Skip to main content

Staff

  • Jon Amescua

    Jon Amescua

    Jon Amescua handles operations for the Education & Community Outreach Department at UC San Diego Extension.  He started at UC San Diego Extension as a Temp Administrative Assistant II and was hired by Education & Community Outreach Department as an Administrative Assistant III.  He has also worked in education for over a decade as a Special Education Assistant, Life Skills Coach, and Behavior Interventionist.  Jon received his B.S. in Business Administration from Cal State University, Dominguez Hills, and received his M.A. in Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.  

  • Shae Candelaria

    Shae Candelaria

    Shae Candelaria is a transplant to San Diego from New York City who traded Broadway for biology. She is a Program Assistant for several PreCollege programs at Extended Studies including Research Scholars, Sally Ride Science, and Futures. Her BFA in Theatre and skills as Stage and Production Manager helps her assist all our students broaden their horizons and get ready for their next chapter.

  • Diana Bahena Coronel

    Diana Bahena Coronel

    Diana Bahena Coronel is a first-generation college student and DACA recipient who received a B.A. in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University. She was an Outreach, Recruitment, and Admissions Assistant at the Educational Opportunity Program, giving presentations and campus tours to first-generation prospective students and families. She then joined UCSD Extension through Temporary Employment Services and served as Program Support for the Post Baccalaureate Premedical Program, the Lactation Consultant Program, and the Education Department. She completed her Master's Degree with an emphasis in Student Affairs at the University of Utah (the U). At the U, she served as TRIO's Student Support Services graduate assistant, mentoring and working with high school and college students. She rejoined UCSD Extension in the Education & Community Outreach Department and currently serves as Program Support for the Induction Program, a mentoring program for K-12 teachers to help them clear their Teaching Credential. Additionally, Diana is part of the Parent and Caregiver Education (PACE), interpreting and translating presentations for families on how to best support their students. 

  • Amy Duncan

    Amy Duncan

    Amy Duncan is the Program Manager for Education and Community Outreach at UC San Diego Extension.  Prior to working at UC San Diego Extension, she was the Global Education Leader for a UK Academy and the Coordinator of Post-Graduate Medical Education for the UK’s leading children’s hospital in London.  Her teaching career spans over 15 years from K-6 to adult learners.  Amy received her B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Surrey, UK, and her Post Graduate Certificate in Education from Brunel University, London. She also holds a California Multiple-Subject Teaching Credential.

  • Tinesha Garrett

    Tinesha Garrett

    Tinesha Garrett is a Program Manager for UC San Diego Extension Education and Community Outreach. She services as a central point of contact for reviewing and approving incoming Education and California Commission on Teaching Credentialing program applications, including Reading & Literacy Added Authorization, California English Learner Added Authorization, and Teacher Induction programs. She oversees a number of partnerships, which include the Los Angeles Unified School District Gifted and Talented Education Program, and is a key team member for the Teaching Online Essentials series initiatives. Prior to joining the team, Tinesha worked at Extension’s Student Services office as a Student Affairs Advisor. She advised students on academic programs, registration procedures and policies, and financial assistance. She also served as one of the VA School Certifying Official by providing assistance in the certification of VA educational benefits. Tinesha received her B.A. in Sociology from UC San Diego.
  • Diana Hernandez

    Diana Hernandez

    Diana Hernandez received a B.A. in Sociology from UC Merced in 2016 and a Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with a Specialization in Student Affairs from SDSU in May 2019. Prior to joining UC San Diego Extension, she served as a member of the Center for Student Involvement within Student Life at UC San Diego, where she was a program coordinator in Communication and Leadership, helping to oversee programs such as the Triton Community Leadership Institute. She has worked to support career development, personal growth, social justice issues, and initiatives that create a sense of belonging for underrepresented students.

  • Anais Perez

    Anais Perez

    Anais Perez received a B.A in Women’s, Gender, & Sexuality studies from California State University, Long Beach in 2019 and a Masters in Higher Education from California State University, Fullerton in May 2021. Anais has previously worked with UCSD Extension as an Office Assistant for Academic Connections, providing support for students, parents, and staff. She has also served as a Graduate Assistant for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at California State University Fullerton, helping co-advise student organizations and assist in academic advising and student success initiatives. She has also worked as a Project Assistant for San Diego Mesa College’s Promise Program and Outreach Department where she facilitated in program development, outreach efforts, and social media management. She has worked to provide students with access to higher education and strives to assist students in obtaining their own versions of success.
  • Andrew Koppert

    Andrew Koppert

    Andrew Koppert is a Program Manager and Credential Analyst in the Education and Community Outreach Department at UC San Diego Extension. Prior to joining the team, he worked for the International Rescue Committee serving San Diego’s refugee and immigrant communities. Andrew received his BA in International Security and Conflict Resolution from San Diego State University.

  • Nadia Ortega

    Nadia Ortega

    Nadia Ortega is a Program Manager in UC San Diego Extension’s Education and Community Outreach department. She has also served as a Program Assistant for the Pre-College programs, advising and guiding students and parents on the Research Scholars and LAUNCH programs. Nadia received a B.A in Sociology from UC Santa Barbara in June 2021. Nadia has previously worked with UCSB’s Educational Opportunity Program as a Peer Mentor, providing academic advising and holistic support for first generation undergraduate students.

  • Namphuong Pullman

    Namphuong Pullman

    Namphuong Pullman is a Program Assistant for Education and Community Outreach. She serves as the central point-of-contact for students, parents and pre-college partners. Additionally, she advises and provides guidance on Extension pre-college courses and programs and manages the LAUNCH program, which enables qualified UC San Diego undergraduate students to take an Extension certificate at minimum. Prior to joining the team, Namphuong worked at Extension’s Student Services office as a Student Affairs Advisor. She advised students on academic programs, registration procedures and policies, and financial assistance. She also served as a School Certifying Official by providing assistance in the certification of VA educational benefits. Namphuong received her B.A. in Human Development from UC San Diego.

  • Melissa Realegeno

    Melissa Realegeno

    Melissa Realegeno is a Program Assistant for Education and Community Outreach. She received a B.A. in Psychology from California State University, Northridge in 2015 and a Master’s in Postsecondary Educational Leadership with an emphasis in Student Affairs from San Diego State University in May 2019. Melissa has worked at SDSU and UC San Diego for the past 5 years and really enjoys working in the college setting. She is happy to be part of the ECO team in supporting high school students who are eager to continue their education. She has supported students with disabilities, worked with over 300 student organizations, coordinated Peer Programs and countless events throughout the years as well as supervised undergraduate interns.
  • Jennifer Rowe

    Jennifer Rowe

    Jennifer Rowe is a program manager in UC San Diego Extension’s Education and Community Outreach department. She has worked at UC San Diego in various roles over the past ten years. Her background also includes a ten year stint at Tower Records in the UK, as well as experience in venture capital, biotech and education. Jennifer has a BA in Linguistics from SDSU.