Counseling Team

I am a first generation college graduate who began my educational journey at Modesto Junior College. I majored in History and I transferred to UCSB where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History. After UCSB, I decided to continue my education and attended UCLA where I received a Master's in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Student Affairs. My passion has always been serving students and helping them navigate their educational goal. As a General Counselor at Chabot College, I have the privilege to serve students at Chabot as a Counselor and as an Instructor. I look forward to seeing you in a Counseling appointment and/or in a Psychology-Counseling course!

I love helping students make university transfer their reality! My undergraduate degree is in Sociology from UC Berkeley and have my Master of Arts in Education (Counseling and Student Personnel) from San Jose State University. You can find me at Chabot College as a Counselor/Instructor/Coordinator for the Transfer Center seeing students via appointment, drop-in, and teaching Transfer Center workshops. I also teach PSCN 18 University Transfer Planning! I am the first in my family to go to college (GO BEARS!), enjoy music and jazz, and consider chasing my kids around my workout lol.

Hi. I have been a counselor at Chabot since 1992. Originally from SOCAL, San Diego. I graduated from San Diego State University with an AB in Art, MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, a MS in Computers in Education from National University and ABD from Alliant University. I have spent almost my entire professional life on the community college campus...and am loving every minute of it all. Both my sons attended Chabot and transferred to CSU schools. I live in Hayward, very close to the campus, so I'm certainly a "local". Look forward to working with you and assisting you with your academic/career goals!!

As a career counselor, I can provide career, academic, and some personal counseling. My primary focus for counseling is career counseling which entails helping students decide their career and education goals. Additionally, I can provide general employment related counseling such as finding an internship or resume help. As a coordinator, I will be building the Chabot College Career Center and developing services, resources, events, and programs. To learn more, visit the Chabot College Career Center website.

Karen Navarro (she/they) works as a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist. She is a Salvi lesbian tia from a mixed status family who has worked over the last twenty years in non-profit organizations. She has experience as a community educator on the topics of immigrant and labor rights, interpersonal violence prevention, sexual health, harm reduction strategies, facilitator and mentor training, stress management, early childhood mental health, identity exploration, burnout, and parent education including developmental milestones and healthy communication techniques for families. Over the last four years she has worked as a spanish speaking therapist and support group facilitator with STARS Community Services, Instituto Familiar de la Raza, Rafiki Coalition and Chabot College.

I am the Counselor/Coordinator for Change It Now (CIN), the Social Justice program and MOVEMENT, the Asian and Pacific Islander student learning community at Chabot College. Change It Now (CIN): https://www.chabotcollege.edu/academics/cin/ MOVEMENT: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/api/movement/index.php I am a first generation college student and my own college career started at the community colleges. I owe all my college and career success to those few years I spent at community colleges. I truly trust this college and process from both a personal and profession level and I look forward to working with you as you work toward your educational and career goals. Favorite quote: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" -Lao Tzu

Fall 2022: Interim Dean of Counseling Previous: I've been a counselor for 17+years and am also a licensed mental health therapist. I work in general counseling to provide academic, career and transfer information, instruct Psychology Counseling courses and am part of the CARES (Counseling Advocacy Resources for Emotional Support) mental health counseling team on campus (specializing in working with trauma and stress management; LMFT #44742 and LPCC #1702). I have specializations in working with international students, students interested in the first year experience health and wellness pathway and those that are undecided. I believe in the power of student advocacy, challenging mental health stigmas and weaving the equity framework in everything I do. I am a lifelong learner, believe in holistic well-being and enjoy collaborating to support student success!

I first arrived at Chabot College as a new college student in 1982 and have returned intermittently ever since. After earning a few degrees, I returned in 1992 for graduate fieldwork and was hired thereafter as an adjunct counselor/instructor. My third act at Chabot started in 2016 when I was hired as a full-time counselor and articulation officer. I feel privileged to serve students and share in their life journeys. When I'm not working, I enjoy my family, reading, the outdoors, and art/design.

I have more than 24 years of professional experience as a counseling professional at Chabot College and other Bay Area community colleges. In my other professional life, I am an administrator of student services in the community colleges. I graduated from San Francisco State University with a BA in Economics and an MS in Rehabilitation Counseling, I received my PhD in Adult & Higher Education from Oregon State University. I am also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor.