Meet our Team

To call any extensions listed below, first dial (760) 744-1150. 

For general inquires, please dial extension 2449 

Support Staff

Leslie Aguilar, Outreach Specialist & Part-time EOPS Counselor

Leslie Aguilar started as a Counselor Intern for the EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs Department. She is a former first-generation college student who attended community college and eventually received her M.A. in Education Counseling from San Diego State University. During her free time Leslie enjoys painting, writing, and creating. As a former EOPS student, she dreamed of one day coming back and helping a new generation of students, walking a similar path as hers, obtain their educational goals.

Sandra Brown, Administrative Specialist

My name is Sandra Brown and I am an EOPS Administrative. I received an AA in General Studies at Palomar College. I was a CalWORKs student worker, EOPS hourly, and in 2004, I became a full-time EOPS employee at Palomar College. I enjoy painting pictures, sewing, and gardening. Working in the EOPS Department provides me the opportunity to give back by assisting students with needed services on behalf of the EOPS Department.

Angela Stanley, Counseling Support Specialist

My name is Angela Stanley and I am a Student Support Specialist II. I have been with the EOPS program at Palomar College since January of 2000. I love anything Disney, traveling and my Grandsons. I love being a part of the EOPS team and supporting students along their educational journey.

Part-time EOPS Counselors

Elizabeth Salinas, Counselor: EOPS

My name is Elizabeth Salinas I am an EOPS Counselor. I earned my Master’s degree in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling from San Diego State University. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development from Cal State San Marcos. I’ve been working in the EOPS Program at Palomar College since 2016. Some of my hobbies are watching documentaries, going on walks, and cooking vegan recipes. What I find most rewarding about working in EOPS is seeing the transformation our students go through and being part of their educational journey at Palomar College.

Jaymie Gonzaga, Counselor: EOPS

My name is Jaymie Gonzaga and I have been working as an Adjunct Counselor for EOPS since 2000 (Palomar, 2004). I am retired military (USMC) and received my Associate degree in Liberal Arts from San Diego Miramar College. Transferred to San Diego State University and earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. I received my Master of Arts degree in Counseling from the University of San Diego. I enjoy travelling and keeping fit. I am an avid collector of the Nissan 200sx (1984-1988) and enjoy restoring them for car shows and road trips. As a former EOPS student, EOPS Peer Advisor and now EOPS Counselor, I have always loved working with this extreme diverse population of students. As a former foster youth, I am fully aware of the challenges and obstacles that EOPS student’s face. I am most proud when I see EOPS students overcome their challenges and see the end-result……graduation!

Andrew Anderson, Counselor: EOPS

Mercedes Tiggs, Counselor: EOPS/FYRST

Luz Fernandez Marquez, Counselor: EOPS

Charles Alexander, Counselor: EOPS

Full-time EOPS Counselors

Trong Nguyen, Counselor: EOPS

My name is Trong Nguyen and I am an EOPS Counselor. I received my Master’s degree in Counseling from University of San Diego, and I have been working in the EOPS program since 1995. I love to travel for food, learning different languages and cultures around the world. I enjoy working in EOPS because I have an opportunity to make a difference in the students’ growth, transformation, and success.

Lori Meyers, Counselor: EOPS/DRC

My name is Lori Meyers and I am a DRC and EOPS Counselor. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Recreational Therapy and my Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling both from San Diego State University. I have been working for Palomar College for approximately 16 years, in which I started part time and then moved to full time approximately 12 years ago. Previous to Palomar, I worked as a Rehabilitation Counselor. My favorite past times are hiking, skiing, working out on the Peloton, walking along the beach and spending time with my family and friends. What I love about EOPS and DRC is watching students blossom and reaching their educational dreams.

Veronica Aguilera, Counselor/Faculty Coordinator: EOPS/CARE

Veronica Aguilera has worked in the EOPS program at Palomar College for 15 years, where she serves as an EOPS and CARE Counselor. She received her Master’s degree in Counseling, with an emphasis in Student Development in Higher Education, from California State University and received a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from University of California, Irvine. Veronica has assisted students with academic, career and personal counseling and has facilitated various student support and healing circles for Palomar College’s CARE, CalWORKs students. In addition to her counselor role, Veronica has taught a variety of Counseling courses at Palomar College. Veronica’s hobbies include painting and reading. One of her favorite things she enjoys about her work at Palomar College is connecting with students, listening to their stories and personal journeys.

Administrators

Steven Salter, Director: EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs/FYRST 

My name is Steve Salter and I am the Director of EOPS/CARE/CalWORKs and FYRST. I earned a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. I have worked in EOPS since 2018 and prior to that, worked in Post-Secondary Disability Support Services for approximately 12 years. I love to cook, travel, and run to stay healthy. I love working in EOPS because I have an opportunity to remove barriers for students as they continue on their educational journeys.