Meet Our Staff

Dear UCSB Community,

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to assist you with all of your financial aid related needs and our goal is to provide UCSB families with the services necessary to achieve their educational goals. We are committed to providing accurate, user-friendly, responsive, and respectful service to students and their families. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can help in any way. On behalf of the Office of Financial and Scholarships, I wish you the best of luck in all of your future endeavors. 

Nathan Cook

Regards,

Nathan Cook
Interim Director 
University of California, Santa Barbara
(805) 893 - 3129
nathan.cook@sa.ucsb.edu

Staff

  • Alexis Guerra Assistant Director
    Alexis supervises a team of financial aid advisors with diverse aid program responsibilities. With a focus on state-funded programs, Alexis plays a pivotal role in ensuring that students have access to the financial resources necessary to pursue their academic goals.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    A burger! You can never go wrong with a burger. It's a balanced meal!
  • Alondra Candelario Basic Needs Advisor

    Alondra is a member of the Financial Crisis Response Team and supports the Basic Needs efforts for the campus. This work ensures students are getting the support they need to thrive at UCSB. 

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    I would have enchiladas Michoacánas for the rest of my life because it's a savory regional dish full of complimentary flavors.

  • Annette Martinez Work Study Coordinator
    Annette coordinates the off campus Work-Study Program ensuring UCSB students have opportunities to explore careers outside the UCSB campus and providing a valuable resource to local businesses. She is the main contact for off-campus Work-Study students and employers.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Ramen, because it's tasty and you can have so many different variations with different ingredients!
  • Ariana Flores Advisor

    Ariana supports students in the Teacher Education Program with their financial aid needs and coordinates the Private Student Loans Program in our department.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would really like to learn how to surf! I love the ocean and living in Santa Barbara I feel like it's a must!
  • Arleth Real Advisor

    Arleth serves as our Dream Scholar Advisor. She is committed to fostering a safe and supportive environment to our Dream population as they navigate the challenges of higher education. Additionally, she coordinates the Middle Class Scholarship program, awarding approximately 15 million dollars in State funding

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    Campus point! The view at sunrise is amazing.
  • Benito Zaragoza Financial Aid Specialist
    Benito is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process in multiple capacities.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would like to learn how to Scuba Dive because life under water is so beautiful.
  • Christina Gutierrez Records Coordinator

    Christina processes and maintains all documents that flow through our office. Her work enables each required verification and appeal file to be prepared for processing and for the office to maintain all critical records.  

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

    Tacos!

  • Hailey Neely Financial Aid Specialist
    Hailey is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process in multiple capacities.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Massaman Curry - It's my favorite food!
  • Jesse Quintino Advisor

    Jesse is the lead administrator for our Federal Direct Loan. This program accounts for more than $75 million in disbursed student aid each year.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Tacos! You could never go wrong with some carne asada tacos.
  • Josie Miller Financial Analyst

    Josie provides support to the fiscal operations unit.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Overlooking the lagoon, it’s a peaceful place to stand and you can see and feel the ocean.

  • Juanita Iheanacho Scholarships and Donor Relations Manager

    Juanita manages the department’s scholarship efforts, ensuring that we are doing the most to provide scholarship support to our amazing UCSB students. 

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Tagliatelle con Funghi Misti from Trattoria Vittoria. Trust me on this!
  • Julie Portillo Fiscal Manager
    Julie directs all fiscal activities for over $400 million in student aid dollars that OFAS is responsible for administering. This work makes sure student awards can be paid timely and accurately.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    How to speak Arabic. It's one of the languages I started to study but never fully learned.

  • Karina Rodriguez Financial Aid Specialist
    Karina is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process in multiple capacities.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Pozole, because it is my favorite food and reminds me of my childhood and Christmas.
  • Lianne Gil Advisor
    Lianne coordinates the Federal Pell Grant program, awarding approximately 40 million in federal aid dollars to income-eligible students each year. She also is a lead in special verification processing that is essential to determine aid eligibility for our students. 

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    Benches on northeast side of the campus over looking the Pacific Ocean

  • Lili Hernandez Advisor
    Lili coordinates the Cal Grant Program, awarding approximately 82 millions dollars in State funding. Lili is dedicated to empowering students in their pursuit of higher education.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would like to learn multiple languages within my lifetime. I love to travel and learning the languages of the countries I travel to will help me connect with them more.
  • Makoa Rios VA Certifying Official
    Makoa supports our veteran and veteran related students, processing their VA benefits and working closely with UCSB Veteran & Military Services to provide support for the community.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Doners! There is so much variety and versions from all over the world. Germany and Mexico are just a few nations that have many of their own takes on the original Turkish Doner.
  • Maria Galicia Financial Analyst
    Maria provides support to the fiscal operations and work study unit.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    Paddle boarding, it looks fun but I would also like learn to balance and stability!

  • Maria Santiago Advisor
    Maria is a member of the Financial Aid Advisor unit. Financial Aid Advisors work closely with students, families and colleagues across the university in various capacities. Maria specifically handles adjusting student's financial aid when they withdraw from school during a quarter. 
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    My mom's pozole because she makes it just as I like it! No meat and full of veggies.
  • Maribel Acevedo Business Systems Analyst
    Maribel provides support to the fiscal operations and scholarships unit.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Pizza

  • Mischa Lopez Business Systems Analyst
    Mischa develops business efficiencies so that the department can award students more effectively and offer quality, streamlined processes for staff and students. 

    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    How to play the piano because it creates beautiful and calming music. 

  • Montse Granados Basic Needs Advisor
    Montse is a member of the Financial Crisis Response Team and supports the Basic Needs efforts for the campus. This work ensures students are getting the support they need to thrive at UCSB. 
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    Pottery so I can make funky pieces of art!
  • Natalie Armistead Basic Needs Coordinator

    Natalie leads the Financial Crisis Response Team and multiple Basic Needs efforts for the campus that ensures students are getting the support they need. Her team provides responses to students in crisis within 24-48 hours so that no student falls through the cracks during an emergency.  

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Veggie Tacos!
  • Nicole Dominguez Compliance Manager
    Nicole monitors our processing to ensure federal, state, and institutional compliance. She also trains the staff on new regulations so that we maintain quality, accurate processing.   

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    The bluffs by campus point

  • Stacey Eymann Associate Director

    Stacey oversees the Compliance & Training, Basic Needs, and Customer Service teams for our department.

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    Walking the cliffs along Lagoon Road right across from Anacapa dorm, especially looking out at the Goleta pier at night, the lights reflecting on the ocean remind me of Vincent Van Gogh's painting Starry Night Over the Rhône.
  • Toni Martinez Assistant Director
    Toni manages the student services team that assists over 17,000 students with their financial aid every year. She also supervises our student staff.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Chicken Tikka Masala because the flavor is so vibrant!
  • Valerie Ellis Financial Aid Specialist

    Valerie is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process in multiple capacities.

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    I love to watch the Mallard ducks at the Koi pond

  • Willy Lopez Advisor
    Willy is a member of the Financial Aid Advisor unit. Financial Aid Advisors work closely with students, families and colleagues across the university in various capacities. 
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I definitely want to learn to cook more of the meals I see on TV. I always want more food variety in my life!

Student Staff

  • Brenda Guerrero
    As a student Peer Advisor, Brenda advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I love going to the gym and lifting weights but my goal is to learn how to do a non assisted pull up!
  • Cassandra Rios

    As a student Peer Advisor, Cassandra advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Mole con Arroz! Mole is a dish I've always eaten growing up and it’s something I always look forward to no matter who makes it.

  • Celine Vaca
    As a student Peer Advisor, Celine advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    Definitely the trail behind manzanita village. The view overlooking the beach is so pretty!
  • Danielle Holguin
    As a student Peer Advisor, Danielle advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would love to learn how to cook so I could make dinner for my friends and family!
  • Giovanna Dimas

    As a student Peer Advisor, Giovanna advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    My favorite spot on campus is El Centro! The inside décor reminds me of my grandma’s house so it is very comforting!

  • Henry Barro
    As a student Peer Advisor, Henry advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    I would take a surf-and-turf burrito, no question asks, due to the protein and the love I have for shrimp and asada.
  • Jahat Garcia

    As a student Peer Advisor, Jahat advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Wingstop!

  • Jennilynn Gonzalez
    As a student Peer Advisor, Jennilynn advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    One thing I'd really like to learn is how to sew or do crochet. I've always wanted to make my own designs and be creative!
  • Julia Magallanes
    As a student Peer Advisor, Julia advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would love to learn how to ride a bike! Once I do I can officially call myself a Gaucho!
  • Keila George

    As a student Peer Advisor, Keila advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    One thing I would really like to learn is law because I want to become a lawyer in the future!

  • Kharys Ebert-Oats

    As a student Peer Advisor, Kharys advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would love to learn how to sew. It's a super useful skill and I think it is a perfect gateway for me to learn how to make full clothing pieces, which is also something I have always wanted to learn.

  • Leslie Alvarez
    As a student Peer Advisor, Leslie advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    Enchiladas!
  • Michelle Castro Arreguin
    As a student Peer Advisor, Michelle advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    If you could have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

    My mom's carne con nopales and tortillas de harina because it's so good and gives me a wholesome feeling when I eat it.
  • Nareh Lachikian
    As a student Peer Advisor, Nareh advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I want to learn how to surf! Living in Santa Barbara provides the perfect opportunity to learn a new activity with friends.
  • Ruth Dominguez
    As a student Peer Advisor, Ruth advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn and why?

    I would really like to learn photography skills since I love taking pictures.

  • Shamara Moody
    As a student Peer Advisor, Shamara advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is your favorite spot on campus and why? 

    My favorite spot on campus is the lagoon. I'm not a big outdoorsy person but I love enjoying good weather while walking to class and enjoying the nature that surrounds our school.
  • Sujei Salas Lozano
    As a student Peer Advisor, Sujei advises students regarding the financial aid process which includes applying for aid, review of required documentation, awarding and disbursing financial aid.
    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    Campus point, the sunsets look the nicest and it feels very calm to go to after having a long day!