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.

Saul Quiroz

Regards,

Saúl Quiroz
Director 
University of California, Santa Barbara
(805) 893 - 4941
saul.quiroz@sa.ucsb.edu

Staff

  • Alexis Guerra Advisor
    Alexis coordinates our Middle Class Scholarship program and supports our Dream Scholar student population. She administers state funding and works closely with students to facilitate navigating the financial aid process.
    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!
    alexis.guerra@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3760
  • Andrew Height Fiscal Analyst
    Andrew provides important leadership to the fiscal operations unit as the primary reviewer for cash handling and work study management. He is the unit lead for new system implementations and maintenance.

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    Campus Point

    andrew.height@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2733
  • Ariana Flores Advisor

    Ariana 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 would really like to learn how to surf! I love the ocean and living in Santa Barbara I feel like it's a must!
    ariana.flores@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2386
  • Benito Zaragoza Information Specialist
    Benito is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process, providing Peer Advisor training, and processing Short Term Emergency Loans.
    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.
    benito.zaragoza@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3407
  • Carla Ramos Advisor
    Carla 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 your favorite spot on campus and why?

    I love driving past Henley Gate! It feels like a "welcome back" every time :)
    carla.ramos@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2273
  • 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!

    christina.gutierrez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 7055
  • Jenny McCracken Associate Director
    Jenny leads the compliance and fiscal operations units that ensure student aid funding is awarded in line with state, federal, and UC-wide regulations.

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

    I've always wished I could play stand up bass.
    jenny.mccracken@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2616
  • Joseph Jo Advisor

    Joseph 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?

    Definitely Pizza because pizza is my favorite food!
    joseph.jo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5528
  • Josie Miller Financial & Work-Study Analyst

    Josie is the department contact for campus Work-Study and scholarship questions. She is the primary cash handler for over $4 million in scholarship checks that come from over 1,000 outside agencies all over the country. She provides financial analysis for federal programs.

    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.

    josephine.miller@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2067
  • 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.

    julie.portillo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4828
  • Justine Garcia Information Specialist

    Justine is a critical member of the student services team, carefully assisting all of our students through the financial aid process, providing Peer Advisor training, and processing Short Term Emergency Loans.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    I would like to learn how to cook pastries and desserts from scratch!

    justinegarcia_@ucsb.edu
  • 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

    lianne.gil@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5949
  • Luis Naranjo Assistant Director
    Luis supervises a team of financial aid advisors with diverse aid program responsibilities. Additionally, Luis works directly with the Cal Grant and Dream Programs.

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

    Any sea food, love seafood!

    luis.naranjo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4497
  • Makoa Rios Advisor
    Makoa 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. 
    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.
    (805) 893 - 2816
  • Marcee Davis VA Certifying Official/Advisor

    Marcee 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.

    What is your favorite spot on campus?

    Coal Oil Reserve because it has amazing views and trails.

    veteransbenefits@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 8905
  • Maria Galicia Work Study Coordinator
    Maria 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.

    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.galicia@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2067
  • Maribel Acevedo Financial Analyst
    Maribel manages scholarship awarding for all campus scholarships, awards, prizes, resources, and from external agency donors. This support provides more than 15 million to UCSB students. She provides financial analysis for State programs.

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

    Pizza

    maribel.acevedo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5528
  • Mischa Lopez Assistant Director
    Mischa manages the student services team that assists over 19,000 students with their financial aid every year. She also directs summer aid awarding and institutional loans for the campus. 

    What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

    The Koi Pond because it's believed that spirit of the koi near you will attract good luck, fortune, and spiritual benefits. 

    mischa.lopez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 5333
  • Monica Carrillo Advisor

    Monica coordinates the Cal Grant program, awarding over 99 million in state aid that covers tuition for almost 9,000 students.

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

    I always wanted to learn how to skateboard and roller skate!
    monica.carrillo@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4754
  • 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!
    natalie.armistead@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3336
  • Nathan Cook Associate Director
    Nate leads the advising and financial aid program administration unit. He works behind the scenes to help ensure timely processing of financial aid applications, student budgets, awards, and disbursements.

    What is one thing you would really like to learn?

    The meaning of life, the universe, and everything.

    nathan.cook@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 3129
  • Nathan Nateras Advisor

    Nathan 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 your favorite spot on campus and why?

    The café in the library! It was my study space all 4 years.
    nathan.nateras@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2432
  • Nicole Dominguez Quality Assurance 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

    nicole.dominguez@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 4829
  • Stacey Eymann Assistant Director

    Stacey supervises a team of financial aid advisors with diverse aid program responsibilities. Additionally, Stacey works directly with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Program. 

    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.
    stacey.eymann@sa.ucsb.edu (805) 893 - 2843

Student Staff

  • Arleth Real

    As a student Peer Advisor, Arleth 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 view at sunrise is amazing.
  • Carly Lam

    As a student Peer Advisor, Carly 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?

    Thai Yellow Curry with rice and veggies. It's reminds me of home and is a great comfort food.

  • Jerry Vasquez
    As a student Peer Advisor, Jerry 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 calisthenics. I am a big fitness person and would love to learn how to do crazy things with my strength and body.
  • Maria Romo
    As a student Peer Advisor, Maria 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'd like to learn how to play the piano.
  • Maria Santiago
    As a student Peer Advisor, Maria 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 pozole because I really like dressing it up with onion and cilantro. Its delicious and filling!
  • Miguel Coria
    As a student Peer Advisor, Miguel 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?

    Lasagna, because my mom makes the best lasagna ever!
  • Nimisha Prasad
    As a student Peer Advisor, Nimisha 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! It's the best place for watching the sunset, and getting good pictures!
  • Quynn Hoang
    As a student Peer Advisor, Quynn 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?

    How to skate because it would be so much easier and faster to get to places.
  • Yasmeen Casillas
    As a student Peer Advisor, Yasmeen 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 surf and take advantage of being a 5 minute walk away from the beach!