Admissions Counselors
Melanie Gonzales
Freshman Admissions Counselor
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.
Primarily Serves: In-state first time freshman
Email Address: melanie.gonzales@sonoma.edu
Phone Number: 707-664-2938
Bianca Calderon
Out of State Admissions Counselor
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.
Primarily Serves: Out of state freshman and transfer students
Email Address: bianca.calderon@sonoma.edu
Phone Number: 707-664-4403
Billy Lo
Transfer Admissions Counselor
I am originally from Crescent City, California. I graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and American Multicultural Studies. I am also in the Education program and nearing the conclusion of my thesis work. I love SSU because it’s beautiful; the trees, the people, and our campus add to the much larger community that is Sonoma State. I invite you to experience it for yourself.
Primarily Serves: Transfer Students, Veterans
Email Address: billy.lo@sonoma.edu
Phone Number: 707-664-3030
Magali Telles
College Readiness & EAP Coordinator
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.
Email Address: bianca.calderon@sonoma.edu;
Phone Number: 707-664-4403
Gina Geck
Director Of Student Outreach & Recruitment
I have had a career in higher education for nearly 20 years, starting first as a program coordinator at Yuba College, Clearlake campus near my home town of Cobb Mt. I came to SSU in 2000 where I immediately fell in love with the beauty of the campus and the community of students, staff and faculty. Walking on campus you can feel what we describe as a the Sonoma Experience. Students become part of a close knit community, where faculty and staff are passionate about working with them and relationship building is a priority. Starting as an admissions counselor, I still enjoy working face to face with students, families and educators to help students realize their dreams of earning a college degree. I have an exceptional team of staff that are passionate about working with students to educate them on the benefits of earning a university degree and why SSU is the right place to do that.
Email Address: gina.geck@sonoma.edu;
Phone Number: 707-664-3035