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Our Staff

The DRC Staff are available to offer you advising and support regarding your disability related needs. This might include:
    • discussing tips for self-advocacy
    • explaining how to utilize DRC services
    • referring you to other campus resources
    • consulting with faculty about accommodations
    • assisting you in managing disability-related concerns

    Rick Gubash, M.S.

  • Director

    E-mail: rgubash@ucsc.edu

    Pronouns: He/Him/His

    I joined the Disability Resource Center in fall 2013 as a Learning Specialist and Service Coordinator. Prior to moving to UC Santa Cruz from Minnesota, I worked for eight years with the Center for Adaptive (now Accessible) Student Services (CLASS) and taught Critical Thinking, a first year study skills course, at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. 

    As a person with a learning disability, I really enjoy seeing students find their strengths and a personal enjoyment of learning. I am excited to be part of the amazing resources that they can access at the university. I am truly honored to be part of an amazing team of colleagues at the DRC. My bachelor’s degree in Psychology is from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus and my Master’s degree is in Rehabilitation Counseling is from Minnesota State University in Mankato. 

    In my spare time, I enjoy kayaking, gardening, cooking and hiking. Santa Cruz is an amazing place for all of these activities. My wife and I have two adult children who live in Minneapolis and we look forward to each visit they make to Santa Cruz. UCSC is an amazing place to live and work.

    • Angela Holleman, M.S.

  • Assistant Director

    angela holleman smiling and wearing a burgandy shirt in front of blurry forrestry 

    E-mail: adhollem@ucsc.edu 

    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

    Seeing students succeed is the most rewarding part of my job. As a DRC Service Coordinator, I meet with students with all disability types including deaf and hard of hearing students to assess appropriate accommodations. I also work closely with campus partners in advising, academic and student affairs, and faculty to enhance the services that the DRC provides to students.

    My education and experience includes a B.A. in Human Services, as well as a M.S. in Clinical Psychology with a focus in counseling. Underlying the work I do, is a desire to support students and encourage them toward independence and self-advocacy.

    Outside of work, I love to garden, travel with my friends and family, and pursue interests in counseling psychology and neuroscience.

    • Vanessa Molina, M.A.

  • Auxiliary Services Manager

    vanessa

    Email: vamolina@ucsc.edu

    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

    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.  

    • Service Coordinators

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    Karen Ross
    Service Coordinator
    Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

    ¡Hola! Mi nombre es Karen (Kah-ren), I use she/ella pronouns. I am a Service Coordinator here at the DRC. I mainly work with estudiantes in 1:1 settings to explore environments of learning and access, and hopefully explore options together that would work best for them and their needs to set them up for success. It is SO important to me that students know how important it is that they’re here at UCSC and for them to take up space!

    I also enjoy being involved in programming and trainings to students, sus familias, and staff. I am a queer Latina immigrant from Baja California, México. I am passionate about radical social justice, dismantling systems of oppression, and queer resistance. I like to question todo! To me it is muy importante that we all have equal access to services that support us holistically and help us thrive individually and as a community.

    I have a B.S. in Psychology and multiple trainings in Feminist and Gender Studies. Outside of work, I love to spend time with my bunny pet Manu, listen to music, and because I am the epitome of a Virgo, color code ALL my stuff. Did I mention overthinking?


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    Vineeta Ram
    Senior Service Coordinator
    Pronouns: 

    • Auxiliary Services Staff

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    Sara Sebahar
    Accessible Media Coordinator
    E-mail: ssebahar@ucsc.edu

    E-mail: altmedia@ucsc.edu

    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

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    Vacant

    Exam Accommodations Coordinator

    Email: drcexams@ucsc.edu

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Erin Whitfield
    Classroom Accommodations Coordinator

    E-mail: erinbri@ucsc.edu
    E-mail: drcnotes@ucsc.edu

    Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

     

    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.

    • Administrative Staff

  • andrea

    Andrea Soria
    Business Office Manager
    E-mail: asoria@ucsc.edu

    Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

    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.

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    Stephen Hosburg, M.Ed
    Interim Department Assistant
    E-mail: shosburg@ucsc.edu

    Pronouns: He/Him/His