STAFF DIRECTORY
Ramiro's interest in Study Abroad sparked from his desire to someday visit the Amazon
rainforest after learning about its significance to global climate change. Ramiro
studied Environmental Analysis and Brazilian Portuguese as an undergraduate and participated
on an exchange program to Boa Vista, Brazil. This experience was so influential that
Ramiro further pursued his academic interests through an independent research study
in Brazil funded by a Fulbright Research Grant in 2019. His Fulbright allowed him
to become deeply immersed in Brazilian culture and sharpen his awareness on global
affairs. Today Ramiro is excited to encourage all students to expand their horizons
through intercultural understanding by studying abroad.
Ramiro is a current Mt. SAC student completing prerequisite classes for graduate school. Outside of Mt. SAC, Ramiro enjoys staying active through running, swimming and playing basketball. He is currently training for his 12th marathon and enjoys relaxing by gardening and spending time with his pets.
John Morris has been a frequent traveler ever since his own study abroad experience in Holland as part of the San Francisco State University Study Abroad program. While abroad in Europe, Mr. Morris fell in love with meeting people from all parts of the world, visiting beautiful and unique places, and coming to better understand the world. After completing a degree in International Relations, Mr. Morris accepted a teaching position in Tokyo, Japan. While initially expecting to stay only a year, he fell in love with Japan and returned to the US nine years later. Mr. Morris began working as a Study Abroad Specialist at Citrus College in 2015 and holds a Master’s Degree in Education Counseling. While he is always excited to speak with students about study abroad, what he enjoys most is hearing about their transformative experiences upon their return.
Paula Messina works for AIFS Study Abroad, the organization that coordinates programs for the Southern California Foothills Consortium. Her experience in study abroad began over 30 years ago as a student on the first AIFS program at the University of Granada. After completing her degree she returned to Spain to work as Resident Director of that same program. She has also done program development in Latin America and for the past 5 years, served as part of the University Relations team from her current home base in Los Angeles. She enjoys working directly with Mt. SAC and SCFC students as they prepare for this experience of a lifetime and meeting up with them again when they return as global citizens.
