. I attended the University of Massachusetts's online courses and earned my Bachelor's in Psychology. With my bachelor's degree, I was able to work as an outreach mentor at a local elementary school. My future goals are to earn a Master's in Education specializing in School Psychology. I plan to work as a school psychologist at a school and help where I can. In just two short years, I will be finished with my Master's degree and hopefully moving on to the next level, a Doctorate.

Truc Nguyen

As an educator and servant leader, I've dedicated over a decade to advocating for the holistic development of underserved communities, particularly within Catholic schools and social service systems. Rooted in faith and inspired by Christ's teachings, my journey began with missionary work, fostering resilience, compassion, and a commitment to service. To meet the challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am pursuing additional education in school counseling. I understand that as an educator, my role goes beyond academics to address the comprehensive needs of students. Driven by my commitment to creating a supportive learning environment as a spiritual educator, I am dedicated to continual self-improvement and ongoing education. Through this endeavor, my goal is to gain the knowledge and skills required to effectively address the diverse needs of those I serve. By broadening my expertise in counseling, I aim to empower students to thrive in various aspects of their lives. This dedication to holistic education fuels my desire for personal and professional development, ensuring that I am better prepared to positively influence the lives of those under my care. I choose to attend Concordia University because of its Christian faith values. I'm impressed by how collectively the staff and teachers live out the school's Christian faith values and mission statement. I'm grateful for the opportunity presented by the Future Faculty Fellows scholarship, aligning perfectly with my aspirations to deepen my impact as a compassionate school counselor and servant leader in education.

Daniel Hernandez

My name is Daniel Hernandez and I received my Bachelors from Southern New Hampshire University in 2017. I received my California State teaching credential in 2023 from National University. I am currently a Social Studies teacher at Ocean View High School in Huntington Beach and work as a football coach. I hope to gain greater understanding of ways that I can be a better teacher and better support my students. I love working with students and investing in their lives.

Kevin Garcia Lopez

My name is Kevin Garcia-Lopez and I am currently pursuing my Master's degree in Education at Concordia University Irvine. Before embarking on my journey in education, I had the privilege of managing and leading teams and organizations in various capacities. Additionally, I bring a unique perspective as a former professional athlete, instilling in me a lifelong dedication to learning and personal growth. As a substitute teacher, my passion lies in empowering young minds and providing positive mentorship, particularly serving as a role model for those who may benefit from a strong male figure. My goal is to make a meaningful impact by fostering a supportive and encouraging environment in the classroom. Looking ahead, I aspire to combine my love for teaching with my athletic background to coach soccer at a high level. Through this dual role, I aim to inspire and guide students both academically and athletically, helping them reach their full potential. I am excited to continue my educational journey at Concordia University Irvine and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Future Faculty Fellows program. Do what you love, and let’s leave this world better than how we found it!

Ariel Owens

Owens is a native of Jonesboro, Louisiana and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Sciences in 2015 from LSU-Shreveport and her Master of Arts in Coaching and Athletic Administration in 2018. She is currently pursuing her Doctoral of Educational Leadership at Concordia University-Irvine. She currently resides in Louisiana with her husband and their 2 daughters

Cynthia Galicia

I have a BS in Accounting and over 9 years working in Special Education as a one to one and Behavioral therapy as a second job. It was not in my plans to fall in love working with children but it happened and I have not left the Educational field since then. It wasn't until 2 years ago, I met Victoria, a School Psychologist working in Azusa Unified School District that inspired me continue my education in School Psychology and since then, she has been my mentor and coach until this day. In addition, I have God and my family to thank, I would not be here without them.

Waleed Wareth

Waleed Abdelwareth is a multifaceted educator and design professional with a distinguished career that bridges the worlds of art, architecture, and education. With a profound commitment to fostering creativity and technical expertise, Waleed has made significant contributions to both the academic and professional domains. Waleed holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with dual majors in Visual Communications and Art Education from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), as well as a BA in Art Education. He has also earned an additional degree in Fine Arts from Helwan University, Egypt, where he obtained an associate degree in Arts Analysis. To stay at the forefront of technological advancements, Waleed pursued a professional degree in Cybersecurity Operations from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) in 2024, graduating with a grade A in Cybersecurity Operations, SIEM, and SOAR systems. Currently, Waleed is pursuing his Master of Education degree and a clear credential in Single Subject Art (SSC) at Concordia University Irvine.

Brigitte Guzman

My name is Brigitte Guzman, and I am pursuing a Master of Education in Counseling at Concordia University Irvine. My education journey began while completing my B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. During that time, I started working in the Expanded Learning Program at Santa Ana Unified School District. In this role, I discovered my true passion and calling for education and supporting students, particularly English language learners and those needing academic and emotional guidance. I realized the impact I could have in connecting with students on a deeper level, helping them navigate the challenges they face in and outside the classroom. As a first-generation college graduate and single mother, I have faced many of the same challenges today’s students experience, especially those from underserved communities. This personal experience fuels my commitment to making a difference as a school counselor, where I can academically and emotionally guide students toward success. My future goal is to continue building strong relationships with students, using my counseling skills to help them overcome obstacles and achieve their goals with confidence and resilience.

Erika Sanchez

I am pursuing an Ed.D. in Leadership at Concordia University Irvine to deepen my expertise in Hispanic-serving institutions and contribute to the field through research. This program will enhance my capacity to support student success, foster positive institutional change, and strengthen the higher education landscape to serve Hispanic students better. Through this work, I aim to advance our collective knowledge, promoting practices that support and uplift the Hispanic community in higher education. With a Master’s in Transformational Urban Leadership and over a decade in higher education, I am dedicated to creating equitable pathways for Hispanic and first-generation students. As HSI Project Director at Concordia University Irvine, I oversee a $3.5 million federal grant to enhance Hispanic student success through initiatives like the HSI Faculty Fellows program, which fosters academic and social engagement. Previously, as Director of Hispanic Services at Biola University, I led efforts to prepare the institution for HSI status, established strategic partnerships, and developed training to support Hispanic students. At KidWorks, I launched the College Success Initiative, helping hundreds of students achieve a college graduation rate three times the national average. My work has extended internationally, including the Philippines, where I established learning centers and programs for underserved youth, driven by a commitment to empowering students and transforming communities.

Beatriz Perez

Beatriz has over 9 years of experience working with marginalized youth, primarily in Southern California, focusing on leadership development, college readiness, financial empowerment, and civic education. She is currently a doctoral student at Concordia University Irvine and plans to receive her Doctorate in Organizational Change. She works as a school counselor at Gateway College & Career Academy, working one-on-one with at-risk students and guiding them through their academic journey. She also serves as the English Learners (EL) Liaison, advocating, empowering, and engaging with new students from another country. She previously worked as an academic advisor for UCR's Upward Bound Program and UCLA's Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) to support students' academic journey toward higher education through one-on-one academic advising, workshops, and personal development. Her past work experience involved being Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) Youth Programs Associate, where she supported managing two youth development programs through advocacy, leadership, and education. When Beatriz is not working, she manages Amor al Pueblo, a community foundation she and her mother co-founded to provide monthly food pantries to families in need in Culican, Sinaloa. She is passionate about supporting future world leaders, education, and equality for marginalized communities.