Faculty & Staff

Faculty Counselor & Coordinator 

Dr. Rocío D. Hernández is a Counseling Faculty member at Ventura College and the Coordinator of the CalWORKs program. She is a first-generation Chicana/Latina professional who was born and raised in Ventura County and is deeply committed to supporting students and families in her community.

Dr. Hernández has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and works closely with CalWORKs students to support their academic, career, and personal goals while balancing school, work, and family responsibilities. She takes a holistic, student-centered approach and is dedicated to helping students navigate college systems, build confidence, and move toward long-term success.

She is a certified Social Emotional Intelligence Coach and holds MBTI and Strong Interest Inventory (SII) certifications, which she uses to help students explore career paths, identify strengths, and make informed decisions about their future.

Dr. Hernández earned her B.A. in Chicana/o Studies and Spanish from the University of California, Santa Barbara, an M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis in College Counseling and Student Services from California State University, Northridge, and an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with a focus on Higher Education Administration from the University of Southern California.

As a Student Services Assistant with the Ventura College CalWORKs program, Sofia is dedicated to supporting students throughout their college experience. She began her academic journey at Oxnard College before transferring to California State University Channel Islands, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business with an Option in Management. Her career in higher education began as a student worker in the Welcome Center and Registrar's Office, and she later served as a Financial Aid Technician at Oxnard College. Through these experiences, Sofia developed a passion for connecting with students and helping them navigate higher education. Inspired by the support she received as a community college student, she is committed to providing students with the same encouragement and guidance that helped her achieve her own educational goals.

Sofia is dedicated to providing students with access to resources, assisting them in overcoming barriers, and supporting their success. She strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel encouraged and empowered to achieve their academic, career, and personal aspirations. Outside of work, Sofia enjoys attending Los Angeles Dodgers and Los Angeles Rams games, camping at the beach, and spending time with family and friends.