Staff
Amanda Christianson
Acting Co-Director, Student Recreation Center
(818) 677-5832
amanda.christianson@csun.edu
Amanda is a native of California, living most of her life in Southern California. She developed a love for fitness early in life, spending most of her time after school either participating in sports, working out at the local gym, or helping out at her aunt’s fitness facility. This love for movement eventually grew into the desire to pursue academic studies in the areas of Kinesiology—Exercise Science and eventually Nutrition & Dietetics, here at California State University, Northridge (CSUN). Amanda has over 15 years of professional experience in the fitness and wellness industry, and has gone onto acquire over a dozen other certifications in personal training, group exercise, and nutrition, through this time.
In her current role, she hopes to empower and inspire the next generation of students to “find their fit” through the various programs and services offered within the Fitness & Wellness Department, in order to stay active and healthy throughout life.
Jeremy Hamlett
Acting Co-Director, Student Recreation Center
(818) 677-2194
jeremy.hamlett@csun.edu
Jeremy Hamlett grew up in East Los Angeles and attended California State University, Los Angeles. During his time at CSULA, he worked in the University Student Union (USU) as a student employee and discovered his future vocation in higher education. It was during his time at CSULA that he also found his avocation, officiating sports. He has been involved with officiating youth and high school baseball, basketball and football for over 25 years, and has served as a board member and president of his local baseball association.
After receiving his undergraduate degree, Jeremy initially worked at Occidental College and then joined the USU at CSUN in 2002. During his first 16 years at the USU, he was involved with Commercial Services and Operations & Facilities Planning. He joined the SRC team in 2019 as the Manager for Intramural Sports/Day Camp/Games Room.
Alfredo Padilla
Acting Assistant Director, Fitness
(818) 677-5525
alfredo.padilla@csun.edu
Alfredo Padilla was born and raised in Michoacán, Mexico before his family moved to Santa Ana, California when he was 12 years old. After graduating high school, he developed a passion for fitness working at a Central Santa Ana community center coordinating their health and fitness programs.
Alfredo eventually transferred to California State University, Northridge (CSUN) from Orange Coast College in 2014. When he saw the Student Recreation Center (SRC), he made it his personal goal to work there. In May 2015 he was hired as a Student Personal Trainer. Just a year later he became the Student Personal Training Supervisor and eventually earned his current position of Fitness Training Coordinator. Alfredo received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Applied Fitness and Active Lifestyle Development from CSUN. He holds credentials with the National Academy of Sports Academy (NASM), Functional Movement Screening® Level 1 Certified, and Spinning®.
Alfredo enjoys long distance running, surfing, biking and occasionally takes road trips with friends. His personal goal is to motivate others to be active and live a healthy lifestyle.
Angela Gattoni
Manager, Facility Operations and Membership Services
(818) 677-6270
angela.gattoni@csun.edu
Angela Gattoni grew up in Middletown, a very small town located in Northern California. From a very young age, sports and fitness have always played a huge role in her life. Throughout all four years of her high school career, Angela played volleyball, basketball, and ran track for the school’s athletic teams.
Following high school, Angela moved to Southern California to attend CSUN. Angela knew she wanted to incorporate her love of sports and fitness into her school studies and she received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from CSUN in 2016.
During her undergraduate years, Angela sought to become more involved on campus and she began working as a Membership Services Assistant at the Student Recreation Center (SRC). In her time with the Membership Services Department, Angela was promoted to a Membership Services Lead position and continued to work at the SRC for a little over three years while completing her degree.
Upon graduating, Angela moved on to work as a manager for a small fitness studio in Granada Hills. When she learned of the opening for the Membership Services Coordinator position, she was extremely excited and jumped at the opportunity to work for the SRC once again. One of Angela’s goals is to continuously motivate student employees and provide them with professional skills and tools to help them be successful in their future paths following graduation.
In her time outside of work, Angela enjoys watching sports, staying active, and visiting her family up in Northern California as often as she can.
Ryan Hairapetian
Manager, Aquatics
(818) 677-5804
ryan.hairapetian@csun.edu
Ryan Hairapetian grew up in Glendale, California. Early on he was involved in multiple sports, such as gymnastics, martial arts, water polo, swimming, running, and snowboarding. In high school, Ryan was the captain of his water polo and swim team for Hoover High School. Showing a high level of passion for aquatics, Ryan decided to become a lifeguard for the City of Glendale.
While developing his love for recreational sports, Ryan pursued his Bachelor of Science in Tourism, Hospitality, and Recreation Management at California State University, Northridge. Throughout his professional life, Ryan has received multiple certifications that have allowed him to excel within his career. He has completed his Emergency Medical Technician course, expanding his knowledge as a first responder. Ryan welcomed the opportunity to oversee the Aquatics Department as the Aquatics Coordinator for the Student Recreation Center at CSUN.
Ryan and his wife Jasmine live in Sunland, California and enjoy spending time with family and friends. They also enjoy hanging out at the beach, going for walks, and, most of all, having sushi.
David Montero
Manager, Outdoor Adventures
(818) 677-7625
david.montero@csun.edu
David Montero developed his passion for the outdoors early. Growing up, he and his family would go camping in Sequoia National Park every summer. Fortunately, he was able to take his passion and turn it into a career.
David graduated from CSUN in 2016, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management. While at CSUN, he spent a lot of his time with Outdoor Adventures as a trip leader and Camp Matador staff.
After graduation, David moved to San Francisco where he began working for Outward Bound California, a non-profit that provides leadership development through backpacking and climbing courses. During his time at Outward Bound, David instructed wilderness courses for students that were 5 to 22 days long. He has worked with countless students on developing communication and leadership skills. He is excited to bring what he has learned to Outdoor Adventures.
Outside of leading trips professionally, David also likes taking personal adventures. He has hiked the Nüümü Poyo (John Muir Trail) twice and has ridden his bike from Vancouver, Canada to San Diego, CA. He also enjoys photography and drinking coffee.
Rolando Cabral
Facility Operations Coordinator
(818) 677-5478
rolando.cabral@csun.edu
Rolando grew up in the city of San Gabriel, CA. Throughout his entire life, Rolando played a variety of team sports and developed a passion for fitness. After graduating from Gabrielino High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he had the privilege of being stationed at Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
After finishing his enlistment in the Marine Corps, he attended CSUN and earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics along with a single-subject teaching credential. Rolando was heavily involved on campus during his time at CSUN. As a student he was on the Men’s Rugby team, elected as a Senator for the College of Science and Mathematics, was Resident Advisor and Academic Mentor in Student housing and participated in Camp Matador as an attendee, counselor and facilitator. While managing these extracurricular activities, he also worked for the Student Recreation Center as a student assistant employee for 5 years.
Upon receiving his teaching credential, he taught 8th and 9th grade math in Reseda, CA for two years. While teaching, he realized his strengths are better suited for mentoring and developing others, rather than focusing on a curriculum. He has returned to the Student Recreation Center to help empower and develop students for their life after graduation.
Joey Cortez
Outdoor Adventures Coordinator
(818) 677-7321
joseph.cortez@csun.edu
Joey Cortez was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley in Winnetka and attended CSUN for their undergrad as a Geography student. Joey worked for Outdoor Adventures as a student assistant for the SRC Rockwall from 2015–2019. Joey started off as a Rockwall Assistant then worked up to being both the Rockwall Supervisor as well as the Teambuilding supervisor for Outdoor Adventures. After graduating in 2019, Joey went to work in the private sector for a small tech company as a manager for a couple years and soon realized that working in student affairs was the better fit for him. He enjoys working directly with students and helping them achieve their goal and is excited to be working with Outdoor Adventures again.
When not at work, Joey enjoys going on motorcycle rides, either indoor or outdoor climbing, hanging out with family and drinking coffee.
Demetrius Scott
Intramural Sports & Day Camp Coordinator
(818) 677-5305
demetrius.scott@csun.edu
Mary Chavez
Aquatics Supervisor
(818) 677-5487
mary.chavez@csun.edu
A first-generation college student and lifelong San Fernando Valley resident, Mary got her start at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) in 2017. Starting off as a lifeguard during her sophomore year of undergraduate education, she sought out the opportunities presented by the University Student Union to further her career growth while attending CSUN. Throughout her employment, she has worked in every position within the Aquatics department from Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), WSI committee member and Head Guard.
In June of 2021, she began in the position of Aquatics Supervisor and has been navigating that role since. She is passionate about health and community wellness, always trying to find ways to give back to not only the CSUN student demographic, but the larger CSUN/SF Valley community. After having taken a year-long break from online courses during the pandemic, she is set to graduate in May 2023 with a double major in English Literature/Gender & Women's Studies with a minor in American Indian Studies. When not working, Mary enjoys plant-based baking, off-trail hiking, and reading.
Tarlo Romero
Membership Services & SRC Administration Supervisor
tarlo.romero@csun.edu