Caren Fernandez, Director

I was born in Salinas and raised in Prunedale, California. I graduated with a BA in psychology, a BS in business administration with an option in MIS, and MA in education from Chico State. I have been fortunate to work with various TRiO programs such as Upward Bound and Talent Search and now Student Support Services. I enjoy working with students; there isn't anything I would rather be doing at this point in my life. I am an open-minded, goal-oriented person, who enjoys spending time with my family, friends, and my dogs (Chevy & Porscha). I love watching and playing sports as well as traveling.

Megan Kurtz, Academic Coordinator

I grew up in Bakersfield, California attending local public schools and spent two years at Bakersfield Junior College before transferring to Chico State in 2000. I graduated with a degree in communication in 2004 and decided that the charm and unique energy of Chico was where I wanted to make my home and start a family. Guiding students to find what journey is best for them is a true passion of mine and I enjoy seeing people strive to reach beyond themselves to succeed. My husband, Stuart (also a Chico State Alumni), and I enjoy being outside in the open spaces that Chico provides. We especially like riding our cruiser bikes in the park and being downtown. Please stop by the EOP/SSS office and say hello. I would love to hear your story.

Thang Ho, Educational Data and Technology Specialist

I moved to Chico in 1996 and attended both Butte Community College and CSU, Chico. I graduated with a double major in business marketing and management information systems in 2002. My wife Laura and I have been married since 2004 and we have a wonderful daughter name Caitlin. We have been blessed to live and work in a wonderful community like Chico. Please stop by and say “Hi”.

Carol Robinson, Publications, Public Events, and Technology Specialist

I have been lucky to work for the Educational Opportunity Program for over 20 years both as a student and staff. I have a variety of duties including coordinating the EOP graduation celebration, producing EOP publications, and serving as an advisor for the Latino Graduation Celebration.

I am a Chico State alumna with a bachelor's in art with an emphasis in art history. I love being a mom to my twins, Maya and Kellen, and spending time with my husband.

Jeanette McMurry, Office Manager

My family moved to Chico in 1961. I grew up attending Chico schools and graduated from CSU, Chico with a BA in history and a minor in English. I have had the privilege of working as a staff member on campus since 1995 and am delighted to be a part of the EOP office and educational mission. I am very blessed to have four wonderful children, a darling daughter-in-law, and family and friends to laugh and love with. Some of my favorite things to do are reading, walking, singing, and bike-riding in Bidwell Park.

Kathleen Mcfarren, Administrator Support Assistant

I am originally from Sacramento and moved to Chico to attend CSU, Chico—and I never left! I love living in this beautiful big-little town, with its shady, horse-friendly park and an excellent university that I, along with my husband and daughter, graduated from. Our son is currently attending Butte College, and maybe he’ll end up here, too. I am new to the EOP/SSS family and am sure I have the best job on campus. Each day, I get to work with a passionate and dedicated staff of professionals and students. Plus, I’m meeting so many amazing and hard-working EOP and SSS students, who come by our office from all over campus to meet with their advisors and use our computer lab.

Pheng Yang, Information Technology Support

Hello, everyone! I was born in Yuba City and raised in Marysville, California. Growing up with 7 brothers and 2 sisters I grew to learn how to communicate with people very well. I'm a first generation student and the 8th in my family to enter a college. I moved to Chico in the summer of 2008 as a freshman to California State University, Chico, studying in Mechanical Engineering. I’m involved with clubs and organizations on campus and enjoy spending time outside with friends and family. The Chico atmosphere is such a warm feeling that pulls you right in at home. It’s a pleasure working with EOP/SSS students and staff.

Maria Garcia-Gonzalez, Peer Advisor

Hello, My name is Maria Garcia and I am currently a 4th year here at California State University of Chico. My major is Liberal Studies with emphasis on Bilingual and SMA in Mathematics. I grew up in the area and consider myself "a local."  I commute to school every day, about 1.5 hrs round trip, which makes me manage my time wisely . I am talkative, organized and you will always see a smile on my face. I started working here in the Student Support Service office in fall 2011, and I absolutely love it.

Ge Yang, Peer Advisor

I have lived in Butte County my whole life and I love it! I was born  and raised in Oroville, 30 mins South of Chico.   I had the option to go else where for college but chose Chico State because I loved its environment. I am the second sibling of two brothers and 5 younger sisters. Being a first generation student from a low-income family, I got the opportunity to be a part of CSU Chico's Student Support Services F.O.C.U.S. Program in the summer of 2009. I am a fourth year student studying in Health Science Administration :Health Services. Its has been a real pleasure to work with Chico States Student Support Services. I enjoy being involved in clubs and organizations on campus and in the community