»Meet the Staff

Dr. Juan Tinoco (he/him/el) serves as the Assistant Dean for the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience. As the Assistant Dean, Juan’s role is to lead the professional staff in providing an exceptional residential experience that supports student’s academic pursuits. As a first-generation college student and a person of color, Juan is deeply committed in creating a safe, inclusive, living and learning community where all students can thrive. Juan completed his bachelor’s at the University of California, Santa Barbara, his Master’s in Student Affairs from the University of Southern California, and most recently completed his Doctorate in Organizational Leadership at The University of La Verne. In his spare time, Juan likes to hike, watch movies and travel with his family.

Jamie (she/her/hers) serves as the Associate Director of Residence Life and First Year Experience. Her responsibilities include management of the New Student and Family Orientation programs, First Year Residential experience, and First Year Student support and intervention. During her time at Chapman, she has served as the Program Coordinator and Graduate Assistant for Orientation and First Year Programs and the Assistant Director of Residence Life and First Year Experience. Jamie has her Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Educational Studies and Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman University. During her free time, Jamie loves going to concerts, spending time with her family and friends, working out, and relaxing with her cat, Cissy!

Amanda Zamora serves as the Assistant Director of Operations in the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience. She oversees: the operations of the department, housing assignments, facilities, off-campus housing, housing communications, as well as the day-to-day operations of the central office. Amanda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication from Boston University. She started her Housing and Residence Life career in 2002, when she worked as a Resident Director at Boston University. Amanda recently served as the Off Campus Housing Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience at Chapman University from 2012-2018. In her free time, Amanda: teaches fitness classes, reads books, and listens to podcasts.

Originally from Roseville, CA, working in residence life began for Alex when he was a first-year student at William Jessup University near Sacramento, CA. A professional staff member asked Alex to apply to be an Orientation Leader and later on a Resident Advisor. Since then Alex finished his Masters Degree in Student Development Counseling & Administration at Indiana Wesleyan University and his Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership at Azusa Pacific University, studying the development of programming to increase residential college students' sense of community. Alex loves television shows, movies, camping, traveling, and sitting around and talking. Alex oversees and manages the awesome staff and residents of Chapman Grand. His office is located at the Chapman Grand Lobby.

Emily Belote (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. For her undergraduate degree, she attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Art History. Her passion for providing a memorable experience for undergraduate students stems from her incredible undergrad journey. While most of her work is behind the scenes, Emily is fortunate to be part of the incredible Residence Life and First Year Experience team and help students truly find their homes in Chapman Housing. Emily has also served as an advisor for one of Chapman’s Greek organizations. In her free time, Emily enjoys going to the beach, being a mega foodie with her husband, and spending time with their rescued Poodle-Bichon mix, Molly.

Ellis Pearson serves as the Administrative Assistant, where he manages day-to-day functions of the office while also supervising and developing a staff of student workers. Ellis was born in Atlanta, GA and raised just outside in Marietta. After one semester at Georgia State University, he transferred to Chapman University and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Strategic and Corporate Communication in 2022. In his last two years of undergrad, he served as a Resident Advisor, and was a Lead Resident Advisor for his final year. Ellis enjoys fostering relationships and doing work that helps others grow, which is what initially drew him to become involved with the Department of Residence Life and First Year Experience as a junior. Now, as the Administrative Assistant for the department, he is able to continue serving in a meaningful way and help others to develop, both personally and professionally. In his free time, Ellis enjoys photography, gaming, reading, sending memes to his two brothers (one of which is his twin), watching football and movies, relaxing with friends, and trying to make people smile.

Selena (she/her/hers) is the Housing Communications Coordinator for Residence Life and First Year Experience. As the Housing Communications Coordinator, Selena manages departmental social media accounts, residence life web pages and supports departmental messaging efforts. Selena was born and raised in Ewa Beach, Hawai’i, on the island of O’ahu. She moved to Southern California when she attended Azusa Pacific University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. She then received a Master’s Degree from the University of Denver in Communication Management. While she was pursuing her Master’s Degree, she was a Social Media Coordinator for a non-profit organization and was an Internal Communications Intern for an education tech company. She discovered her passion for supporting student success and, since then, had desired to work in higher education. In her free time, she is indulging in KBBQ, exploring the virtual worlds of gaming, or playing with her cats.

TJ Sanchez is our Residential Building Services Coordinator. A Southern California native, he was born and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California. TJ was active in team sports and activities until attending college at the University of La Verne. Focusing on his studies, he earned his B.A. in Broadcasting focusing on TV, film, video and broadcast production. Since then, he has garnered vast experience across customer service and project-based industries and worked in close collaboration with a number of higher education institutions. TJ’s devotion to serving the community and passion for helping others shines through as he takes on projects and assignments with compassion, empathy and a positive attitude. TJ recognizes the importance of ensuring that the Residence Life and overall learning experience at Chapman fosters strong connections, and continues to be a comfortable, community-oriented environment. When he is not working, you can find TJ spending time outside, and on the lookout for a good dog in need of a good belly rub.

Breil Bonaguro (she/her/hers) serves as the Program Coordinator for First Year Experience. Her responsibilities include the implementation of Family and Student Orientation and First Year Programs, supervising student staff, and aiding students in their transition into the Chapman community. Breil has her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Peace Studies and is finishing her Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman University. Breil is passionate about working with college students because of her own undergraduate experience at Chapman. She is a first-generation college graduate and is delighted to continue serving the Chapman community. During her free time, Breil loves spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, listening to music, reading, and exploring outdoors.

Katlyn Barbaccia (she/her/hers) serves as the Graduate Assistant for First Year Experience. As the Orientation GA, her responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of various early transition and first-year programs, collaborating with departments to ensure the success of Orientation, and mentoring the Orientation Coordinators. She received two Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Chapman University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman as well. She was highly involved within the Chapman community, serving as an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta, an Office Assistant for RLFYE, and an Orientation Leader/Coordinator throughout the duration of her undergraduate college experience. In her free time, she enjoys getting food with friends, visiting home (San Jose, CA), listening to music and podcasts, and taking care of her houseplants.

Vacant

Maiya White (she/her/hers) has always called Southern California her home and grew up in the Inland Empire. She received her BA in Political Science from the University of La Verne in 2019. She shortly after came to Chapman University (CU) to earn her Master of Art in War and Society. As a graduate student at CU, she served as a graduate assistant in Student Organizations before joining the Residence Life and First-Year Experience team as the Graduate Resident Director for Panther Village. Maiya is passionate about cultivating meaningful relationships with residents and student leaders. She specializes in helping students find their college experience and think about life after college. Maiya loves to watch television, read, play board games, hang out with her dog, shop, and spend quality time with family and friends in her free time.

Annessa is a first-generation college student from Riverside, CA. She grew up playing softball which led her to a community college in Texas. After graduating with her associate's degree. Annessa transferred to Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology and continued to play softball. After graduation, she stayed at Briar Cliff for two years, taking on the role of Assistant Coach of Women’s Softball. After this she moved back to California and began her career at Chapman University as an officer with Public Safety. Annessa worked as an officer for 4 years, where she became a Rape, Aggression, and Self-Defense (RAD) Instructor, and earned other certificates and trainings regarding emergency and crisis response. After acquiring these certificates and trainings and navigating Chapman’s campus for 4 years, Annessa discovered her passion as an advocate and mentor for students. Annessa knew that she wanted to contribute and help students become successful once they left Chapman because college is such an important time in the lives of students, both in earning an education and learning about themselves. This discovery drove Annessa to change her career direction and join the Residence Life and First Year Experience team. In her free time, Annessa can be found with her family and friends or on the softball field where she plays recreational slow-pitch softball.

Madelyn (Morning Star) Duran (she/her/hers) serves as the Resident Director for Morlan Hall. Morning received her B.A. in Communication Through Arts from the University of La Verne and her M.A. in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University. Morning is currently receiving her PhD in Cultural Studies emphasizing in Indigenous Studies and Decolonial Theory from Claremont Graduate University. Morning began serving within higher education in 2018 and has held positions such as Resident Assistant, Community Assistant, Leasing Coordinator, and Resident Director at the University of La Verne, Keck Graduate Institute, Harvey Mudd College, and University of California Riverside prior to arriving at Chapman University. Outside of housing, Morning has served as a Projection Designer for Native Voices at the Autry Museum of the American West. Morning also serves as the Director of Junior Staff for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar where she was recognized by President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden by receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award for 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023. Morning is passionate about servant leadership and takes pride in developing student leaders. In her free time, Morning loves to make jewelry, spend time with friends and family, or spend time with her pup!

Celina Davis grew up in Old Towne Orange and graduated from Chapman University in 2016 with her BA in Integrated Educational Studies. During her time at Chapman University as an undergrad, she was a Resident Advisor for two years; her passion for guiding students through their transformative college years stemmed from this experience. Celina serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience. Her responsibilities include supervising and developing a staff of student workers and managing the day-to-day functions of the office. Celina is currently earning her Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman University. In her free time, Celina enjoys reading, watching hockey, working out, and going to the beach with friends.

As an Orange County native, Tim Alexander (he/him/his) grew up in Santa Ana and was raised by several different friends and their families. During his first year of college in 2010, Tim struggled with homelessness and had difficulties navigating higher education as a first-generation college student. Thanks to mentors' and femtors' holistic support, he was able to graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in 2015. The following year, Tim was ranked as one of the top 16 most influential people to watch in Orange County (O.C.) by the O.C. Register. In 2017, while he pursued a Master of Science in Higher Education at CSUF, he was a part-time Graduate Assistant in Residence Life and First-Year Experience (RLFYE). Now, Tim is thrilled to return to his Panther family and enhance the Chapman Experience as a full-time Resident Director in RLFYE. Both his childhood and collegiate background have shaped his passion to serve underrepresented students, as well as a commitment to creating a sense of belonging for all students. Tim’s college campus became his home (figuratively and literally), so he is honored to: develop the next generation of global citizens through co-curricular learning, aid students to transition successfully towards graduation, and ultimately create a safe, inclusive, and healthy community (physically and digitally)… A community he feels lucky to now call his new home.

Christy Martinez-Saucedo (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She then moved to Fullerton, CA to attend California State University, Fullerton where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Services in 2017. During her final year of undergrad, she served as a resident assistant for a first year community. In 2017, she moved to Denver, Colorado to obtain her Master of Arts in Higher Education from the University of Denver (DU). At DU, she served as a Graduate Resident Director of a first-year residence hall for two years in the Housing and Residential Education department. Christy self-identifies as a first-generation Latina and is proud to be Central American. Being the eldest of 7 siblings, she acknowledges that it has shaped her into embracing and valuing interpersonal connections. In her free time, she likes dancing, shopping, spending time with friends and family, watching TV shows and videos on make-up, dancing, and drum corps. Christy enjoys being a part of the Chapman community where individualized education is valued and students, faculty, and staff can accomplish anything imaginable!

Susana Elizalde (she/her/ella) is a first-generation Latina from Santa Ana, CA. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and double major in Chicano/a studies from California State University, Northridge. Shortly after came to Chapman University to earn her Master of Arts in Leadership Development. As a former Graduate Resident Director (GRD) for the Davis and Harris apartments, she holds knowledge of Chapman's residence life and campus resources. Previously, she worked in the residence life departments for the University of Southern California as a Residential College Coordinator, but prior to that she lived in Washington, DC and worked as a Community Coordinator at the George Washington University. Her passion is cultivating meaningful relationships with residents and student leaders. In her free time, she loves to cook, paint, try new restaurants, and go to the movies.

Daniel (he/him/his) grew up in Kampala, Uganda, and he completed his bachelor’s degree at Pepperdine University and his master’s degree at Pepperdine University School of Public Policy, with specializations in Dispute Resolution and in International Relations. After serving in Human Resources at Pepperdine University and in Housing and Residence Life Services at Washington State University, Daniel joined the Residence Life and First Year Experience team at Chapman University as a Residential Support Manager in February 2022. He is now a Residential Graduate Assistant at Panther Village. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, working out, traveling, reading, attending church events, playing soccer, and watching movies.

(she/her/hers) I am a first generation college student from Los Angeles, CA. I earned my Bachelor’s Degree from Chapman University in English Literature, Rhetoric, and Culture with a minor in Japanese. During my senior year of undergrad I joined the integrated degree program and began working simultaneously on my Master’s Degree in English. As an undergraduate student I remained active in community events by attending literary magazine launches and volunteering for the Asian Pacific Student Association’s yearly APIDA festival. In my free time I love to travel and study new languages, and am currently working on studying French, ASL, Japanese, and Korean.

Dylan (he/him/his) is a first generation college student from Riverside, CA. During his undergraduate years, Dylan attended and played baseball at La Sierra University and then transferred to complete and earn his Bachelor of Science in Health Science at California Baptist University. He is excited to begin his new journey at Chapman University to earn his Master of Arts in Leadership Development. In his spare time, Dylan loves to play and watch baseball, lift weights, try new foods, and go to the beach. He is beyond excited to join the Residence Life and First Year Experience team. He looks forward to mentoring, leading, and guiding students to become successful during their time at Chapman, and in their future lives and careers.

Ghana Tirpude (she/her/hers) is pursuing a discipline change from the field of business to MS in Food Science at Chapman University. She has completed her MA in Marketing and Innovation from Anglia Ruskin University, UK and has experience working as a Business Consultant specializing in Branding and Organizational Management for over 10 years. At Chapman University she is part of the Graduate Senate Association as the Senator for Schmid College as well as the social media lead for Chapman Coffee Club. In her free time, she volunteers at her family’s NGO in India. Recreationally she enjoys cooking and hosting dinner parties and going on long drives and walks to unwind.

Lucy Caborn (she/her/hers) moved to Southern California from Columbus, Ohio and is currently studying fiction at Chapman University's MFA program. She earned her bachelors degree from Sarah Lawrence College where she primarily studied literature and psychology. In prior years Lucy has worked as a teaching assistant for a college level animation class, and also founded a community based fiction workshop for adults. Lucy strongly believes in the importance of education, and she is so excited to help other students have a positive experience at Chapman while serving as a Graduate Resident Director.

(She/her/hers) Born and raised on the island of Nassau in The Bahamas, Chapman University will be the fourth university I have attended to obtain my third degree. I have a bachelor's degree in both Culinary and Baking and Pastry Arts along with a bachelor's in Food Science and Technology. During my time obtaining my Undergraduate degrees I was apart of many organizations on campus and worked in many departments, including; Residential Life, Student Involvement, Director in Student Government, Campus Ambassador, International Club, Black Student Union, Admissions, Orientation and so many more. I love to travel because I enjoy learning new things and trying new foods. I also love cooking, swimming, dancing and sleeping. I think we should all have a great balance between work, leisure and rest. My motto in life is " Anything worth doing is worth overdoing, Moderations for Cowards!"

Justice (he/him/his) is a recent graduate with a Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Visual Experience, concentrating in photography, and a minor in Business Administration from California Baptist University. Over his four years at CBU, Justice was deeply involved in student leadership, serving as a senate member and later as Vice President of the Associated Students of California Baptist University. His leadership extended to Residence Life, where he excelled as a summer Resident Advisor and was invited back to serve during the regular school year.

Arleth (she/her/hers) got her Bachelor's in Political Science and English from Chapman in 2023. She was raised in Orange County but originally from Connecticut. Her passion is working with students and in the nonprofit sector. She most recently was a program educator for Girls Inc. If Orange County where she served girls all over the area. She worked in Resident Life during her undergrad and is excited to rejoin the team for her masters program. Her free time is spent with friends, family, trying new foods, or taking walks exploring new places.