Counseling Team

Dean of Counseling LMFT #44742 and LPCC #1702 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! Prior to joining the student services administrator team, I was a full time counselor/instructor at Chabot for 17 years (Aug. 2005-June 2022). I hold an MA in Counseling Psychology with a dual emphasis in career counseling and marriage family therapy and presently pursuing my doctorate in Community Care and Counseling with a focus in Traumatology.

Hello! My name is Christina. I am a Counselor Assistant in general counseling and an adjunct history instructor here at Chabot College. I support counselors with scheduling and general information needs. I also teach US History survey courses. Please contact me if you need anything!

Hello! My name is Desirae. I am a part-time general counselor here at Chabot. My experience as a California Community College student became the driving force behind in pursuing a career in counseling/higher education. I attended Diablo Valley College and then transferred to UC San Diego, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Soon after, I attended San Jose State University where I received my degree in Masters of Arts, Counseling & Guidance. My primary mission as a community college counselor is to encourage and uplift students to pursue their academic and career goals.

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 goals. Currently, I am serving as a MESA Counselor and as a General Counselor in the STEME Pathway. I look forward to supporting students with their academic, career and and transfer planning! For an appointment please visit the "My Website" link above.

I love helping students make university transfer your 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 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. Language Spoken: Mandarin Chinese

Hello! I have been a full time counselor since 2016 and prior to that, a high school counselor in San Leandro Unified for 10 years. I earned my BA in International Relations with a minor in Spanish from UC Davis and my MS in Counseling with concentrations in School and College Counseling from San Francisco State University. As a first generation college student myself, I understand the experience of being the first in your family to attend college and I strive to provide the best support to all students. I am also the Counselor Co-Lead for the following Learning & Career Pathways: Business, Economics and Information Technology, Industrial Technology & Automotive and Law& Public Safety.

I am a first-generation Chicana. Honored to be born, raised, and educated on Ohlone Land. I graduated from Chabot College and transferred to SFSU, earning a Bachelor's in Sociology and a Master's in Counseling. I look forward to supporting you in achieving your goals! Visit the 'My Website' link above to see the Counseling Center's hours and services. Hablo español.

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.

Driven by a passion for supporting the well-being of students as they pursue their dreams through a college education, Juztino Panella (he/him/él) began his journey at Chabot College as a mental health intern. He was later hired as a full-time Counselor/Instructor, allowing him to provide comprehensive support through mental health counseling, academic counseling, and peer mentorship. Juztino co-founded several impactful programs at Chabot, including CARES Mental Health, Peer Guide Support Services, and the Justice Arts Collective community music initiative. Passionate about collaboration, he enjoys working with his dedicated colleagues to create positive change in the lives of students. Fluent in English, Italian, and Spanish, Juztino offers services in multiple languages. When he's not at work, you might find him playing congas in the park or cooking delicious Italian food.

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.

Hello! I am the lead counselor for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Pathway and also support the work of our HSI STEM Grant, designed to promote equity in STEM and provide additional support and resources for HSI (Latinx and low-income) STEM students. I support students in the STEM pathway with academic and transfer planning, and exploring internship/career opportunities. STEM Pathway students can schedule an appointment with me here: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/stem/counseling.php. Languages: English/Spanish I look forward to meeting with you soon!

As a passionate and empathetic Counselor Assistant, I am dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance to all students. Through active listening, empathy, and effective communication, I will create a safe and non-judgmental environment where students can explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges, a place where students can feel safe. I will strive to make a positive impact on the lives of those I assist.

Margarita Baez is the Transfer Center Counselor/Coordinator at Chabot College for the 2024-2025 academic year, where she leads a dedicated team supporting students through their transfer journey. A proud Latina and first-generation college student herself, Margarita understands the challenges many students face. With extensive experience in mental health counseling, academic advising, and program development within California Community Colleges, she is passionate about creating pathways for student success, particularly for underrepresented populations. She has provided personal counseling and academic support to students in various roles, empowering them to achieve their educational goals. Margarita holds a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and is pursuing a Doctor of Educational Leadership for Social Justice. She is an advocate for equity and access in higher education.

I support students in the STEM pathway with academic planning, meeting transfer goals, and exploring internship/career opportunities. I believe in holistic counseling and am an advocate for equity within STEM. My office is located in the STEM Center. Please visit "My Website" linked above to make an appointment with me or visit me during drop-in hours.

Dean of Counseling LMFT #44742 and LPCC #1702 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! Prior to joining the student services administrator team, I was a full time counselor/instructor at Chabot for 17 years (Aug. 2005-June 2022). I hold an MA in Counseling Psychology with a dual emphasis in career counseling and marriage family therapy and presently pursuing my doctorate in Community Care and Counseling with a focus in Traumatology.

I first arrived at Chabot College shortly after high school as a student. After transferring to UC Davis, and earning a BA in Rhetoric (minor Political Science), I returned for an internship while studying for an MS in Counseling Psychology (emphasis Career Life Development). After graduation, I was hired as a part-time counselor/instructor. My third act at Chabot started in 2016 when I was hired as a full-time counselor and as the college's articulation officer. The best part of working at Chabot is interacting with our amazing students and my dedicated colleagues. When I'm not working, I enjoy my family, reading, the outdoors, and art/design.

Terri Taylor, M.S. Counselor-Instructor, Chabot College. Supporting Chabot students since 2008. Areas of Expertise: General Counseling, Career and Major Exploration, At- Risk Students (First Generation College, Probationary, Dismissal), CalWORKs, ESL, EOPS, TRIO/SSP, PSCN counseling classes, assessment, orientation, outplacement, WIA. For Counseling assistance and to schedule appointments: http://www.chabotcollege.edu/counseling FAQs for Online Learning: https://www.chabotcollege.edu/online/support.php

I have been as a commuinity college counselor for 10 years. I grew up in the Bay Area , here in California and received my Bachelor’s degree from University of California Berkeley, followed by a Master's degree from the Cal State University, San Jose. I really enjoy working with the all students from all walks of life, I believe that our college is very unique inserving students and is the perfect setting for me. I look forward to assisting all students with their educational and career journeys. Whether students are interested in attending a university, community college, or heading straight to work, you will receive my support 100% along the path which best suits your interests. Life is a journey, not a destination... and as you embark upon this journey, I hope you keep your focus and accomplish everything that you are striving for. Go Gladiators!!!!!!

I have 25 of experience providing academic counseling with to the California community college students. I am skilled in working with students from special populations: first generation, Dreamers, veterans, students with disabilities, athletes, and English Language Learners. 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 a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, a Certified Master Gardener, and a Wikipedian.

Hello! My name is Wafa Ali, and I serve as a full-time Counselor and Instructor at Chabot College, where I also hold the role of International Student Counselor. I joined Chabot in 2018. I hold a bachelor's degree in business administration from Cal State East Bay and a master's degree in social work from San Jose State University. I am currently working towards becoming a licensed social worker, offering academic, personal, and mental health counseling to students. With experience supporting various student programs in Bay Area community colleges, I am passionate about giving back, particularly to students from underrepresented backgrounds. My dedication to academic counseling is driven by my commitment to promoting diversity, cultural exchange, and fostering community among Chabot Students.