Student Success Meet the Student Success Coaches

Cath received her Bachelor of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Tufts University in 1993 and her Master’s in Social Work from Boston University in 1996. In 1999, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California. After working for several years in foster care and adoption, Cath began working in higher education. She worked for 14 years at Azusa Pacific University as an Adjunct Professor teaching Health and Wellness classes as well as leading exercise classes for students. Cath is a nationally certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor through the American Council of Exercise. Most recently, she worked at Gordon College’s Center for Balance Mobility and Wellness. She played college volleyball at Tufts and enjoys working out, hiking, traveling, reading at the beach, and spending time with her family. Cath’s passion is supporting students and helping them thrive throughout their college experience. She enjoys building relationships with students and being a part of their growth through their college years. To make an appointment with Cath, click here.

Julia grew up in the mountains of Northern California in a tiny town called Oakhurst. She recently graduated from Westmont with a degree in English and a double minor in Psychology and Education. During her time at Westmont, she got to study abroad in England and Ireland, which had a profound impact on her experience. She is currently working on her master's in School Counseling. In her free time, she likes to read Irish literature, embroider, take walks on the beach, find mugs to add to her mug collection, and watch 49ers games! Julia spent two years of her time at Westmont working as a Peer Coach, and she is excited to be back in the SSC role and get to contribute to this incredible community. To make an appointment with Julia, click here.

Sandra grew up playing in the snowy mountains of Colorado before attending Westmont.  As a student she was a communication studies major, participated in Potter’s Clay and Spring Sing, competed in Track & Field, served as an RA, studied on Europe semester and worked in the college bookstore.  She earned her master's degree in Educational Leadership & Organizations from UCSB, where she also worked in Orientation Programs and then served as an Academic Advisor. Sandra has been a Resident Director at Gordon College, California Lutheran University, and Westmont.  In addition to supporting her two kids currently attending college in Alabama and Tennessee, she volunteers as Director of Royal Family KIDS Camp of Santa Barbara, a summer camp for foster children.  Sandra loves to travel, exercise, and play board games.  She is known for her love for roller skating, all things 80’s, and trying to find the best deals on anything she buys. To make an appointment with Sandra, click here.

Sasha was raised primarily in Northern California, although she did make her rounds on the West Coast and spent time living in Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communications from Whitworth University, and her master's degree in Educational Counseling from Azusa Pacific University (APU). Sasha worked for Young Life in Spokane, Washington and in undergraduate admissions at APU prior to finishing graduate school. She most recently held the role of school counselor at both private and public K-12 schools and is passionate about supporting and empowering students to succeed. She hopes that every student she works with walks away with a sense of belonging, possibility, and motivation. Sasha loves to travel and explore with her husband and two boys. They can be found enjoying their patio with friends, spending time in the Sierra Nevada, or strolling the Santa Barbara zoo or Natural History Museum. To make an appointment with Sasha, click here.

Sonya is the oldest of four children from a small California town called Valyermo (where’s that?). As a first-generation college student she has the honor of being the first person in her family to attend college. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Science degree in College Counseling and Student Development. She joined the Westmont community in 2017. When she isn't talking with students about their transition to college, you will find her taking walks along the beach or in her garden. To make an appointment with Sonya, click here.