Angela Crisantos Valencia

Personal Background

I was born and raised in Anaheim, California a block away from Downtown Disney. I grew up hearing the Disney fireworks every night. My parents immigrated from Michoacan, Mexico to California over 35 years ago and they did not attend college. I am a first generation and fortunate to be bilingual in both Spanish and English fluently.

I enjoy traveling and love to have a vacation fund. I have gone to New York, Cancun, Los Cabos, Mexico and hope to go to Europe in the future. I have a twin sister and a golden retriever that just turned 1 year named Nala. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, exercising, going to the beach, but also baking with my sister and best friend.

Educational Background

I began my community college not knowing that I have outstanding grades to begin my education at a four year institution. I recall a high school counselor only mentioning community college for me and did not know what I wanted to major in. Until, a close relative was very ill in the hospital where I began to show an interest in Nursing. When I took my first Nursing class, I knew Science was not my strength and decide to try a Psychology class since I had already taken AP Psychology in high school. I found a greater interest in this major but I did not want to transfer because I knew Science was required. Thus, I went to another community college and majored in Human Services. The instructors in this major were motivational and they inspired me to continue my education. Then, I transferred to California State University of Fullerton where I began a peer mentor to help other students and discovered my passion working with students. This further led me to pursue my Master’s in Educational Counseling and graduated in 2019 at the University of La Verne.

Professional Background

I began my experience working with student at Fullerton College as an intern where I supported High school students with transitioning to college and helping them apply to EOPS. This turned into my first employment at the community college where I now have worked there for over 6 years. I also have experience working with Transfer students, Dual Enrollment, and CalWORKs students. I began in 2019 as a counseling assistant in the CalWORKs program at Santa Ana College and then became a counselor. I have served as a CalWORKs counselor for over 1 year and glad to join the EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs department where I can continue supporting students in their academic journey.

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