Brandi joined the EAC team in January 2026. She brings over a decade of community college experience in counseling, instruction, and student support services. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine, her Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling with an emphasis in psychiatric disorders from San Diego State University and is currently a doctoral student in San Diego State University Community College Leadership program with a dissertation focus on expanding acquired brain injury programs in community colleges.

Throughout her career in San Diego County community colleges, Brandi has worked in both credit and non-credit DSPS settings, focusing on building strong collaborative partnerships that advance equitable educational opportunities, basic needs support, and meaningful learning experiences for students. Originally from Ventura County, Brandi is excited to return to the community where she grew up and to serve students in the region that helped shape her educational journey. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments where all students feel supported, empowered, and equipped to reach their academic and personal goals.

Outside of her professional work, Brandi enjoys road trips, scavenger hunts, Disneyland adventures, and spending time with her husband and furry companions.

Maria joined the EAC Counseling TEAM in March, 2014 after working as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor for the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation for 16-years.  She has a Masters in Counseling and Vocational Rehabilitation Administration Certificate from SDSU.  She earned a BA at UCSB were she was a student-athlete.  She has worked as a Disability Specialist and Workers Compensation Specialist for the State of CA, and coached Volleyball at CSUN. She is bilingual (Spanish/English) and bicultural. 

She believes in the power of education and takes pride in assisting each student to achieve his or her vocational, academic, and career goals. 

Mario joined the EAC as a full time counselor, April 2015. Mario has many years of experience in rehabilitation counseling, advocacy, support, and community services, including 29 years with the California Department of Rehabilitation assisting individuals with disabilities reach their potential. Mario has a BA in Political Science and MPA from Cal State Long Beach, and a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University. He and his family have been residents of the City of Ventura for the past 23 years. Mario is excited to be part of the EAC and VC community and is looking forward to assisting our students obtain and realize their academic and vocational goals, and aspirations. 

Leticia joined the EAC team as an adjunct counselor in May 2026 and brings with her over a decade of full-time disability counseling experience in higher education. As a proud alumna of her local community college, Leticia transferred from Santa Monica College to UC Berkeley to complete her BA in Political Science, and later earned her MA in Counseling with a PPS Credential from Loyola Marymount University. Prior to beginning her career in higher education, Leticia worked in special education providing direct instruction and support services to students in resource and special day classes in a high school setting. She is a firm believer in the mission of the California community college system: to provide accessible, affordable, and equitable higher education and vocational training to local communities throughout the state, and is deeply passionate about helping all students reach their potential and achieve their goals.    

During her free time, Leticia enjoys hanging out with her husband and two daughters. Her favorite pastimes include relaxing in the sunshine, drinking coffee (and matcha lattes), reading books and listening to podcasts.   

Details Coming Soon

Leah joined the team at the EAC as a Learning Disabilities Specialist in February, 2016.  Leah was a Learning Disabilities Specialist at UCLA’s Office for Students with Disabilities for 5 years. She has her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology and is a licensed clinical psychologist. Leah has experience working with various disability groups including students with Learning Disabilities, ADHD, psychological disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, and students on the Autism spectrum. Through learning disability assessments and Learning Skills Classes Leah helps students identify their strengths and challenges in the academic environment and she develops strategies to help her students be successful.

Maya joined the EAC team as a Learning Disabilities Specialist in 2024, bringing with her extensive experience as an educator. She has dedicated many years to supporting students with disabilities in both K-12 schools and higher education. Maya holds a PhD in Special Education from UCLA and previously coordinated the Extensive Support Needs Teaching Credential program at California State University, Los Angeles. She is enthusiastic about applying her expertise in learning and teaching at Ventura College and her community. Maya is passionate about helping students identify their strengths, advocating for their needs, and guiding them toward academic and personal success.

William joined the Ventura College EAC in 2022. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from the University of California, Berkeley and his Master of Science degree in Assistive Technology & Human Services from California State University, Northridge, with a focus on supporting higher education learners. William brings 6+ years of experience providing students with accessible learning materials and a lifetime of experience navigating California’s education system with a disability.

William is legally blind and understands firsthand how accessibility services are essential to helping students knock down barriers to academic success, overcome functional limitations both inside/outside the classroom, and find hidden opportunities to thrive in a college environment. William grew up in Ventura and finds great fulfillment in serving his local disabled community. He is committed to working alongside each and every one of you at Ventura College, to help provide you with an equal opportunity at an equitable education.

Lisa, a proud VC alum, has joined the EAC team as the Interpreter Specialist. After earning a B.A. Degree in American Sign Language Linguistics & Interpreting from CSULB, Lisa went on to become a Nationally Certified Interpreter through Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID NIC). She has provided interpreting services throughout Orange and Ventura Counties for over 6 years, gaining experience in K-12 and Postsecondary education, among various other settings. With this experience, certification, education, and years of involvement in the Deaf community, Lisa aims to support d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in reaching their academic goals while creating a Deaf-friendly environment at Ventura College.

TBD

Mackenzie joined the EAC as a Student Services Assistant in December 2023. She proctors accommodated exams and assists students with their daily needs and inquiries. Mackenzie earned her BA in Psychology from CSUB and brings with her five years of experience working directly with DSPS students at Bakersfield College. In her spare time, Mackenzie loves to bake sweet treats and play with her enormous husky, named Loki! She has a great passion for the disability and mental health fields and looks forward to working with Ventura College's EAC students, assisting them in any way she can!

Audrey is an Instructional Assistant for the EAC.  She attended UC Berkeley for an undergraduate degree in English, and California Lutheran University for both a Teaching Credential and a Master's Degree in College Counseling.  Her background in education has mostly been in elementary education as a general education teacher and an intervention teacher.  In addition, she has worked at College of the Canyons as an Assistant in the Counseling Office.  She loves working with students and helping to create pathways to success.

While Audrey is not at work, she is often attending sporting events like Lakers and Rams games. She also loves to read and relax at the beach, usually with her husband. In addition, she enjoys traveling and spending time with friends and family.