STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM BIOS


Team Bios

Dr. Juan Carlos Astorga, Dean of Student Engagement and Acting Vice President of Student Services

Portrait of Juan Carlos Astorga

Dean Astorga has over 25 years of experience in higher education having worked at the public, private and community college level. He previously served as the Dean of Specially Funded Programs for LA Southwest College where he oversaw grant funded programs and served as the Director of TRIO Programs at Mt San Antonio College, where he supervised the Upward Bound and Student Support Services Programs. Dean Astorga earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Ethnic Studies and Psychology from the UC San Diego, and a master's degree in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling from San Diego State University. He graduated with his Ed.D. in Higher Education with a specialization in Community College Leadership from Cal State Fullerton. Dean Astorga and his wife are proud parents of two children.

At LA Pierce College, Dean Astorga oversees the following areas: Student Conduct/Discipline, Student Health Center, Special Services, Center for Academic Success, Child Development Center, and the LA Pierce College Library. Dean Astorga also serves as the co-advisor for the Associated Students Organization (ASO).

Dr. Lara Conrady Wong, Student Engagement Coordinator and Counselor

Portrait of Lara Conrady Wong

Dr. Conrady Wong has worked in higher education for over 20 years and is a dedicated student advocate. As the Associate Athletics Director of Student Services in Texas Athletics, she specialized in student programming/events such as Orientation, Academic Events, and Career Exploration. Her research interests include student community/campus engagement, student-athlete academic development, and service learning. Dr. Conrady Wong earned her B.S. in Psychology from Texas A&M University, and she completed both her Master's in Social Work and her Ph.D. in Education Administration with an emphasis in Higher Education at The University of Texas at Austin. Her favorite things include her husband and 2 kids, working out, and dark chocolate.

At LA Pierce College, Dr. Conrady Wong serves as the Associated Student Organization (ASO) Co-Advisor (along with Dean Astorga and Geremy Mason), began programs such as BRAVE (Bravely Responding through Actions and Voices through Empowerment) Bystander Intervention Programs and the new Brahma Leadership Society (co-created with teammate, Geremy Mason). Academic passions include student leadership development and the process of self-awareness development through the mentoring process. As a counselor, Dr. Conrady Wong enjoys supporting students in their academic journey during their time at LA Pierce College. Go Brahmas!

Looking to be more involved? Contact Lara!
Email: @email
Cranium:

Geremy Mason, MBA – Student Services Assistant

Portrait of Geremy Mason

Geremy Mason is the Student Services Assistant in the Office of Student Engagement and Associated Student Organization (ASO) co-advisor. Geremy co-created the Brahma Leadership Society along with Dr. Conrady Wong, and he is passionate about how leadership can transform students into professionals in the workforce. An LA native, Geremy has lived in various parts of the city. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business management from UC Riverside and his MBA with a focus in marketing from Cal State Northridge. He provides service in several areas – ASO club support, student involvement, campus resources inquiries, ASO student leadership, and events and activities. Geremy is more than happy to assist in any way possible. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

You can connect with Geremy in the following ways:
Monday to Thursday 9:00AM-4:00PM and Friday 9:00AM-3:00PM
Email: @email
Cranium Café:
Website: http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/a_s_o/index.asp

Kimberly Castillo, M.S. – Dream Resource Center Lead

Portrait of Kimberly Castillo

Kimberly Castillo oversees the Dream Resource Center (DRC) where she provides a variety of support and resources to undocumented students to ensure their success. Kimberly is so honored to be in a position where she constantly meets students who have inspirational stories and a drive to reach their goals. She graduated from California State University, Northridge with a B.A. in Psychology and an M.S. degree in College Counseling and Student Services. During her self-care time, Kimberly enjoys catching up on shows and spending time with her family and friends.

Please reach out if you have any questions and need guidance. Kimberly is here for you!

Her contact information:
Monday to Thursday from 10:00AM to 3:00PM
Email: castilkd@laccd.edu


Dream Resource Center Website

Sidra Bahadar – M.S., Peer to Peer Mentor Program Lead

Portrait of Sidra Bahadar

Sidra Bahadar oversees the Peer to Peer Mentor Program at LA Pierce College where she connects students with the program’s 12 peer mentors who offer support, guidance, and information to ease their college journey at Pierce. Sidra earned a Master of Science in College Counseling and Student Services and a B.A. in Psychology from CSUN. Sidra is passionate about helping students build connections with peers and professionals in college to ease students’ college transition and make sure they feel supported through any challenges faced. Outside of her role at LA Pierce College Sidra enjoys spending time with her family and being a mom.

You can connect with Sidra in the following ways:
Cranium Café: (Monday to Thursday from 11:00AM – 3:00PM)
Email: @email
Website: http://www.piercecollege.edu/students/peertopeer/

D’arcy Corwin – MSW, Brahma Pantry and Basic Needs Program Lead

Portrait of Darcy Corwin

D'arcy Corwin oversees the Brahma Pantry and Basic Needs Program at LA Pierce College where she connects students with food, housing, health and wellness resources, and referrals to campus and community programs to meet student’s basic needs and promote student success. She earned a Master of Social Work from CSUN and a B.A. in Spanish, Community and Culture from UCLA. She is passionate about helping students access the support and encouragement necessary to work through challenges that impact student's unique academic and personal journeys. In her free time, D’arcy loves to lounge, eat, and enjoy time with her family!

You can connect with D’arcy in the following ways:
Monday to Thursday from 10:00AM – 3:00PM
Email: @email
Cranium Café:
(laccd.edu)
Website: Brahma Pantry (piercecollege.edu)

Charles Johnson, M.A. – Veterans Resource Center Lead

Portrait of Charles Johnson

Charles Johnson oversees the functions of the LA Pierce College Veterans Resource Center (VRC). The mission of the VRC is to help student-veterans transition from military service to academic success by maximizing the use of resources and benefits available to them. Charles Johnson employs three core values to help facilitate student veterans’ transition process: Honor, Dignity, and Commitment. Charles Johnson retired after completing over twenty-six years of active-duty military service. He earned a bachelor's degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University, a master's degree of Psychology from Pepperdine University, and is currently completing a PsyD at the Chicago School for Professional Psychology.

Charles Johnson is dedicated to the success of all students and connects with internal and external resources to maximize student-veterans’ educational success.

You can connect with Charles in the following ways:
Phone: (818) 710-2215
Email: @email
Cranium Café: Conex ED – Johnson, Charles (cranium café.com)
Website: http://www.piercecollege.edu/offices/Veterans/vrc.asp