NI2C Staff

My name is Andrea Saenz (she/her), and I am currently a senior at California State University, Fullerton pursuing a B.A. in Psychology and potentially a minor in child & adolescent development. I’ve always had a high interest and a passion for learning new ways to bring awareness to mental health in all age groups. Additionally, breaking the stigma that occurs within Hispanic households. I aspire to become a school counselor or a school psychologist, with a strong interest in understanding human behavior and advocating for children and teenagers. I am also open to exploring opportunities in Human Resources while continuing my education post-graduation from Cal State Fullerton. The digital outreach team will give me the opportunity to inspire community healing and promote mental health awareness in which I look forward to!

Hi, I'm Briana Marin (she/her), a fourth-year Psychology major at California State University, Fullerton. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to intern with the National Institute for Innovation and Competitiveness (NI2C), where I’ve been working on the Digital Outreach Team. Our team focuses on enhancing NI2C’s online presence and engagement, helping to share the organization’s mission and impact with a wider audience through thoughtful, strategic content. A fun fact about me—I love playing video games and traveling whenever I get the chance! As a student at Cal State Fullerton with a deep interest in mental health, my career goal is to become a psychiatrist. I hope to support individuals in developing a stronger understanding of their mental health and emotional well-being. This internship has given me valuable insight into the power of communication, collaboration, and technology—skills I know will be essential in both my academic and professional path.

Outside of academics, I’m passionate about mental health advocacy, creative expression, and connecting with others through meaningful conversations. I’m excited to continue growing and making a positive impact wherever my journey takes me.

Hello! My name is Estephanie Garcia and I’m currently 21 years old. I’m currently majoring in Public Health at the California State University of Fullerton! I go by the pronouns of she/her and I’m excited to be a part of the Digital Outreach Team! With that being said, I aspire to become a lawyer in the near future. I’m currently debating specializing in immigration law or criminal justice. My current dream school for law is UCLA or UCI. I love reading about current news events going around and seeing how the world is currently evolving due to current changes in politics that influence those changes. 

Hi Everyone, My name is Gianna Giacopuzzi! I am currently a senior at Cal State University

Fullerton, majoring in Public health and minoring in sociology. My hope is to combine the things

I have learned in sociology and apply them to health and wellness. For the NI2C program I will

be working alongside the digital outreach team! I look forward to learning and growing through

the REPAIR program. Their approach to healing really resonates with me, and I’m excited to

immerse myself in the work while exploring how these techniques and collective healing

practices can support both my personal journey and professional path. I’m also excited to build

skills in digital outreach and see what we can create together as a team! Just a little bit about

myself, besides full time school, I also ride horses professionally and coach kids throughout the

week. In my free time I have recently learned how to love reading and enjoy hanging out with

my friends and family more than anything! Working with both animals and young people has

taught me a lot about patience, responsibility, and the many ways healing can happen through

connection.

Hi, I’m Hope (they/she), a senior Psychology major at Cal State Fullerton, passionate about mental health advocacy and creative outreach. After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master’s in Social Work or Clinical Psychology and eventually build a career supporting neurodivergent communities through therapy and accessible education. I hope to combine clinical practice with creative content on platforms like YouTube and social media, making mental health knowledge more engaging and relatable. Being a part of NI2C’s Digital Outreach team is an exciting step toward developing those skills and learning how digital platforms can be used for positive change. Outside of school, I love gaming, anything related to music/film, video essays, cooking, various hyperfixations that frequently fluctuate, and creative projects to express myself through.

 Hi, I’m Jennifer Alvarado (she/her), a Junior at California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Human Services.

I’m excited to begin my first internship with Nested Integral Coaching Constellation as part of the outreach team. As a first-generation college student and a mom, returning to school wasn’t easy—I juggled parenting, work, and online classes, often studying late at night after putting my child to bed. Those experiences shaped my passion for supporting students who are parents, adult learners, transfer students, and those returning to school while pregnant. I want to give back and help others navigate the same challenges I faced. I’m looking forward to growing through this internship and applying what I learn to make a meaningful impact in my future career.

 Hi I am Stephany Rivera. I am a senior at Vanguard University, my major is in communications with a minor in psychology. I am part of the outreach team here at NI2C which I am looking forward to. My career goal is to work for a production studio such as Disney or Warner Bros but I wouldn't mind also being a teacher/professor. Why am I doing a minor in psychology? Well, I believe the human mind is so interesting and I find it really interesting that psychology can be incorporated into everything, even films/series.

Cindy Cabuguason (she/her) is a senior at California State University, Fullerton, and she is pursuing her B.A in Psychology with a minor in Human Services. She plans to continue her academic journey and pursue a master’s degree in counseling to become a school counselor, where she can help students feel supported through their academic journey and provide services catered to everyone. Cindy is on the Medi-Cal Outreach team with NI2C and is eager to contribute to a team that spreads awareness about mental health and strives to provide a supportive environment for potential audiences. Cindy is a passionate advocate for mental health and hopes to collaborate with like-minded individuals to create a positive space that allows them to help the community to the best of our abilities. 

Hello! My name is Emelly Nunez (she/her), and I am a senior at Cal State Fullerton, majoring in

Human Services. For the NI2C program, I will be part of the Medical Outreach Team.

My passion lies in serving others and making meaningful connections with the people around

me. Through my studies and experiences, I have learned the importance of listening to the needs

of communities and creating strong partnerships to help address disparities in access to resources

and services. My long term career goal is to work closely with communities to strengthen

support systems and create programs that provide equitable opportunities for individuals and

families.

I am excited to gain a experience with NI2C and learn how to engage effectively with local

organizations. I believe this opportunity will help me grow professionally while giving me the

tools to continue my commitment to advocacy and service. My ultimate goal is to dedicate my

career to helping and empowering underserved populations by bridging gaps in resources and

support.

My name is Gabriela (Gaby) and I am currently a senior at CSUF pursuing a B.A in Psychology and a minor in Linguistics with hopes to making it past that, God willing. I am a proud mother to a teenage boy who just entered high school. My interests are reading and collecting first edition, out-of-print, and/or banned books. I also enjoy looking up the etymology of words because I believe our words carry a lot of intention, so it helps me in communicating and understanding myself. One of my dreams is to travel the world and experience the various cultures outside of a book.  I'm excited for the opportunity to intern with Nested Integral Coaching Constellation(NI2C) in the Medi-Cal Outreach team because I never thought I would be someone to make it this far into my education (and life), after many years of neglecting and losing myself from negative experiences. I may not have a clear vision as to what my future holds, but I believe this experience will help guide me as I shy away from what I can also bring to the team.

My name is Jason Carson (he/him), and I am a senior at California State University, Fullerton, pursuing a B.S. in Human Services with a concentration in Mental Health. I began my first internship with NI2C during the summer of 2025 and will continue in the fall as part of the Peer Resource Navigation & ECM Training Team. I am most excited to finally get the chance to apply what I have gained academically to real-world work that supports individuals in accessing mental health services. After graduation, I plan on pursuing an M.S. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling & Marriage and Family Therapy at California State University, Fullerton, with a long-term goal of working with veterans through the VA. As someone who has been serving in the U.S. Army Reserve for nearly four years and having spent more than half of that time in the Middle East, I have witnessed firsthand the lasting emotional impact that military service can have on an individual. I am most driven by a passion to break down the overwhelming barriers and stigma that often keep veterans from seeking the help they deserve.

My name is Shyamali (Shy) Perera, and I graduated in May 2025 with a

Bachelor of Arts in English and Creative Writing from California State

University, Fullerton. Currently, I am pursuing an Ed.D. in

Organizational Learning and Leadership at the University of North

Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I focus on developing my research skills

as a scholar and leader. I am also a new member of the Medical

Outreach Team within the ni2C program, where I hope to make

meaningful contributions during my internship and positively impact

society. In addition to my academic and professional work, I am also an

indie author and have published several books. So I spend a significant

amount of my spare time reading and writing novels, short stories, and

poetry. Additionally, I am an avid organic gardener and enjoy tending to

my plants, as well as the time I spend with my growing and close-knit

family.

Hi, my name is Thomas Scott Watson, and I’m joining the Medi-Cal Enrollment team. My big dream career goal (long-term) is to get a higher degree in counseling and/or nursing. I’m maximizing my time at Cypress College getting all of the available Human Services certificates, and then will transfer, probably to CSUF where I’ve attended before. I’m interested in the Human Services Leadership certificate at CSUF. I found my home in Human Services and consider everything I do under that overarching umbrella. I look forward to working as a student peer with each and every one in the cohort, and also in REPAIR.   Thank you for reading this short bio of mine. Kind regards, Tom (Licensed Psychiatric Technician).  

My name is Xiomara Reyna (she/her), and I am a third-year undergraduate

student at California State University, Fullerton, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in

Psychology. I am also a parent, which has further strengthened my motivation

and sense of purpose in both my academic and professional journey. In my free

time, I enjoy reading poetry, watching crime documentaries, and listening to

French music.

I am currently on a pre-Physician Assistant track, with the long-term goal of being

admitted to a competitive program and earning a Master of Physician Assistant

Studies (MPAS). I am enthusiastic about joining the Medi-Cal outreach team, as I

am deeply committed to addressing health disparities and ensuring equitable

access to care for underserved and minority populations.

Hello, my name is Alana Alvarez, and I use she/her pronouns. I am currently 24 years old and pursuing a major in Psychology. As part of my academic journey, I am participating in a team project focused on program research within NI2C, which will provide me with valuable hands-on experience and deepen my appreciation for the field. While I am still in the process of discovering my ultimate career path, I am genuinely drawn to research and find it very interesting and rewarding. I am committed to exploring various opportunities that align with my interests and strengths.

I plan to graduate with my bachelor’s degree at the beginning of 2026 and am determined to continue my education by pursuing a master’s degree after. My studies will not only enhance my knowledge but also open doors to new possibilities within psychology. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending my free time going on picnics, playing in arcades, and impulsively buying frog-themed merchandise even though I already have too much. Thank you for reading!

Alexandria Martinez (she/her) is currently a junior at California State University, Fullerton, pursuing Psychology and Biology with a concentration in Neuropsychology. She is passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and mental illness, and is committed to contributing to a more informed and compassionate understanding of these issues. Alexandria is a member of the Research Team at NI2C, where she is excited to deepen her knowledge of research methodology and gain experience that will support her future academic and professional goals. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Psychology and ultimately a Ph.D. Her primary research interests include the long-term effects of trauma on the brain and exploring evidence-based strategies for healing. Engaging in research has been a long-standing goal, and she is eager to continue developing her skills in this area.

My name is Paris Quintero, I am a senior at California State University, Fullerton. I

am currently pursuing a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Law, Politics, and Society. I’m beginning my internship with NI2C in the fall of 2025 for the Program Research Team. I have a heavy interest in research surrounding institutional change

and community centered projects. My career goals involve engaging in advocacy that

intersections in both legal and academic systems such as restorative justice practices and their psychological impact. I’m excited to strengthen my research experience and gain insight into psychological development while collaborating with my peers. I hope to advance my

academic journey through a masters degree in the future!

My name is Rosemary Moya (she/her), and I’m in my senior year at California State University, Fullerton, where I am majoring in psychology and minoring in criminal justice. As part of the program research team at NI2C, I’m excited to work with others and strengthen my research experience. After finishing my BA at California State University, Fullerton, I hope to pursue my PsyD in clinical psychology with an emphasis in either neuropsychology or psychodynamics. I hope to one day become a clinical psychologist in clinics and potentially open my private practice in the future. It’s always been my passion to help others, and being able to intern here at NI2C gives me the experience I need to further my knowledge and career when it comes to learning new ways to treat and connect with people. 

Sophia Velarde is a graduate of Cal State Fullerton’s Human Services program and is preparing

to apply to Counseling Psychology graduate programs this fall with the goal of becoming a

licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She joined NI2C to gain research experience in

self-regulation that will strengthen the skills she brings into clinical practice.

Her career interests include working with families and adolescents in a school-based setting to

support the socioemotional development of adolescents. In the future, she hopes to pursue a

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology to study adolescent emotion dysregulation and problematic

technology use, with a focus on both protective and risk factors.

Sophia grew up with a large family, which inspired her passion for understanding and untangling

family dynamics to help build harmony and healthier relationships. In her free time, she enjoys

being outdoors, practicing yoga, reading, spending time with her family, and snowboarding

during the winter.

 Hi, I’m Adena Trujillo but everyone calls me Deannie.  I’m a senior here at CSUF.  I’m a Psychology major and am on the Podcast team.  

Having experienced long-term childhood trauma along with homelessness, I have a heart for those struggling with mental health issues.  I also carry a special place in my heart for broken women.  Currently, I am a prison Chaplain, and once I graduate, I plan on moving higher up within the mental health department at Chino Hills Women’s Institute.  After I graduate in December, I will obtain a Master's at Pepperdine University in Malibu.  I am honored to be part of this internship and am looking forward to learning all that I can.  

 My name is Meadow Delino (she/her), and I am a senior at California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Cinema & Television Arts and minoring in Communications. I’m very ecstatic about this opportunity at NI2C to combine my media editing skills with my passion for mental health awareness. As my internship with NI2C begins, I’m eager to learn from this experience as well as create a meaningful and captivating podcast to educate larger audiences about the importances of mental health.

 I am a psychology student with a deep interest in storytelling, social impact, and community-based healing. I am passionate about using audio and media to amplify voices and create meaningful connections. Being part of the NI2C Podcast allows me to explore the intersection of narrative, identity, and repair in a collaborative setting. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time in nature and watching films!