Counseling Faculty Team

Cindy Mata

My name is Cindy Mata. I am a part-time counselor at Cañada College. I’ve worked in general counseling, EOPS, and I’ve taught career courses. I started my educational career at community college where I earned an Associate’s degree, I went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology, and ultimately, I received a Master’s degree in Counseling with concentrations in College, Career, and Marriage, Child and Family Counseling from San Francisco State University.

I was the first college graduate in my family. I truly believe in the power of education. I especially love community college; it’s a transformative place where one can change his/her life. Come on in and let’s talk about how college can enhance your life. Let me help you reach your academic goals!

Gloria Darafshi

Hello – my name is Gloria Darafshi and I am a Counselor at the college. I have worked at Cañada for over 10 years and have experience working in General Counseling, EOPS, Instruction, and Transfer. I also teach CRER 137 Life and Career Planning. My educational degree is a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). Prior to working in education, I worked for the County of San Mateo Human Services Dept., for the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts as a Grant Manager, and in my home state of Connecticut for a private, non-profit that served recovering alcoholics and ex-offenders. I love the diversity of students at Cañada College and helping students to achieve their educational goals!

Lorraine Barrales-Ramirez

Welcome to Cañada College! I grew up in Redwood City and graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School. As a first generation college student and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I had challenges along the way. Like many of you, I started my journey at a community college undecided about my major. I ended up earning an Associate’s Degree in Spanish and transferred to Cal State Fullerton where I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business. After a few years working in various educational and non-profit organizations, I found my calling to pursue a career in counseling. I returned to school where I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Counseling from San Jose State University.

Since 2008 I have been the EOPS/CARE/FFYI Counselor and Coordinator at Cañada College. We assist low-income, educationally disadvantaged students pursue a college education. Every day, I look forward to working with students in helping them achieve their educational and career aspirations. To learn more about EOPS/CARE/FFYI go to: http://bestvip.shop/eops/index.php

Lyn Belingheri

Hello … my name is Lyn Belingheri. I am a part-time Counselor at Cañada College. I have worked at the College for 12 years. I feel extremely fortunate to be working with the diverse student population of Cañada. I have experience in General Counseling, EOPS, Middle College, DRC, MESA and Outreach areas. I have taught College Success courses, and also Career 430, an individual, one on one, career exploration course. In the private sector I have worked as a Career Counselor for an independent consulting firm, providing Career and Educational Counseling to working adults.

I am a product of the Community College system, starting my educational path at Cañada then transferring to CSU East Bay for my Bachelor’s in Human Development and completing my Master’s in Counseling (Career/College emphasis) at San Francisco State University.

Melissa Alforja

Greetings! My name is Melissa Alforja and I work for the TRiO Student Support Services (SSS) program as a Faculty Coordinator & Counselor. I enjoy working with students to help them discover, plan and pursue their academic and career endeavors. My goal as the TRiO SSS counselor is to work closely with students who are first in their families to attend college, and/or income eligible. Prior to joining Cañada College in 2006, I worked at Evergreen Valley College, Heald College and Challenger School.

If you would like to more about TRiO SSS, please feel free to check out: http://bestvip.shop/trio/

Nadya Sigona

My name is Nadya Sigona. I am thrilled to be a counselor here at Cañada College. I enjoy working with students to encourage them to pursue their dream careers and to help them overcome the obstacles along the way. I obtained my Masters in Counseling Education from San Jose State University. Prior to that I received a Masters in Human Resources from Golden Gate University and I also worked counseling adults in the workplace. I can't wait to meet you! I know that many of you have unique talents, challenges and dreams that I would love to hear more about. I look forward to seeing you.

Nicholas Martin

My name is Nicholas Martin and I am a General Counselor and Instructor. I feel privileged and honored to work with our fantastic students, faculty and staff each and every day in various capacities. One of my areas of expertise is working with Veteran students—a rapidly growing population needing our assistance and guidance now more than ever. Besides striving to be the best counselor I can be every day, one of my goals is to expand my counseling skills by learning Spanish. As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), it is imperative that we are equipped to help our dynamic and diverse student population.

Prior to joining Cañada College, I worked at Berkeley City College and St. Joseph Notre Dame High School assisting students with their academic plans, choices, and goals.

If you are interested in learning more about the Counseling Department and our services, please stop by our office Building 9 give us a call at (650) 306-3452.

Bob Haick

Greetings! I came to Cañada in 2004 and am currently the Director of the Career Center. Before I came to Cañada, I honed many of my skills over the years in such capacities as a Regional Restaurant Manager, Elementary School Teacher, Regional Manager of Training and Development for Kinko’s Southern California, and as a successful entrepreneur of a tech business. In addition, I hold a Bachelor’s Degree, Teaching Credential, and Masters in Counseling. I feel my past and present experience prepares me well to help students along their career journey.

Sandra Mendez

Sandra Mendez

For the past 10 years I have been tutoring, mentoring and counseling individuals through the many transitions of school and life. I started by volunteering my time and before I knew it, community college counseling had become my profession. It is a profession that I am very fortunate to say I love. I have a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from UC Berkeley. I obtained a Master's degree in Counseling from Saint Mary's College of California. I have lived and worked all over the bay area and through all my experiences I have learned that I have enjoyed working with people and finding out what inspires them. I look forward to working with you and making your college experience a positive and fulfilling one.

Sandra Rodrigues

I hope you are as happy as I am to be at Cañada! My name is Sandra Rodrigues. I have been at this campus for 8 years and for the last 6 years, I’ve been working at the STEM Center, helping students majoring in science, technology, engineering and/or math. I truly enjoy working with students exploring transfer school options, planning an individualized path that will holistically meet student's educational goals, and assisting in any way that I can to help students succeed academically and transfer. I hope to meet you soon and be able to help you reach your educational goals!

Sarah Aranyakul

Hello! Welcome to Cañada College. My name is Sarah Aranyakul, I have been a counselor here since March 2012. Prior to working at Cañada College, I was a counselor at City College of San Francisco for six years and Gavilan College for four years. I received my AS in Business Administration from Cañada College, BS in Management from Golden Gate University and MA in Counseling from Santa Clara University. As an immigrant and first generation college graduate, I value education and believe in working hard. I am committed to serving students to the best of my ability. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you and assist you in achieving your goals.

Tony Basques

Hi There: My name is Tony Basques and I am an Adjunct counselor at Cañada College where I have been providing academic and personal counseling. I was the counselor for Middle College student at the College of San Mateo (for ten years) where I also taught Career 121/122. I have really enjoyed working with the students at Cañada College for the past 5 years. I have worked with Financial Aid students as well as the Early Alert program.

Jessica Boyle

My name is Jessica Linares Boyle and I am a part-time EOPS Counselor here at Cañada. I am also an EOPS counselor at Los Medanos College and previously at Merritt College. I was born in Lima, Peru and Spanish is my first language. I am a first generation college student and was proudly part of EOPS, CalWORks and TRIO. I utilized every resource available on campus. I transferred from Cañada to SFSU to earn my Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice. For six years, I worked as a Residential Counselor in non-profit serving foster youth and families experiencing crisis. I also have experience working with Child Protective Services and Juvenile Probation. Over the years, I have continued to work at Cañada for various departments such as the Career Center, SparkPoint and EOPS/CARE/FYSI . I believe that education is a powerful tool and the best way to help my community, which is why I decided to go back to school to obtain my Master's Degree in Counseling Education from San Jose State University. I strongly believe in the skills and talents of all my students. I am an advocate for my students and committed to providing a high level of support.

Jenna French

I have been the Learning Disability Specialist/DRC Counselor at Cañada College since July 2015.  I possess a BA in Art History with a minor in Education from UCSC, MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from SFSU, and I earned the Adult Learning Disabilities certificate from Sacramento State University in 2015.  I experienced the most thrilling accomplishment of my life in June, 2013. I earned my Masters from the San Francisco State University in Rehabilitation Counseling. I accomplished this in spite of being diagnosed with a learning disability (LD) in third grade. Throughout my life, I was continuously told my disability could keep me from being a successful student. Contrary to what I was told, this setback has been the very source of motivation for me to strive for academic excellence. Overcoming my own barriers and obstacles to academic achievement has provided me with a foundation upon which I could readily help others. I feel strongly drawn to a career in counseling, assessing students for LDs, identifying barriers, and find strategies to meet these challenges. I help students set up disability accommodations and teach them study strategies. I want students to understand how their brain process information and give them strategies/tools to use when learning. 

Jinmei Lun

Hello!  My name is Jinmei Lun, and I am delighted to be an international student counselor at Cañada College. I have over ten years of working experience in the California higher education system. I was a general counselor and an international student counselor at Ohlone College, a Trio counselor at Chabot College, and an academic advisor at San Jose State University. I enjoy working with students and empowering them to succeed.

I am passionate about helping international students because I had similar experiences when I attended a community college as a new immigrant. I received an associate degree in Social Science from Ohlone College then transferred to the University of California, Berkeley to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Psychology. I later earned a master’s degree in Education Counseling and Student Personnel from San Jose State University. I will apply my personal and professional experiences to support our students to the best of my ability in achieving their educational goals at Cañada and beyond.

Languages: English, Cantonese, Mandarin