International Services and Engagement Office Staff

Gabriela Hoffmann 

As Senior Director of ISEO, Gabi provides leadership in ensuring UC San Diego’s international students, scholars, and families receive the highest levels of support and care during their time in the United States.  

Gabi has spent the last 20 years of her career in international education, starting with a Fulbright teaching assistantship in Austria, followed by several years in London. There, she first worked for the University of California Education Abroad Program and then for a non-profit educational exchange organization. Gabi’s passion for serving others, particularly international students and scholars who bravely forge a path in a new environment to achieve their lifelong educational, professional, and personal goals, is what drives her work and inspires her daily.   

In addition to her work abroad in Austria and the UK, Gabi has also traveled extensively, including to Germany, South Korea, and Japan. A proud participant in UC’s Education Abroad Program herself, Gabi studied for a year at the University of Manchester, UK. Gabi earned her master’s degree in European studies at the University College London, and a bachelor’s degree in history from UC Riverside. 

Sandra Vargas Tinoco, J.D
Assistant Director, International Faculty & Scholar Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Sandra serves as the Assistant Director for Faculty and Scholar Services at ISEO, where she specializes in guiding faculty, scholars, and departments through the complexities of employment-based immigrant visa categories and employment based permanent residency options. With over 18 years of expertise in immigration law and policy, Sandra leads a dedicated team, ensuring seamless support for international faculty and scholars navigating their journey in the U.S. Sandra’s passion lies in connecting with scholars from around the globe and learning about their groundbreaking research, which inspires her daily. Known for her approachable demeanor and thorough knowledge of intricate visa regulations, Sandra encourages open communication and strives to empower scholars with the information they need to succeed. Sandra holds a B.A. in Political Science from UC San Diego and a J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. A proud Triton, she loves rediscovering UC San Diego’s ever-evolving campus and reminiscing about her student days. Outside of work, Sandra’s life is an adventure filled with family outings around San Diego, chasing after her energetic kids, and savoring the city’s vibrant culture.  

Pauline DeGuzman 
Assistant Director, International Student Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pauline’s interest in International Education began with her summer abroad in Rome, Italy. Apart from learning about different cultures, she also enjoys navigating the ins and outs of immigration policy and how it affects our society at large. After earning her B.A. in Social Ecology & Criminology from the UC Irvine, she quickly found herself working for various institutions or higher education creating and implementing university policies that govern international students. On her spare time, she enjoys crafting with her Silhouette Cameo, visiting the SD Zoo with her family, and exploring new places to EAT!

Peter Jombik
Assistant Director, Compliance and Systems
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Peter is a proud Triton, having graduated from UC San Diego with the Bachelor's degree in International Studies. Growing up in Europe, traveling extensively in Asia, and living the American Dream in California have all contributed to his affinity for anything international, and made him the true world citizen he is today. Being a student of Eleanor Roosevelt College (ERC), he followed ERC's main theme of "developing world citizens through scholarship, leadership, and service." Peter participated in the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), tutored international students through the English-In-Action (EIA) Program, and volunteered at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to help refugees in San Diego apply for college and financial aid. Through all of these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding of the needs of the international community, as well as a strong passion for helping them succeed in their academic and professional journey at UC San Diego. For over a decade, Peter has been fortunate to make this passion his career in the field of international student and scholar services.

Grace Fuller 

As the Manager of International Experience and Engagement, Grace focuses on what shapes the experience of our international students, scholars, and families during their time at UC San Diego. Guided by her core values that we belong to each other and that we are better together, Grace is committed to creating spaces that support the diverse needs of UC San Diego’s global community. In her work, Grace explores how to achieve this mission through programming and events, communications and marketing, and other initiatives. Grace has spent over ten years in international education, including living abroad, supporting domestic students abroad, and working with international students both abroad and domestically. Grace earned her B.A. in International Relations from Pepperdine University, and her M.A. from San Diego State University in Education and Counseling with a certificate in Trauma Informed Care. Outside of the office, Grace loves to be just that – outside. Whether it be snorkeling in La Jolla Cove, hiking, backpacking, or paddleboarding, Grace loves exploring the beautiful backyard of San Diego.  

Roark Miller, Ph.D.
Interim Special Projects and Innovation Consultant
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Roark Miller has been working in international education for two decades, advising international scholars and students on the full gamut of academic visa classifications. Prior to coming to UC San Diego he worked in International Offices at Emory University and the Morehouse School of Medicine. Roark received his Ph.D. in Musicology from the University of Michigan, and his B.Mus. in Piano Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory. He received a Fulbright Hayes Fellowship for dissertation research in Venice, Italy, and a Fulbright International Education Administration award for India. He has served as Regbud for NAFSA Region 12, presented at numerous NAFSA regional conferences, and served as a NAFSA trainer.  Roark has also published articles in refereed journals, and has taught at Southern Methodist University and Emory University.

Victoria Gerginis-Mellos 
Office Manager
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Victoria manages office operations and procedures, oversees correspondence, and supports the International Services and Engagement Office. She is also the contact for logistics and inquiries from our various business offices, affiliates, and outside organizations. Prior to UC San Diego, Victoria provided outreach in the nonprofit sector and promoted farmers’ stories, the importance of a local food supply, as well as a collaborative educational program that taught urban children about nutrition. She has a Master’s degree in Education, and an undergraduate degree in Studio Arts. She was also a professional folk dancer and had performed in various cultural festivals throughout California. In her free time, Victoria enjoys reading, leisurely walks, and learning about various cultures through folk dance.

Peter Jombik
Assistant Director, Compliance and Systems
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Peter is a proud Triton, having graduated from UC San Diego with the Bachelor's degree in International Studies. Growing up in Europe, traveling extensively in Asia, and living the American Dream in California have all contributed to his affinity for anything international, and made him the true world citizen he is today. Being a student of Eleanor Roosevelt College (ERC), he followed ERC's main theme of "developing world citizens through scholarship, leadership, and service." Peter participated in the UC Education Abroad Program (UCEAP) at the University of Hong Kong (HKU), tutored international students through the English-In-Action (EIA) Program, and volunteered at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) to help refugees in San Diego apply for college and financial aid. Through all of these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding of the needs of the international community, as well as a strong passion for helping them succeed in their academic and professional journey at UC San Diego. For over a decade, Peter has been fortunate to make this passion his career in the field of international student and scholar services.

Chanelle Chestnutt
Compliance Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Chanelle Chestnutt is a Compliance Coordinator where she serves F-1 and J-1 international students.  In her role, Chanelle is dedicated to helping students meet their responsibilities for their visa status.  

She particularly enjoys helping students navigate complex immigration regulations and regain status or correct their records when issues arise. Her goal is to ensure that international students can continue to pursue their academic and professional goals, and to make world-changing discoveries at UC San Diego.  

Outside of her work, Chanelle has a deep passion for music and enjoys live music from all over the world. Having lived in Kenya and Guam, she understands the importance of cultural exchange and the value of diverse perspectives. She is excited to be part of a team that shares her commitment to supporting international students and promoting global engagement.

Jullianna Laxmi Kadel
Compliance and Systems Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Jullianna Laxmi Kadel serves as a Compliance and Systems Coordinator for ISEO, with a focus in J-1 and H-1B employment-based visa types. Through robust data management, she ensures international scholars and faculty maintain compliance with federal regulations and university policies. Additionally, Jullianna provides technical support to scholars and campus partners, aiming to enhance user experience within the newly launched iServices portal. 

As a first-generation Nepali American raised in Los Angeles, Jullianna’s upbringing has been shaped by cultural exchange both domestically and abroad. She spent most of her childhood traveling to Nepal and Southeast Asia, and many of these experiences influence her empathetic approach and understanding of the diverse challenges faced by the international community. This is why Jullianna truly enjoys her involvement in creating inclusive and meaningful engagement opportunities, like ISEO’s monthly Game Night! Events like this create a warm, low stakes, third place for scholars, students, and their families to engage with the greater UCSD community as they transition to life in the U.S.  

In her free time, she loves supporting San Diego’s local restaurants, visiting queer POC music events and arts spaces.  

Summer Bennett 
Compliance Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As a Compliance Coordinator, Summer supports students and scholars to ensure maintenance of status through immigration data management, with a focus on J-1 scholar exchange visitors. She has a particular interest in project management and has previous experience in F-1 and J-1 student visa advising at ISEO. Summer is dedicated to international community building due to her personal experience living and working in several different countries. Summer holds a bachelor's in International Studies and International Relations from UC San Diego and a master's in International and Comparative Education from Stockholm University. In her free time, you can find Summer on long walks in Mission Bay or planning her next trip abroad. 

Alex Chen 
Student Assistant

Alex is a first-year student at Warren College, double majoring in Political Science: International Relations and Global Health. He grew up in Los Angeles, around a large majority of Asians. His background has brought him to become interested in Asian languages, ultimately deciding to minor in Japanese studies and wanting to study abroad in Taiwan. Alex’s ultimate goal is to serve his country in the U.S. Army and the United States government as a Foreign Service Officer.  In his free time, he enjoys exploring new places, watching movies, and just socializing. He hopes that being a IFSO student assistant will allow him to create connections and meet scholars who are part of unique research studies!

Alex Lomeli Garcia 

Alexander is a fourth year Business Economics major with a double minor in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Marshall college. He is a first-generation college student born in Puebla, Mexico, and raised in Inglewood, CA. Alexander’s background has sparked his initiative to support international college students through the lens of data analysis. His participation at the Raza Resource Centro, Nueva Herencia, and the Undocumented Student Center has led him to the Global Initiatives team where he hopes to use his experience in marketing, freelance, data research, and business to help enhance the experiences of students. In his free time you can catch him watching or playing sports, eating new cuisines, jamming out to any genre of music, at the gym and enjoying time with his friends. 

Jenna Canicosa
Student Assistant

Jenna is a third-year at Sixth College majoring in Data Science and minoring in Cognitive Science. After growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, she decided to move to San Diego for college to explore a new city and stay close to the ocean. With a passion for traveling, she became interested in learning more about other cultures and history. She grew interested in becoming a student assistant through her previous programming experience and enthusiasm for community building. In her free time, Jenna loves to play with her pet corgi, cook & eat, watch the sunset, and explore new places.

Sandra Vargas Tinoco, J.D
Assistant Director, International Faculty & Scholar Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Sandra serves as the Assistant Director for Faculty and Scholar Services at ISEO, where she specializes in guiding faculty, scholars, and departments through the complexities of employment-based immigrant visa categories and employment based permanent residency options. With over 18 years of expertise in immigration law and policy, Sandra leads a dedicated team, ensuring seamless support for international faculty and scholars navigating their journey in the U.S. Sandra’s passion lies in connecting with scholars from around the globe and learning about their groundbreaking research, which inspires her daily. Known for her approachable demeanor and thorough knowledge of intricate visa regulations, Sandra encourages open communication and strives to empower scholars with the information they need to succeed. Sandra holds a B.A. in Political Science from UC San Diego and a J.D. from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. A proud Triton, she loves rediscovering UC San Diego’s ever-evolving campus and reminiscing about her student days. Outside of work, Sandra’s life is an adventure filled with family outings around San Diego, chasing after her energetic kids, and savoring the city’s vibrant culture.  

Christine Sampankanpanich 
Senior International Scholar Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As a Senior International Scholar Advisor, Christine works with departments, faculty, and scholars on various immigration matters, including J-1 and H-1B. She also serves as the university’s point contact for outside immigration attorneys who assist with permanent residency cases. Christine grew up in Los Angeles, CA and moved to San Diego, CA to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Literature-Writing from UC San Diego.  Upon completion of her studies, Christine worked as a certified paralegal at a global immigration law firm, where she handled employer-based immigration matters for a Fortune 500 tech company. While working full-time, Christine earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California. After 5 years in the private sector, Christine went on to work for the International Faculty & Scholars Office (now ISEO) and then spent 7 years as the sole faculty and scholar immigration advisor at San Diego State University. Christine returned to UC San Diego to continue to grow in her career and to be able to help a larger popular of faculty and scholars through the immigration process.  During her free time, Christine enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 young children. She also enjoys crafting, planning birthday parties for her family, and watching lots of TV.

Nallely Garcia 
Senior International Scholar Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

As a Senior International Scholar Advisor with over a decade of experience, Nallely specializes in employment-based immigration processes for the Triton Community. With over ten years of experience in immigration advising, she provides expert guidance to departments, scholars, and their families while navigating complex cases to ensure a smooth experience for both scholars and their hosting departments. 

A proud first-generation college graduate, Nallely earned her degree in Sociology with a minor in Law and Society from UC San Diego. Her passion for helping others has driven her career—from her early days as a Senior Paralegal in an immigration law firm to her return to UC San Diego, where she gained valuable experience in student affairs and course management. 

When she’s not handling complex immigration cases, Nallely enjoys connecting with international families as the coordinator of ISEO’s Mommy/Daddy and Me program. As a proud parent to an adventurous and silly boy, she brings that same energy and joy to the program, creating a space where parents can connect, and children can bond over songs, snacks, and bubbles. 

In her free time, Nallely loves exploring San Diego with her family, discovering new food spots, seeking out new walking paths, and, of course, enjoying a great cup of coffee—something she always makes time for in her busy day. 

Ashley LeBourveau-Truong 
International Scholar Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Ashley is an International Scholar Advisor at ISEO with over 15 years of experience in higher education. Specializing in immigration advising, she provides expert guidance on complex visa matters, particularly J-1 and H-1B, to scholars, departments, and their families. With a strong background in writing and reference librarianship, Ashley excels in translating intricate regulations into clear, accessible language, ensuring a seamless experience for international scholars. She also leads monthly crafting events for scholars and their families, and writes the ISEO iScholars and iDepartments newsletters. As a transplant to sunny San Diego, she is passionate about connecting international scholars with local events and resources to help them fully immerse themselves in this vibrant city.  After experiencing life as an international student, living in three countries and four US states, she looks forward to helping scholars and their families feel at home as they explore the world. Ashley holds a bachelors from Simon Fraser University and a masters from the University of Kentucky. She has also pursued post-baccalaureate studies in Japanese language and culture. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys writing video game reviews, painting, hiking, and, much to the amusement of her husband, carrying an ever-growing stack of books from the library.  

Shellyn Beltran
International Scholar Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Shellyn is an International Scholar Advisor at UC San Diego, here to help scholars, departments, and faculty navigate the J-1 and H-1B processes. From navigating paperwork to accessing resources, she’s your guide to a seamless experience at UCSD. 

With over a decade of immigration experience and having lived abroad herself, Shellyn truly gets it—adjusting to a new culture can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Her own international adventures began with a life-changing trip abroad, sparking a passion for connecting with people from all corners of the globe. Shellyn’s journey has spanned over 20 countries, including living in China, where she taught English to first-year university students, and frequent travels to South Asia in her role as an International Admissions Counselor. Upon returning, Shellyn felt a strong desire to assist individuals coming to the U.S., using her diverse experiences to support their academic and professional journeys. 

When Shellyn isn’t advising or globe-trotting, you’ll find her kayaking, enjoying a great movie, attending concerts, or hitting up a boxing class. Whether you're dealing with immigration matters or seeking local recommendations, Shellyn is here to help make your UCSD experience truly memorable! 

Eva Ascher 
Intake Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Eva is a San Diego native growing up in Coronado and coming from a military family. She wanted to move to a city with a few more seasons so she spent her undergraduate time at Seattle Pacific University. During her time studying for her English Literature degree, she found a love for baking and worked in Pike Place Market at Le Panier Bakery. She moved back to San Diego 8 years ago and after working at a few restaurants including Herb and Wood in Little Italy she decided to start her own wedding cake business. She enjoyed delivering wedding cakes to every part of San Diego county and working with so many different wedding vendors. She enjoys baking on the side now and being able to work with different scholars and learning about their studies that bring them to UCSD.

Olivia Cetin
Immigration Assistant 
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Olivia grew up in a bicultural household. She was part of an international community in Ankara, Turkiye and visited her family in San Diego every summer. Her diverse background has allowed her to understand the unique joys as well as challenges of navigating different cultures. She recognizes the challenges as well as the excitement of the adjustment process of moving to a new city and living in a new community. Her position also makes it easy to find commonalities with everyone. She graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Economics and a B.S. in Psychology. During her time as an undergraduate student, she enjoyed doing research in educational psychology as well as learning about the complexity of micro and macro economies. She is currently volunteering in the English in Action (EIA) program. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, learning new dances and exploring San Diego. Olivia has enjoyed travelling to new cities all around the world and looks forward to visiting more places on her bucket list in the future. As an IFSO immigration assistant, Olivia is excited to welcome the international community at UC San Diego and help make San Diego their new home.

Pauline DeGuzman 
Assistant Director, International Student Services
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Pauline’s interest in International Education began with her summer abroad in Rome, Italy. Apart from learning about different cultures, she also enjoys navigating the ins and outs of immigration policy and how it affects our society at large. After earning her B.A. in Social Ecology & Criminology from the UC Irvine, she quickly found herself working for various institutions or higher education creating and implementing university policies that govern international students. On her spare time, she enjoys crafting with her Silhouette Cameo, visiting the SD Zoo with her family, and exploring new places to EAT!

Kyle Argonza
International Student Advisor
Pronouns: He/Him/His | They/Them/Theirs

Kyle is a first generation Filipino-American who has grown up in California for most of his life. He graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a bachelor's degree in Biopsychology. While growing up, he often heard his parents speak about their own immigration process and the cultural differences between the U.S. and the Philippines. As a result, Kyle became very interested in the international experience, eventually leading him to work with international students in the university setting. Kyle is passionate about aiding international students in their journey of personal growth at UC San Diego, which, aside from advising, can involve helping students discover their sense of self and achieve self-actualization. In his free time, Kyle likes to play piano, walk outside in nature, curate music playlists, play video games, watch TV shows and movies, read fiction, play with his dogs, and discuss the human mind, brain, experience, and condition.

Jessica Boyle
International Student Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As an International Student Advisor, Jessica provides immigration advising to F-1 and J-1 international students. Jessica also serves as the primary point of contact for international sponsored students, inbound exchange students (EAPR and Global Exchange), and international and exchange students in special non-degree programs. Jessica has a particular passion for supporting international students through their initial visa application and the beginning of their student journey. She looks forward every year to the enthusiasm and energy that each new class of students brings to campus.  

As an undergraduate student, Jessica served as a volunteer leader with a local international student club, where she developed friendships with students from all around the world. Having many friends who were international students led her to seek opportunities to live and study abroad, particularly in Japan, China, and Vietnam. Her friends and experiences abroad profoundly shaped Jessica’s appreciation for both the opportunities and challenges that students face when living and studying in another country.  

When she is not working, you can find Jessica enjoying San Diego’s diverse food scene, cooking up globally-inspired meals at home, or getting her groove on at a dance workout class. Jessica earned her bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from Wheaton College and her Master of Business Administration from the University of San Diego.  

Vanessa Cisneros
International Student Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As an International Student Advisor, Vanessa provides guidance and support to international students, departments, and campus partners on various immigration-related matters, such as maintaining F-1/J-1 status, working in the U.S., travel and visa applications, and more. 

Vanessa's position at UCSD blends her two professional passions: student services and international education. Since she was little, she has loved learning about the vast world around her at every opportunity. This led her to live and work in South Korea, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Japan. Additionally, as a first-generation student, Vanessa does not take access to education for granted. She understands from personal experience how higher education can change the trajectory of someone’s life. She looks forward to continued growth on Kumeyaay Territory and serving international students at UCSD as they cultivate their futures and navigate the complexities of studying in the United States. 

In her free time, Vanessa can be found playing outside (paddle boarding, hiking, camping, backpacking, biking, etc.) and participating in cultural activities like beading and studying Anishinaabemowin. 

Argiria Heyward 
International Student Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Argiria was born in Melbourne Australia and was raised between Australia and San Diego. A UC San Diego Alumni with a BA in International Studies-Sociology and a minor in Global Health, she has worked in International Education as well as Academic Affairs. She has worked closely with students and faculty, and loves helping people reach their goals and see their full potential. She has always had a passion for all things international and all things Anthony Bourdain- produced. She comes from a big multicultural Greek family and knows the struggles of adjusting in a different country. She encourages all students to take advantage of the amazing opportunities and allow themselves the ability to grow while here in San Diego. In her spare time she enjoys trying out different places to eat, traveling, and attending music and poetry events.

Laura Page
International Student Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Laura is an International Student Advisor with a particular interest in seeing that students have an opportunity to get practical training. She is well versed in various types of employment authorization (including OPT and CPT) and enjoys working with international students to chart a path toward reaching their post-graduation goals. 

With more than 15 years of experience in Student Affairs, Laura offers a broad perspective in her role. Prior to joining ISEO, she spent 9 years managing global accounts at a startup in the semiconductor industry, gaining insights into global business and cross-cultural communication. When working with students, Laura strives to make complex regulations more accessible, offering a reassuring presence and assistance in navigating unfamiliar processes to students either in F-1 status or looking to change to F-1 status. In addition to her role as an advisor, Laura is committed to fostering a sense of community. As the Coordinator of the Fall Break Connection program, she has the privilege of matching students with community members for an experience which students may not have otherwise.  

In her free time, Laura can be found traveling locally and internationally with her family, which usually means trying lots of new food and going on long urban and wilderness hikes. Laura holds a B.A. in Sociology from UC San Diego (Revelle College), an M.B.A. from San Diego State University, and she also studied abroad at McGill University in Montreal.  

Jeung Ho (Jo) Peters 
International Student Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Jo was born and raised in Germany as a daughter of Korean immigrants. She graduated from Ruhr-Universitaet Bochum with a masters degree in Film and Television and minors in Economics and Sociology. Having relocated to the U.S. in 2004, Jo knows what it feels like to be a newcomer to a foreign country and wants to help international students who are experiencing the same thing. Jo has been working as a student adviser focusing on international education for the past 10 years. She is passionate about meeting new international students and getting to know their culture. In her free time Jo enjoys taking pictures, meeting friends, taking long bike rides along the coast, sports in general, traveling to foreign countries and experiencing different cultures, and volunteering for the German American Film Festival.

Shelly Taskin
International Student Advisor
English-in-Action Conversation Program Coordinator 
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As an International Student Advisor, Shelly is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all international students. She provides comprehensive advising services, guidance and support to international students on a wide range of services, including immigration guidance, campus resources and cultural orientation.  

 With a passion for fostering global connections, she also coordinates the English-in-Action(EIA) conversation program that connects students, scholars and spouses with student and community member volunteers to enhance their language skills and provide cross-cultural understanding.  

 In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and taking her 3 dogs to the park. She also enjoys trying new recipes and travelling internationally. Shelly graduated with a BA in Business from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO and also has a professional certificate to teach English as a Second Language. After receiving her certificate, she taught English in Izmir, Turkey for a year.  

Felicia Young
International Student Advisor &
Sponsored Students and Special Programs Coordinator
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Felicia serves as an international student advisor with expertise spanning J-1 and F-1 pre-arrival, employment, and support of special populations.  

Working alongside different campus departments and outside agencies, Felicia is enthusiastic and dedicated to her passion for helping students achieve their educational, career, and personal goals during their time at UCSD. With over 20 years in the educational field as an academic advisor, high school counselor, and UC admissions counselor before starting at ISEO, Felicia’s strengths gained when completing her Master’s degree in Multicultural Counseling include her ability to break down complex regulations and policies for students to understand and empathy for meeting a student where they are. She enjoys coordinating orientation sessions and campus visits for our students and outside government agencies to highlight key visa-related information and campus resources that are vital to our students’ success. 

When Felicia is not working, she enjoys exercising, crafting, baking, and spending time at the beach with her family, including her therapy dog, Bailey. 

Stella Birungi Beaupre
Intake Advisor
English-in-Action Conversation Program Coordinator 
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Stella plays a key role at the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO), advising international students and their dependents. As the first point of contact, she guides students on maintaining legal non-immigrant status, schedules advising appointments, and ensures compliance with federal regulations. Passionate about supporting students from diverse backgrounds, Stella personally connects with students, having experienced the visa process and OPT authorization herself.

In addition to advising, Stella coordinates programs that enhance the international student experience, including the English-in-Action (EIA) Program. She previously coordinated Global Coffee Hour.

Born in Uganda, raised in Sweden, and with studies in Hawai'i and Costa Rica, Stella’s international background informs her dedication to helping students navigate new academic and cultural environments. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from Hawai'i Pacific University, where she also worked in the International Admissions Office.

Now based in San Diego with her husband and three children, Stella enjoys hiking, the beach, and traveling in her free time.

Karina Ivanyan 
Intake Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As an Intake Advisor, Karina works to provide immigration advising to international students at UC San Diego. Karina’s areas of expertise lie in marketing and communication, assessment and evaluation, and program development.   

Her approach to advising and programming is rooted in student-centeredness and creating a sense of belonging for the campus community and beyond. Karina's passion for all things global stems from her Armenian heritage and the experiences of living in different parts of the world. She enjoys working on creative projects that aim to enhance the engagement and experience of students, scholars, and families at UC San Diego. Some of her favorite things to work on are iTriton Online Training for new incoming students, coordinating the International Students Advisory Council (ISAC), and being a part of Globally Engaged Tritons (GET) CCR Committee.  

She completed the NAFSA Academy for International Education in 2023 and has a Yellow Belt for Lean Six Sigma. When not at work, Karina enjoys going to concerts, watching Formula 1, mastering a new recipe, or going on road trips with her family and friends. 

Melissa Pante
Intake Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Melissa Pante is an alumni of UC San Diego with a BS in Aerospace Engineering. Current world events and growing up in an underserved community of mostly immigrants shaped her desire to help people that take risks and work hard to be where they are. She firmly believes that only international collaboration has the power to move us forward into a new world and encourages students and scholars to broaden their outlook by making connections with those that have different lived experiences than our own. Melissa is excited to work with the international community at UC San Diego and to witness how they will use their knowledge to make meaningful contributions to the world. Outside of work she enjoys keeping up with global events, reading fiction or historical anlysis, playing video games, taking long walks, and spending time with her partner and cat.

Kathleen McLaren
Intake Advisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As an International Student Intake Advisor at the International Services and Engagement Office (ISEO), Kathleen provides crucial advising and services to support international students and their dependents in maintaining their legal non-immigrant status. The Intake Team serves as the primary contact for walk-ins, virtual inquiries, and incoming calls—offering guidance on international services and programs, setting appointments for in-depth advising, and making referrals to other campus resources as needed. 

Kathleen takes pride in serving UC San Diego’s vibrant international student community, helping them navigate complex policies, access essential resources, and feel at home in their new environment. Whether advising through Zoom, phone, or in person, her goal is to provide seamless support that empowers students to thrive. As a contributing member of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Workgroup, Kathleen is committed to fostering a campus culture that celebrates diversity and promotes equity. 

Outside of work, Kathleen enjoys spending quality time with her daughter, singing, traveling, reading, and swimming in the ocean. These activities not only bring her joy, but also inspire the energy and creativity she brings to her role each day. 

Grace Fuller 
Manager, International Experience & Engagement
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As the Manager of International Experience and Engagement, Grace focuses on what shapes the experience of our international students, scholars, and families during their time at UC San Diego. Guided by her core values that we belong to each other and that we are better together, Grace is committed to creating spaces that support the diverse needs of UC San Diego’s global community. In her work, Grace explores how to achieve this mission through programming and events, communications and marketing, and other initiatives. Grace has spent over ten years in international education, including living abroad, supporting domestic students abroad, and working with international students both abroad and domestically. Grace earned her B.A. in International Relations from Pepperdine University, and her M.A. from San Diego State University in Education and Counseling with a certificate in Trauma Informed Care. Outside of the office, Grace loves to be just that – outside. Whether it be snorkeling in La Jolla Cove, hiking, backpacking, or paddleboarding, Grace loves exploring the beautiful backyard of San Diego.  

Jasleen Sahota 
Marketing & Communications Student Assistant

Jasleen is a fourth-year student at UCSD, majoring in International Business and minoring in Marketing. With over three years of experience creating social media content, her passion for the field has led her to take on roles such as the Co-lead of Marketing at Trend Magazine and the MarComm intern at ISEO. Through her role at ISEO, she hopes to connect international students with resources and memorable events both on and off-campus. When she's not doing all things marketing, you can catch her hiking, reading, baking, or watching a classic rom-com!

Angie Vo 
Marketing & Communications Student Assistant

Angie is a fourth-year Cognitive Science student specializing in Design and Interaction, with a minor in Business. As a San Diego native, she enjoys exploring the city and constantly seeks opportunities to support her community. Her passion for learning, traveling, and creativity inspired her to take on the role as the Marketing and Communications Assistant with the International Services and Engagement Office. In her free time, Angie enjoys discovering new food spots with friends, taking film photography, staying active through running and the gym, and reading.