About

Geraldine (“Dean”) Sare was born and raised in So. California and is a proud CSUN alum. She attended graduate school at Pepperdine University and earned a M.A. in Psychology. Her professional advising career began at Woodbury University. She returned to CSUN as part of the Liberal Studies advisement team. Later, she began advising international undergraduate students and coordinating programs and events toward international student advocacy. She has been with University Advising Student Services Center since it formed in May 2019. Dean appreciates her work in helping first year freshman and believes in a positive advising experience as an integral part of student success. Besides cheering for the Dodgers and reading, Dean enjoys traveling and time with family and friends.

Soudabeh Faghihi is a CSUN alum. She completed her master’s degree in cultural anthropology with a focus on intercultural dynamics while she was working as a research assistant and ESL tutor at CSUN. She worked for two years as the Administrative Support Assistant for Gender and Women’s Studies and Asian American Studies Departments. Now, she is the office manager at University Advising Student Services Center. She enjoys learning about other cultures and languages and she highly values diversity. She is a nature enthusiast and loves hiking.

Antonio is a proud CSUN alum. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology in 2004. He has a combined advising experience that expands over 20 years, which started in 2001 as a student peer mentor/advisor, then as a professional advisor in 2004 working at UC Irvine. Since his return to CSUN, he has worked with students in Liberal Studies, the College of Humanities, and the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics. He now advises new F-1 international students at University Advising Student Services Center and coordinates their advisement services. When advising students, Antonio believes in a holistic student-centered approach and values the opportunity to support students in reaching their academic goals.

Jocelyn, is a proud CSUN alumna who earned her Bachelor of Arts in Chicana/o Studies with a minor in Gender and Women’s Studies from CSUN. She also holds two Associate of Arts degrees in Liberal Arts and Spanish from Los Angeles City College and a Master of Science in General Counseling Psychology from Mount Saint Mary’s University. Jocelyn, enjoys advising first-time freshmen, continuing Exploratory students, and international students. Her advising approach focuses on relational advising while helping students feel supported and confident throughout their academic journey at CSUN.

Gael Farajian McDermott is a native of the San Fernando Valley. She brings to the team her extensive experience and impressive background in business operations, physical and facility management, budgeting and employee management within the entertainment industry. Gael began her career at CSUN in the College of Humanities Dean’s office as Special Events and Programs Liaison and is now Operations Specialist for University Advising Student Services Center. Gael is key in assisting with the collaboration, set-up, organization and process management in the establishment of department operations. She is a recent graduate of the University of Redlands with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Business Management. She also received her certificate in Project Management from the University of Redlands as well as a certificate in Human Resource Management from UCLA. Gael is passionate about philanthropy and is very involved in the community.

Hello! My name is Debby Picado. I was born and raised in L.A. but now live in the Northridge area. I am a proud Alumni of CSUN! I received my B.A. in Child & Adolescent Development and my M.S. in Counseling with a specialization in College Counseling & Student Services. At first, I wanted to work with children but later on my passion grew for the population of college students. I enjoy seeing students discover themselves and their own passions. Whether it be in academics, personally, professionally or spiritually. I believe an all-encompassed approach is key to support students. CSUN has a special place in my heart because it is where I found my true passion both professionally and personally. At CSUN I worked in various departments from the Career Center, Student Involvement and Student Housing. My goals were to help students find their place at CSUN and pursue their goals. On my spare time I am also the College Ministry Advisor of my church Good Shepherd Fellowship, also a Christian club here at CSUN. In this role I advise and mentor students through both challenging and rewarding life experiences. Now as an Academic Advisor at University Advising Student Services Center. I want to continue giving back to CSUN, in hope that our first-time freshmen will feel welcomed, supported and encouraged. On my spare time I enjoy hiking, traveling, singing, movies, cooking, all with my beautiful baby girl, husband and all our family.