Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Staff Directory - Student Academic Support Services - La Sierra University
Skip to main content

Get instant answers!

Staff Directory

Kiley Chagnon Director of SASS

Phone: 951-785-2822
Email: 
Location: Humanities Hall 220

Role: Oversee and assist all departments within SASS including: Accessibility & Testing, Academic Advising, Career Services, & The Collaborative Learning Center.
About Me: I earned my BSW at La Sierra University and MSW from CBU. I worked as a therapist for several years before returning to work at my alma mater, La Sierra University. I love supporting students on their academic journeys, and when I’m not working, you can usually find me watching TV, sleeping, or spending time in nature to recharge.

John Sutter Associate Director of Academic Advising

Phone: 951-785-2480
Email: 
Location: Price Science Complex 225

Role: Manage the Academic Advising team by providing consistant support and guidance to the Academic Advisors. As Advisors, we aim to provide individualized, four-year academic planning through a student-centered approach. 
About Me: I began working here at La Sierra University, my alma mater, after I received my B.S. in Psychology. La Sierra has been a home and community to me for many years, and I immensely enjoy contributing to shaping this community for current and future students. When I'm not working, you can find me connecting to nature through riding my bike or camping. 

Erwin Garrido Associate Director of Career Services

Book an Appointment

Phone: 951-785-2992
Email: 
Location: Welcome Center​​​​​​​

Role: Co-run the Office of Career Services. We assist students and alumni reach their career goals by providing practical and hands-on advice & support. 
About Me: I've worked in career services for many years and am passionate about making connections with buisnesses, large & small, to provide a network of resources to the La Sierra community. When I'm not working, you can find me spending quality time with my family. 

More About Career Services

Zara Melcher Associate Director of Career Services

Book an Appointment

Phone: 951-785-2964
Email: 
Location: Welcome Center​​​​​​

Role: Co-run the Office of Career Services. We assist students and alumni reach their career goals by providing practical and hands-on advice & support. 
About Me: I began working in the Career Services department here at La Sierra after reciving my Master's Degree from CBU. I'm passionate about providing personalized, student-centered, and goal-oriented career support to our campus community. When I'm not working, you can find me spending time with my husband and daughter. 

More About Career Services

Cole Mupas Associate Director of The CLC

Phone: 951-785-2540
Email: ,
Location: Library Room 325

Role: Coordinate and run La Sierra University's tutoring center, known as the Collaborative Learning Center (CLC)
About Me: I graduated from La Sierra University in 2022 with a Mathematics degree, and, while I mostly run the behind-the-scenes for the CLC, you'll often see me helping out our math students as well. My team and I are deeply connected on the idea of meeting every students' academic struggles halfway, so whether you're looking for assistance in any of your STEM courses or you're just looking for a safe space to chat and study with like-minded peers, come give the CLC a shot!

More About the CLC

Lisa Harper-Hooks Associate Director of Accessability & Testing Services

Phone: 951-785-2629
Email:,
Location: Sierra Vista Hall

Role: Oversee the Offices of Acessability & Testing Services by coordinating accommodations to ensure equal access for students with disabilities, as well as assisting with placement testing, equivalency exams, and proctored testing across our campuses.
About Me: I enjoy building connections with students and helping them feel supported and confident as they navigate college life. I earned my BSW from La Sierra University and my MSW from Loma Linda University. Outside of work, I enjoy bonfires, nature walks, and recharging through laughter and meaningful conversations.

More About Accessability Services
More About Testing Services

Melissa Tafoya, Ph.D. Division of Pre-Health; Director

Phone: 951-785-2246

Amanda Kaatz Division of Pre-Health; Assistant Director

Phone: 951-785-2711
Email: 
Location: Gladwyn Hall 207

Role: Assist in running the Advising Division of Pre-Health. We asssit two-year and four-year pre-health students meet their academic goals while they are here at La Sierra & beyond. 
About Me: I graduated from La Sierra University in the Fall of 2021 with a BS in Biological Science. During my time at the university, I was able to immerse myself in research as a member of the Grismer Herpetology Lab. Throughout my time here, I developed a passion for helping students succeed and perform to the best of their abilities. I feel that a necessary component of success is having a community and becoming more involved within your department and campus community.

Go to Top