Leydy Sandoval
Professional Title: Guardian Scholars Program, Program Coordinator
Email: lsanchezsandoval2@ucmerced.edu
Schedule appointment: Here
Bio: Leydy Sanchez Sandoval, Coordinator for the Guardian Scholars Program, has over 8 years of experience in educational settings. She has worked as a College Success Coach, Foster Youth and Homeless College Transitional Advisor, and Academic Migrant Counselor. She is excited to support diverse students and contribute to a safe, inclusive learning environment. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and loves coffee.
Student Coordinators
Brana Phillips
Professional Title: Lead Student Coordinator
Cohort: Third Years, Fourth Years & Transfers
Email:bphillips9@ucmerced.edu
Schedule Appointment Here
Bio: Hi my name is Brana (bruh-nae) I am a 4th year psychology major.
Fall 2024 Hours: Tuesday- 3 to 5 pm. Wednesday- 11am to 5 pm. Thursday- 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Friday- 11 am to 5 pm.
Brianna Ochoa
Professional Title: Co-Lead Student Coordinator
Cohort: Third Years
Email: bochoa12@ucmerced.edu
Schedule Appointment:Here
Bio: Hi my name is Brianna and I’m a third year psychology major. Please visit me in TRV 151 if you need any assistance.
Fall 2024 Hours: Monday- 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Tuesday- 10 am to 11:30 am & 1:30 pm to 4 pm. Wednesday: 11:30 am to 1:30 pm & 4:30 pm to 5 pm. Thursday- 10 am to 11:30 am & 1:30 to 5 pm. Friday- 9 am to 10 am & 11:30 am to 3 pm.
Michelle Thomas
Professional Title: Outreach & Programming, Student Coordinator
Cohort: Second Years & First Years
Email: michellethomas@ucmerced.edu
Schedule Appointment: Here
Bio: Hi there! My name is Michelle Thomas, and I am a sophomore studying Political Science. As both a coordinator and cohort of GSP, I hope to meet new faces and assist my peers to academically, professionally, and personally flourish.
Fall 2024 Hours: Monday- 1 to 2 pm. Tuesday- 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Wednesday- 1 to 2 pm and 3:30 to 5 pm. Thursday- 10:30 am to 2:30 pm. Friday- 1 to 2 pm and 3:30 to 5 pm.
Aaron Castillon
Professional Title: Retention & Programming, Student Coordinator
Cohort: First Years
Email: acastillonsanchez@ucmerced.edu
Schedule Appointment: Here
Bio: Hello my name is Aaron and I'm currently a freshman majoring in mechanical engineering. As your student coordinator I'm excited to support you through whatever life has to bring. A couple of things about myself is I like to listen to music and play some instruments like the piano and guitar.
Fall 2024 Hours: Monday- 11 to 1 pm. Tuesday- 12 pm to 5 pm. Wednesday- 11 to 1 pm. Thursday- 12 pm to 5 pm. Friday- 9 to 2 pm.
Program Representative
Maddison Crump
Professional Title: Bright Sucess Center Student Representative to Belonging and Resilience
Email: mcrump2@ucmerced.edu
Schedule Appointment: Here
Bio: Hi Everyone! My name is Maddison and I’m a fourth year psychology major here at UC Merced. Not only do I work for GSP but I‘m also a student in the program as well. I spend most of my time advocating for underserved populations and foster/ guardianship youth. Throughout my time here at UC Merced I have been very active in the Bright Success Center. I started off as a student in the Guardian Scholars Program. I got a job as a student coordinator my second semester of college and eventually worked my way up to lead. Through this position I have been active in collaborating with different programs and learning about their student populations, I eventually became a student in BUS and an ally to the monarch center
Who do I serve? Students and staff of Guardian Scholars Program, Bobcat Underground Scholars, and Monarch Center
Fall 2024 Hours: Tuesday- 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Wednesday- 10:30 am to 1pm & 3 pm to 5 pm. Thursday- 10:30 am to 1pm & 3 pm to 5 pm. Friday- 10:30 am to 4 pm
