Laura Delgado
e-mail Laura Delgado
(562) 860-2451 ext. 2371

Laura Delgado is the LINC/NextUp Program Facilitator and provides guidance to current and former foster youth at Cerritos College. She hopes to be a resource and help students meet their goals by providing holistic, trauma-informed support. Laura earned a Bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and Anthropology from UC Irvine, and a Master’s in Educational Counseling from USC. In her free time, she enjoys going on bike rides, reading Latin-American novels and trying new recipes.

Niko Villa
e-mail Niko Villa
(562) 860-2451 ext. 3036

Niko Villa is the new Linc/NextUp Counselor at Cerritos College. A two-time graduate of San Diego State University, Niko holds a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on Counseling and Social Change and a Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs. Niko’s career in education began as an EOP Outreach Specialist and Counselor at SDSU, and he later served as an EOP Counselor at CSU Long Beach. Drawing from his experiences growing up in Southeast San Diego, Niko believes deeply in the transformative power of education. He is passionate about empowering underrepresented students, emphasizing the importance of self-care, building community, and mentorship. Niko is dedicated to helping students achieve their goals and providing the support they need to thrive in their college journey.

Kathy Lee
e-mail Kathy Lee
(562) 860-2451 ext. 2403

kathy is an adjunct counselor for the Guardian Scholars/NextUp program at Santa Monica College. I earned my Associate Degree for Transfer in Psychology from Citrus College, followed by a Bachelor's degree from UCLA. I furthered my education at USC, obtaining a Master's degree in Educational Counseling. As a first-generation college student, I am passionate about giving back to the community and providing empathetic support to my students. In my leisure time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and traveling! 

Marisol Aguilar
e-mail Marisol Aguilar
(562) 860-2451 ext. 2403

Marisol is a LINC/NextUp Counselor at Cerritos College and provides students academic, career and personal counseling.  Her goals as a counselor are to meet the student where they are at, make them feel comfortable, and have a conversation about their goals and what they need to do to achieve them.  She earned a Bachelor's degree from California State University, Long Beach in Journalism and a master's degree from California State University, Northridge in Counseling.  She enjoys working with foster youth and other underserved student populations.  She enjoys hiking, running, snorkeling, traveling and eating at new restaurants.

Shawna Molar, Lacey-Lea McKnight, Diana Busquets

Peer Ambassadors are LINC/NextUp students that provide support to the program and their peers. They serve as liaisons to LINC/NextUp students and can help with setting up appointments, keeping students informed, and navigating resources for foster youth. They also support the EOPS/CARE program. 

Adriana Leguizamon
e-mail Adriana Leguizamon

Jesus Castro
e-mail Jesus Castro

Our Financial Aid Liaisons provide specialized support for current and former foster youth and manage CA Chafee grant disbursements.

Dr. Patricia Robbins Smith
e-mail Dr. Patricia Smith (562) 860-2451 ext. 2525

Dr. Patricia Robbins Smith is the Director and oversees the EOPS, CARE, LINC/NextUP & CalWORKs programs. She has been a part of the Cerritos College family for 20 years. She has worked as the Director of Foster & Kinship Care Education, and Director of Community Education. 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).

Dr. Lui Amador
Dean of Student Equity and Success

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 & CalWORKs team and to serve our students. Dr. Amador received his Bachelors 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.