Rosa Salazar de la Torre is a staunch advocate of equity and service to students. She has been a higher education advocate for marginalized communities since the 1980s. She started her professional career at UC Irvine in recruitment/counseling, went on to CSU Fullerton in recruitment/counseling, and began at RSCCD/ Santiago Canyon College in 1994. Rosa is the proud mother of three adults and enjoys traveling and spending time with loved ones.
Dr. Rudy B. Frias has been employed at Santiago Canyon College since Fall 1996. He taught ESL in the Continuing Education division for three and a half years before transferring to the Counseling department. He has undergraduate degrees in biology, chemistry, and foreign language. He received his masters and doctorate at Pepperdine University. Since then he has completed two academic sabbaticals. The first at Harvard University and the second at Oxford University. Dr. Frias specializes in academic, career, and personal counseling in the Division of Continuing Education at Santiago Canyon College.
Rosalba Hernandez is a Counselor at Santiago Canyon College- Continuing Education Division. Rosalba has a Masters in Community Psychology and a license in Marriage Family Therapy (MFT). She is passionate about working with community college students and helping them achieve their educational goals. Rosalba looks forward to meeting each and every student and providing them with the guidance and support needed to be successful. During her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, hiking and traveling.
Hello! My name is Albert Alvano. I have been a Continuing Education Counselor here at SCC since 2016 and a Co-Coordinator for our Project RISE program since 2018. I am from the East Coast originally and graduated with a Psychology degree from Virginia Tech.
I then received my Master’s degree in Counseling at Cal State Dominguez Hills. My favorite part of working with students is hearing about success stories as they continue their educational journey. From completing a first class, applying for and receiving scholarships, to hearing their name at a graduation ceremony, this job is full of moments that motivate me to always grow as a Counselor. I hope to hear your story sometime in the future!
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other’s lives” – Jackie Robinson
Hello Students! I’ve had the pleasure of being a counselor with SCC since 2016; but started my career fifteen years ago as a school counselor for junior high and high school students. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Cal State Long Beach; and then went on to Chapman University where I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling, with a specialization in School Counseling, along with my PPS Credential. I believe that all students have the ability to succeed when provided with the necessary tools to overcome obstacles that may stand in their way. When I’m not at SCC, I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening and listening to music.
David Bruhl (He/Him/Él) is an adjunct counselor for SCC Continuing Education Division. Along with his Master of Science degree in College Counseling & Student Development, David credits his undergraduate studies in helping him properly understanding how to best advocate for students at Santiago Canyon College. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a earned a total of three minors: 1) Chicanx/a/o Studies 2) Labor & Workplace Studies, and 3) Education Studies. David enjoys visiting Disneyland during his weekends where he eats churros with his niece and nephew.
I'm Clarice DaFonseca. Do you have a question about our classes, programs, and/or services? Do you need help to create a plan from where you are now to where you want to be? Are you thinking about making a change, but you feel stuck or unclear about your next steps? No matter where you are on your journey – I'm here to help. Together we can create a plan to help you achieve your academic and career goals. Whether it’s exploring options, clarifying goals or offering encouragement, my mission is to help you succeed! We have a variety of online tools that support remote counseling. Let's talk! Hablo español Eu também falo português!
I’ve been adjunct counselor for close to 20 years and have loved every minute of it. I obtained by Bachelor’s of Science in Human Services at CSUF and a Master’s in Social Work at USC. I enjoy the outdoors, hiking running or spending time with my family and friends.
Miriam Escobedo Gomez (she/her/ella) is an Adjunct Counselor for the SCC’s Continuing Education Division and the Rising Scholars program. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Sociology from Santa Ana College, two Bachelor’s Degrees from UC Irvine, and a Master of Science in Counseling from Cal State Long Beach. Her personal experiences as a first-generation, English language learner, student parent, and formerly undocumented student have inspired her career as a college counselor. Miriam is passionate about supporting community college students by offering guidance, mentorship, and holistic support. She is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where all students feel empowered throughout their college journey. In her spare time, Miriam enjoys spending time with her son, exploring new coffee shops, cooking, and hiking.
ChinYoung (Jin-young) Farrey has dual background in counseling from Seoul, South Korea, and marriage and family therapy from Fuller Theological Seminary. She provides a rich foundation for supporting individuals in various aspects of their lives. Her passion for helping people realize their fullest potential shines through in her commitment to assisting others with their education and career goals. If anyone is in need of guidance or support along their journey, reaching out to her.
Andrea Jaime is an Adjunct Counselor with SCC. She started her career as a College Counselor at a high school and then transitioned into the Community College as her passion lies in being able to gain a great connection with students and be a part of the community. She wants to continue to advocate and empower students during their academic journey at SCC. Andrea earned her Associate Degree from Mt. SAC and then transferred to receive her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Cal State Fullerton. Andrea spent her time working with students with disabilities, low-income, first-generation, and marginalized students. This led to her pursuing and obtaining a PPS Credential and her Master's in Counseling from Cal State Los Angeles. In her spare time, Andrea loves to go snowboarding, off-roading, play soccer, and cuddle with her golden retriever.
Hi! I am Danny M. Jaramillo, Adjunct Faculty Coordinator/Adjunct Counselor with Project RISE and Adjunct Counselor with the Orange Education Center at Santiago Canyon College. I am a first-generation college student. I am currently a third-year doctoral student at Azusa Pacific University, in the Higher Education Leadership (Ed.D.) program. Prior, I attended Loyola Marymount University, and earned an M.A. in Guidance and Counseling. Prior, I attended UC Irvine, and earned a B.A. in Criminology, Law and Society, a B.A. in Social Ecology, and a minor in Psychology and Social Behavior. I have been working in the field of higher education since 2016. I am passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. I am deeply committed in assisting and guiding students to achieve educational and career goals. I hope to see you around!
Denise Nguyen (She/Her) is an adjunct counselor for SCC Continuing Education Division. Denise has earned her M.A. in Counseling Psychology, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and additionally has a doctorate in Counseling Psychology (EdDCP). She is passionate to work with students of all ages and backgrounds at Santiago Canyon College to reach their academic goals. Denise has extensive experience working in community and County agencies to better understand what types of barriers may cause difficulties for students to achieve academic success. Through that experience, Denise has a wide range of knowledge regarding resources available to help our students feel successful in their academic journey. In her spare time, Denise enjoys taking her daughter out for ice-cream dates, going to museums with her family, and watching zombie shows.
Hi Students! Iris Rangel (She/Her/Ella) adjunct counselor for Project RISE. I am committed to encouraging, supporting and empowering students in being successful learners by providing a comprehensive and developmental counseling program that meets their academic, personal and social emotional and career development needs. I hope to meet you soon. I work with the Inmate Education Program (IEP), and Project RISE (formerly incarcerated/system impacted/justice served), college prep and career adult education division. I am a first-generation, low-income transfer student who received an associate degree for Transfer from Fullerton College in Sociology and transferred to California State University Fullerton (CSUF) and earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology and earned a Master of Educational Counseling (M.Ed.) along with my Pupil Personnel Services Credential(PPSC) from the University of Southern California. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking and catching the sunset or sunrise and trying to cook new recipes.
Aidin Tehrani is an Adjunct Counselor at Santiago Canyon College’s Rising Scholars program, where he has been serving since December 2023 and officially began his counseling role in January 2025. He holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from the University of Southern California and is deeply dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated students and veterans as they reclaim their educational and personal journeys. Guided by a passion for equity and second chances, Aidin cultivates a welcoming, empowering space where students can share their stories, build community, and thrive in higher education.
“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” – Helen Keller
Samantha Wang (She/Her) is an adjunct counselor at SCC Continuing Education Division. With an M.S. in College Counseling and Student Development and a B.A. in Sociology (minor in Chinese) from UC Berkeley, Samantha has worked in the community college system since 2019. As a first-generation immigrant and student, she is passionate about assisting students and helping them achieve their academic and career goals. In her spare time, Samantha likes to read, try out new restaurants and spend time with her dog.