STUDENT ENGAGEMENT TEAM BIOS

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.

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!

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: https://laccd.craniumcafe.com/sidrabahadar (Monday to Thursday from 11:00AM – 3:00PM)
Email: @email
Website: http://www.piercecollege.edu/students/peertopeer/

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.