Gina Montoya-WestJohn, RN, Director of Student Health Services
Gina is a Registered Nurse who has been on staff at SHS since 2019. She also is the Compliance Coordinator for RN, DH, RT programs, and consults MA students in their program. She completed her Nursing program in 2001, at Ohlone College in Fremont, CA. Gina started her RN career at Dominican Hospital in the Med-Surg Dept. A few years later she specialized in Pediatrics and continues her ties to home health care. Gina spends most of her free time with her family; she loves playing games, reading books, and watching her three daughters play sports!
Katie Dowling, DNP, FNP-C
Katie is a family nurse practitioner (FNP) who has been on staff at SHS since 2005. She completed her nursing school prerequisites (and also met her husband in calculus class) at Cabrillo. She then transferred to San Jose State University, where she completed both her Bachelor's and Master's of Science in Nursing (BSN and MSN)degrees. Katie worked as a primary care provider at Planned Parenthood for many years and continues to maintain ties with this and other community clinics. In her free time, Katie enjoys taming her wildflower garden, reading great books, and hiking in the Santa Cruz mountains. She loves spending time with her family.
Dianne Avelar, LMFT
Dianne is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who provides personal counseling services and administers the post-master's counseling intern program for SHS. Dianne is a graduate of Watsonville High School and completed her undergraduate work and teaching credential at San Jose State University. She then went on to receive her Master's degree from Santa Clara University, returning to Watsonville to work and live. Dianne loves the beach and is an avid traveler, camper, and reader. Her favorite authors are Rick Hanson ("Just One Thing" "Buddha's Brain") and John Medina ("Brain Rules").
Habla español
Falo português
Lance Bauscher, LMFT
Lance is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in his 6th year working as a Psychological Counselor at Cabrillo College. He also has a holistic and mindfulness-based psychotherapy practice in Aptos. He earned his MA in Counseling Psychology at John F. Kennedy University in the Holistic Studies Department with an emphasis in Buddhist Psychology. He also has an MA in Humanistic Philosophy, which feeds his other interests in literature and existential philosophy. Lance is Adjunct Faculty at National University where he teaches Psychology and School Counseling. His free time tends to be joyfully gobbled up by his two children and the beautiful game of soccer.
Flor Chacón, M.Ed, APCC
Flor is a woman of Mexica heritage with a Mestiza identity and an immigrant background. Her strong connection to her roots and deep pride in her heritage drive her passion for providing mental health services and holistic wellness for all students, especially those from marginalized communities. She has firsthand experience of the challenges that many members of her community face when accessing mental health and education, which has motivated her to strive to create and provide equitable, high-quality mental health services.
Flor's passion for education led her to obtain a Master's in Education and Counseling and pursue licensure as a Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She strives to expand her mental health skills and abilities to serve marginalized community college students better.
During her 17-year career at Cabrillo College, Flor has worked tirelessly to establish a nurturing and all-encompassing atmosphere for all students. She firmly believes in the transformative power of education, seeing potential in every student, irrespective of their background or circumstances. Her commitment lies in helping students realize their potential by providing a strength-based and culturally relevant mental health approach. Flor approaches her work with enthusiasm, unwavering commitment, and deep dedication. She takes immense pride in serving her community and is dedicated to making higher education mental health services accessible and equitable to all.
Habla español
Liliana Guzman, Student Health Services Program Coordinator
Liliana was raised in Santa Cruz, CA. She graduated from Santa Cruz High School in 2003 and later attended Cabrillo College. She graduated from the Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy program in 2014 and obtained a certificate of achievement.
As a medical assistant student, she completed her internship hours at the Cabrillo College Student Health Services and phlebotomy internship hours at the Watsonville Community Hospital.
She worked as an Administrative Assistant for more than 15 years and has been working at Cabrillo Student Health Services since 2014.
Liliana is a mother to four children. She enjoys spending time with her family, taking walks to the park and the beach.
In her own time, she likes to listen to music and watch movies.
Habla español
Claudia Peixoto, Student Outreach & Wellness Coordinator
Claudia is passionate about supporting student well-being through inclusive, holistic, and evidence-based practices. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Francisco State University and brings a diverse professional background that includes years in hospitality/marketing before transitioning into the health and wellness field—a path that informs her approachable, student-centered style.
Claudia’s training includes certification through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition as a Health Coach with advanced education in hormone health, Yoga Teacher Training (200-hour, Embodied Breathwork Facilitation, Chair Yoga, and Physiology of Yoga), she holds a Certificate of Achievement in Community Health Work and is also a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor (Evelyn Tribole PRO Skills Training). Committed to lifelong learning, Claudia is currently completing her certification as a Brain Health Licensed Trainer through Amen University. Her holistic approach integrates physical, mental, and emotional well-being to empower students with practical tools for sustainable health.
A Watsonville native, Claudia is the daughter of immigrant farmworkers and a first-generation college graduate, experiences that deeply inform her commitment to equity, access, and student advocacy. Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, spending time in nature, traveling, and sharing laughter with her family—including her husband, sons, and dog.
Habla español
Monique Porcella, AMFT
Monique is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University. She provides individual counseling and enjoys getting to know each person she works with, while finding meaningful ways to support them along their own personal journey.
Monique has called Santa Cruz County home for the past 10 years and has loved every minute of it. She enjoys spending time outdoors, whether that’s going on hikes, reading by the river, or taking a dip in the ocean. When she isn’t enjoying the outdoors, you can usually find her doing ceramics or exploring whatever art form sparks her interest at the moment!
Soledad Sosa-Fuentes, APCC
Sol is an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor (APCC) with a deep passion for supporting individuals on their journeys toward becoming the best versions of themselves, while empowering them with the tools they need to thrive personally, academically, and professionally. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in a strengths-based, person-centered philosophy that centers each individual’s strengths, goals, and lived experiences. Sol approaches each person with curiosity, cultural humility, and collaboration, creating a space where they feel seen, heard, and supported. She works alongside students to identify their goals, strengthen coping skills, build upon their strengths, and move toward meaningful and sustainable change.
Sol grew up in Santa Cruz and is a proud Cabrillo College alumna. She began her educational journey at Cabrillo, where she earned Associate degrees in Math and Women’s Studies before transferring to UC Santa Barbara and earning her Bachelor’s degree in Chicana/o Studies. She then attended California State University, Northridge, where she earned her Master of Science in Counseling. As a first-generation college student and professional, immigrant, and Latina, Sol’s identities, education, and lived experiences inform her commitment to providing culturally responsive, accessible, and affirming care. She is passionate about being the kind of trusted and approachable support that helps students feel seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their goals and persist through challenges.
Outside of counseling, Sol enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, or simply sitting in the sun with a good book. She especially values time spent with her husband, family, dog, and friends. Sol is excited to return to the Cabrillo community and continue growing as a clinician while supporting students' well-being and promoting wellness of the mind, body, and spirit.