Housing
Meet the Staff
»Meet the Staff
Meet the staff of our Residence Life and First-Year Experience Office, here to help you with all things housing at Chapman.
Central Office Staff
Dr. Juan Tinoco
Assistant Dean of Students, Residence Life and First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6668
jtinoco@chapman.eduDr. Juan Tinoco (he/him/el) serves as the Assistant Dean for the Office of Residence
Life and First Year Experience. As the Assistant Dean, Juan’s role is to lead the
professional staff in providing an exceptional residential experience that supports
student’s academic pursuits. As a first-generation college student and a person of
color, Juan is deeply committed in creating a safe, inclusive, living and learning
community where all students can thrive. Juan completed his bachelor’s at the University
of California, Santa Barbara, his Master’s in Student Affairs from the University
of Southern California, and most recently completed his Doctorate in Organizational
Leadership at The University of La Verne. In his spare time, Juan likes to hike, watch
movies and travel with his family.
Jamie Gutierrez
Associate Director, Residence Life and First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6961
jgutierr@chapman.eduJamie (she/her/hers) serves as the Associate Director of Residence Life and First
Year Experience. Her responsibilities include management of the New Student and Family
Orientation programs, First Year Residential experience, and First Year Student support
and intervention. During her time at Chapman, she has served as the Program Coordinator
and Graduate Assistant for Orientation and First Year Programs and the Assistant Director
of Residence Life and First Year Experience. Jamie has her Bachelor of Arts in Integrated
Educational Studies and Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman University.
During her free time, Jamie loves going to concerts, spending time with her family
and friends, working out, and relaxing with her cat, Cissy!
Amanda Zamora
Assistant Director, Operations
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6593
azamora@chapman.eduAmanda Zamora serves as the Assistant Director of Operations in the Office of Residence
Life and First Year Experience. She oversees: the operations of the department, housing
assignments, facilities, off-campus housing, housing communications, as well as the
day-to-day operations of the central office. Amanda has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications
from the University of Michigan and a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication from Boston
University. She started her Housing and Residence Life career in 2002, when she worked
as a Resident Director at Boston University. Amanda recently served as the Off Campus
Housing Coordinator in the Office of Residence Life and First Year Experience at Chapman
University from 2012-2018. In her free time, Amanda: teaches fitness classes, reads
books, and listens to podcasts.
Alex Hart, Ed. D.
Assistant Director, Residence Life and First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
(714) 628-7251
ahart@chapman.eduOriginally from Roseville, CA, working in residence life began for Alex when he was
a first-year student at William Jessup University near Sacramento, CA. A professional
staff member asked Alex to apply to be an Orientation Leader and later on a Resident
Advisor. Since then Alex finished his Masters Degree in Student Development Counseling
& Administration at Indiana Wesleyan University and his Doctorate of Education in
Higher Education Leadership at Azusa Pacific University, studying the development
of programming to increase residential college students' sense of community. Alex
loves television shows, movies, camping, traveling, and sitting around and talking.
Emily Belote
Housing Operations Manager
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6538
ebrent@chapman.eduEmily Belote (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. For her undergraduate
degree, she attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she received
her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a minor in Art History. Her passion for
providing a memorable experience for undergraduate students stems from her incredible
undergrad journey. While most of her work is behind the scenes, Emily is fortunate
to be part of the incredible Residence Life and First Year Experience team and to
help students truly find their homes in Chapman Housing. Emily has also served as
an advisor for one of Chapman’s Greek organizations. Outside of work, Emily is busy
keeping up with her toddler daughter and rescued Poodle-Bichon mix, Molly! She loves
dining out as a family-hoping her daughter becomes as big of a foodie as she and her
husband are someday.
Ellis Pearson
Administrative Assistant
Davis Community Center
(714) 532-6097
ellpearson@chapman.eduEllis Pearson serves as the Administrative Assistant, where he manages day-to-day
functions of the office while also supervising and developing a staff of student workers.
Ellis was born in Atlanta, GA and raised just outside in Marietta. After one semester
at Georgia State University, he transferred to Chapman University and obtained his
Bachelor of Arts in Strategic and Corporate Communication in 2022. In his last two
years of undergrad, he served as a Resident Advisor, and was a Lead Resident Advisor
for his final year. Ellis enjoys fostering relationships and doing work that helps
others grow, which is what initially drew him to become involved with the Department
of Residence Life and First Year Experience as a junior. Now, as the Administrative
Assistant for the department, he is able to continue serving in a meaningful way and
help others to develop, both personally and professionally. In his free time, Ellis
enjoys photography, gaming, reading, sending memes to his two brothers (one of which
is his twin), watching football and movies, relaxing with friends, and trying to make
people smile.
Selena Walter
Housing Communications Coordinator
Davis Community Center
(714) 516-4788
sewalter@chapman.eduSelena (she/her/hers) is the Housing Communications Coordinator for Residence Life
and First Year Experience. As the Housing Communications Coordinator, Selena manages
departmental social media accounts, residence life web pages and supports departmental
messaging efforts. Selena was born and raised in Ewa Beach, Hawai’i, on the island
of O’ahu. She moved to Southern California when she attended Azusa Pacific University,
where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design. She then received a Master’s
Degree from the University of Denver in Communication Management. While she was pursuing
her Master’s Degree, she was a Social Media Coordinator for a non-profit organization
and was an Internal Communications Intern for an education tech company. She discovered
her passion for supporting student success and, since then, had desired to work in
higher education. In her free time, she is indulging in KBBQ, exploring the virtual
worlds of gaming, or playing with her cats.
Chloe Sky
Housing Operations Coordinator
Davis Community Center
(714) 744-2162
csky@chapman.eduI was born and raised in Orange County. For my undergrad, I attended Cal State Fullerton where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In my free time, I am at Disneyland, watching hockey, sewing, or exploring a new hobby. My passion for working in higher education comes from my positive experience as a work-study student for my alma mater’s academic counseling center.
Breil Bonaguro
Program Coordinator, First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6512
bbonaguro@chapman.eduBreil Bonaguro (she/her/hers) serves as the Program Coordinator for First Year Experience.
Her responsibilities include the implementation of Family and Student Orientation
and First Year Programs, supervising student staff, and aiding students in their transition
into the Chapman community. Breil has her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and
Peace Studies and is finishing her Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman
University. Breil is passionate about working with college students because of her
own undergraduate experience at Chapman. She is a first-generation college graduate
and is delighted to continue serving the Chapman community. During her free time,
Breil loves spending time with her family and friends, going to the beach, listening
to music, reading, and exploring outdoors.
Frances Isler
Graduate Assistant, First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
resstu417@chapman.edu Hello! My name is Frances Isler (he/him), and I am the current Graduate Assistant
for First Year Experience. My responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of various early transition
and first-year programs, collaborating with departments to ensure the success of Orientation,
and mentoring the Orientation Coordinators. I received a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of California, Santa
Barbara in 2024, and I am excited to begin the dual MA in English and MFA in Creative
Writing Program here at Chapman this upcoming Fall 2025. At UCSB, I was an Arnhold Undergraduate Fellow, a member of the Transfer Honors Society Tau Sigma, and I served as an Assistant Editor for The Catalyst, the student-led literary arts journal on campus. In my free time, I enjoy baking, playing Stardew Valley, working out, and tending to my garden
and dogs back home in Sacramento, CA.
Resident Directors and Area Coordinators
Maiya White
Area Coordinator, Chapman Court
(714) 516-6125
maiywhite@chapman.eduMaiya White (she/her/hers) has always called Southern California her home and grew
up in the Inland Empire. She received her BA in Political Science from the University
of La Verne in 2019. She shortly after came to Chapman University (CU) to earn her
Master of Art in War and Society. As a graduate student at CU, she served as a graduate
assistant in Student Organizations before joining the Residence Life and First-Year
Experience team as the Graduate Resident Director for Panther Village. Maiya is passionate
about cultivating meaningful relationships with residents and student leaders. She
specializes in helping students find their college experience and think about life
after college. Maiya loves to watch television, read, play board games, hang out with
her dog, shop, and spend quality time with family and friends in her free time.
Annessa Garcia
Area Coordinator, Chapman Grand
Chapman Grand lobby
(714) 516-5477
angarcia@chapman.eduAnnessa is a first-generation college student from Riverside, CA. She grew up playing
softball which led her to a community college in Texas. After graduating with her
associate's degree. Annessa transferred to Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa,
where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology
and continued to play softball. After graduation, she stayed at Briar Cliff for two
years, taking on the role of Assistant Coach of Women’s Softball. After this she moved
back to California and began her career at Chapman University as an officer with Public
Safety. Annessa worked as an officer for 4 years, where she became a Rape, Aggression,
and Self-Defense (RAD) Instructor, and earned other certificates and trainings regarding
emergency and crisis response. After acquiring these certificates and trainings and
navigating Chapman’s campus for 4 years, Annessa discovered her passion as an advocate
and mentor for students. Annessa knew that she wanted to contribute and help students
become successful once they left Chapman because college is such an important time
in the lives of students, both in earning an education and learning about themselves.
This discovery drove Annessa to change her career direction and join the Residence
Life and First Year Experience team. In her free time, Annessa can be found with her
family and friends or on the softball field where she plays recreational slow-pitch
softball.
Celina Davis
Area Coordinator, The K, Panther Village, Davis and Harris apartments
Second floor of the K Residence Hall
(714) 516-4747
cedavis@chapman.eduCelina Davis grew up in Old Towne Orange and graduated from Chapman University in
2016 with her BA in Integrated Educational Studies. During her time at Chapman University
as an undergrad, she was a Resident Advisor for two years; her passion for guiding
students through their transformative college years stemmed from this experience.
Celina serves as the Administrative Assistant for the Office of Residence Life and
First Year Experience. Her responsibilities include supervising and developing a staff
of student workers and managing the day-to-day functions of the office. Celina is
currently earning her Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman University.
In her free time, Celina enjoys reading, watching hockey, working out, and going to
the beach with friends.
Madelyn (Morning Star) Duran
Resident Director, Morlan Hall
Morlan Hall lounge
(714) 532-6078
maduran@chapman.eduMadelyn (Morning Star) Duran (she/her/hers) serves as the Resident Director for Morlan
Hall. Morning received her B.A. in Communication Through Arts from the University
of La Verne and her M.A. in Arts Management from Claremont Graduate University. Morning
is currently receiving her PhD in Cultural Studies emphasizing in Indigenous Studies
and Decolonial Theory from Claremont Graduate University. Morning began serving within
higher education in 2018 and has held positions such as Resident Assistant, Community
Assistant, Leasing Coordinator, and Resident Director at the University of La Verne,
Keck Graduate Institute, Harvey Mudd College, and University of California Riverside
prior to arriving at Chapman University. Outside of housing, Morning has served as
a Projection Designer for Native Voices at the Autry Museum of the American West.
Morning also serves as the Director of Junior Staff for the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership
Seminar where she was recognized by President Barack Obama and President Joe Biden
by receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award for 2015, 2016, 2018, 2021, and
2023. Morning is passionate about servant leadership and takes pride in developing
student leaders. In her free time, Morning loves to make jewelry, spend time with
friends and family, or spend time with her pup!
Christy Martinez-Saucedo
Resident Director, Sandhu Residence Center
Sandhu Residence Center First Floor
(714) 997-6528
martinezsaucedo@chapman.eduChristy Martinez-Saucedo (she/her/hers) was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She
then moved to Fullerton, CA to attend California State University, Fullerton where
she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Human Services in 2017. During her final year
of undergrad, she served as a resident assistant for a first year community. In 2017,
she moved to Denver, Colorado to obtain her Master of Arts in Higher Education from
the University of Denver (DU). At DU, she served as a Graduate Resident Director of
a first-year residence hall for two years in the Housing and Residential Education
department. Christy self-identifies as a first-generation Latina and is proud to be
Central American. Being the eldest of 7 siblings, she acknowledges that it has shaped
her into embracing and valuing interpersonal connections. In her free time, she likes
dancing, shopping, spending time with friends and family, watching TV shows and videos
on make-up, dancing, and drum corps. Christy enjoys being a part of the Chapman community
where individualized education is valued and students, faculty, and staff can accomplish
anything imaginable!
Susana Elizalde
Resident Director, Pralle-Sodaro Hall
Pralle-Sodaro Hall First Floor
(714) 532-6069
selizalde@chapman.eduSusana Elizalde (she/her/ella) is a first-generation Latina from Santa Ana, CA. She
received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications and double major in Chicano/a studies
from California State University, Northridge. Shortly after came to Chapman University
to earn her Master of Arts in Leadership Development. As a former Graduate Resident
Director (GRD) for the Davis and Harris apartments, she holds knowledge of Chapman's
residence life and campus resources. Previously, she worked in the residence life
departments for the University of Southern California as a Residential College Coordinator,
but prior to that she lived in Washington, DC and worked as a Community Coordinator
at the George Washington University. Her passion is cultivating meaningful relationships
with residents and student leaders. In her free time, she loves to cook, paint, try
new restaurants, and go to the movies.
Sam Anglin
Resident Director, Henley Hall
Henley Hall lobby
714-516-4753
anglin@chapman.eduSam Anglin serves as Resident Director for Henley Hall. He was born in Orange County
but grew up in Texas and Maryland. After finishing High School Sam moved to Portland,
Oregon where he earned a B.A. in Leadership and an M.A. in Old Testament at Multnomah
University. After spending many years in specialty coffee opening cafes in Portland
OR, Washington D.C. and Raleigh NC, Sam began working in Higher Education in 2019
as Resident Director and Housing Coordinator, and later Associate Dean of Residence
Life, Student Conduct, and Title IX at Multomah University. Most recently he served
as an Academic Advisor for Nursing and Kinesiology students at George Fox University
in Newberg, Oregon.
Sam is excited to be working with a dynamic and experienced team of Residence Life
professionals at Chapman University to assist in developing students as they continue
growing into ethical and productive global citizens. Outside of work Sam can be found
surfing, rock climbing, and spending time with his wife Carlee and their dog, Fitz.
Graduate Resident Directors
Justice Elohim
Graduate Resident Director
Chapman Court
resstu328@chapman.eduJustice Elohim holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and Visual Experience,
with a concentration in photography, and a minor in Business Administration. During
his undergraduate studies, he served as a Residential Representative, Vice President
of student government, and as a Resident Advisor. He is currently pursuing a Master
of Arts in Leadership Development at Chapman University. In addition to his academic
and leadership pursuits, Justice volunteers as an art teacher at the Youth Centers
of Orange and continues to explore his passion for mixed media art and photography.
Arleth Ulloa
Graduate Resident Director
Chapman Court
resstu330@chapman.eduArleth (she/her/hers) got her Bachelor's in Political Science and English from Chapman
in 2023. She was raised in Orange County but originally from Connecticut. Her passion
is working with students and in the nonprofit sector. She most recently was a program
educator for Girls Inc. If Orange County where she served girls all over the area.
She worked in Resident Life during her undergrad and is excited to rejoin the team
for her masters program. Her free time is spent with friends, family, trying new foods,
or taking walks exploring new places.
Khaili Rowan
Graduate Resident Director
Chapman Court
resstu426@chapman.eduHi! My name is Khaili Rowan, and I’m so excited to be part of the Residence Life and
First Year Experience team this year! I’m originally from Denver, Colorado, and I’m
currently pursuing my MBA at Chapman University. Before grad school, I earned my Bachelor’s
degree in Film, Television, and Interactive Media from Brandeis University, so creativity
and storytelling have always been a big part of who I am.
I have a background in media production, where I worked on everything from coordinating
shoots to managing budgets and digital content. Organization and planning are my superpowers—whether
I’m scheduling a film shoot or helping plan an event for our floor, I love bringing
people together and making things run smoothly.
Outside of work and school, I’m a big fan of movies, tea shop hunting, and spending
time with dogs (especially Black Russian Terriers—they’re the best!). But my absolute
favorite passion? Horror and Gothic literature! I love the eerie atmosphere, the psychological
twists, and the dark, mysterious worlds these stories create. From Mary Shelley to
modern horror films, I’m always up for a spooky conversation or a scary movie night,
so if that’s your vibe too, come find me!
As your GRD, my goal is to make this community welcoming, fun, and full of memorable
experiences. College can be a lot, but we’ll get through it together. My door is always
open—whether you want to chat, need help, or just want to share your favorite creepy
story!
Celina Garcia
Graduate Resident Director
Chapman Grand
resstu419@chapman.eduCelina (she/her/hers) received her Bachelor's in Nutritional Science with an emphasis
in Food Science from California State University, Los Angeles. She was born in the
San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles County. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate
experience, she has been involved in student leadership, serving as President of California
State University, Los Angeles' Food Science & Technology Association and Chapman's
Food Science & Nutrition Association. She is currently in her second year in Chapman's
Master of Science in Food Science program and is excited to join the Residence Life
team. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, go on hikes, and
exploring new restaurants in Orange County.
Seeret Jhita
Graduate Resident Director
Chapman Grand
resstu421@chapman.eduSeeret (she/her) is a second-year Food Science graduate student at Chapman University.
She began her journey as a community college transfer before earning her Biological
Sciences degree at UC Riverside. During undergrad, she interned at Chapman in the
SURFEEs program and knew she needed to return. She’s now back and excited to be pursuing
her master’s, researching coffee and dairy-based beverages, and working in resident
life.
She’s passionate about community work and is a former Chapter Co-Lead for Khalsa Aid
USA, organizing meal and hygiene kit distributions for unhoused populations across
Southern California. She hopes to combine her love for food, service, and science
into a future food tech career here in California.
Off duty, Seeret enjoys checking out new matcha cafes, getting lost in a good book
or anime, and quality time with friends and family.
Gia Hanselman
Graduate Resident Director
Chapman Grand
resstu425@chapman.eduGia Hanselman (she/her) is a writer and media scholar passionate about storytelling
across mediums. A 2024 graduate of Gonzaga University, she earned her B.A. in English
with a minor in Film Studies. She is currently pursuing advanced studies in Film and
Media at Chapman University’s Dodge College, where she continues to explore the intersections
of narrative, identity, and visual culture. She wants to pursue archival work and
a future in Academia.
Gia brings a diverse set of creative and leadership experiences to her work. During
her undergraduate years, she served as a Resident Assistant, supporting student communities
with empathy and intention. Outside the classroom, she created and published her own
zine series—highlighting personal narratives and experimental writing—and her poetry
and short fiction have been featured in various literary magazines.
Whether analyzing film theory, crafting poetic language, or building inclusive spaces,
Gia is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and telling stories that resonate.
She continues to evolve her creative practice while fostering meaningful dialogue
through art, media, and community.
Alejandra Vaca
Graduate Resident Director
Davis and Harris Apartments
resstu424@chapman.eduAlejandra (she/her/hers) earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UC Santa
Cruz in 2022. During her time at UCSC, Alejandra developed a deep passion for student
advocacy and community building. She served as a Senate member in the UCSC Student
Union Assembly, where she collaborated with campus leaders to support student initiatives,
promote equity, and strengthen the student voice across the university. Simultaneously,
Alejandra also began her journey in resident life as resident assistant, where she
supported students navigating the challenges of college life. Now a graduate student
studying School Psychology, Alejandra remains committed to fostering supportive, inclusive
environments where students can thrive.
Audrey Metzler
Graduate Resident Director
Panther Village
resstu438@chapman.eduBorn and raised in Arizona, Audrey (she/her/hers) graduated from Arizona State University
(ASU) in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Studies and a Bachelor of Science
in Psychology. While at ASU, Audrey participated in residence life as the Director
of Operations for the Residence Hall Association (RHA) and President of the Barrett
Residential Council. Through these roles, she realized a strong passion for supporting
her peers as students and residents, connecting them with opportunities and resources
both on and off campus, and seeing them thrive academically and personally. Continuing
to follow her passion while furthering her education, Audrey now serves as the Graduate
Resident Director (GRD) for Panther Village and is pursuing her Juris Doctor at Chapman’s
Dale E. Fowler School of Law. In her free time, Audrey enjoys spending time with her
loved ones, being active outdoors (hiking, surfing, kayaking, golfing), reading, watching
movies, and exploring more of her new home here in California.
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