Your L&S Adviser: Denise Poché

"Every day at CAL is different and I am still loving it"

My career in Higher Education started after completing a BA in Dramatic Arts and a minor in Psychology. I began working at CAL in the College of Engineering. After 7 years I decided to make a change and transferred to the California State University system where I worked with undergrad and graduate students.

I returned to CAL and began working in L & S as an evaluator. I continued to reflect upon my experience working with graduate students. These students were studying to be Counselors, School Psychologists and Special Education Teachers. To further develop my skills in working with students at Cal I decided I must further my education.

Although it was frightening to think about returning to school after such a long absence I made the decision to go for it. Returning to school as a working student-parent and a re-entry student was indeed a challenge. It was one of the best decisions of my life. I earned an M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis in Higher Education. My most interesting course was one called "Student Development".

I enjoy working with students who are trying to find out who they are, how to set goals for themselves and develop a plan for how to reach these goals. I also enjoy working closely with transfer students, student parents, re-entry students and especially with students in academic difficulty. I continue to develop a greater understanding of the needs and special gifts our DSP students bring to our campus.

I consider myself an educator who has had the good fortune to work in a setting that nurtures learning, recognizes the importance of understanding student development and its impact on student success. I continue to learn from my students and appreciate the importance of them being able to celebrate who they are in an environment where there is so much diversity.

This time can be one of the best times of your life. Enjoy this new chapter that is beginning to enfold before your very eyes and remember we are there to assist you in your search for knowledge.

Welcome to CAL!