Meet the Staff

• Stephanie Gala, MA ’14

  Director

  Stephanie earned a Bachelor of Social Work and an MA in Leadership at Azusa Pacific. Being the first in her family to go to college created a passion in her to empower all students to see their potential for success. She is energized by partnering with departments across campus to help build systems of support for students, and is honored to be part of the Azusa Pacific community, where she sees Christ transforming the lives of students, staff, and faculty.

• Jeanette Garcés

  Assistant Director, Testing and Academic Support Services

  Jeanette earned a bachelor’s degree in applied psychology. She took a non-traditional approach to achieve her academic goals, cultivating a greater desire to advance spaces for non-traditional students and advocate for equitable access to resources and support on their individualized educational journey. Jeanette joined APU in 2001. Her experience includes executive administrative support, managing day-to-day operations, creating efficient customer service, and student leadership development. She aims to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students to feel part of the APU Community.

Academic Advising

• Jessica Posey, MS ’16

  Associate Director

  Jessica earned a BA in Psychology with a minor in biblical studies from Biola University, and an MS in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific. Jessica’s favorite aspect of academic advising is restoring hope: As a first-generation college student and former transfer student, she has a window into the ups and downs students feel through the advising experience, and enjoys hearing students’ stories and making them feel heard and known.

• Gina Conner, MA

  Academic Success Coach

  Gina earned a BS in Social Work at APU and continued her education by earning an MA of Social Work at USC. Gina loves connecting with students and desires for them to fully grasp their strengths and potential. She is passionate about instilling hope, being supportive, and encouraging students towards reaching their educational goals. Every year, Gina looks forward to seeing students walk across the stage at commencement to celebrate their achievement and hard work. As an alumni, Gina finds great joy in being a part of this wonderful community of difference makers.

• Bryce Kuboyama, MDiv

  Academic Success Coach

  Bryce earned a BA in Visual Arts from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Divinity from Talbot School of Theology. He has experience both in pastoral roles and advising/counseling in higher education. Bryce views college as a formative and important season of life, and he is excited to support students in their journey. He enjoys being able to integrate faith into his work at APU as he sees God’s grace and provision in each student’s story.

• Stephanie Morales

  Academic Success Coach

  Stephanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University. She has had the privilege of serving students in various roles within education for the past 6 years. As a first-generation college student, she is excited to provide students with the toolset to thrive in their academic journey and beyond. Stephanie enjoys being a resource for others and can’t wait to connect more with you!

• Adam Sarrail

  Academic Success Coach

  Adam graduated from UCSD with a BA in History and is currently pursuing an MS in Student Development and College Counseling at APU. Over the past four years, Adam has had the chance to work with students in various capacities. His principal objective continues to provide students with the instruments and skills necessary for success in and beyond the classroom. As a supporter of diversity and equity, Adam is dedicated to fostering a friendly atmosphere at APU and seeing that the diverse needs of his students are satisfied.

• Anneliese Trujillo, MA ’14

  Academic Success Coach

  Anneliese joined the APU community in 2013 and has provided academic support for traditional and nontraditional undergraduate students over the past few years. She completed her AA at Citrus College in 2010, and then transferred to Cal Poly Pomona and completed her BA in Sociology in 2012. In 2014, she completed her MA in Leadership and Organizational Studies at Azusa Pacific. Though her primary role is assisting students academically, her biggest desire is to see students grow holistically during their time at APU. Anneliese’s favorite part of working at APU is integrating her faith into her support with students during their academic career as they discover their calling by engaging the APU campus community.

Testing Center

• Robin Quayle, MA

  Testing Coordinator

  Robin Quayle joined the Testing Center in March of 2018. In her part-time position as Testing Coordinator, she works in conjunction with numerous departments to administer and proctor many types of exams for both APU and non-APU students. Robin strives to provide individual service to each person that comes into contact with the Testing Center and wants to help each student reach his or her highest potential. Robin has worked with various school districts and educational organizations in the areas of administration, teaching, and information technology. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Educational Administration and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from the University of California, Riverside. When not working, Robin enjoys serving others and spending time with her family and their loveable Black Labrador, Buddy.

TRIO Programs

• Armando Bustos, MS

  Director

  Armando earned a BA in American Literature and Culture and Chicana/o Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MS in College Counseling and Student Development from Azusa Pacific University. As a former Upward Bound participant, he sees his role as director of TRIO Programs as an opportunity to celebrate and support first-generation students from a variety of contexts by enabling them to gain access to postsecondary education and degree completion. He believes that through postsecondary education, the socioeconomic trajectory of an entire family can be altered. He is passionate about serving the community and helping students discover their strengths, define their aspirations, and realize their dreams. Armando leads the TRIO Upward Bound and Student Support Services projects at APU.

• Mellisabeth Ramirez

  Administrative Support Assistant

  Mellisabeth earned a BS in Construction Engineering Technology from Cal Poly Pomona. During her undergraduate years, she was a tutor for Upward Bound and discovered her interest in working with first-generation students. After working in the construction industry, she transitioned into education and started working with APU’s TRIO Programs in 2021. Mellisabeth is eager to continue pursuing a career in education at Azusa Pacific University and is happy to help and support Upward Bound, Student Support Services, and first-generation college students.

TRIO Student Support Services

• Fabiola Santiago-Garrido, MEd

  Student Support Specialist

  Fabiola earned a BA in English and Chicana/o and Central American Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles, and an MEd in Educational Counseling from the University of Southern California. As a former Upward Bound participant and first-generation professional, she sees her role as the student support specialist as an opportunity to give back to her community and help first-generation students get to and through higher education. She is passionate about college access and success, and believes that mentorship and guidance are key components. Fabiola strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for students.

TRIO Upward Bound

• Katherine O’Neil, MA

  Outreach Specialist

  Katherine has worked in TRIO since 2017 as an academic advisor, program coordinator, and now as an outreach specialist. As a first-generation student, she was drawn to the message and support of TRIO in empowering first-generation students to pursue a college education. She holds an MA in English Literature from California State University, Fullerton, and uses her degree in the work of empowering and educating students about college to ensure that postsecondary access is equitable for all students. She strives to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where students can develop their own voices and passions and grow on their educational journey.