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Director, Student Center for Academic Achievement

Rachel joined the SCAA team in June 2022 with over a decade of experience in learning assistance / academic support services. Rachel completed her Bachelors degree in English from Notre Dame de Namur University, where she also served as a student writing tutor. She went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco (USF) in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs. Rachel is currently in the dissertation stage of her doctoral degree in Organization & Leadership. On campus, Rachel is a member of the Library Management Team, the Disability Community Collaborative, the Academic Peer Support Leadership Group, the Orientation Advisory Committee, the First Year Experience Planning Group, and the Student Retention Action Team. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, and watching sports!

Coordinator, Subject Tutoring Program

Brandon has been with the SCAA since 2017 and currently oversees the Subject Tutoring program. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing in 2017 and his Master’s degree in English in 2019, both from ҹɫÊÓƵ East Bay. He has over eight years of tutoring experience and fifteen years of administrative experience both in and out of the university system. Brandon is a published author of a novel, two short story collections, and various other publications in literary journals including Livina Press, Thin Veil Press, and DarkWinter Press. His interests include the cinema and film theory, reading all things Stephen King, and of course, writing.

Coordinator, Peer Academic Coaching Program

Bianca joined the SCAA team in August 2025 with 10 years of experience working in college access nonprofits, early childhood education, and higher education. Her journey began during her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with a focus on early childhood education. She went on to serve as an AmeriCorps College Coach and College Access Coordinator before earning her M.Ed. in Student Development at Seattle University. These experiences shaped her commitment to community, education, and possibility. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her dog.

Coordinator, Strategic Engagement & Academic Support

Matthew joined the SCAA administrative staff in late 2021 and oversees the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program and related embedded support for targeted courses at Cal State East Bay.

He earned his BA degree in English at Sacramento State and MA degree in Education at University of the Pacific. Likewise, he received his SI Supervisor certificate from the International Center for SI.

Throughout his thirteen-year career in higher education, he has managed tutoring centers and learning support programs; delivered regional early college-preparatory outreach; instructed skills-based courses and teacher education and certification workshops; and created student leadership/scholarship opportunities.

He remains dedicated to preparing equitable and timely educational experiences for students and maintaining purposeful and collaborative faculty partnerships.

Lead, Peer Academic Coaching Program

Major: Biological Sciences (Nursing interest)

Home: Hayward, CA; Jalisco, Mexico (in my heart)

Angeles joined the Peer Academic Coaching program in Fall 2024. She really enjoys the help that the entire SCAA provides to all students on campus and loves that a couple of minutes with anyone there can make a big difference in someone's day and/or life! She is currently working towards her bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences while also getting as well prepared as possible to soon hopefully apply to nursing programs! Outside of classes and work, Angeles loves to enjoy time outdoors, spend time with loved ones, listen to music and also try out different coffee shops! (It’s a hobby). She enjoys company but also appreciates time for herself. She very strongly believes that looking and feeling well, allows you to perform super well in anything you do!

Lead, Writing Tutor Programs

Major: Strategic Communication (Business Administration minor)

Home: Hayward, CA

Shelby joined the Writing tutor program in Spring 2026. She enjoys helping students feel confident within their writing because she believes it's a valuable skill you can utilize in every aspect of life. Outside of classes and work she enjoys teaching Pilates and hanging out with friends. She has two cats named Sosa and Bogey. Her favorite food is sushi and likes spending time at coffee shops. She is very social and friendly so don’t be scared to say hi!

Lead, SCAA Marketing & Outreach

Major: Video and Animation (Marketing minor)

Home: Santiago, Dominican Republic

Maite joined the SCAA in the Spring of 2023 as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for subjects like Kinesiology and Philosophy, later transitioning into a Peer Academic Coach. Maite aims to help students think outside of the box and find methods that allow them to thrive throughout their academic career and beyond. Outside of classes and work, she enjoys art, reading, cooking, and playing games. She’s always down to help out or chat, so don’t be afraid to say hi!

Lead, Supplemental Instruction (SI)

Major: Biochemistry

Home: China

Qi joined the SCAA staff in Spring 2025. She is majoring in Biochemistry and is pursuing a career in medicine. Qi began her work with SCAA as a Supplemental Instructor for CHEM 112 and as a Subject Tutor for CHEM 111, 112, 161, and 331. She especially enjoyed leading structured group tutoring sessions and supporting students through collaborative learning. She now continues to support CHEM 112 and CHEM 331 in group sessions. Qi has a strong interest in scientific research, particularly studying the chemical interactions between cells in the human body, and enjoys exploring molecular pathways in both humans and plants. In her free time, she enjoys hiking through redwood forests, visiting museums, and spending time with her family.

Lead, SCAA Front Desk

Major: History, Social Science Teacher Preparation

Home: Castro Valley, CA 

Bella joined the SCAA staff in Fall 2023. In addition to her receptionist duties, she has supported PHIL 100 and HIST 111 courses through the SI program. She now works as a writing tutor and WA. She is currently working towards her bachelor's degree in history while also pursuing her single-subject teaching credential. She desires to become a high school history teacher upon completing her master's degree. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her two cats, Crookshanks and Casper.

Lead, Subject Tutoring Program

Major: Biological Science

Home: India

Aanya joined the Subject Tutoring program in Spring 2023. She is majoring in Biological Sciences and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She enjoys mentoring and supporting students while also learning from every interaction. Outside of school and work, Aanya loves traveling, trying out new coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. She believes that even small acts of encouragement can make a big difference in someone’s journey.

Lead, Writing Tutor Programs

Major: Business Administration

Home: Castro Valley, CA

JP joined the SCAA as a writing tutor in August 2024. Since then, he’s enjoyed building connections with students and coworkers whether through tutoring sessions or while working the front desk. He’s passionate about helping students grow as writers and gain confidence in their work. When he’s not on campus, JP loves getting outdoors, hiking with his dog Bailey, exploring new places, and listening to music.