EOPS Staff

Dean, Special Programs

As Dean of Special Programs, Dr. Rodriguez is responsible for program planning, implementation, compliance and evaluation for EOPS, CARE, NextUp and Guardian Scholars.

Prior to coming to Los Angeles Valley College, Dr. Rodriguez worked at a variety of educational institutions including El Camino College, USC, UCLA and UC Santa Barbara. Before her career in education, Dr. Rodriguez was a media buyer for a performing arts center and a promotions director for a radio station.

She earned her Bachelor’s degree at California State University, Fullerton in Communications and her doctorate degree at UCLA in Educational Leadership.

Dr. Rodriguez may be reached at (818) 947- 2726 or e-mailed at @email.

Counselor, EOPS/CARE

As an EOPS Counselor, Jessica Araujo is responsible for providing academic, career, transfer and personal counseling to EOPS/CARE students. She is also the primary counselor for the CARE Program by verifying eligibility and planning all events, workshops, conferences and field trips.

Prior to Valley College, Jessica was a counselor at Los Angeles Mission College in the Teacher Pathways program. In addition, she has over six years’ experience working in EOPS/CARE programs at various community colleges. She was also a Professional Growth Plan Advisor/Counselor at Los Angeles Universal Preschool Workforce and Professional Development where she managed the increase of Early Childhood Education degree awareness and attainment for those interested in the Los Angeles County.

Counselor, EOPS/CARE/NextUp/Guardian Scholars

As an EOPS Counselor, Jessica Ruiz is responsible for providing academic, career, transfer and personal counseling to EOPS/CARE/NextUp students. She is also the primary counselor for the NextUp/Guardian Scholars programs by verifying eligibility and facilitating Meet-Up's, events and workshops.

Before coming to Los Angeles Valley College, Jessica worked at Santa Monica College as a career counselor where she continues to teach career planning courses as an adjunct faculty. As a paraprofessional, she served students in the Disabled Students Program and Services (DSPS) at Los Angeles Southwest College. She was also a Career Advisor for the Career Center at Pasadena City College.

Jessica is a former Valley College and EOPS student. She attended LAVC and transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) where earned her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Sociology. Additionally, she earned her Master’s of Science degree in Educational Psychology and Counseling with an option in Career Counseling at CSUN.

Jessica Ruiz can be reached at (818) 947-2432 or e-mailed at @email.

Student Services Assistant, EOPS/NextUp

As the Student Services Assistant for EOPS/NextUp, Carissa is responsible for supervising the clerical student workers. She also provides assistance and support for the NextUp, foster youth program within EOPS.

Prior to working in EOPS, Carissa worked as a financial aid assistant at Los Angeles Pierce College. In addition, she has over five years’ experience working in admissions and records here at LAVC. She also works as a community liaison for a food pantry, in which she works with low income and homeless individuals/families.

Carissa is a former Valley College student. After earning Associate’s degrees at Los Angeles Valley College, she transferred to California State University, Northridge where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology with an option in Social Welfare. She then went on and obtained her Master’s degree in Educational Administration with an option in Higher Education at CSUN.

Carissa Gonzalez can be reached at (818) 947-2732 or e-mailed at @email.

Coordinator, NextUp/Guardian Scholars

As the NextUp/ Guardian Scholars Foster Youth Programs Coordinator, Dr. Ojeda is responsible for identifying current and former foster youth attending Los Angeles Valley College and ensuring their needs are met.

Dr. Ojeda was a transfer student from Los Angeles Mission College and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, a Master’s Degree in Chicana & Chicano Studies and a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from California State University Northridge (CSUN).

Currently, Dr. Ojeda is a professor of Criminology and Justice Studies at CSUN and is the Director of the CSUN MOSAIC program which provides university student mentors to “at-risk” youth attending continuation/ alternative high schools in the San Fernando Valley. In addition, he has facilitated Independent Living Program (ILP) courses for current foster youth at Los Angeles Mission College.

Dr. Ojeda may be reached at (818) 778-5763 or e-mailed at @email.