Our Staff

Karen Nielson

Director

Vanessa Molina, M.A.

Auxiliary Services Manager

My identity as a first-generation Deaf Latina helped me develop a sense of self-advocacy that was essential in navigating my studies. During my undergraduate career, I quickly realized the importance of owning my identities that gave me the purpose of my life-long passion. My groundwork is based on social justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity. My goals cannot be achieved alone, I strongly believe in community collaboration to build a foundation where students can thrive. I truly look forward to meeting and working with students to empower them to realize they possess valuable potential and help them find the path to prosperity. 

My educational background includes a B.A. in Sociology from CSU Northridge and a M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Denver. 

Outside of work my interests include exploring new places, hiking, going to the beach, checking out museums, painting, and reading with my dog, Champ. Champ also likes all of the above along with belly rubs and snacks. 

Felicia "Licia" Peck, PhD

Service Coordinator

E-mail: fpeck@ucsc.edu

I received my PhD in Politics from UCSC, and received academic accommodations from DRC during my own studies. I believe that we create better knowledge when people with diverse experiences and diverse ways of knowing are included. 

I am always striving to put more miles on my bike than my car (and many months I succeed!) Away from work I go for long walks with my daughter, significant other, and dog, and I'm trying to re-learn Spanish by reading children’s books.

Jazleen Jacobo

Exam Accommodations Coordinator

Erin Whitfield

Classroom Accommodations Coordinator

Hello, it is so great to meet you! My name is Erin and I am the Classroom Accommodations Coordinator here at the DRC. Helping students learn, grow, and overcome challenges is what draws me to this role. 

My background as an educator includes disability service and advocacy for students in K-12th grade, as well as service for students at the university and community college level. I have a passion for listening to other people’s stories, exploring and learning new ways of thinking, and supporting access for all individuals. I believe diversity should be embraced, everyone has something important to contribute and space should be made for all voices. 

My interests outside of work include reading, yoga, spending time outdoors with my family and raising my two school-aged children to be thoughtful, inclusive and loving members of the community.

Vacant

Accessible Media Coordinator

Andrea Soria

Business Office Manager

Hola! I'm Andrea; I have no preference on how you say my first name (I promise, I really don't). I've been at UCSC since Fall 2001, and joined the DRC team in Fall 2018 as the DRC's Business Office Manager. I'm responsible for the "behind the scenes" Administrative, Human Resource and Financial processes to keep the department running. As a 1st gen student, I struggled to navigate the world of higher education in the U.S. so it's my #1 goal to make sure our team has what they need to in turn provide our students with the access to education they deserve.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my Pitt-Boxer, Kuzco; his energy is pure love and he rejuvenates me. To pass the time, I do logic games and jigsaw puzzles, I love a good trivia game and like being crafty - I'm really good at diaper cakes (it's a real thing, I swear). I have also made a habit of searching for new Excel/Sheets formulas to use in my personal and professional lives #nerdhearts.

Fabiola "Fabi" Espinosa

DRC Operations Project and Policy Analyst

I received my BA in Sociology and a minor in Education from UCSC. My experience as a first-generation college student taught me the significance of self-advocacy. Having been an educator in a full-inclusion setting, my idea of what education can look like broadened and transformed. These experiences together are what led me to this work; I knew I wanted to foster a sense of belonging within education for students of all backgrounds.

I am passionate about providing students with resources and guidance that may combat the barriers many of us face within education. Student support is important to me as it serves as a tool for well-being and community building.

A few of my interests outside of work include spending time with friends and family, yoga, reading, and anything arts and crafts related.

Jennifer Rogerson Jennings

DRC Testing Site Project and Policy Analyst

Hello! My name is Jennifer, and I am a Project and Policy Analyst supporting the Testing Center here at the DRC. I have experienced firsthand the comforting effect of being able to contact knowledgeable and supportive programs on campus designed to assist people such as myself who must address barriers to access and education. That is why I am passionate about accommodating and supporting student needs in the university setting.

I have a M.A. in Anthropology with a focus in Museum Studies from California State University, Chico and a B.A. in Maritime Studies with minors in History and Anthropology from the University of West Florida. As an anthropologist and museum researcher, I focused on fostering accessibility within our public spaces so that they can be enjoyed by all. I am looking forward to transitioning that focus back to the university setting where it all started.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling the country in our Sprinter van Jörd with my wife, Colleen and our two cats, Nimbus and Cirrus.

Stephen Hosburg, M.Ed

Accommodate Project and Policy Analyst