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DREAM Program Counseling and Advising 

Ways to schedule an appointment

  1. Please call our DREAM front desk at (909) 274-5596, or email us at dreamprogram@mtsac.edu to schedule your Educational Advising or Counseling appointment.
  2. Please visit the following link to learn how to schedule your appointments: https://www.mtsac.edu/navigate/index.html 
  3. Do you have a smartphone? You can also schedule appointments using the Navigate App.  

                

 

Meet our Counselors and Educational Advisor

Laura Muñiz

Counselor Faculty/Professor
    • Meet Laura

      My name is Laura Muñiz, and I am a first-generation Latina college student. Having emigrated from Mexico at the age of five years of age, I understand first-hand what it is like to be a Dreamer. I started in community college just like you. I transferred to Cal State Fullerton and earned a BS in Human Services. I later earned my MS in Counseling from the University of La Verne. I have worked at Mt. SAC for over 25 years. I am excited to introduce you to the basics of being a college student. I know how overwhelming starting college can be and I am here to help you have a smooth transition. My goal is to offer you one of the most valuable learning experiences and develop a safe and caring learning community where you can fully participate and be academically successful.  I am excited to get to know you in the next couple of weeks and begin this wonderful college journey together! 

       

      Schedule Appointment

 

Carmen Macias 

Adjunct Counselor/Professor
    • Meet Carmen

      I was born in Ocotlan, Jalisco Mexico and migrated to the United States at the age of 3. I was raised in East Los Angeles California and attended East Los Angeles College. I earned and Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from ELAC and transferred to the University of California Santa Cruz where I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. Then I earned a Master of Education in Counseling from the University of Southern California. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Philosophy in Education at Claremont Graduate University.  I am a first-generation DACAmented student and professional. I am passionate about promoting higher education to immigrant communities because I know that we have the ability to accomplish our dreams despite our immigration status. During my free time I explore southern California by hiking different trails. I also love dancing and reading, both help me stay grounded in my work. 

      Schedule Appointment

 

Maria Rodriguez Vargas

Adjunct Counselor/Professor
    • Meet Maria

      My name is Maria Rodriguez. I was born in Mexico and raised in the central valley- Reedley. I received my Master's degree in Educational Counseling from USC and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intensive Psychology and Minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. As an undocumented, first-generation student, I faced a myriad of obstacles, such as, poverty, deportation, and inadequate and unequal educational opportunities. Despite these obstacles, I excelled and never lost sight of where I was going and although I feared education, I knew I wanted it more than I feared it. My counseling and teaching philosophy is student centered, holistic based approach. I hope to motivate you to think about your success at Mt SAC and beyond. I warmly invite you to make an appointment with me to learn about each other and how I can further support you with your personal and academic goals.

      Schedule Appointment

  

Giovani Bautista

Educational Advisor
    • Meet Giovani
      I was born in Morelia Michoacan, Mexico. In Mexico, I learned the importance of education since I was not able to get one as a result of poverty and the need to work to support my family. I crossed the border with my mother in 2005 and began to attend school in 6th grade. Learning the language was easy, but the hard part was adjusting to the culture of this country, especially as an undocumented individual. I began navigating the education system prior to the CA DREAM Act and DACA, so going to college and graduating from college was never in my dreams or goals. However, thanks to my community, counselors and educators I was able to attend Community College, graduate and transfer to UC Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications/Media Studies. Currently, I am in my third and last year of my Master’s Program in Counseling. I hope to be able to assist you navigate Mt Sac, graduate, and transfer if that is your goal. Please know that I am here for you as I was hired as a resource for you. Please remember, you are not alone in your educational journey, and my office doors will always be open for you!  

 

 

 

 

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The core of our program lies in our specialized counseling and advising services. Our counseling and advising team has a deep understanding of the undocumented experience and the heart required to empower students to achieve personal, academic, and career success. Our team is sensitive to how being undocumented impacts a students’ experiences (inside and outside of the classroom) and, therefore, provide guidance that is centered around students’ potential. At our counseling and advising appointments, students can receive individualized support with:  

  • Navigating higher education as an undocumented student
  • Transitioning to Mt. SAC after graduating from high school, taking a break, or completing non-credit courses 
  • Selecting courses and creating a Mountie Educational Plan (MAP)
  • Exploring Careers  and selecting a major
  • Understanding Associate Degree and Transfer requirements 
  • Connecting to campus programs, services, activities, and/or resources that can help them cultivate a sense of community and personal growth
  • Overcoming hardships that impact their education
  • Navigating academic/progress probation  

To further meet the needs of our students, we also offer three specialized counseling courses: COUN 1 (Introduction to College), COUN 2 (College Success Strategies), and COUN 5 (Career and Life Planning).  The purpose of these classes are to help students navigate college, learn strategies to sharpen their study skills, and build community with other undocumented students. When students take these classes, they learn foundational skills that help them become better prepared to begin and complete their college education.  

We are committed to providing the support needed for students to be successful in college and life.