Looking for a mentor?

Advisor-to-advisor connections are an important part of learning, growth, and belonging. Advisors in the Academic Advising Mentoring Program are great resources for the community. We encourage you to establish connections that support your professional advising practice and contribute to your wellbeing as an academic advisor at UC Davis.

Please take a few moments to review the current AAMP committee advising profiles below. They are more than happy to answer any questions you may have based on their area of expertise. Those that are accepting mentees are open to setting aside additional times to meet and discuss your future goals. 

• Alina Bara
• 

  About
  Hi there! I’m Alina Bara (she/her/hers) one of the Academic Advisors in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Dean’s Office (CA&ES).  I am a proud first-generation alumna from Sacramento State University, where I double majored in Finance and Human Resources. Having to learn how to navigate the complicated US school system, as an international student, paved the way for me pursuing a career in advising.
  
  Advising philosophy
  As an academic advisor, it is my goal to help students navigate the many hurdles and barriers that exist in higher education by listening, caring, and empowering.  I find it very rewarding to be constantly learning from our students while supporting them in achieving their academic and personal goals.  I believe that each student has their own unique background, challenges, and values that influence both their current and future interests. I strive to make sure that every student feels heard and supported while meeting with me and I seek to create an inclusive environment, where I challenge, empower, and guide the students though their college journey. I am their biggest cheerleader! 
  
  Education
  B.S., Finance, Sacramento State University, 2008
  B.S., Human Resources, Sacramento State University, 2008
  
  Professional Involvement
  Advising for Equity Administrative Advisory Committee (AEAAC)
  CA&ES Student Actions and Commencement Awards Committee (SACA)
  Registrar’s Office & Dean’s Office Committee (RODO) 
  Former CA&ES liaison to Veterans Success Center and Transfer and Reentry Center 
  Academic Advising Mentoring Program (AAMP) 
  
  Contact
  asbara@ucdavis.edu  

• Taylor Cameron
• 

  About
  I currently serve as the First- and Second-Year Advisor & Transition Specialist for the University Honors Program (UHP). This role allows me to advise first- and second-year undergraduate students on their honors curriculum, major/career exploration, and academic difficulty. I also have the opportunity to engage in different projects, such as student recruitment, database management, and our peer mentor program.

  I had various other roles in higher education before transitioning into advising, with responsibilities that included managing/analyzing student data, course scheduling, and financial transactions.

  Advising Philosophy
  I am an advisor because I strive to serve as a resource for students as they pursue both their personal development and professional goals. I believe that every student should be viewed as a whole person outside the boundaries of the academic environment, with their own unique backgrounds, challenges, values, and interests that influence both their personal and professional pursuits. I seek to create an empathetic, compassionate space for every member of the UC Davis community and to develop genuine connections with students to empower and support them.

  Education
  B.S., Psychology - Mathematics Emphasis, UC Davis, 2017

  Interests
  -Student peer mentor programs
  -Supervising student staff
  -Building connections within the UC Davis advising + advising adjacent community
  -Fostering a sense of belonging for all UC Davis community members
  -Mentoring and support for anyone interested in advising
  
  Contact
  tacameron@ucdavis.edu

• Erica Cefalo - accepting mentees
• 

  About
  Erica is the undergraduate staff advisor for two different majors in CAES: Wildlife, Fish, & Conservation Biology and Environmental Toxicology.

  Advising Philosophy
  My advising philosophy is centered around an ongoing collaboration and creative process between myself and the individual students I serve. Rooted in appreciative advising, I practice gratitude for students’ efforts and trust. I hold a deep reverence for their work, their lives, and their identities which serves as a foundation for my advising relationships. Additionally, my professional philosophy incorporates elements of “work is play.” I cultivate a professional environment that encourages both coworkers and students alike to feel healthy, happy, and whole. We bring our authentic selves into our best, most caring work.

  Professional Involvement
  NACADA 2023 National Conference, Orlando, FL. Co-presented a session entitled “Supported Education Advising Practices for Students with Bipolar Disorder,” October 2023.

  UC Davis Advising Conference. Co-presented a session entitled “Supported Education Advising Practices for Students with Bipolar Disorder,” February 2023.

  NACADA 2023 Region 9 Conference, Las Vegas, NV. Co-presented a session entitled “Supported Education Advising Practices for Students with Bipolar Disorder,” February 2023.

  Academic Advising Mentoring Program, UC Davis. Co-presented a session entitled “Peer Advisor Programming,” March 2023.

  Education and Degree(s)
  Ph.D. Modern French Studies, May 2013
  University of Maryland, College Park, MD
  
  Masters of Arts French Studies, June 2006
  University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
  
  Diplôme Magistère French Culture and Comparative Literature, June 2005
  Université de Paris IV – La Sorbonne, Paris, France
  
  Bachelor of Arts French Language and Literature, Magna Cum Laude, May 2002
  University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY

  Honors and Awards
  Outstanding Staff Advisor Award, 2022-2023

  Interests
  Creativity and finding personal fulfillment in work
  Social Justice
  Visioning and positive thinking
  
  Contact
  emcefalo@ucdavis.edu

• Pascal Gonzalez
• 

  About 
  Hello there! I’m Pascal Gonzalez! I currently serve as an academic advisor for both the Engineering Undergraduate Office and Electrical and Computer Engineering for the College of Engineering. I was formerly the Graduate Program Coordinator at the Forensic Science Graduate Program, as well as the Undergraduate Program Coordinator and Academic Advisor for Undeclared-Life Sciences at the College of Biological Sciences prior to. Before my academic career here at UC Davis, I was an academic advisor for the Masters School of Social Work Department at Arizona State University. Prior to my years of experience in advising, I earned my BA in Communications at Florida Atlantic University as well as my MS in College Student Affairs at Nova Southeastern University. 

  Advising Philosophy  
  The methods within my practice that has most impacted my advising is appreciative advising, focusing on a holistic approach that includes student development alongside academic rigor. As a higher education professional with a specialty practice within academic advising, I believe the purpose of advising is not simply to prescribe courses associated with my students’ respective academic pursuits, but to also promote student success through assisting students feel connected to their institution, understand their purpose in a collegiate setting and beyond, and have clear academic and career goals. When I advise students, I aspire to help students achieve their full potential by collaborating with them to help create holistic plans for accomplishing their academic and career goals. What I value most about working with students is the mentor to mentee relationship incorporated within our interactions with one another to better prepare them for their professional careers. 
  
  Interests
  Research that I’m interested in includes retention efforts for racially and ethnically marginalized populations.
  
  Contact
  Web: https://engineering.ucdavis.edu/people/pascal-gonzalez
  Email: prpapillon@ucdavis.edu

• Viviana Gonzalez
• 

  About
  Hello! I am Viviana Gonzalez, the Undergraduate Program Coordinator for the Mathematics Department here at UC Davis. My role includes advising and providing support for all our undergraduate students and supporting our undergraduate major programs.

  Advising Philosophy
  I strive to assist students with whatever needs, inquiries, and goals they may have as efficiently and thoroughly as possible while fostering a comfortable atmosphere and connection between advisors and students. My top three motivations when advising are: Communication, Efficiency, and Support.

  Professional Involvement
  Academic Advising Mentoring Program (AAMP) Mentor
  Development in:
  -Peer Advising program
  -Undergraduate student engagement and retention programs

  I have only recently begun my professional academic advising career, though in my undergraduate career, I have been involved with:
  -UC Davis Blue Cluster Advising Center - Lead Peer Advisor
  -First Year Aggie Connections (FYAC) - Peer Mentor

  Interests
  -Developing an efficient Peer Advising program
  -Promoting resources and events geared towards undergraduate success, involvement, and development
  -Building connections with those in our UC Davis advising community
  -Mentoring and support for all interested in academic advising
  -I could listen, learn, and talk about Communication theories all day

  Education
  -B.A., Communication, UC Davis
  -B.A., History, UC Davis
  
  Contact
  vlgonzalez@ucdavis.edu

• Rachel Hale - accepting mentees
• Profile to come.
• Katherine Livingston
• 

  About 
  Katherine is a Staff Advisor in the Animal Science Advising Center. She advises students in the Agricultural and Environmental Education, Animal Science, and Animal Science and Management majors. She also advises on the Animal Science Minor and the Avian Sciences Minor. 

  Advising Philosophy  
  As an advisor, I am an educator, and my primary objective is to help students become self-assured scholars, confident in their ability to seek out opportunities and information long after they graduate. In my advising appointments, I make sure to have conversations with my students about their future to help them clarify their goals and identify opportunities for personal and professional growth. I strive to create a welcoming space for all and I treat each student as a person first, and as a student second. I have empathy for each student, and work to validate their experiences. I accept and celebrate the differences of each person I meet with, regardless of their world view or academic standing.  
  
  Professional Involvement
  -Livingston, K., Jackson, K, Martinez, E, Galvan Hack. Animal-Related Majors at University of California, Davis. Presented at UC/CSU/ California Community College Conference, 2016.  
  -Animal Science Advising Center Intuiface Touchscreen Board: Created video and written content featuring different student opportunities for student engagement including: clubs, internship opportunities, and research.  
  -Peer Advisor Presentation Series: Conceptualized and developed a peer advisor presentation requirement for all Department of Animal Science peer advisors. Peer advisors required to present twice yearly on topics related to campus resources and internship opportunities during our weekly peer advising meetings.  
  
  Education and Degree(s) 
  -B.A., Anthropology, University of Arizona, 2011 
  
  Honors and Awards 
  -Citation of Excellence, Team Work, 2018-2019 
  -Harry and Eleanor Walker Advising Award, Outstanding Staff Advisor Award, 2020-2021 
  
  Interests
  -Touchscreen board design and development 
  -Creative content development 
  -Peer Advisor Development 
  -Data-driven advising 
  -Policy development
  
  Contact
  keclivingston@ucdavis.edu

• Jessica Mangili 
• 

  About
  Hello! I am Jessica Mangili, the undergraduate academic advisor for the Department of Public Health Sciences here at UC Davis. My role includes advising students who are interested in the Public Health Science minor and supporting various department programs. I also supervisor a peer advisor.

  Advising
  As an academic advisor, I strive to provide students with a holistic approach and serve as a resource to a variety of on-campus and off-campus services. I believe each student deserves tailored advising experience that considers all aspects of a student’s life including their unique background, challenges, values, and interests.

  Education
  B.S, Kinesiology – Athletic Training, Sac State

  Professional Involvement 
  -Peer Mentor Student Coordinator – First Year Experience Program (Sac State) 
  -Peer Mentor – First Year Experience Program (Sac State)
  -Academic Mentor – FYE Space (Sac State)
  
  Interests 
  -Peer Mentoring Programs 
  -Fostering a sense of belonging for students
  -Mentoring and supporting those interested in advising
  
  Contact
  jmangili@ucdavis.edu

• Geoffrey Murry
• 

  About 
  I currently serve as the Student Services Manager for the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. This role allows me to advise both grad and undergrad students on course selections, post-graduation plans, current challenges in their quarter and gives me the opportunity to make appropriate referrals to campus resources.

  My experience working with the community colleges (Chaffey and Mt. San Jacinto), along with the private institutions and our sister campuses (UC Riverside, UC Irvine) has deepened my commitment to providing students with clear information to make informed decisions through streamlining processes and providing transparent guidance on policies/procedures.

  I have begun to widen my scope of student support. I have a strong interest in curriculum and programming and feel this is the best way for me to challenge the current systems in place that hinder student success.

  Advising Philosophy  
  Advising Philosophy: I implement high impact, holistic and supportive advising practices. As advisors serve a key role in translating academic policy to assist students with making informed decisions, there is no “top-down” rhetoric. Advising Is a partnership, where students/staff can come together to formulate solutions.

  My (3) pillars of advising:
  -Agency
  -Transparency
  -Solution Focused
  
  Professional Involvement
  Academic Advising Mentoring Program (AAMP)
  Advising for Equity Administrative Advisory Committee (AEAAC)
  Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (MAE Group)
  Undergraduate/Graduate Study Committee (MAE Group)
  Faculty and Curriculum (MAE Group)
  COE-Social Networking Group
  Advisor Networking Group (COE)
  
  Contact
  gmmurry@ucdavis.edu

• Katy Pattison - accepting mentees
• 

  About
  I am an undergraduate advisor with the Letters & Science Orange Cluster, primarily advising for the majors under the Political Science Department (International Relations, Political Science, Political Science – Public Service). I am also a UC Davis alum who started their advising journey as a peer advisor for what is now the Global Learning Hub.

  Advising Philosophy
  My advising philosophy centers on empowering students to feel confident in the choices they are making and fostering collaboration in accomplishing their academic, professional and personal goals. I strive to remove perceptions of a hierarchical structure in advising spaces to promote open and transparent advising sessions.

  Professional Involvement
  Facilitator for First Year Aggie Connections (International Davis)
  AAMP Committee, 2023-present
  L&S Advisors White Accountability Group 2021
  Orange Cluster Wellness Ambassador 2020 -2021

  Interests
  Peer Mentoring
  Policy Development
  Advisor Training

  Honors and Awards
  -Global Learning Hub Golden Globe award
  -Chancellor’s STAR award

  Education
  -B.A., International Relations, UC Davis
  -M.A., Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies, CSU Sacramento

  Contact
  kcpattison@ucdavis.edu

• Maria Saldaña - accepting mentees
• 

  About 
  Hola! I am Maria Saldaña one of the academic advisors in Managerial Economics with over 25 years of experience working in higher education.  Before joining the Managerial Economics team, I worked in previous departments and programs such as:  Viticulture and Enology, English, University Writing Program, Humanities, Comparative Litereature, French, Italian, Religious Studies, Cell Biology, and Genetics, to name a few. 
  
  A Mexican Native who grew up in South Central LA and Delano, CA, made my way to UC Davis and earned a Spanish BA in 1999, as well as an MA in Higher Education Leadership from Sacramento State in 2021.  Currently lead, serving as Co-Chair of the UC Davis Chicanx Latinx Alumni Association, and as Advisor and Mentor for the Prytanean Women's Honor Society. In my free time, I offers my talents to help and serve the under-represented community through events and organizations like the Cesar Chavez Leadership Conference, and the Chicanx/Latinx Graduation, while also assisting Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) with various events throughout the year.  In the community I directs the St. James Rite of Christian Initiation for Adult (RCIA) program and in the summer teach Faith Formation to children in the Davis Migrant Camp to the children of farm worker.
  
  Advising Philosophy  
  I believe personal and kind availability to students who need to connect and express their needs.  Assisting student to removes institutional barriers and builds courage to advocate for themselves.  When and if student needs, stand by students to champion their efforts.  
    
  Professional Involvement
  Over the years I have been a part of different committees that help shape and strengthen the collaboration among colleagues.   Currently, I am involved in the following UC Davis programs and committees: 
  - Mentor for Academic Advising Mentoring Program (2023-24) 
  - College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences PAL (Personal Advising Liaison) Program (2022-24)
  - Advisor and Mentor for Prytanean Women's Honor Society 
  - Co-Chair for the Chicanx and Latinx Alumni Association 
  - Member of the LSFA 

  Education and Degree(s) 
  B.A., Spanish, UC Davis ‘99 
  M.A., Higher Education Leadership, CS University of Sacramento ‘21
  
  Contact
  msaldana@ucdavis.edu 

• Caitlin Wehrley - accepting mentees
• 

  About 
  Hi there! I’m Caitlin Wehrley and I currently serve on a team of four in the Department of Animal Science. In my role, I advise students across three majors and two minors. I am an alumna of UC Davis and, as a student, I served as a Peer Advisor in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. In my role as Peer Advisor, I discovered my interest and passion for supporting students along their academic journeys. My areas of interest in advising include supporting first generation and transfer students – both of which I am proud to call myself. When I am not advising students, you can find me spending time with my husband, daughter, and dog!

  Advising Philosophy 
  In my view, the primary purpose of advising is to serve as a translator, a guide, and a cheerleader for students as they navigate the complex landscape of higher education. I aim to help them grow and develop not only academically, but also as individuals and responsible citizens by helping them build the confidence they need to advocate for themselves in all aspects of their life. When I advise students, my goal is to make them feel seen, understood, and supported.

  I strive to create an inclusive environment by sharing my personal journey as a non-traditional transfer student, now in a position of authority in the higher education field. My advising philosophy has been shaped by my role models and peers across campus who have instilled in me the importance of seeking professional development, nurturing connections, and approaching challenges with creative problem-solving strategies.

  Education
  - A.B., Anthropology, minor in Geology, 2018, University of California Davis 
  - A.A. in Liberal Arts, emphasis in Mathematics and Science, 2015, MiraCosta Community College

  Honors and Awards
  - Harry and Eleanor Walker Advising Award, 2022-2023, Outstanding Staff Advisor Award
  - UC Davis Staff Assembly Citation of Excellence, 2019-2020, Campus & Community Contributions Team Award
  - UC Davis Educational Opportunity Program’s Cherish to Flourish, 2018, In recognition of actively supporting first-generation and low-income students

  Professional Involvement
  - AAMP (Academic Advising Mentoring Program) Committee, 2022-present, Marketing and Events subcommittees
  - First Year Experience Workgroup, 2020-2021, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

  Professional Interests
  -First generation, transfer, and reentry student support and retention
  - Guiding students through major and career exploration
  - Parental support for students and advisors alike
  - Mental health and wellness
  - Creating visual marketing materials
  
  Contact
  cmwehrley@ucdavis.edu

• Lauren Wong
• 

  About 
  Lauren serves as a Success Advisor (Advising Training and Development Lead & Retention Specialist) in Academic Advising Enrichment. She oversees the development and implementation of training and community engagement for academic advisors, and builds collaborative partnerships to support student success and retention at UC Davis. Prior to joining Undergraduate Education, Lauren worked for the College of Letters and Science Undergraduate Education and Advising office as an academic advisor and the program manager for student leadership and development. Before joining the Dean's Office, she was an undergraduate advisor and program coordinator for the Languages & Literatures department, responsible for the administration of the Chinese, Japanese, Classics, Humanities, and Human Rights programs. Her passion for advising started when she served as an academic peer advisor for the Sociology Department on campus. 

  Advising Philosophy  
  I believe personal and kind advising/outreach removes institutional barriers and builds a scaffold of support for students. In my approach to higher education, I value: 
  
  - Caring for students beyond their academic identity and being curious about their stories
  - Collaborating with advising professionals and campus partners to share experiential learning opportunities and resources with students 
  - Challenging students to cultivate vision for their lives beyond graduation by encouraging them to find meaningful experiences and community during their college years 
  
  Professional Involvement
  - Facilitator/Instructor for First-Year Aggie Connections: "Life Lessons with Uncle Iroh" (2021-Present) 
  - Mentor for Academic Advising Mentoring Program (2022-Present) 

  Past:
  - Facilitator for the Advising Dialogues & Resources Committee (2020-2023) 
  - Co-Chair for the Social Justice and Advising Community (2021-2023) 
  - Mentor for the Guardian Scholars Program (2022-2023) 
  - Facilitator for Nuts & Bolts for Academic Advisors (Advisor Training & Professional Development Committee) (2023-2024) 
  - Academic Advising Mentoring Program, UC Davis. Presented a session titled “Learning Series: How to develop and enhance your peer advising programs,” April 2023.
  - UC Academic Advising Conference. Presented a session titled “#slayyy Your Advising Game: Supporting Gen Z Scholars,” April 2024.
  
  Education and Degree(s) 
  -B.A., Sociology, UC Davis 
  -B.A., Psychology, UC Davis 
  
  Honors and Awards 
  -Outstanding New Advisor, Academic Advising Award 2020 
  -Chancellor's Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Award 2020
  -Chancellor's Staff Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) Award 2024
  
  Contact
  lnawong@ucdavis.edu