In CSUN Mentorship Program

Staff Profile

Program Coordinator

Lonni Lyons is the activities coordinator for the CSUN Mentorship Program. She has been in this position since Spring 2022. Lonni transferred to CSUN from Pierce College, graduated from CSUN with a bachelor's degree in psychology, and a masters degree in counseling with a specialization in college counseling and student services. Ms. Lyons was a graduate assistant in the Office of Student Involvement and Development during her graduate studies to grow as a student affairs paraprofessional. She also gained experience working in a mental health center at Glendale Community College where she provided clinical counseling services to a diverse clientele. Working in higher education is her passion and connecting students with campus services and resources through transitional and family programs is fulfilling work that Lonni feels honored to do. Visit her in her office during hours of operation for support.

Graduate Assistants

Cristal Valdez
mentorship.program@csun.edu

Hello, my name is Cristal Valdez, I am one of the Graduate Assistants of the CSUN Mentorship Program. I am in my third year of the School Counseling Master’s program at CSUN and a first-generation Latina college student. I have grown up in the San Fernando Valley all my life, and it was my goal to graduate from CSUN. My college experience has been a bit different than most. I attended Los Angeles Mission Community College for several years, and earned my associated degree, then transferred to CSUN, where I received my bachelor’s in psychology. As a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, I was unable to experience all that CSUN had to offer during my undergrad, but until now as I have become a part of the CSUN Mentorship Program, I have not only learned so much, but gained an immense amount of appreciation for this campus. I am excited and incredibly overjoyed for this opportunity, and hope that all Matadors can and are able to experience CSUN and all its glory.

Natalie Rendon
mentorship.program@csun.edu

Hey there Mentee,
Welcome to the Mentorship Program! I am Natalie Rendon, and I am the Graduate Assistant for the CSUN Mentorship Program. I am a First-generation student who was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. I started off my first two years of undergrad in Los Angeles Valley College where I earned an associate degree in social and behavioral Science. I then transferred to CSUN my last two years where I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology. During my time at CSUN, I joined The Blues Project as well as another mentorship program called Community for Achievement in Psychological Sciences (CAPS). I truly enjoyed my experience at these two different mentorship programs as well as working on campus, being able to build a community and interact amongst other students who were like me. Therefore, I decided to continue my education at CSUN, and I am currently in my first year of my graduate program of College Counseling and Student Services. My career goal is to be able to efficiently assist students and making the transition to higher education a smooth process especially first Generation, transfers, or international and Exchange students. I would love to provide students with the necessary resources they need to be successful students in all aspects of their life aside from just their academic life. I can’t wait for you to join the team and meet you!