Meet the CalWORKs Team

 

 

    Sade

   Dr. Sade Burrell

   sade.burrell@gcccd.edu

 

   Associate Dean of Student Services and Special Programs

Dr. Sade Burrell is a socially conscious leader with a deep commitment to diversity, access, and student success. She has dedicated over 15 years of her life and career to serving members of the community. With experience as a tenured faculty member at another college and as an Associate Dean at Cuyamaca College, Dr. Burrell has inspired and empowered others through her own intersecting identities and using them to analyze her mindset and hone in on her skills and passions for serving others. Dr. Burrell seeks to create an equity-centered, assessment-based system by implementing and sustaining positive changes that benefit those she serves.

 
 

 

 Counselor Pic

Asma Yassi

asma.yassi@gcccd.edu

 

CalWORKs Counselor and Program Coordinator

       

Hello! My name is Asma Yassi, and I am the full-time CalWORKs counselor and program       coordinator. I was originally born in Baghdad, Iraq then I immigrated to the U.S. in 2005. I am a former student of Cuyamaca College, transferred to San Diego State University to earn my bachelors in Biology. Then, I found my calling in Counseling and earned my master’s in Education with emphasis in Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University. I have served as a General Counselor and EOPS counselor before, I have also worked at San Diego City College until I became full time in 2018 and was assigned to serve the CalWORKs population. Aside from counseling and coordinating the CalWORKs program, I also teach COUN 120 and WEX 110 courses and participate in various committees and events on campus. I am so grateful to work with my students and be able to serve and guide them to reach their personal, academic, and career goals. Community college has transformed my life and I want my students to go through a successful journey here at the college and beyond.

       

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Sara Allen

sara.allen@gcccd.edu

 

       Program Specialist

 

Hello, my name is Sara Allen and I have been with the Cuyamaca CalWORKs Program for 21 years, starting as a Student Worker in 2004 and now I am the Program Specialist. I met my husband, Michael Allen, a Financial Aid Advisor, here in 2004 and we married in 2012. In CalWORKs, we strive to help students during their educational journey, whether it is with Student Supplies or printing materials for class. We also have an awesome Work Study Program for eligible students. Stop by and see us in G-300.

 

     Staff Picture

    Hala Barsom

    hala_barsom@gcccd.edu

 

    Office Interpreter

 

My name is Hala Barsom I was born in Iraq. I earned an associate degree in Business of Technology from Cuyamaca College in 2017. I am bilingual in English and Arabic. I work at the CalWORKs office as Interpreter and Office Assistant, I love working with CalWORKs students to help and support them. 

 

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Rita Paulus 

rita_paulus@gcccd.edu

 

Office Interpreter

 

My Name is Rita Paulus, I graduated from Cuyamaca College in 2017, I have associate degree in Social work, and I am working as an interpreter with CalWORKs office. I Fluent in the English, Arabic, and Chaldean languages. I enjoy serving students and look forward to help students to achieve their goals and support them through their journey. 

 

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Carla Edwards

carla.edwards@gcccd.edu

 

Part-Time Counselor 

 

Hi, my name is Carla Edwards and I am very pleased to serve you as a semi-retired CalWORKs counselor. I have over 22 years of experience in several college districts and enjoy working with students of many different cultures, backgrounds and languages. CalWORKs students have a special place in my heart because I know how difficult it can be raising children on a shoestring budget. Having the ambition to pursue a higher education and make a better life for oneself and family is to be commended. Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable! My M.A. is in College Counseling and Student Services from the University of San Diego and my B. A. is in Journalism from San Diego State University. I have a son, a daughter and two grandsons. Hobbies I enjoy include arts and crafts, piano and board games. I look forward to meeting you! 

 

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Martina Peinado  

martina.peinado@gcccd.edu

 

Part-Time Counselor

 

Welcome students!  Martina Peinado has worked in the CalWORKs Program in different capacities for 25 years.  She is currently a part-time Spanish speaking CalWORKs counselor at Cuyamaca College.  Martina has an Associate’s in Architectural Technology, Bachelor’s in Public Administration, and Master’s in Counseling from San Diego State University.  She is a first-generation transfer student and university graduate and formerly a student who faced socio-economic setbacks throughout her education and young life.  Martina is an advocate for students who want to grow personally and professionally, prepare for the workforce, and transfer to a university.  She looks forward to meeting you. 

 

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Melanie Baeza-McCray

melanie.baeza-mccray@gcccd.edu

 

Part-Time Counselor 

 

My name is Melanie Baeza and I have been a CalWORKs Counselor at Cuyamaca College since 2015. I was raised in the Imperial Valley and have lived in the Central Coast of CA as well as San Diego. My career and educational background have been in academic, university transfer, and career counseling. I was a community college student and transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for Psychology. My Master's degree is from the University of San Diego in Counseling. After 12 years, I am returning to college to complete my Master's in Social Work (MSW). There is never a "perfect" time to pursue your goals!  I am a mother of two children and enjoy spending time with them as well as our two kittens.  

 

Belle Ayala

      Belle Ayala

     belle.ayala@gcccd.edu

 

     Part-Time Counselor

Hello, my name is Belle Ayala, and I am a CalWORKs counselor. I am a proud first-generation college student, I started out at a community college and then transferred to Point Loma Nazarene University to earn my Child Development bachelor's degree. I also hold an M.A. Ed degree with a concentration in counseling and student guidance from Point Loma Nazarene University. I speak Spanish fluently and I enjoy photography during my free time. I am a mother of four children who I enjoy my free time with them at the beach.
 
mel

Blanca Melissa Pompa Zavala

blanca.pompazavala@gcccd.edu

 

Part-Time Counselor 

 
Hello CalWORKs Cuyamaca community! My name is B. Melissa Pompa Zavala. Right after high school I enlisted in the United States Military within the Army branch which made me realize that if I was capable of serving the country I could accomplish so much more. I’m a product of Community College and former EOPS student. I received my communication associates at San Diego Mesa College, transferred to San Diego State University and completed my Bachelor’s degree in Health Communication which motivated me to continuing my education and received my Masters in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Trauma Informed Care Certificate. My academic journey, as you can see, is diverse as it took me some exploring to find my passion as a Community College Counselor. My personal and professional experiences have shaped my understanding of diversity and have largely influenced my commitmentto equity and inclusion as the foundation of my career. I’m committed to using my journey of healing as a possible model to support students to transition from surviving to living.

 

Yasmine Mena

Yasmine Mena

ymena@gcccd.edu

 

Part-Time Counselor 

 

Hello, my name is Yasmine Mena, and I have the opportunity to serve as a part-time Counselor at Cuyamaca College. Growing up in San Diego and spending part of my childhood in Baja California shaped my journey as a first-generation college student. I earned my AA in Psychology from San Diego City College, then transferred to UC San Diego, where I obtained my BA in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. I realized that becoming a community college counselor would allow me to fulfill my passion for mental health and education. I pursued an MA in Education with a concentration in Counseling from San Diego State University. I am committed to fostering equity and diversity to empower every student on their journey to success.