Meet the Staff

Hometown
Chino, CA

Alma Mater
UC San Diego/ University of Southern California

Undergraduate Major
Communication

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
Higher Education Administration

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The community atmosphere

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I enjoy talking to students and families about the resources and support Cal Lutheran offers

What is your favorite place on campus?
The Forrest fitness center

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Get involved on campus (clubs, sports, etc)

What is your best college memory?
Moving into the dorms!

Hobbies
Sports, Working out, Hikes, Beach trips

Favorite Food
Mexican food

Favorite Movie
Interstellar

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
HSI team, CLU 101

Hometown
ʻAiea, HI

Alma Mater
Whittier College

Undergraduate Major
Business Administration

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The community-like environment

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I resonate with the mission of the university

What is your favorite place on campus?
Kingsmen Park

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Try out every opportunity given to you.

What is your best college memory?
Living on campus.

Hobbies
Theme parks

Favorite Food
Yes!

Favorite Movie
Alice in Wonderland (1951)

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Pres Host, International Admission, Readmits

Hometown
The San Fernando Valley, CA

Alma Mater
CSU Channel Islands

Undergraduate Major
Sociology with a minor in Psychology

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
M.S. in Counseling and College Student Personnel

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love Cal Lu's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I love being a part of a community that is welcoming and supportive.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Starbucks

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
GET INVOLVED! Whether that's joining a club, getting an on-campus job, participating in student government, or even volunteering - getting involved is one of the best ways to network, build community on campus, and gain a sense of belonging to your university.

What is your best college memory?
Living on campus

Hobbies
Watching movies and TV shows

Favorite Food
Sushi, Pizza, In-N-Out, Ramen, Korean BBQ, Chinese food

Favorite Movie
The Lion King

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
STEM Academy, T2CLU

Hometown
Thousand Oaks, CA

Alma Mater
Westmont College

Undergraduate Major
English & Religious Studies

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The people here are definitely one of a kind. It is so unique to see a wonderful group of people (staff, faculty, and students) who are incredibly inclusive, supportive, and hard working.

What is your best college memory?
Studying abroad

Favorite Food
Ramen

Favorite Movie
Notting Hill

Hometown
San Francisco

Alma Mater
California Lutheran University

Undergraduate Major
Marketing Communications and French

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love many things about Cal Lutheran, but the most thing that I love about this campus is how faculty, staff, and friends are very welcoming to anyone that steps foot on campus. I knew that wherever I found myself, I always had a family who would support me and help me in anything that I needed. As a student, I was supported and guided by so many that I value today as a staff. I truly found my second home at Cal Lu because of them.

What is your favorite place on campus?
SSS Office

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Be open to learning and trying new things!

Hobbies
Listening to music, hiking, soccer

Favorite Food
Mexican Food

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Pres Host

Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Alma Mater: CSU Channel Islands 
Undergraduate Major: Sociology with Minor in Spanish
Graduate Degree: MS Counseling and College Student Personnel
Countries Where you have lived/favorite places abroad: I have been to so many amazing Places! I think right now I would say India has been my favorite place so far. 
Languages: English, Spanish
Advice for Internationally-minded students: Get involved in at least one or two clubs on campus. It is the best way to meet new people and discover your passions. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! There are so many services on our campus to support you during your time here at Cal Lutheran

Hometown
Friendship, Maine

Alma Mater
University of Maine, Orono

Undergraduate Major
Child Development/Family Studies with a Business Minor

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
M.S. in Counseling & Guidance - College Student Personnel

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love working for a place that cares so deeply for the success for their students as well as the faculty and staff. This is a very special place to work and be apart of.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
The mission of the university is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. I love working at a place that truly lives out its mission in the work that they do every day.

What is your favorite place on campus? What advice would you give to an incoming student?
The Office of Undergraduate Admission (and Starbucks)

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Learn from people who are different from you and don't be afraid to change your major.

What is your best college memory?
Maine Day, anything with my Delta Zeta Sorority sisters and lots of Naps! I miss naps!

Hobbies
Spending time with my husband and son. Hiking, baking and binge watching shows!

Favorite Food
Lobster and Maine crab

Favorite Movie
Sleepless in Seattle & The Holiday

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Marketing, Training, Transfer Initiatives

Hometown
Stamford, Connecticut

Alma Mater
Sacred Heart University (BA) Columbia (MA)

Undergraduate Major
Political Science

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
Organization & Leadership

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The students, faculty, staff - the entire community. There is a sense of innovation and commitment to excellence that allows the university to draw students from across the country and around the world. With a diverse and broad representation at all levels, Cal Lutheran continues to not only educate great leaders but even more impressive, develops character, creativity and ultimately a tradition of altruism and impact on the world around them.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
Every day there is something new to consider on a campus that is always on the verge of something new and innovative. Coupled with each person that works on our campus, there is a generosity of care and aspiration for excellence that is inspiring.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Right by the flagpoles, in between classes you get a chance to see all the hustle and bustle of campus, set across an incredible panoramic view of campus!

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Try everything at least once! This is the time to explore new ideas, meet people from around the world, find what you like and discover what inspires you. It's a great time to push your limits and expand your boundaries - it can only help your college experience even more memorable!

What is your best college memory?
RA training! It was so much fun to prepare for the arrival of each incoming class and getting ready to build a sense of community when the got home. Oh and the dining hall. Best grilled cheese EVER!

Hobbies
Travel, Music, Urban hikes, languages and food.

Favorite Food
Anything fried.... and fresh poke'!

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Anything and everything I can do that helps the team - I am game! From tours to events, reading applications to welcoming families. Perhaps the most humbling job I have is to sign your admission letters!

Hometown
Ojai, CA

Alma Mater
California Lutheran University

Undergraduate Major
Psychology with an emphasis in Family and Child Development

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The thing I love the most about Cal Lutheran is how much professors and staff care about our students. There is always someone there to listen and help our students through whatever the situation is.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I love working at Cal Lutheran because I want to help students find the opportunities that await for them with us. As a proud alumni, I love to share my experience with others and get them to fall in love with this amazing place I call home.

What is your favorite place on campus?
The cross

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Something I would want to tell every incoming students is to not count any institution out. Take a campus tour of many campuses (large, small, private, public, etc.) and visualize yourself at each school. What will come from those experiences may surprise you.

What is your best college memory?
I have a lot of favorite memories! One of my favorite would be my commencement ceremony. Being the first in my family to graduate from college, I loved being able to see their faces filled with pride as I danced back to my seat. Another reason it a favorite memory of mine is because I sat with a friend who I met the first day of college in our English course. It was great to be able to close a chapter of our lives together.

Hobbies
I love to play tennis, read, but mostly spend time with my friends and family doing making memories.

Favorite Food
If dessert counts, dessert. If not, my family's home cooked meals.

Favorite Movie
A good thriller followed by a Disney movie.

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Spanish Language Visits, InCLUsive Overnight Program, CLU 101 Counselor Fly-In Program

Hometown
Miracle Mile, CA

Alma Mater
CSU Northridge

Undergraduate Major
Communication Studies/Spanish Language & Culture

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The campus is beautiful and everyone is so friendly and welcoming. It’s a family environment, for sure.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I love working at Cal Lu because the work we do matters. It matters for the community and it matters for our students. Everyone is so dedicated to supporting our students and making this a place they are proud to be a part of. It’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever worked before. That inspires me.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
The possibilities are endless! Get involved, attend campus events, become friends with people who are like you, become friends with people who are NOT like you. Be where your feet are - present - and just take it all in.

What is your best college memory?
I would say my best college memories would be being an RA and being an Orientation Leader. Getting to meet new people and be apart of creating positive experiences for other students was so much fun.

Hobbies
I love to read, music, bake and laugh!

Favorite Food
Definitely Ice Cream

Hometown
Ventura, CA

Alma Mater
Cal State Northridge

Undergraduate Major
Psychology

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love the beautiful campus

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I enjoy working at CLU because everyone is so helpful and friendly, my co-workers are like my second family!

What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite place is Kingsmen Park

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Enjoy the college experience and take it one day at a time.

What is your best college memory?
The summer pool parties!

Hobbies
Working out, watching professional sports, and going to concerts.

Favorite Food
Tacos

Favorite Movie
Love and Basketball

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
CLUed In and Staff Development

Hometown
Thousand Oaks, CA

Alma Mater
Azusa Pacific University

Undergraduate Major
Sociology

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
Public Administration

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love the nature around campus. There are vegetable gardens, trees, streams, fields, mountains, etc.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I love working at Cal Lutheran because the employees here are family. We LOVE to have fun together and we love to support each other.

What is your favorite place on campus?
The dessert station at Ullman Commons

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Your college experience is what you make of it. If you put the energy in, you will have an amazing experience. Come in with a positive outlook and you will find what you are looking for.

What is your best college memory?
Sleeping in until noon on the weekends!

Hobbies
Gardening, watching my son ride his scooter, having friends over

Favorite Food
Cheese

Favorite Movie
Mulan

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
data, data, data

Hometown
North Hollywood, CA

Alma Mater
LAVC (Transfer), CSU Northridge (BA), Cal Lutheran (MS)

Undergraduate Major
Psychology

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
Counseling and College Student Personnel

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The beautiful campus. I love the family-oriented community here and the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
Cal Lutheran is my second home. I've felt so connected to the campus ever since I was a graduate student. I am humbled to be a part of a great community and to be able to support students from various backgrounds.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Starbucks

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Get involved as much as you can - It is a great way to feel connected to the campus and to network and build new relationships.

Hobbies
Roller Coasters, watching shows, and spending time with my family and friends.

Favorite Food
Sushi, Wings, and Thai food

Favorite Movie
Richie Rich

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
On the Spot Admission, T2CLU, and Transfer Achievement Day

Hometown
Camarillo, CA

Alma Mater
Pepperdine University

Undergraduate Major
English Literature

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
MBA

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
The people! There is a strong community here at Cal Lutheran, and I'm proud to be a part of it!

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
The students provide that staff and faculty with such energy. I feel blessed to work in this environment.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Tough question, but I'd say the William Rolland Stadium. From Homecoming Football games, to Commencement - the Stadium hosts some of our most significant events throughout the year. Truly a special place.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Be intentional. If you set out to accomplish something, do it. If you commit to something, commit in full. You're here for a reason, and you belong! We're lucky to have you.

What is your best college memory?
Another tough question! I thoroughly enjoyed my Study Abroad experience in London. That said, late night hangouts with my roommates are something I'll never have again - and I think back fondly on those times. As you progress through life, its often the simple things that leave the strongest impressions on you.

Hobbies
Quoting and Referencing "The Office", at all opportune times.

Favorite Food
Jello, Cheesy Pitas, and pretty much anything you can cook on a George Foreman grill.

Favorite Movie
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Transfers and Bachelor's Degree for Professionals students

Hometown
Las Vegas, Nevada

Alma Mater
California Lutheran University

Undergraduate Major
History and Political Science

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
M.S. in Counseling & Guidance - College Student Personnel

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love the sense of forward movement. The university has a culture of seeking improvement, asking tough questions, and striving to become who we proclaim to be. The faculty and staff will continue to find ways to propel the community and especially students towards something greater.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of something more than simply a place to obtain a degree, and I appreciate that I am not alone in my belief that Cal Lutheran has a mission with meaning and purpose. We are a community of committed and passionate people who want to do some good in this world.

What is your favorite place on campus?
The Pepper Grove

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Get outside of yourself! See the world with some new eyes. Practice empathy and radical compassion - first with your roommates, then in class and around campus, then in the community and hopefully the world as you study abroad!

What is your best college memory?
Serving as a Pres Host during my senior year at Cal Lutheran. I realized I much I loved learning more about others while also sharing this place that has become so important in my own educational and professional life.

Hobbies
Spending time with my 2 sons, travel, and interfaith engagement

Favorite Food
Chicken Katsu Curry

Favorite Movie
Shadowlands

Hometown
Moorpark, California

Alma Mater
California Lutheran University

Undergraduate Major
Communication with an emphasis in Advertising/Public Relations

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love that Cal Lutheran truly cares - about each student, about their education, about the staff and faculty, and about the surrounding community. The heart of Cal Lutheran is full of so much kindness and passion!

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I enjoy working in an environment that celebrates individuality and encourages growth and new ideas. I feel like my growth has no limits here!

What is your favorite place on campus?
My favorite places are the Gazebo in Kingsmen Park and any study room with a whiteboard because I always felt the most productive there as a student

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
My advice: don’t try to be “cool” (nobody is actually cool and that’s pretty awesome), say yes as much as you can, and no matter how scary or difficult college may seem you CAN do this :)

What is your best college memory?
Studying abroad at Oxford University and traveling to six countries in the process was a dream come true!

Hobbies
Singing, attending plays or musicals, watching ocean documentaries, and traveling to new places

Favorite Food
I’m obsessed with Italian food (especially ravioli) and my grandma’s homemade tamales

Favorite Movie
I love Interstellar, both Princess Diaries movies, and any Marvel movie

Hometown
Boulder, CO

Alma Mater
California Lutheran University

Undergraduate Major
Communication with an emphasis in Advertising and Public Relations

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
Masters of Business Administration

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love the beautiful campus and great community. Cal Lutheran quickly became a second home for me when I was a student and that continues to this day as an employee. I enjoy the random conversations I have while I walk around campus between meetings and am lucky that I am excited to come to work each day.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I love working with prospective students and helping them imagine how they would find their fit at Cal Lutheran. I also really enjoy working with the amazing current students that work with our office and hearing all about their CLU story and how Cal Lutheran is helping them prepare for their future.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Ullman Commons Dining and Starbucks

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Come visit the campus! Choosing where you want to go to college is a huge decision, but sometimes that can come down to something a simple as how the campus makes you feel. Do you like the location? What resources does the school provide? Can you see yourself becoming part of the community and finding a second home there?

Hobbies
I love to travel - I caught the travel bug while studying abroad during my time at Cal Lutheran and my wife and and I make a point to travel to one new international destination each year. I love the experience of getting outside of my bubble and trying and learning new things. I also love running and have completed three marathons.

Favorite Food
Cereal. I could seriously eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Toppers Pepperoni Pizza is a close second.

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
I oversee all of the campus visit programs and events for the Undergraduate Admission Office. I also oversee the platform that allows us to text students and am working on the implementation process of our new recruiting system - Slate.

Hometown
Oxnard, CA

Alma Mater
University of South Alabama

Undergraduate Major
Sociology (BA) with a minor in Criminal Justice

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
MPA-Master's of Public Administration-In progress

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
I love how important inclusion is on campus and how difference of opinions are respected. A comfortable and progressive learning environment helps unlock potential.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
I enjoy working at an institution that has so many opportunities for the students. Being a witness to the support system is motivating. The weather and location might also be a slight bonus.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Forrest Fitness Center.

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Time management is key, build meaningful relationships and habits, learn financial literacy sooner than later. Most importantly, have fun and get involved!

What is your best college memory?
Having the opportunity to build relationships and experiences I created being across the country with new people. Seeing things that I wouldn't have otherwise seen was just as important as what I learned in the classroom.

Hobbies
Doing anything outdoors, boxing/working out, furthering my experience as a traveling finger-food connoisseur and expert.

Favorite Food
Anything that can be sold on a Food Truck.

Favorite Movie
The Book of Eli & GoodFellas.

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Multicultural community/campus outreach.

Amanda is currently out of the office. If she was your assigned counselor, please contact Shelden Agbayani.


Hometown
Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Alma Mater
California Lutheran University

Undergraduate Major
Psychology

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
M.S. in Counseling & Guidance - College Student Personnel

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
Cal Lutheran doesn't feel like school or work. It feels like home.

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
The people at Cal Lutheran will change your life for the better.

What is your favorite place on campus?
Rolland Stadium

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Keep your door open in your hall your first year. You'll meet so many new people!

What is your best college memory?
It is impossible to pick just one memory! My roommates will have my heart forever and I did meet my husband here so my memory cup is quite full. I will say though, every year my girls and I would have a roommate Christmas party and we would make a nice dinner and get cake and exchange gifts with the twinkle lights on our little tree in our dorm. Thinking about those moments makes me feel warm and fuzzy!

Hobbies
Pilates, eating, TV!

Favorite Food
All things healthy...literally!

Favorite Movie
Sleepless in Seattle

What other projects are you involved in in the Office (i.e. Pres Host, Transfers, InCLUsive, ASD, etc.)
Athletics, Pres Host, Events and Visits, Overnight Programs

Name
Matt Ward

Hometown
Thousand Oaks, CA

Alma Mater
University of Wyoming and University of Miami

Undergraduate Major
Political Science

If you have a Master's Degree, What is it in?
International Studies

What do you love about Cal Lutheran?
Students come first

Why do you enjoy working at Cal Lutheran?
The community

What is your favorite place on campus?
Samuelson Aquatics Center

What advice would you give to an incoming student?
Try to open your heart and mind at the same time

What is your best college memory?
Meeting my life partner

Hobbies
Golf, running, hiking, swimming, sustainable landscaping

Favorite Food
Sushi

Favorite Movie
Traffic