Meet the Counselors

Pablo Carreon

PUENTE Counselor Ms. Rosas motivated me to not only give back to my community, but to the PUENTE Project. I cannot believe it has been 20 years since I participated in PUENTE DE PCC. PUENTE saved my life! It gave me the tools to succeed beyond PCC. It inspired me to make a difference in my community and seek a profession in Counseling. I am thrilled that I have had the privilege to serve as the Puente Counselor/Coordinator for the last four years and make a positive impact in the lives of my students. PUENTE is not a job; it is my life, energy, and what has made me the person I am today. I am also grateful for my PUENTE Mentor. Ms. Kathleen Rodarte always went out of her way to help me with my college applications by providing fee waivers for the applications, drove me to the post office to mail my college apps, and always without hesitation provided me the tools/resources I needed to succeed. Gracias and Rest in Paradise Kathleen Rodarte. Once a Puentista, Always A Puentista!!!

Never forget or be ashamed of where you come from. Your lived experiences are the ventajas/assets, which will carry you to success. Remember to bring along your familia and comunidad in your educational journey. Once successful, go back to your comunidad and give back. The way we change our society is by uplifting others and providing them the resources they need to better themselves. Always utilize your resources and NEVER, EVER be ashamed to ask for help from your PUENTE FAMILIA! SI SE PUENTE!!!

Antonio Del Real

• As a first-generation Mexican American, I grew up appreciating the blend of my cultural heritage and American opportunities. Raised in a low-income household, I learned the value of money and hard work early on, fueling my determination to succeed.
• My academic journey was diverse, marked by changing my major seven times. I began at Pierce College, earning an AA in Liberal Arts, then transferred to CSUN for a B.S. in Finance & Real Estate. Initially driven by the pursuit of lucrative careers, I interned at Warner Brothers in their Finance Department during my senior year. Despite the prestige, I realized this wasn’t my true calling.
• While recruiting for Pierce College and connecting with nearby high schools, I discovered my passion for guiding others. This experience revealed my true calling: helping individuals achieve their educational and career goals.
• To further my expertise, I earned a Master’s Degree in College Counseling and Student Services from CSUN.
• In 2012, armed with my master’s degree, I embarked on my career as a Career Counselor.Now, as a seasoned Career Counselor, I am dedicated to helping others find their paths.
• In my personal life, I enjoy listening to music, dancing, and staying physically active.
• My journey, marked by perseverance and self-discovery, has led me to a fulfilling career in career counseling, where I make a positive impact on others’ lives while embracing my own passions.

Where are you from? San Fernando Valley

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? STEM, Business & Industry, Social & Behavioral Sciences

Dr. Gena Lopez

Hi Fam!
My name is Dr. Gena Lopez. I am a life long Black Lancer and graduate of Pasadena City College.  I currently am the counselor/professor for the Ujima Program and the Co-creator/co-coordinator of the Blackademia Collective here at Pasadena City College. I am currently on the PCC College One Redesign Team, Co-Chair of the Academic Senate Social Justice Committee, and Lead Faculty Presenter on The Liberation Through Education Campaign. I take pride in being very student centered and love the work that I do. My students are a priority to me and I believe that the relationships we build together can last throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Shelby McIntyre

I’m a Career Counselor and Instructor for COUN 17: Career Planning, and I’ve been at PCC since 2018. I earned my B.A. in Cinema Studies, minors in Creative Writing & Music, from the University of Oregon, and after less than two years in the film industry, I realized it wasn’t the right fit for me. I navigated a career change to the counseling profession, and am passionate about helping others navigate the complex and confusing process of career decision-making to find meaningful work.

Proud CSUN alumni, I earned my M.S. Counseling, College Counseling & Student Services from CSU Northridge, and am recognized as a Certified Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association. I also work with the National and California Career Development Associations in the Public Policy/Government Relations Committees (social justice, systemic intervention/collective action, and civic engagement are key passions of mine). Outside of PCC, I’m dog mom of the cutest pug/pomeranian named Yzma, and I love reading, hiking, board games, and beach days.

Where are you from? Corvallis, Oregon

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? Arts, Communication, & Design – my dream jobs growing up included musical theater and performing for instrumental film scores/soundtracks (before I realized I much prefer a job interview to an audition!)

Armine Papazian

I am a first-generation college student. Born in Yerevan, Armenia, my family immigrated to the United States when I was 6 years old. As a 1.5-generation immigrant, navigating language barriers, cultural differences, and family expectations have shaped who I am. Although I really disliked school as a kid and worked through a great deal of anxiety navigating my high school and college years, I chose a profession where I am always in school – a place I feel at home. As a Career Counselor, I support students in navigating life, academic, and career choices. I think the process of making these decisions is more messy than straightforward and somewhere in that struggle we find who we are and what we want to do. I enjoy being there with students and supporting them in finding their path and voice.

I started my educational journey at a community college – Los Angeles Valley College (LAVC). Then transferred to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Education Studies. I completed my Masters in Counseling Degree with an emphasis in Student Affairs & Higher Education from the California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

In my personal time, I enjoy anything arts & crafts (love working with my hands & making stuff), hula-hooping, watching documentary films, listening to music, gardening and growing plants, and spending time with family & friends.

Where are you from? Born in Yerevan, Armenia raised and live in the San Fernando Valley.

Languages? Fluent in English & Armenian

What’s a PCC career community you have a connection with? STEM, Arts, Communication, & Design, and Liberal Arts. I think these communities share the spirit of curiosity, innovation, and creativity and add great value to the human experience.

Dr. Armia Walker

Hi Black Lancers!  We are here for you.
As a full-time Counseling Faculty member with over 20 years of experience, I’m deeply committed to helping Black students thrive in higher education. I’m passionate about social justice, equity, and creating spaces where we can be affirmed, succeed, and be supported. I co-founded Blackademia Counseling Services to uplift and empower Black student success, and I actively work to break down barriers in education. Whether it’s through counseling, support programs, or advocacy, I’m here to support your journey every step of the way.

Matthew Williams

Hi, I’m Matthew Williams. Here to help you succeed on and off the field
As a proud African American and Mexican American educator, I support students, especially those in Athletics, through every step of their college journey. I have come to understand that the Black diaspora’s synergy lies in our ability to master all the uniqueness we represent. I’m passionate about helping Black students stay on track academically, plan for their futures, and thrive beyond college. Let’s connect.  Your success matters to me.