The Office of Student Services works with the student services teams at American River College, Cosumnes River College, Folsom Lake College, and Sacramento City College to support the delivery of equity-minded, inclusive, and well-coordinated student services across the district.
At the district level, Student Services helps to coordinate districtwide activities in the following areas:
- Admissions and Records
- Counseling
- Financial Aid
- Health and Wellness
- Outreach
- Student engagement and leadership
- Support Services such as Basic Needs, CalWORKS, DSPS, EOPS/CARE, Veteran Success Centers, and Undocumented Student Support
About Us
Sonia Ortiz-Mercado
Associate Vice Chancellor, Educational Services
Mariko Peshon
District Director I/Vice President Student Services
Yolanda Garcia
Associate Vice President of Student Services
Yolanda has been part of the Los Rios family for over 25 years in Student Services. Born and raised in Sacramento, she began her journey as a Puentista at Sacramento City College and earned her degree in Social Science from Cosumnes River College (CRC). She went on to complete her Bachelor’s in Human and Community Services from St. Mary’s College and later earned a Master’s in Educational Counseling.
She worked as a Financial Aid Officer, then Supervisor, and eventually served as Dean of Student Services at Cosumnes River College, where she also oversaw Admissions & Records, Basic Needs, Outreach and Recruitment, Placement, Veterans Resource Center, Student Life, and TRiO Upward Bound. Yolanda has also supported students as an adjunct counselor and instructor, teaching Human Career Development and Business Technology courses.
Yolanda and her husband have six kids that they are very proud of, one is recent CRC graduate, and two others are currently attending CRC. Outside of work, Yolanda enjoys estate sales, foreign films, and any chance to be near the ocean.
Victoria Flores
Dean, Student Wellness and Support Services
I grew up in Sacramento, CA, and am a proud Los Rios graduate, earning my AA degree from Cosumnes River College. I transferred on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UC Davis and a Master of Social Work degree from UC Berkeley. I have worked in the social services, health, and education fields for over 26 years. I believe deeply in the power of prevention and early intervention to remove barriers to learning and ensure students achieve their educational and career goals. On a more personal note, my husband and I have two daughters, one in college and the other in high school, and a very snuggly dog and cat. In my free time, I enjoy walking our dog, water activities, reading a good book, and a great cup of coffee.
Jason Ralphs
Director, Admissions and Records
I grew up in the foothills outside of Sacramento and was active in scouting as a youth. Earning the rank of Eagle Scout instilled in me the values of service, teamwork, perseverance and leading with purpose, principles that continue to guide how I support students and lead teams today. My admissions journey began right out of high school as a student employee at the El Dorado Center. That experience, along with the incredible support I received from staff and counselors, shaped both my academic path and my passion for helping others navigate higher education. Since 2020, I’ve been honored to serve as Director of Admissions and Records, where I focus on making our services more accessible, efficient, responsive and student focused.
I’m a proud graduate of all four Los Rios colleges and continue to take classes to stay connected to the student experience. I went on to earn a BS in Psychology at Brigham Young University-Idaho and an MBA at the University of South Dakota. Outside the office, I enjoy spending time with my family and our two cats, reading, exploring new technologies, and venturing outdoors whenever I can.
Mateo Avila
Director, Degree Planning and Graduation Initiatives
As a first-generation student, education has been transformative and opened up many possibilities. I grew up in the Bay Area and earned my AA degree at the College of Alameda. I transferred to CSU East Bay and earned a bachelor's degree in political science, and then went on to Santa Clara University, where I earned a Juris Doctorate. I have three children, and my youngest attended all four Los Rios Community Colleges before transferring to Cal Poly SLO. I saw firsthand the difference Los Rios can make in a person's life. My wife and I love animals. We volunteer at our local animal shelter on the weekends and foster kitten litters frequently. On most weekends, you will find us trying out a new coffee shop all over the Sacramento Valley.
Taylor Johnson
Director, Mental Health
My name is Taylor Johnson. I am a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and have been working in the field of mental health for over 10 years. My passion is to support individuals with compassion to introduce them to tools and strategies so they can find solutions, reach their goals and create positive change. I believe therapy is a place you can come as you are and share your authentic self. In my personal life, I love spending time with my family, friends and my two dogs. I love being outdoors, but also enjoy binge watching a good TV show.
Ali Padash
Director, Financial Aid
I am a first-generation college graduate and proud alumnus of American River College, where I earned an Associate’s degree in Electronics Technology. I transferred to complete a Bachelor’s in Psychology at UC Davis and a Master’s in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from Sacramento State University. My career in higher education began at American River College in 1993 as a student employee. Since then, I have served in a variety of roles in both DSPS and Financial Aid. I always maintain a student-centered approach and deeply committed to serving students through an equity lens. It gives me immense pleasure to alleviate barriers along a student’s educational journey, making success and completion more accessible. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Angela Brady
Systems Supervisor, Financial Aid
I grew up in a small town in Wyoming and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Journalism with an emphasis in Public Relations from the University of Wyoming. My first job out of college in 2003 was in Financial Aid. In 2005, I relocated to Sacramento to further my career in financial aid—a field I have remained passionate about ever since. With experience in both the private and public sectors, I am dedicated to breaking down barriers for students and helping them achieve their educational goals. I also focus on creating more efficient processes to better support financial aid staff.
I am married and have a daughter in middle school and a son in elementary school. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, relaxing on the beach and listening to live music.
Shauna Lachapelle-Naranjo
Accounting Specialist
Erica Lopez
Administrative Assistant
Hello, my name is Erica, and I am a proud Sacramento native. I began my academic journey at Cosumnes River College, where I earned an Associate of Arts degree in Social and Behavioral Sciences. I then transferred to California State University, Sacramento, where I completed my bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. My professional journey with the Los Rios Community College District began in 2019 as a Temporary Classified Employee. Since then, I have grown within the organization and currently serve as an Administrative Assistant for the Student Services department. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my husband and son, especially exploring the outdoors together.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
We value building relationships to establish collaborative and engaged teams within our colleges and the district. - Student-Centered
We strive to streamline and remove barriers for students by providing resources, services, and support that are student-centered and equity-minded. - Continuous Improvement and Innovation
We value a culture of innovation that supports continuous improvement, by taking risks and learning from mistakes. We seek to cultivate a mindset of resourcefulness and adaptability. - Kindness and Respect
We value human connections that are rooted in kindness, appreciation, empathy, and respect. - Trust, Transparency, and Integrity
We value and strive to maintain a trusting, transparent, and integrity-focused working environment across all colleges and the district. - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
By recognizing that diverse backgrounds and perspectives contribute to the Los Rios District's strength as a dynamic, inclusive educational community, we acknowledge and embrace our responsibility to empower underrepresented student groups to ensure access, support and opportunities to succeed. - Stewardship and Service
Recognizing our students' ownership over their own educational journeys, we provide the structure and the services to support success. We commit to the continual process of learning where and how to meet our students where they are.
Department Updates and Information
- August 2025 Admissions and Records Update
- May 2025 Admissions and Records Update
- April 2025 Admissions and Records Update
- March 2025 Admissions and Records Update
- February 2025 Admissions and Records Update
- December 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- November 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- October 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- September 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- April 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- March 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- February 2024 Admissions and Records Update
- December 2023 Admissions and Records Update
- November 2023 Admissions and Records Update
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Coming soon.
Related Content
Admissions & Records and Financial Aid Redesign Project
Learn about the districtwide Admissions & Records and Financial Aid redesign project, including guiding principles, timelines, and teams.
Contact
(916) 286-3606
Erica Lopez
Administrative Assistant
LopezE@losrios.edu