Meet Our Professional Staff

kvn@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
141 César E. Chávez Student Center

Kathryn graduated from UC Berkeley in Spring 2023 with a B.A. in Political Economy and Geography and a minor in Education. After working in various tutoring positions with K-12 students, she became passionate about using collaborative models to support students at their own pace while emphasizing the joys of learning. She is interested in both economic concepts and their real-world applications and believes economics is a much-needed foundation for understanding the past, present, and future. She is extremely excited to be working with the SLC and looks forward to supporting students as they gain confidence in their economics courses and in their identities and experiences as economists. 

kathrynjia@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
139 César E. Chávez Student Center

Quinta Seward is a Returned Peace Corps volunteer, who served in St. Vincent and the Grenadines as a Primary English Literacy Specialist from July 2018 – March, 2020. Upon return, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader for California Volunteers during the COVID pandemic. She holds several degrees: BA English, from the University of California, Berkeley; MA African Area Studies, University of California Los Angeles; and Ph.D. in Anthropology, from the University of Southern California.  Quinta is a visionary leader and innovative thinker dedicated to Social Justice and Equity with an extensive and effective history of working with and on behalf of underrepresented and under-resourced populations abroad and locally.  She is committed to public service and considers herself a life-long learner. 

qseward@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
136 César E. Chávez Student Center

Mike Leong has worked at the SLC Math/Stat program since he started as a tutor in 1987 during his undergraduate years at Cal. He has supported every lower division mathematics and statistics course in the form of a study group or an adjunct course. Recently, he has been teaching Math 32 for Summer Bridge and Stat 198 for students studying probability. He comes to work every day looking forward to engaging with students and tutoring staff in their learning process and practices. If you’re at the SLC on a Sunday, you might see him with his dog, Charlie!

510.643.5744
mleong@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
101 César E. Chávez Student Center

510.642.9269
brandensaenz@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
102A César E. Chávez Student Center

After graduating from Cal in 2001 with a B.A. in Physics, Michael began working full-time in the Math/Statistics program while completing an M.S. in Physics from San Francisco State in 2009.  When not working with students at the SLC, Michael performs on the french horn in various musical groups around the Bay Area, and serves as the Artistic Director for Marching and Pep Programs for the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the Official Band of the City and County of San Francisco.

510.643.7878
mjwong@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
103 César E. Chávez Student Center

Jocelyne received bachelor degrees in Cognitive Science and in Pure Mathematics. She began her Berkeley career as a Summer Bridge Scholar and found her passion for teaching and Mathematics through the SLC. She is passionate about creating a student-centered classroom environment to meet student needs, engage students’ curiosity and holistically support the students throughout their careers at Cal.

510.643.7742
jcastro@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
123 César E. Chávez Student Center

Jason first found his passion for teaching while he was a graduate student. He is thrilled to be able to work every day with diverse, dedicated, and passionate colleagues in the Student Learning Center. The aspect of his work he finds most rewarding is fostering an inclusive community where students' views of success in math are transformed from ability to complete exams to the ability to apply problem-solving techniques in their own academic field.

510.643.9278
jason.ferguson@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
102B César E. Chávez Student Center

As a lover of learning, math, and Cal, Emily is thrilled to have joined the SLC professional staff in 2021 after working for the Math and Statistics Program in various roles during her time as an undergraduate Golden Bear. Emily graduated from Cal in 2020 with a B.A. in Pure Mathematics, a minor in CalTeach (STEM Education), and a passion for supporting scholars in their mathematics. She is delighted to now work to foster the inclusive community of learners that helped her find belonging as a mathematician at Cal, and grateful to learn and grow in her work daily. When not working, catch Emily playing board games or knitting!

510.642.3075
emilyfleming@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
125 César E. Chávez Student Center

rodriguez.mf1127@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
121 César E. Chávez Student Center

Kit graduated in Spring 2023 with a Bachelor's in Applied Mathematics concentrating in Economics, and a minor in Data Science. As an undergraduate, he worked as an upper division tutor, primarily for Math 104, as well as a workshop facilitator for Math 96. He joined the professional staff in Fall 2023, where he has facilitated adjuncts and topical review sessions for Math 54. He enjoys working with students of all backgrounds, and hopes that he can help everyone maximize their potential, and walk away from the SLC loving mathematics a little more. In his spare time, he enjoys playing bridge, and also plays trumpet in the Cal Alumni Band.

510.643.6090
mgon23@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
133 César E. Chávez Student Center

After earning her B.S. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from UC Davis in 2014, Shirley served in a variety of professions that include healthcare, biotechnology, and higher education. Through her diverse work experiences, she gained a deep appreciation for science education and discovered her passion for supporting students in navigating college. In 2017, Shirley joined the SLC Professional Team, where she is proud to be part of a highly collaborative and dynamic group of colleagues committed to learning. She earned her M.Ed. in Science Curriculum and Instruction in 2021, and is thrilled to channel her passions every day to serve the community of budding scientists at Cal. 510.643.6090
shly@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
150 César E. Chávez Student Center

With a desire to always better understand and be of service to the world, Edi brings a love of science, art, and research to all endeavors and interactions. After completing dual degrees in Biology and Environmental Studies, Edi ventured to Cal to learn more about scientific discovery and innovation. While completing graduate studies in Plant and Microbial Biology, Edi became involved in numerous teaching, mentoring, and coalition-building efforts. From these experiences and a want to reciprocate the ways our natural world and communities of learning support growth and wellbeing, Edi is excited to collaborate with passionate and dedicated SLC colleagues to advance equity, inclusion, and belonging in STEM education and implement innovative pedagogy to promote transformative learning experiences for students.

hwipf@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
139 César E. Chávez Student Center

Jee Soo received her B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Educational Studies from Haverford College in 2016. After graduating, Jee Soo moved to Boston to work with elementary school students before transitioning to work in higher education. In 2019, Jee Soo began pursuing an M.A. in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State University to study the intersections between Korean drumming and political activism. She believes in the transformative power of education in fostering critical consciousness, cultivating the mutual humanization of teacher and student, and catalyzing social change.

510.664.9173
jkang1@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
144 César E. Chávez Student Center

During her undergrad, Maya cultivated a love of learning in her work as a tutor with the SLC Writing Program. After graduating with a BA in Peace & Conflict Studies, she returned to the SLC as part of the professional staff in the Spring of 2018. Being a part of the SLC community has been an invaluable experience for her as not only a Cal student but also as a lifelong learner. She is dedicated to continuing the SLC tradition of being a welcoming and inclusive space where students can explore their identities as Cal scholars and global citizens. 

mayamahaj@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) 
132 César E. Chávez Student Center

510.643.8818
arac@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
143 César E. Chávez Student Center

r_woodard@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
146 César E. Chávez Student Center

As a first-generation, low-income, working student from South Central LA, there weren’t many spaces at Cal Laydei felt she could thrive in but she found community and support when she joined the SLC as a Research Writing Facilitator. Through this experience, coupled with earning her BA in African American Studies (Honors) and Ethnic Studies, she developed a passion for the written word and its ability to impact social change. In this work, she gained a deep appreciation for helping scholars see their potential to transform the world through research and academic writing. In 2014, she became a Writing Program Coordinator and has continued fostering an inclusive community for scholars to shape their unique writing voice and support their peers to do the same.

r_woodard@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
146 César E. Chávez Student Center

Rochelle brings to the Student Learning Center her passion for literacy and equity. While earning her Ph.D. in Literature at the University of California, Santa Cruz, she discovered joy in teaching academic and creative writing, and helping students develop their own unique voices. More recently, as the coordinator of an early literacy program of the Oakland Public Library, she worked to bring enrichment to under-resourced classrooms. She is thrilled to be part of the Student Learning Center, and to contribute to a welcoming space where writers are supported in their academic and personal journeys. When she isn’t at the SLC, you can find Rochelle at the ocean (especially on cloudy days), doing crossword puzzles, or on her yoga mat.

rochelle.venuto@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
127 César E. Chávez Student Center

For over three decades, Cara has worked with Cal undergraduates to empower them to embrace their authentic selves, live up to their intellectual gifts, and take ownership of their academic journeys. In addition to her role as Executive Director, she teaches courses on Black student identity and Black feminist thought, with an emphasis on the life and work of Audre Lorde. She is the founder of the SPEAR Middle School Scholar Academy and co-founder of the VéVé Clark Institute for Engaged Scholars. Cara earned her B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley in Ethnic Studies and M.A. from San Francisco State in Interdisciplinary Social Science. She oversees the Mathematics/Statistics Program and the Strategic Learning Program. She also serves as the the Director of Summer Bridge.

510.643.8818
arac@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
143 César E. Chávez Student Center

Miranda first uncovered her passion for learning center work as an SLC peer writing tutor during her undergraduate years at Cal. Alongside her studies as a Nutritional Science major, this initial exposure to the power of peer pedagogy sparked her desire to pursue a career in education and expand her ability to support students in navigating the rigor of STEM at the research university. She is passionate about fostering transformative learning environments and facilitating experiences where students can meaningfully connect, collaborate, and build community to thrive in their learning journeys. Miranda holds a B.S. in Nutritional Science from UC Berkeley and a M.Ed. in STEM Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University.

510.643.6090
mgon23@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
133 César E. Chávez Student Center

Khuyen earned her Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley in 2011. She is passionate about learning and deeply believes in the ability of Cal undergraduates to create meaningful change, both on campus and beyond. In her role, Khuyen oversees a diverse portfolio of programs, including the International Student Program, Strategic Learning Program, and Students as Scholar-Practitioners Program, along with services and initiatives in the Economics, UCFTR, and Writing Programs. Whether helping students build academic confidence, fostering cross-cultural connections, or designing innovative learning experiences, her work is driven by a single goal: to empower people around her with the tools to lead and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

kvn@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
141 César E. Chávez Student Center

Branden is a dedicated and visionary educator, equipped with over a decade of experience as a learning specialist  at the UC Berkeley Student Learning Center. He is deeply passionate about partnering with students to shape their  scholarly identities and refine their learning processes. He is committed to fostering inclusivity in education, aiming to unlock doors of opportunity for a diverse range of students, and contributing to a future where every student actualizes their potential to positively impact the world. Branden completed his B.A. in Pure Mathematics with a Minor in CalTeach (STEM Education) at UC Berkeley in Spring 2013 and received a Data Science Certificate with Honors from UC Berkeley Extension in Summer 2021.

510.642.9269
brandensaenz@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail)
102A César E. Chávez Student Center