DREAM Program Counseling and Advising
Ways to schedule an appointment
- Please call our DREAM front desk at (909) 274-5596, or email us at dreamprogram@mtsac.edu to schedule your Educational Advising or Counseling appointment.
- Please visit the following link to learn how to schedule your appointments: https://www.mtsac.edu/navigate/index.html
- Do you have a smartphone? You can also schedule appointments using the Navigate App.
Meet our Counselors and Educational Advisor
Laura Muñiz
Counselor Faculty/Professor
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- Meet Laura
My name is Laura Muñiz, and I am a first-generation Latina college student. Having
emigrated from Mexico at the age of five years of age, I understand first-hand what
it is like to be a Dreamer. I started in community college just like you. I transferred
to Cal State Fullerton and earned a BS in Human Services. I later earned my MS in
Counseling from the University of La Verne. I have worked at Mt. SAC for over 25 years.
I am excited to introduce you to the basics of being a college student. I know how
overwhelming starting college can be and I am here to help you have a smooth transition.
My goal is to offer you one of the most valuable learning experiences and develop
a safe and caring learning community where you can fully participate and be academically
successful. I am excited to get to know you in the next couple of weeks and begin
this wonderful college journey together!
Carmen Macias
Adjunct Counselor/Professor
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- Meet Carmen
I was born in Ocotlan, Jalisco Mexico and migrated to the United States at the age
of 3. I was raised in East Los Angeles California and attended East Los Angeles College.
I earned and Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies from ELAC and transferred to the University
of California Santa Cruz where I earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology. Then I earned a Master of Education in Counseling from the University
of Southern California. I am currently working on my Doctorate of Philosophy in Education at Claremont Graduate University. I am a first-generation DACAmented student and professional. I am passionate about promoting higher education to immigrant
communities because I know that we have the ability to accomplish our dreams despite our immigration status. During my free time I explore
southern California by hiking different trails. I also love dancing and reading, both help me stay grounded in
my work.
Maria Rodriguez Vargas
Adjunct Counselor/Professor
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- Meet Maria
My name is Maria Rodriguez. I was born in Mexico and raised in the central valley-
Reedley. I received my Master's degree in Educational Counseling from USC and hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Intensive
Psychology and Minor in Education from UC Santa Cruz. As an undocumented, first-generation
student, I faced a myriad of obstacles, such as, poverty, deportation, and inadequate
and unequal educational opportunities. Despite these obstacles, I excelled and never
lost sight of where I was going and although I feared education, I knew I wanted it
more than I feared it. My counseling and teaching philosophy is student centered,
holistic based approach. I hope to motivate you to think about your success at Mt
SAC and beyond. I warmly invite you to make an appointment with me to learn about
each other and how I can further support you with your personal and academic goals.
Giovani Bautista
Educational Advisor
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- Meet Giovani
I was born in Morelia Michoacan, Mexico. In Mexico, I learned the importance of education
since I was not able to get one as a result of poverty and the need to work to support
my family. I crossed the border with my mother in 2005 and began to attend school
in 6th grade. Learning the language was easy, but the hard part was adjusting to the culture
of this country, especially as an undocumented individual. I began navigating the
education system prior to the CA DREAM Act and DACA, so going to college and graduating
from college was never in my dreams or goals. However, thanks to my community, counselors
and educators I was able to attend Community College, graduate and transfer to UC
Berkeley. At UC Berkeley, I graduated with a Bachelor's in Mass Communications/Media
Studies. Currently, I am in my third and last year of my Master’s Program in Counseling.
I hope to be able to assist you navigate Mt Sac, graduate, and transfer if that is
your goal. Please know that I am here for you as I was hired as a resource for you.
Please remember, you are not alone in your educational journey, and my office doors
will always be open for you!
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The core of our program lies in our specialized counseling and advising services.
Our counseling and advising team has a deep understanding of the undocumented experience
and the heart required to empower students to achieve personal, academic, and career
success. Our team is sensitive to how being undocumented impacts a students’ experiences
(inside and outside of the classroom) and, therefore, provide guidance that is centered
around students’ potential. At our counseling and advising appointments, students
can receive individualized support with:
- Navigating higher education as an undocumented student
- Transitioning to Mt. SAC after graduating from high school, taking a break, or completing
non-credit courses
- Selecting courses and creating a Mountie Educational Plan (MAP)
- Exploring Careers and selecting a major
- Understanding Associate Degree and Transfer requirements
- Connecting to campus programs, services, activities, and/or resources that can help
them cultivate a sense of community and personal growth
- Overcoming hardships that impact their education
- Navigating academic/progress probation
To further meet the needs of our students, we also offer three specialized counseling
courses: COUN 1 (Introduction to College), COUN 2 (College Success Strategies), and
COUN 5 (Career and Life Planning). The purpose of these classes are to help students
navigate college, learn strategies to sharpen their study skills, and build community
with other undocumented students. When students take these classes, they learn foundational
skills that help them become better prepared to begin and complete their college education.
We are committed to providing the support needed for students to be successful in
college and life.