Meet the Staff

Staff

VRC Staff Group

Our Veterans Resource Center team is composed of several student-workers through the VA's Work Study Program. This program allows for our workers to earn money while they're enrolled in classes and help out fellow veterans and military families!

Check out our student workers below. They can help you kick start your journey here at Ventura College!

Elizabeth Vasquez | Coordinator

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, Elizabeth 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 Programs and Capital Internship Program (UCDC/UCCS). Driven by her dedication to her community, Elizabeth later moved to the community college sector, where she served as the Career and Transfer Specialist for the Proyecto Exito Grant at Oxnard College. As a first-generation college graduate, Elizabeth is deeply 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

Elizabeth Vasquez
Maureen Sheldon | Office Assistant

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, and to provide guidance and assist with a broad range of resources.

Maureen holds a B.A. from California Polytechnic State University, with a focus in Public Administration. In her free time, she enjoys ‘all things outdoors’, spending time with her family, and golden retriever.

Phone: 805-289-6060

Maureen Sheldon
Vanessa Chacon | Academic Counselor
Phone: 805-289-6431
Vanessa Chacon
Yesika Hernandez | Financial Aid Specialist / Veterans Liaison
Phone: 8052896451
America Juan Mercado | Certifying Official for A-K (Admissions & Records)
Phone: 805-289-6066
Albert Dominguez | Certifying Official for L - Z (Admissions & Records)
Phone: 805-289-6278

Student/Vet Workers

Nick Stokes
My name is Nick Stokes and I served in the Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic on the E-2/C-2 platform, and am originally from Bakersfield, California. I served two back-to-back deployments on the USS Nimitz in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Freedom Sentinel, and Malibar. I'm studying Psychology and will be transferring to CSU Channel Islands to complete my bachelors of Psychology with a focus in either organizational/industrial, abnormal, or clinical psychology. I plan to finish my current education goals and obtain a job in the field of mental health for veterans. I feel inspired by helping the veteran/military community get the assistance and support that they need, when they need it. 
Nick Stokes
Nichole Vigliotti
My name is Nichole and I am a Navy Veteran. During my service I was a Damage Controlman while serving onboard the USS George Washington and the USS Makin Island. I am originally from Western New York. Currently I am attending Ventura College and majoring in Sociology.
Nichole Vigliotti
Daniel Garcia
My name is Daniel Garcia and I am a United States Army and Iraq war Veteran. I served as a Forward Observer in 2-7 Cav 1st Cav Division. Currently I am pursuing my degree in Nursing and plan on transferring for my BSN. I also am a multi-instrumentalist with an Associates in Contemporary Music/ Guitar at Musicians Institute, a Muay Thai Practitioner, and an avid outdoorsman.
Daniel Garcia
Juan Albarran
Hello, my name is Juan Albarran and I was born and raised in Ventura County. Having served 19 years in the United States Marine Corps as a First Sergeant, with 14 of those years on active duty. He currently serves in the reserve component as a Company First Sergeant with 4th Marine Division. He is a full-time student majoring in health science at Ventura College. In his free time, he enjoys reading and has a passion for food.
Juan Albarran
Jose Garcia
My name is Jose Garcia and I’m a Marine Corps veteran that served as a 0311 rifleman. I am currently a full-time student here at Ventura College. I am majoring in Sociology with a future goal of becoming a first responder. My desire is to continue to provide support and assistance to my community.
Jose Garcia