Debra Avila
Teaching & Learning Center — Manager
davila@palomar.edu
760-744-1150, ext. 3663
Hi I am Debra. I was raised in the Inland Empire and then moved to Northern California to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Sociology at UC Berkeley. I have been working in higher education for over 20 years in the areas of academic advising, admissions, counseling and outreach. I joined the TLC staff in February 2012. I am excited to be a part of a team and department focused on promoting student academic achievement and success. My outside interests include participating in outdoor activities, nature walks, traveling, music, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Rosalinda Tovar
Teaching & Learning Center, San Marcos — Coordinator
rtovar@palomar.edu
Hello, my name is Rosalinda Tovar, I am the Coordinator at the TLC-SM. I have been with the TLC-SM since 2014. Prior to working at Palomar College I worked at the Office of Academic Support & Instructional Services (OASIS) at UCSD for close to 10 years. My professional career began at OASIS shortly after my graduation from UCSD, as the Assistant Coordinator for the Study Management Program. Not long after that I became the Assistant Coordinator of the Language & Writing Program, and remained as such until my departure. As a UCSD and OASIS Summer Bridge Program alumni my transition into my professional career was nurtured by colleagues who started out as mentors.
I graduated from UCSD with a BA in Psychology and a minor in Ethnic Studies. I credit my early academic and personal success to my participation in programs such as AVID in high school, and Summer Bridge in college. I am a product of transition programs and that’s what makes my work so meaningful to me. As a first-generation college graduate I am vested in the continued success of our students, particularly those who are coming from underprivileged communities. I am the first to graduate from college but I will not be the last.
I am the eldest of three children, with a younger brother and sister. I am the daughter of a hard-working, strong and gentle immigrant mother whose will to survive and heart are equally strong. I have been married for 19 years, my husband and I have two daughters ages 16 and 9. I enjoy trying out keto recipes, crafting with my girls, and taking pictures of the life I am working hard to live with intention.
“She believed she could so she did.” -R.S. Grey
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.”
Dalia Lopez
Teaching & Learning Center Assistant
dlopez@palomar.edu
760-744-1150, ext. 3710
I have been working at Palomar College for 18 years and joined the San Marcos Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) in December 2013. I provide administrative, instructional and specialized student support to the instructors, staff and students in the SMTLC and for the programs including; Palomar Promise-First-Year Experience, Summer Bridge, Learning Communities and Peer Mentoring. I am Bilingual – Spanish. Moreover, I enjoy reading, cooking and outdoor activities especially beach walks and gardening. I also have four amazing adult children and a beautiful grand-daughter that’s even more amazing!
“There’s always something to be thankful for.“
Dr. Gabriel Sanchez
Promise Counselor
gsanchez@palomar.edu
My name is Dr. Gabriel Sanchez. I was the first person in my family to go on to college. I had an amazing experience as community college student which motivated me to want to pursue more education. After community college, I transferred to San Diego State where I double-majored in Sociology and Psychology, then went on for my Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Multicultural Counseling at SDSU. In 2009, I went back to SDSU for my Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Community College Leadership. I have been a counselor since 2012 and working in education since 1997. This is my 14th year working at Palomar and I have really enjoyed working with the staff in the TLC to expand the FYE program and in helping to launch the Palomar Promise.
Cari Martinez
Promise Counselor
cmartinez@palomar.edu
760-744-1150, ext. 5630
Hey, I am Cari Martinez. I grew up in a military family and lived in the Tri-City area quite a bit of my life. My BA in Literature and Writing was completed at CSU San Marcos in 1997. I went on to receive my MS in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Student Development in High Education from CSU Long Beach. I have 3 beautiful children and a wonderful husband of 19 years. I enjoy helping people, singing, and spending time with my family. I look forward to working with students and going above and beyond in counseling sessions.
Sanda Perez Orozco
Promise Counselor
sperezorozco@palomar.edu