Residential Life Team

The Residential Life professional staff serve as a support TEAM working closely with residents to create a hall environment in which optimal student learning and personal development can be achieved.    

Michelle Hobby-Mears, Director of Residential Life and Student Activities
949-480-4134
mhobby-mears@soka.edu 

The Assistant Director of Student Programs works closely with the Residential Life staff on co-curriculum programming for the residential community.

Julian Velarde, Assistant Director of Student Programs
949-480-4250  
jvelarde@soka.edu    

The Assistant Director of Residential Operations and Planning lives on campus and manages the operational issues associated with the entire residential community in coordination with the Facilities Department. The AD also focuses on residential community development and planning and works closely with the staff to support residents.

Lisa Deiser, Assistant Director of Residential Operations and Planning
949-480-4149  
ldeiser@soka.edu

The Assistant Director of Residential Education is responsible for the development and maintenance of the Soka University Residential Life Co-Curriculum and creates opportunities for intellectual stimulation for the residential community. The AD works closely with the Faculty Resident and Residential Life staff in promoting residential education with an emphasis for student learning that is consistent with the core values of community, diversity, scholarship, citizenship, and personal growth.

Brian Durick, Assistant Director of Residential Education
949-480-4018  
bdurick@soka.edu

The Residence Hall Coordinators (RHC) provide leadership and supervision. As live on staff, their responsibilities include supporting residents' needs, supervising the RAs, managing hall facilities, coordinating co-curricular programs, and advising the Residence Hall Association. The RHCs are available to assist in all matters.

Wanna Dean, Residence Hall Coordinator
949-480-4016  
wdean@soka.edu

Andy Lyum, Residence Hall Coordinator
949-480-4212  
landy@soka.edu

Ruby Nagashima, Residence Hall Coordinator
949-480-4190  
rnagashima@soka.edu

Resident Advisors (RAs) have a unique opportunity to positively impact our residence halls by working with residents and the Residential Life staff members. RAs function as community guardian, a resource, programmer, supporter and friend. RAs operate the front office during evening office hours assisting residents with checkout, maintenance or service requests and in any other area of need. RAs organize educational hall programs for the benefit of the student community as well as assist the staff when conflicts or crisis arise within the community.

Maria Valdovinos - RA serving Sunrise Hall 300

Elias Zelger - RA serving Sunrise Hall 300

Kiyoshi Akasu - RA serving Abeona Hall 305

Ana Laraia - RA serving Aurora Hall 310

Candice Cadena - RA serving Horizon Hall 315

Emilia Donovan - RA serving Umoja Hall 370

Lance Sierra - RA serving Minuteman Hall 375

Handrio Nurhan - RA serving Sunset Hall 380

Corina Velasquez - RA serving Sunset Hall 380

Maiko Miura - RA serving Somnus Hall 385

The Faculty in Residence Program is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know faculty outside of the traditional classroom environment. The Faculty Resident (FIR) lives in the residence halls to support the students whether in their adjustment to campus life or assistance with their studies.

Shane Barter, Faculty Resident 2012-2013
949-480-4487  
sbarter@soka.edu