Our Office
Regular Hours
BUTTE 615
530-898-6384
Hours 8 AM to 5 PM Monday - Friday
Mailing Address
Department of Sociology
400 W. First St.
Chico, CA 95929–0445
Sociology Alumni and Their Careers
Are you a Chico State Sociology Alum?
We'd love to hear from you and add you to our page! Tell us about what you've been up to or update your information at https://connect.csuchico.edu/soci(opens in new window).
 | Adam Roth Graduation Year: 2012 | I am an assistant professor in the sociology department at Oklahoma State University. After graduating from Chico State, I received an M.A. and Ph.D. from Washington State University. I was a postdoctoral fellow at Indiana University for three years before starting my position at Oklahoma State. |
 | Alvaro Orozco Graduation Year: 2019 | I am currently an RFA Social Worker. |
 | Alyson Juers Graduation Year: 2009 | Hello all! I am currently working as an oncology social worker and working towards my LCSW. I have started getting out in the world again and going to plays and musicals is my favorite! But my most favorite thing is hanging out with my beautiful brilliant granddaughter. |
 | Amber Harrold Graduation Year: 2013 | After graduating in 2013, I relocated to Houston, Texas and began my career in higher education as a Recruiter at Lone Star College. Shortly thereafter, I started and completed my Master’s in Higher Education Administration and Supervision at the University of Houston. During my masters program I pivoted into financial aid as a financial aid advisor and have continued to work in the financial aid industry over the last nine years. I currently serve as the Director of Financial Aid at UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. Personally, I married my husband, Zeke who I met during the National Student Exchange. We have two children, Elyse 4 and Eli, 1. |
| Annie Madden Graduation Year: 1999 | My current job title is Adoption Social Worker. I'm a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) working in foster care and adoption currently, but have also worked in community based mental health treatment and recovery and corrections in the last twenty years. I'm married and have two children and live outside Boston, MA. |
 | Arthur Lichtman Graduation Year: 1968 | I'm retired now. When I was working, my last job title was Chief Contract Policy, for the Calif. Dept. of Transportation. |
 | Ashley Oakley Graduation Year: 2009 | I work for the great state of Oregon as their Continuous Quality Improvement Analyst in the office of Child Welfare. I work remote from home 100%. In my free time I am an aerial acrobatics performer and get paid to do what I love at awesome parties and festivals all over the world. |
 | Briel Rascon Graduation Year: 2018 | Since graduation, I have worked as a Counselor in a medical assistance treatment (MAT) facility. In my role, I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and evidence-based curriculum to assist clients in treatment. I am also pursuing MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. |
| Brittany Rubio Graduation Year: 2018 | My most memorable job after Chico State was at CARD in their after school programs and summer camps. I now work at the College of San Mateo as an Administrative Assistant. |
| Charlie White Graduation Year: 2018 | I am an Administrative Analyst at Nevada County Behavioral Health. I mostly write grant applications and budgets, manage grant programs, and evaluate grant programs including data collection and both state and federal reporting. |
| Chris Taggart Graduation Year: 2012 | Since graduating I have been working in recruitment and business development for healthcare organizations. |
 | Cindy Ward Graduation Year: 2020 | After graduating from CSU, Chico, I went on to California State University, East Bay (CSUEB). I was awarded my MS eLearning degree in 2022. For my Capstone project, I was a TA for a couple of the courses in our program. Today, I am a student at Northcentral University, working on my EdD degree. |
 | Cory Sbarbaro Graduation Year: 2020 | I moved to Seattle in 2000 to complete my MPA degree, and have lived here ever since. I am currently the COO/Executive Vice President at a regional nonprofit foundation—overseeing finance, operations, human resources, communications, legal, real estate, and technology. Prior to my current role, I spent 16 years as a leadership and organizational change consultant for nonprofit organizations and coalitions in the Pacific Northwest. I served as interim CEO for nine organizations, provided counsel to more than 100 boards of directors, and guided dozens of organizations through complex organizational transitions. |
 | Curtis Pahlka Graduation Year: 2005 | I serve as the Title IX Coordinator at Butte College. This year, in addition to ensuring gender equality for students and staff, I had the opportunity to follow my favorite band on tour, enjoying seven Pearl Jam concerts in four states. |
| DaShawn Parker Graduation Year: 1997 | I am Program Manager for a day program for adults with intellectual disabilities. It is challenging and rewarding at the same time. |
 | Eboni Harp Graduation Year: 2019 | I currently work as a Risk Assessment Specialist with North Los Angeles County Regional Center. My duties include identifying trends and developing strategies to protect the health and safety of consumers with developmental disabilities. |
| Elisabeth DeBartolo Graduation Year: 1980 | After graduating from Chico, I attended Golden Gate University and earned an M.S. in Human Resources. I worked 20 years in executive-level human resources, mostly in hospitality. I then attended law school at University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. I now have my own law practice in Monterey, California. |
 | Elizabeth Mower Graduation Year: 2013 | After getting my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at CSU Chico, I went to University of Nevada, Reno to obtain a Master's degree in Sociology. Through undergraduate and graduate school I had the opportunity to intern as an Analyst for a research and evaluation firm and as an Executive Assistant for a domestic violence shelter, which afforded me the opportunity to use my research, analysis, and writing skills to support programs (evaluation/grant writing). I’m now a Project Manager for a private consulting firm engaged in program evaluation and strategic planning to “help people build better communities” —Applied Survey Research (former titles included Senior Data Analyst, Data Analyst, Research Associate). |
| Emily Wood Graduation Year: 2020 | I am currently the lead Intervenion Counselor with Sutter-Yuba Behavioral Health HEaRT Program (Homeless Engagement and Resolution Team). I have been in my current position since August of last year. Prior to this I was a CM at a low barrier housing Project, New Haven Community Court in Yuba City and a CM at Hands of Hope Homeless Resource Center also in Yuba City. I am now a proud grandmother of 5. |
 | Haley Tucker Graduation Year: 2014 | I currently do internal communications and events for a video game company! I get to do morale events, new hire orientation, philanthropy efforts, etc. I love it! |
 | Heather Giambrone Jackson Graduation Year: 2018 | I am a Social Worker II at the County of Santa Clara. I just got married over a year and a half ago to my college sweetheart. I struggled finding a financially stable job from 2018-2021. |
 | Janet McCue Graduation Year: 2021 | I have been working at Chico State since 2014. My current position is as an administrative support coordinator in the Child Development department. Currently, I am pursuing my master's degree in business (MBA) here at Chico State, and will graduate in spring 2024. After completing my MBA, I will look to advance my career on campus. I'm not 100% sure what that will look like yet but I am interested in teaching or advising students. |
| Jasmine-Rose Schmitt Graduation Year: 2006 | Hello! I am the Assistant Director of the Office of Student Engagement at the University of Texas at Austin. I work primarily with first-year students as a program director, academic advisor, and lecturer for first-year seminars focused on professional development and enhancing the first-year experience. I also own/run a social bocce league and adult summer camp. |
 | Jerred Thompson Graduation Year: 2008 | I work remotely for Georgian Court University in New Jersey. My title is Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Admission Operations Data and Analysis. I oversee the admission data and graduate recruitment for the university. |
 | Jessica Rowe Graduation Year: 2008 | I work as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), supervising treatment for children and adults with autism. I work remotely and travel one week a month to the east coast for meetings with families. I now live in Colorado with my husband and have a baby due 5/2023. |
 | Josiah Damaris Greer Graduation Year: 2013 | I currently work as the Assistant Director, African American Recruitment at UC, Davis. I also am a Motivational Speaker and Entrepreneur. I have utilized the knowledge I obtained as a sociology major to better my community in a plethora of ways. Those listed above are just a few. |
 | Julie Murphy Graduation Year: 2016 | I am currently working in the Disability Support Program for Students and Workability III office at Feather River College as a Program Staff Specialist II. I am also working in the Instructional Resource Center at FRC as an Instructional Assistant. |
 | Katelyn Jacobsen Graduation Year: 2010 | I am married and have two amazing daughters, a 2 1/2 year old and 2 month old. I have been with the Probation Department since 2011. I started as a Juvenile Institution Officer in our rehabilitation facility, but have been a Deputy Probation Officer since 2015. |
| Kathy Connelly Graduation Year: 1969 | 45 years, part time instructor Sierra College, 33 years head Counselor at Placer High School, Auburn, Ca. Although inactive, I have an MFT license. Sociology and psychology compliment each other. |
 | Laura Nelson Graduation Year: 2008 | After completing my Master's Degree, I have been working as a Clinical Social Worker, Therapist and Life Coach. Since the Camp Fire disaster in 2018, I have been specializing in Fire Trauma Stewardship in private practice at my local small business, Cedar Creek: A Place For Healing located in Chico and Paradise. |
 | Liz Poletti Graduation Year: 1974 | After graduating I travelled for 6 months in Europe. I then worked for the National Park Service and National Forest Service. After marrying and having our daughter I had a Bed and Breakfast in Alaska. I became a substitute teacher when my daughter was in school. I am now retired. |
 | Madeline Roche Graduation Year: 2018 | I currently work as a Senior Academic Advisor for the Department of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. Between graduation and now, I've worked at 3 different higher education institutions, earned my Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Policy, and lived in 3 different states! |
 | Mariana Alvarez Graduation Year: 2005 | I am a Transaction Coordinator for a real estate company. I read and process all the legal documents when buying/selling homes, and am the project manager for our location. I am a cancer survivor (Stage 3 breast cancer) and in remission for almost 3 years! |
 | Mary Pieratt Graduation Year: 1970 | When I left Chico, I worked in the music business in Los Angeles; for Warners, Etta James and others. I worked at the Chancellors Office for the CSU, then moved to San Francisco State University where, as a Program Director for Extended Learning, I developed a professional Music Business and Recording academic program as well as International Travel and Study Programs. Other professional programs followed, but these first two were my largest and most successful. I have been able to travel the world. |
 | Mia Kirby Graduation Year: 2022 | I have been working as a Temporary Field Organizer position with the Human Rights Campaign. |
| Michael Messner Graduation Year: 1976 | After completing my B.A. and M.A. at Chico State in 1974 and 1976, I received my Ph.D. at U.C. Berkeley. I am Professor of Sociology and Gender Studies at the University of Southern California. My research on men and masculinity, violence prevention, gender and sport, and veterans' peace movements has resulted in nineteen books. I have received USC's highest awards for teaching and mentoring. |
 | Nick Mayer Graduation Year: 2016 | I moved to Chicago, and am pursing stand-up comedy. I also produce a monthly benefit show for Abortion Access. Additionally, I partner with Chicago Public Schools, a non-profit, and a comedy club to create a program that brings students into the comedy club for a field trip / crash course comedy class… also I wait tables part time. |
 | Norma Alvarado Graduation Year: 2019 | Since graduating, I have been promoted from a budget analyst to Director of External Fiscal Services at the Lake County Office of Education, where I have worked since 2014. I was an online transfer student who resumed my education at age 40. (It really is never too late!) My oldest daughter and I both graduated in 2019 from CSU Chico! My job is pretty demanding but very rewarding. I love to travel and have finally been able to get away a few times this last year since the peak of the pandemic - Mexico, Hawaii and a few in-state road trips. |
 | Pablo Villalpando Graduation Year: 2014 | I'm a Global SEO Specialist at Meta, doing digital marketing for Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger for businesses across the world. I've been in SEO for +7 years now, helping world-renown brands like Salesforce, Spotify, Tupperware, HP, SoFi, GoFundMe, and Vizio improve their visibility in search engines. I also like to support and volunteer for nonprofits I'm passionate about. |
 | Paige Connell Graduation Year: 2018 | I work for my county's behavioral health agency (job title: Case Management Specialist Senior), and my department is supporting me in getting my Master's in Social Work, with the end goal of becoming a therapist. My sociological background has been a huge benefit in this job, and my clients appreciate that I understand the social landscape and have a broad knowledge of systemic oppression because often mental health treatments can get bogged down in a focus on the individual and their problems, when often society and our systems are a contributing factor to people's suffering. |
 | Pamela Dunlap Graduation Year: 2005 | Pretty shortly after finishing the program, I came back to Chico State as an employee. Initially, it was entry-level, but I am now in my 4th position on campus, working as a data analyst. |
 | Parker Wilkinson Graduation Year: 2015 | I have been teaching English for six years. I have taught in Europe, China, and online. |
 | Rachel Gunn Graduation Year: 2021 | Right now I’m a full-time parent while looking for a part-time job in my new town and state! I’m also researching graduate programs in my area. |
 | Rachel Kinney Graduation Year: 2006 | I am currently the Senior Global Manager of Talent Acquisition at WarnerBros Discovery. I lead a team of about 30 people mostly in the USA, Canada, and EMEA (in London and Amsterdam) who hire the technical talent for WBD. |
 | Rae Seifert Graduation Year: 2013 | After completing my undergraduate degree in Sociology at Chico State, I took a few years to find my way. I ended up getting my graduate and doctoral degrees in Psychology and becoming a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. The work is so fulfilling! I recently moved back to Chico and have a very sweet life working from home for a non-profit seeing clients via Telehealth. I am just now starting a private practice which will be both personally and financially rewarding. I’m quite excited for this next step! |
| Robert Lohman Graduation Year: 1975 | I have been in sales in the consumer product industry since leaving the retail grocery business. |
| Robert LoStimolo Graduation Year: 1975 | Retired Detective Sergeant with 26 years of service from the Bloomfield Connecticut Police Department. |
| Robert McLean Graduation Year: 2004 | I currently lead the creation and execution of cross-functional readiness plans for a biotech company to meet supply chain requirements. |
 | Sabrina Vella Graduation Year: 2008 | I graduated during the recession and it was hard to find a job! I found my way to working in a residential therapeutic setting and learned so much. This job led me to wanting to go to grad school. From there I obtained my MSW, PPCS, and then eventually my LCSW. My current job is Wellness And Prevention Coordinator. We started/built Wellness Centers in our high schools and I supervise interns and therapists working towards licensure hours. |
| Sarah Brown Graduation Year: 2016 | I am currently at 5th grade teacher at a Charter School in Oroville. |
 | Sarah Gentle Graduation Year: 2019 | Since graduating I worked at my local CASA agency as a data entry/case manager behind the scenes. I recently moved into my current role where I work with a local nonprofit supporting current and former foster youth with education and employment success. I am a post secondary coach and I am excited to be working in the very program that supported me through college. |
 | Sean Johnson Graduation Year: 2014 | I recently just completed a doctorate program in Behavioral Health after obtaining a master's degree in Social Work. I currently work as a psychotherapist at both a group practice and at my own private practice. I got married a few years back and my wife is finishing her final year of law school in Vermont, where we relocated to two years ago. |
 | Tom Watson Graduation Year: 1992 | Before I earned my sociology degree, I spent three years in the army. After graduating, I got a job in law enforcement administration and support. While taxing and sometimes frustrating, this industry has a very generous retirement program. I have just retired at the age of 55. |
 | Trelasa Baratta Graduation Year: 2011 | Since departing Chico State in 2011, I've taught English in Spain and continued feeding my love for travel all over the world, worked as a childcare teacher with middle school students, and birthed my beautiful son, Zephyr, in 2020. Today, I'm finishing up my Masters of Education at Sonoma State University and working as the Curriculum Developer for Redbud Resource Group, a Native women-led non-profit working to improve public health outcomes for Native communities. |
 | Wynn Strange Graduation Year: 2014 | I'm about to finish my PhD in Sociology at Portland State University. I'm currently an adjunct instructor at multiple universities and am on the job market for Assistant Professor jobs. |
 | Yoselin Ortiz-Luna Graduation Year: 2010 | Professionally, I am currently a LCSW-Licensed Clinical Social Worker for about 2 years. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. I currently work for Mule Creek State Prison. Personally, I have been living in Sacramento the last three years, and was able to buy my first home last year. I am also a single mom and have a 10 year old daughter. |