Meet Our Team

Norma Larios, PhD

woman smiling

Norma Larios
Interim AVP & Dean of Students

Preferred Pronouns - She/Her/Hers

Phone: (760)750-6061
Email: dos@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 120

Antonio Hernandez Rodriguez

Antonio Hernandez Rodriguez
Basic Needs Coordinator

Preferred Pronouns - He/Him

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: ahernandezro@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? Since December 2022
What is your approach to student services? I consider myself an open-minded person who does not like to assume things. I am aware there is more to a person than just being a 'student'. I want to make YOU feel welcomed and connected to �� Campus Community.
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? Commencement. I love seeing student' years of hard work pay off.
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? The beach.
What do you do for fun? I enjoy watching sports on TV, such as football and soccer. I also love going out to eat with my family.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? I love meeting students and connecting them to resources.
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? I love tacos al pastor. My favorite sandwich places are Board and Brew and Jersey Mikes.
Tell us something we don't know: I am a DACA recipient. I was born in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico. I am also a huge soccer fan. I have met several soccer players from Real Madrid, Club America, and Mexican National team. Arriba el America!

Christiana Moen

Christiana Moen
Director of New Student & Family Programs

Preferred Pronouns: She/her

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: cmoen@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? Since April 2015
What is your approach to student services? I care about students and their families having a seamless transition into and through �� and beyond! I am here for YOU!
What is your favorite time of the semester/year at ��? Oh my ... so many times ... too many to pick just one!
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? I love taking my kids to the Safari Park!
What do you do for fun? Spend time with my kiddos and family, walking, home improvements, baking, crafting, and hosting people's life celebrations!
What do you enjoy about the work you do? My O-Team leaders passion to serve!!!
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? I like movies but dislike movie theaters, My favorite colors are pink, blue and green. I enjoy exercise and know I am going to be in a better mood if I do exercise each morning.
Tell us something we don't know: A home improvement show or silly family sitcom help me decompress after a long day.

Donna Davis

Donna Davis
Director of Cougar Care Network / Senior Case Manager

Preferred Pronouns - She/Her

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: dodavis@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? Since September 2022
What is your approach to student service? I am responsive and friendly, and employ a sense of humor and positive approach to empower and relax students.
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? Middle of the fall and spring semesters when things get busy.
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? Movie theater in San Marcos and exploring all over southern CA!
What do you do for fun? Movies, restaurants, and theater.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? Making a difference, opening someone's mind to new ideas, and seeing students build their confidence in their abilities and future.
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? Love chocolate, chips and popcorn, travelling & going for rides to explore. Don't like salad, sushi or tuna. Love purple, Les Mis and Avenue Q, gooey grilled cheese, thin crust pizza with banana peppers, and my grandmother's tomato soup.
Tell us something we don't know: I've talked with Gene Hackman, Martin Short, Andrew Rannells, Richard Thomas, Pamela Reed, Tyler Glen from Neon Trees, and more by waiting outside theater doors where they've performed. I also got onto an American Horror Stories set with my son and saw Sarah Paulson, Billy Eichner, and Alison Pill in action. Love when the stars align!

Jay Franklin

Jay Franklin
Associate Director of New Student & Family Programs

Preferred Pronouns - He/Him/His

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: jfrankli@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? Since 2009.
What is your approach to student services? I'd flip the question, I'm here to serve students. To hear their stories, understand their "why" for higher education and to enjoy the journey alongside our students. I'm always looking towards continual improvement and to positively increase the student experience.
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? The first couple weeks of the fall semester and Commencement in spring!!! Graduation at �� IS the HAPPIEST place on Earth!
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? Double Peak Park and the Safari Park!
What do you do for fun? Gym, walks around the neighborhood, bonsai, niwaki, playing Pokemon Go.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? I love that I get to meet students and their families at the beginning of their journey in higher education. I enjoy seeing the full circle of a student's lifecycle from the beginning with Orientation through graduation at Commencement!
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? My favorite colors are blue and/or black. I love Jersey Mike's #26! During fall, I love trying out lobster bisque, pho and tortilla soups around town.
Tell us something we don't know: In 1991, I survived a volcanic eruption and evacuation that closed down a US Airforce base (Clark) and eventually a US Navy base (Subic Bay).

Jill Flaa

Jill Flaa
Administrative Support Coordinator

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: jflaa@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? Since March 2014
What is your approach to student services? Meet people where they are on their journey
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? After a quiet summer on campus, I enjoy the buzz and energy when students are back in the Fall. Commencement is pretty special, too!
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? The beach is my happy place
What do you do for fun? DIY home projects
What do you enjoy about the work you do? We have THE BEST students! They are the reason I am here.
Fun facts: My two-legged children think I love my 4-legged ones more. They might be right. ;)
Tell us something we don't know: The Moonlight Amphitheatre is a hidden gem in North County!

John C Hall

John C Hall
Cougar Care Network Case Management Specialist

Preferred Pronouns: He, Him, His

Phone: (760)750-7627
Email: jchall@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have your worked at ��? 3 years!
What is your approach to student services? To help provide students with any help, support, resources, and assistance that I can! I want you to leave a meeting with me feeling positive, optimistic, and ready to try or experience new opportunities. I am here to help, and excited for you to lead and live your life to the fullest!
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? Fall semester!
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? Albertacos on San Marcos Boulevard, Epic Wings, Pizza Nova, Old Spaghetti Factory. I think Maya's is going to become my favorite place in NC. If you are in Rancho Bernardo, you can get Mongolian Grill that was once here across the street next to Mr. Taco.
What do you do for fun? Gaming, Collecting, Marvel/Muppet Enthusiast, Friends/Family/Fun!
What do you enjoy about the work you do? It is so rewarding! I love helping others and now I get to do it as an actual job! It's always exciting to see a student overcome a challenge or barrier and become better off for it.
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? Have been attacked by deer on campus. Glued my eyes shut with gum. Love �� (as staff and alumni)! Fave color is Blue, with Red close behind. Wicked was a cool musical, but Rent right behind it. Love black olives and mushroom on my pizza. Clam Chowder is my soup jam, I consider myself a connoisseur. Fave sandwich would be a good turkey or meatball, or an authentic philly cheesesteak.
Tell us something we don't know: I love the Muppets and my favorite is Gonzo. My phone is red but my case is blue... I feel like I have a blue phone. I watch all Marvel content as quickly as possible. I was part of a boy band, BTJ (Boy Toy Joy) and a rock band, Omega Red. My first job was as a dishwasher. I am the owner and proprietor of Fungle West, a subsidiary of the original Fungle. I am a Cougar Wall of Fame recipient. I am known for "John-isms", if we interact I'm certain you'll learn some.

Kenya Avilez

Kenya Avilez
Student Conduct Specialist

Preferred Pronouns - She/Her/Hers

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: kavilez@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? Over 2 years.
What is your approach to student services? Always come from a place of care and compassion.
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? Fall - Beginning of the year.
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? Oceanside Harbor and then go to Handels afterwords!
What do you do for fun? Pool, Beach, and watching reality TV.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? Watching my students learn, grow, and reach their goals!
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? Love Korean BBQ and Halloween is my favorite Holiday!
Tell us something we don't know: I have been to over 40 concerts and still counting!

Patty Diaz

patty diaz

Patricia Diaz
Student Outreach and Referral Coordinator

Preferred Pronouns - She/Her/Hers/Ella

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: padiaz@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? 24+ years - Since June 2000
What is your approach to student services? To provide the best service possible and give the best of myself to the person standing before me. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in service of others.” It's a true honor and great privilege to serve students, their families, and the campus community.
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? At the start of every Fall semester. Students begin their experience at �� feeling anxious, excited, scared, and hopeful all at the same time. One of the greatest things I do for students and their families is make them feel welcome. They automatically become relieved when I tell them they can rely on me for information, resources, and support.
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? La Jolla Cove is my favorite place to visit in North County. It’s a great place to help boost your overall mood and for connecting with family and friends. (Oh, and your furry friends are welcome.)
What do you do for fun? I love to travel and often plan outings and events with family and friends.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? When you help someone else, you get a positive feeling in return.
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? My favorite color is blue. I can apply eyeliner and lipliner without using a mirror. Rob Lowe was my celebrity crush for many years. I made the All-Stars basketball team in 6th grade. I helped save a 2-year-old from drowning.
Tell us something we don't know: Froot Loops loops are all the same flavor.

Rosa Quintana

Rosa Quintana
Case Manager

Preferred Pronouns -

Phone: (760)750-4935
Email: rquintana@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? I have been with �� since August 2018
What is your approach to student services? My approach to student services is to have a listening ear and to support/guide them as much as possible.
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? North County? Sunset Cliffs
What do you do for fun? For fun I like to hike/walk with my family.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? I enjoy that I'm able to help students, and to be there for them.
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? My favorite color is black.
Tell us something we don't know: I love to draw.

Sierra Morse

smorse

Sierra Morse
Case Manager

Preferred Pronouns- She/Her/Hers

Phone: (760) 750-8815
Email: smorse@csusm.edu
Administrative Building 1200

How long have you worked at ��? I have been at this position since October 2023. However, my first job with �� was in 2015.
What is your approach to student services? You are a person first and being a student is just one layer of you. So how can we help you be most successful in all aspects of your life, so that you then can be successful as a student? Let us be the human connection to hear you, talk through what your barriers or struggles are, and make a plan together that will connect you with tangible resources and empower you to continue on the path you have set out to achieve.
What is your favorite time of semester/year at ��? Seeing everyone walk the stage at Commencement after all their hard work!
Favorite place to go in San Marcos? Right behind campus at the top of Double Peak! Whether I am enjoying the hike up it or driving up for a quick sunset view, it has always been one of my favorite spots in North County.
What do you do for fun? I love being outside, hiking, biking, playing board games, card games, crafting/art, enjoying live music, going for drives, cooking/baking, and being with friends and family.
What do you enjoy about the work you do? Connecting to students and seeing them grow and empower themselves with resources.
Fun facts: likes, dislikes, fave color, fave musical, fave sandwich/pizza/soup? I will try any food twice. Some of the foods that get me most excited are sushi, pizza, KBBQ, bibimbap, French dipped sandwiches, fish tacos, cookies, butter chicken curry, and a classic In n Out burger.
Tell us something we don't know: I moved here from Sacramento in 2014 and attended �� for my undergrad and master’s program and have been in a few different roles here such as a Residential Advisor for housing, Social Work Intern for Cougar Care, and even an outdoor adventure guide for Campus Rec!

Yecenia Tovar

Yecenia Tovar
Coordinator of New Student & Family Programs