Kristine P. Aslanyan, EOPS/CARE Counselor
kaslanyan@cerritos.edu  (562) 860-2451 ext. 2410

Kristine is an EOPS/CARE Counselor at Cerritos College and provides students academic, career and personal counseling.  She has earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree from California State University Los Angeles.  She enjoys hiking, reading, listening to podcasts, and viewing Pinterest. 

Alex Brambila, EOPS/CARE Counselor
abrambila@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Alex Brambila, an EOPS/CARE adjunct counselor at Cerritos College and Long Beach City College's General Counseling Department, holds a Master of Science in Counseling from California State University, Long Beach. He has over ten years of experience in student affairs across multiple colleges and is dedicated to assisting historically disadvantaged students. He is a first-generation American who resides in Pomona and devotes his free time to exploring Stoicism's principles of wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation. Additionally, he finds joy in indoor bouldering, gaming, watching films and music, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

Steven Brooks, EOPS/CARE Counselor
sbrooks@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Steve Brooks is currently an adjunct counselor and professor at Cerritos College. He has served as a middle and high school English Language Arts teacher, counselor, Magnet Coordinator and other administrative roles. In addition, he is a counselor at Fullerton College and has served as a counselor at Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles Southwest College, Santa Monica College and Rio Hondo.

Liliana Cazares, EOPS/CARE Counselor
lcazares@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Liliana is proud to be a first-generation college student and a product of the community college system. As a former EOPS student, I understand the personal and academic challenges that our students face throughout their college journeys. I've earned my Associate’s Degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Citrus College, my Bachelor of Science in Human Services with an emphasis in Mental Health from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and my Master’s Degree in Counseling with a focus on Student Development in Higher Education from California State University, Long Beach (CSULB). In my downtime, I enjoy taking my dog on walks, practicing meditation, and spending time with family & friends. 

Carlos Fanelli, EOPS/CARE Counselor
cfanelli@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Carlos is an EOPS/CARE counselor that is a product of the community college system who transferred to CSULA to earn his bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Technology and proceeded to earn his master's degree in Educational Counseling. Due to my educational journey being untraditional, I'm no stranger to changing majors and starting over which is why I encourage students to not be afraid of changing their major if their heart or passion begins to take them in a new direction. I'm passionate about student advocacy and supporting students achieve their educational goals. In my free time I enjoy going to the movies, concerts, and riding motorcycles.

Luz Fernandez, EOPS/CARE Counselor
lefmarquez@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Luz Fernandez is an EOPS part-time Counselor at Cerritos College with an educational background and professional experience from Santa Ana College, California State University, Fullerton and California State University, Los Angeles.  Like many of you, Luz started her higher education at the community college. From there she went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Human Services from CSU Fullerton and a Master of Science in Social Work from CSU Los Angeles.  She is passionate about working with special populations and empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Luz's hobbies include long walks, learning, volunteering, and quality time with her family.  Hablo Español

Dr. Henrietta Hurtado, EOPS/CARE Counselor
hhurtado@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2380

Henrietta is an EOPS/CARE Counselor at Cerritos College and provides students academic, career and personal counseling.  She also teaches various counseling courses including Dynamics of Leadership with a Social Justice and Service learning emphasis.  Her mission is to empower students through their own strengths of success.  She has earned a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences: Psychology and Spanish from San Diego State University and a Master's degree in Education Counseling from the University of Redlands.  She enjoys flamenco dancing and singing, friends, public speaking, traveling, learning, art, cooking and volunteering. 

Carmen Maravilla, EOPS/CARE Counselor
cmaravilla@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451  ext. 2398

Carmen Maravilla is an adjunct EOPS/CARE Counselor at Cerritos College. She provides academic, career and personal counseling. Carmen earned a Bachelor’s degree, Career Certificate and a Master’s degree at California State University of Los Angeles. She is passionate about empowering student and helping them reach their educational and career goals. When she is not working at Cerritos, she enjoys cooking, traveling and spending quality time with her family.

Beatriz Meza,  EOPS/CARE Counselor
bmeza@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Beatriz is an adjunct EOPS Counselor at Cerritos College. She provides academic, career, transfer, and personal counseling services to EOPS/CARE students. Beatriz earned her Bachelor’s in Sociology, Master’s in Counseling, and Career Education and Counseling Certificate from California State University, Northridge. She is passionate about working with special populations and empowering students to achieve their academic and personal goals. Beatriz enjoys working out, traveling, dancing, and personal/professional development opportunities.

Manuel Teposte, EOPS/CARE Counselor
mteposte@gmail.com   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2398

Manuel graduated from CSULB - Counseling, Student Development in Higher Education. He is a First-generation college student and a product of the California Community College system. Manuel has worked in education for over 10 years ranging from Pre-K to High School, in various capacities. His hobbies include going on road trips and hiking at various local spots in Southern CA. Manuel also enjoys watching films, listening to various types of music, and is a huge sports fan!

Raul Valenzuela, EOPS/CARE Counselor
valenzuela@cerritos.edu    (562) 860-2451 ext. 2378

Raul is an EOPS/CARE Counselor at Cerritos College and provides academic, career and personal counseling.  He also teaches counseling courses.  He has earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of California, Irvine and Master's degree from California State University, Fullerton in Counseling.  He helps students with sensitivity and a little humor.

Hannah Rivera, EOPS Administrative Clerk III
hrivera@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2331

Hannah is an EOPS/CARE/LINC/NextUp Administrative Clerk III. She is passionate about removing barriers and building equitable and inclusive programs for students. She has earned a Master degree in Higher Education from California State University Fullerton. Hannah's hobbies include reading, playing games (board and video), and spending time with my family.

Daniel De Avila, EOPS Program Assistant
ddeavila@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2385

Daniel is the EOPS/CARE/LINC/NextUp Program Assistant. He attends to the needs of the department as a whole and provides assistance to each program to ensure student success. He has earned a Bachelor's degree in Business with an emphasis in Information Systems from California State University Long Beach. Daniel is a down-to-earth guy who enjoys helping students reach their educational goals. On his spare time he enjoys family time/softball life,  the outdoors on his motorcycle, and working on home projects.  

Marilu Garcia, EOPS Program Assistant II
marilugarcia@cerritos.edu    (562) 860-2451 ext. 2396

Marilu is the Program Assistant II for the EOPS, CARE, LINC, NextUP department at Cerritos College. Her mission is to guide and support students through the process of joining our programs. She has a great passion for connecting under-represented students to helpful resources that would enhance their academic and personal success at Cerritos College and beyond.  She earned an Associate’s degree from Cerritos College in Psychology, a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master's degree in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University.  In her free time, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends, spending time outdoors, and visiting new places.

Hemat Aly, EOPS Administrative Services Technician
haly@cerritos.edu    (562) 860-2451 ext. 2332

Hemat Aly is an Administrative Services Technician with EOPS, managing expenditures and reconciling budgets for EOPS, CARE, NextUp, and LINC programs. She holds a Bachelor's in Accounting and a Master of Science in International Marketing from Egypt, along with AAs in Accounting and Business Administration with the highest honors from Cerritos College. Hemat is passionate about supporting student success and enjoys exploring new skills, reading about economics and politics, and spending quality time with her daughter.

Stephanie Minami, EOPS Specialist and CARE Coordinator
sminami@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2384

Stephanie is an EOPS Specialist and CARE Coordinator at Cerritos College. She is passionate about advocating for and empowering underserved student populations to promote student success and positively impact future generations.  Through mentorship she helps students navigate the college experience, and connects disadvantaged students to resources to overcome barriers to academic achievement. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from UC Irvine in Biological Sciences, with a minor in Psychology. She loves new adventures that push her beyond her comfort zone, and enjoys reading, cooking, painting, gardening, sewing, traveling, and quality time with her family.

Zoey Leon, EOPS Specialist 
zleon@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2333 

Zoey is an EOPS Specialist at Cerritos College, helping to outreach to students and help them enroll in the EOPS program.  She is passionate about education and the success of college students. She offers genuine care in helping students navigate the educational system to help reach their educational goals. She earned an Associate’s degree from Cerritos College in Business Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration: Management & Human Resources from California State University, Dominguez Hills and a Master's degree in Educational Counseling from the University of La Verne.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching documentaries/movies, health/fitness, good laughs and alone time.

Dr. Patricia Robbins Smith, EOPS/CARE/LINC/NextUP/CalWORKs Director
probbinssmith@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451 ext. 2525

Dr. Patricia Robbins Smith oversees the EOPS, CARE, LINC/NextUP & CalWORKs programs at Cerritos College. She has been a part of the Cerritos College family for 20+ years. Previous positions on campus were Director of Community Education and Director of Foster & Kinship Care Education before being lucky enough to join and help lead the EOPS/CARE/LINC/NextUP  department.  Patricia has a Bachelor's degree from UCLA in Psychology, a Master's degree from CSUF in Counseling, and a Doctoral degree in Educational Administration from UCI/UCLA (joint program).  In her free time, she enjoys pilates and yoga, gardening, as well as spending time with her family hiking and playing games (Uno is a family favorite!). 

Dr. Lui Amador,Dean of Student Equity and Success
lamador@cerritos.edu   (562) 860-2451

Dr. Lui Amador serves as the Dean of Student Equity and Success at Cerritos College. He is proud to work with the EOPS, CARE, LINC/NextUP team and to serve our students. Dr. Amador received his Bachelor's degree in Politics from UC Santa Cruz, a Master’s degree in Cultural Studies from Claremont Graduate University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from California State University, Long Beach. Lui enjoys having adventures with his wife and children, and the head of the family, their cat Mufasa.