Counselors

Freshman Admissions Counselors

Derek Bradley

I grew up in San Bernardino, CA and was the first person in my family to be accepted and graduate from a four-year university. I graduated from Sonoma State University in 2013 with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Philosophy and a Minor in Sociology. As a Freshman Admissions Counselor, I want to educate students and their families about the opportunities that SSU has to offer. The best part of my job is working with students in assisting them with their educational goal of earning a college degree.

Email Address: bradlede@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (707) 664-3399

Jimmy Bailón

I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts in American Multicultural Studies in 2006 – and was a first generation, Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) student. While at Sonoma State University, I worked for the Migrant Education Advising Program and then for the Collaborative Assistance Migrant Program. I received lots of support and guidance from programs and individuals who helped me earn my degree; in high school, I was a part of the Upward Bound Program at the East Los Angeles Community Union. These experiences helped me realize the potential of college outreach programs to influence the life-trajectory of youth who might not see college as a possibility. What I most look forward to, as an admissions counselor, is getting to know students and their families, and speaking to them about how, at Sonoma State University, they can get the support they need to earn their college degrees.

Focus: Student Outreach & Recruitment

Me gradué de la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma con un Bachillerato en Estudios Americanos Multiculturales en el 2006 – era un estudiante de primera generación, y parte del Programa de Oportunidad Educativa (EOP, por sus siglas en inglés). Mientras que era un estudiante en la Universidad, trabajé para el Programa de Asesoramiento de Educación Migrante y después para el Programa de Asistencia Colaborativa para Migrantes. Recibí mucho apoyo de programas e individuos que me ayudaron a graduarme de la Universidad; en la secundaria, fui parte del programa Upward Bound en la Unión Comunitaria del Este de Los Ángeles donde aprendí como los programas de enlace colegial pueden influir la trayectoria de jóvenes que no miran el colegio como una posibilidad. Lo que más anticipo con gusto, como consejero de admisiones, es conocer a los estudiantes y sus familias, y hablar con ellos sobre cómo, en la Universidad Estatal de Sonoma, pueden obtener el apoyo que necesitan para obtener sus títulos universitarios.

Enfoque: Alcance Estudiantil & amp; Reclutamiento

Email Address: bailonj@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (323) 788-5585

Jose Padilla Reynoso

I grew up in the central valley. I attended Sonoma State University and graduated in 2009 with a Bachelors’ of Arts in Communications. My experience working with First Time Freshmen Admissions has provided me with the opportunity to be work with students and families from all different backgrounds and walks of life and educate them about what SSU has to offer. The best part of my job is being able to go out into the community and inform future generations about the importance of a college education.

Crecí en el valle central, vine a la Universidad de Sonoma y me recibí con una Licenciatura en Comunicaciones en el 2009. Mi experiencia trabajando con estudiantes de primer año me ha dado la oportunidad de trabajar con todo tipo de personas y ensenar lo que SSU les puede ofrecer. La mejor parte de mi trabajo es poder involucrarme en la comunidad y así poder informar a las nuevas generaciones sobre la importancia de una educación universitaria.

Email Address: padiljos@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (707) 664-3030

Transfer Admissions Counselors

Melanie Cooper

I was born and raised in Sonoma County. My hometown, Petaluma, clearly holds my heart, because I couldn’t stay away. I graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor’s of science in Psychology. In 2014, I started my Master’s in Education at Sonoma State University. I am currently working on my thesis, which focuses on the impact of high school students taking college campus tours. My favorite part of my job is showing students our amazing campus and watching them fall in love with our school and community.

Email Address: melanie.cooper@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (707) 664-2938

Erika Black

I grew up in Inglewood, CA. I attended UCLA and graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a minor in Education. Then I received my Master of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. My priority is to ensure transfer students are successful academically and have seamless transition into SSU, as that sets the foundation for future educational and career goals. The best part of my job is assisting transfer students with navigating the transfer process and providing resources that supports their specific needs.

Focus: Transfer Students from SRJC, Napa and Mendocino College

Email Address: erika.black@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (707) 664-3564

Out of State Admissions Counselor

Bianca Calderon

I was born and raised in Humboldt County. I attended Sonoma State University & graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology. My experience in working with Out of State students as a Pre-Admissions Counselor has provided me with the opportunity of educating others about the great opportunities SSU has to offer. The best part about my job is witnessing the growth and transition students & families encounter from the time of applying, moving to California, and becoming a Sonoma State Student.

Focus: Out of state freshman and transfer students

Email Address: bianca.calderon@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (707) 664-3819

Early Assessment Program Coordinator

& College Readiness Specialist

Elva Ortega

I currently serve as the Early Assessment Program Coordinator and College Readiness Specialist. Part of my role involves traveling to high schools in Sonoma, Marin and Southern Mendocino counties to talk to students about college readiness, admissions, transferring, placement and any other topic that they have questions about.

I also connect with high school counselors and career and college counselors to keep them informed of the latest CSU updates regarding eligibility, CAASPP results, placement and adoption of the CSU Expository Reading and Writing Course.

Prior to Sonoma State, I worked with TRIO Talent Search at Humboldt State University as a college access advisor and as an instructional assistant at Santa Monica College. I believe everyone is capable of learning, and I am passionate about helping students to realize their potential and to get excited about pursuing higher education.

I am currently a graduate student pursuing my second master’s degree, which is in library and information science at San José State University. In my spare time I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, watching Netflix and taking trips to the coast.

Email Address: elva.ortega@sonoma.edu

Phone Number: (707) 664-3034