Arts, Media, and Entertainment
Amanda Garcia
Counseling Department
Office: CMD Campus
- Los Angeles Mission College (Liberal Arts: Social & Behavioral Sciences AA)
- California State University, Northridge (English BA)
- Loyola Marymount University (Guidance & Counseling MA)
- California Polytechnic University, Pomona (Educational Leadership EdD, in progress)
As a former community college transfer student and first-generation college graduate, I relate to the diverse experiences students have in their higher education pursuit. I chose to major in English because of my interest in literature and creative writing. My own college journey inspired me to become a counselor, so I can help create a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone. I believe in empowering students by celebrating their strengths, so they can confidently follow their passions and remain true to themselves in their college community and beyond.
Culture, History, and Languages
Philip Lantz
Counseling Department
Office: SSC 261
A bit about me:
College(s) Attended: El Camino College transfer to UCLA
Major: English Literature
I loved writing while in college. I went to school for English because I thought I wanted to be an English teacher, either at the high school or community college level. After graduating from UCLA, I was hired to work at a community college supporting students with their college writing assignments. While I loved talking about writing, I found that what I really enjoyed most was supporting students! I decided to be a counselor so that I could help students navigate higher education and work toward their goals. In particular, I love working with first year students. It is such an exciting time in a student’s journey, and I have a lot of fun partnering with students as they start learning about all that SMC has to offer. I think I have the BEST job in the world!
Quote/Motto: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou
Education
To be announced soon
Health and Wellness
Nancy Cardenas
Counseling Department
NOTE: My office is located at the BUNDY Campus
To make an appointment, it is best to follow the process described on the following page: How do I make an appointment with a Health Sciences Counselor?
College(s) Attended: I am a proud community college graduate! I earned my Associate’s
Degree in Liberal Arts from Santa Monica College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
from California State University Northridge, and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from
Loyola Marymount University.
Major: Psychology
First Gen proud!
After I finished high school, I decided to attend Santa Monica College with a goal to be an elementary school teacher. I always knew I wanted to work within education, but I fell in love working with community college students.
People and Society
Jessie Garcia
Counseling Department
Office: SSC
College Attended: UC Santa Cruz
Major: Psychology and minor in Education
First Gen proud!
Education was always a big part of my life growing up, especially having the opportunity to go to college. I originally thought I was going to become a doctor and began college as a Human Biology major. I was in this major for a little over a year and personally struggled to feel connected with my classes. While taking my science classes, I took Psychology classes for personal interest/ general education and fell in love. I was lucky enough to change my major to Psychology and minor in Education, combining my passion for education and connecting with others.
Favorite quote: “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.”
STEM
Jose Cue
Counseling Department
Office: SSC
I'm one of the STEM/SRI program and STEM AOI counselors. I meet with students to help them with their educational and career goals. I look forward to working with you in the future. I have been a counselor at SMC for over 25 years. While at SMC, I have had the privilege of working in many of the Counseling programs - EOPS, GCTS, Latino Center, and Scholars. I have been working with STEM students for the past decade. This has taught me much about the many challenges and opportunities faced by STEM students. I look forward to sharing all this experience with you. I am a first generation and immigrant student. I am a proud graduate of Culver City High School, SMC and UCLA.