Meet the Staff

Elizabeth currently serves as the Program Coordinator for the Veterans Resource Center. Before assuming this role, she gained extensive experience in positions within the UC and community college sectors. Beginning her career at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she served as a Coordinator for the Early Academic Outreach Program. She then transitioned to advising roles within the University of California, supporting students through the Education Abroad Program. Driven by her dedication to her community, she transitioned to the community college, serving as the Career and Transfer Specialist for Proyecto Exito at Oxnard College. As a first-generation graduate, Elizabeth is committed to assisting students from diverse backgrounds in achieving their academic and professional goals. She holds a master's degree in Higher Education Leadership & Policy from CSUN and a bachelor's degree in Sociology & Educational Studies from UCSB.

Phone: 805-289-6597

Maureen comes to VC with 20+ years of administrative experience, including 16 years spent in education serving students at the UCLA Anderson Graduate School of Management, as well as those at the Oxnard Union High School District and Cate Boarding School. In these roles, she supported management in implementing a wide range of initiatives to facilitate students' academic, personal, and professional goals.

She has a strong affinity for those in the military, as she has immediate and extended family members/relatives who have served in the Navy, Army, and Naval Intelligence. Several years ago, Maureen left the educational field to work for both the County and City of Ventura to gain a broader understanding of the region’s mission and goals, in addition to being able to engage with a larger cross-section of our community and serve specific areas of public need.

She is excited to return to academia and support opportunities for our veterans and their families. Maureen holds a B.A. from California Polytechnic State University, with a focus in Public Administration. 

Phone: 805-289-6060

Phone: 805-289-6060

805-289-6300

Born and raised in Ventura, California, I’m a proud U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who served as a 5811 Military Police Officer. After my service, I’ve continued to pursue my passion for leadership, structure, and community by working toward a degree in Business. When I’m not studying or working, you can find me out on the trails, hiking alongside my loyal service dog, Azula. She never lets me leave without her, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Hi, my name is Michael Ruiz. I was born in Riverside California and enlisted in the Marine Corps back in 2014 as a 1161 HVAC Technician. I served my contact in Okinawa Japan and entered the blue collar workforce right as my contact ended. I'm currently pursuing associates in Drafting and Autocad to further build off my skills in the trade industry. I love helping people wherever I can, feel free to ask me anything if you see me.

Hi, everyone, my name is Justine Castillo and I am from Santa Barbara, California. I’m also a Marine Corps veteran, student, and full time mom. I graduated from Ventura College and am now attending CSU Channel Islands, working towards my bachelors degree in Psychology. I hope to work in a career field in mental health and help others along the way. I have been a study worker at the Veterans Resource Center since 2022 and have found a calling to work with other veterans in my community since then. 

Hello, my name is Sean Mulligan. I’m originally from Windsor California. I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2019 as a Seabee specializing in plumbing and hvac and completed my service in November of 2024. I am studying nutrition and dietetics to become a registered dietitian. In my free time I like to go hiking, camping and going to the beach, so pretty much anything outdoors. I like almost all genres of music, but especially rock and metal. If you see me in the wild don’t hesitate to say hi or ask me anything!