Our college advisors in your school
To help you transition smoothly into college, and to better serve our high school partner districts, CGCC has embedded our own College Advisors at our area high schools. These advisors are available on high school campuses to help students navigate the college admissions process, answer any questions they may have, and support their search for the right academic programs. Our College Advisors are also ambassadors to programs that encourage high school students to prepare for college early, including:
- Dual Enrollment, which allows students to earn high school and college credits at the same time
- Concurrent Enrollment, where high school students can take courses with college students, either in person, online, or in hybrid formats
- Hoop of Learning, an early high school-to-college bridge program designed to empower American Indian students
- Achieving a College Education (ACE), a scholarship program supporting first-generation, underrepresented, financially disadvantaged college-bound students
Connect with your High School College Advisor
Our Advisors are ready to help you navigate the college admissions process, explore early college opportunities and provide support as you evaluate your program options!
Victoria Castro-Corral (Hablo Español)
Supervisor - High School College Advisors
Email: victoria.castro.corral@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-732-7114
Location: Chandler-Gilbert Community College (Pecos Campus)
Victoria is a Phoenix native and advocate for Early College programs. Her passion for higher education was sparked in 6th grade when she began earning college credits. She holds a Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Education Sciences at the University of Kentucky. Committed to the transformative power of representation, Victoria is dedicated to promoting equity, access, and inclusion in education, striving to create a lasting and meaningful impact on her community.
Yocelyn Gomez-Garcia "Yozzy" (Hablo Español)
Email: Yocelyn.Gomez.Garcia@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-726-4210
Location: Chandler High School, Hamilton High School
Originally from Compton, California. Yozzy is fluent in Spanish and received her Master Degree in Social Work (MSW) from California State University Humboldt. She has more than a decade of higher education experience assisting students from diverse academic, socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Her focus is on helping students develop the successful strategies needed to become lifelong learners and enhance their scholarly and professional growth.
Sandra Martinez (Hablo Español)
Email: Sandra.Martinez@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-726-4209
Location: Gilbert High School, Mesquite High School
Originally from California, Sandra is fluent in Spanish and a graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. Her degree has given her the opportunity to give back to the community by being of service. She considers the ability to connect high school students to their college path the most rewarding aspect of her career.
Amber Thackeray
Email: amber.thackeray@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-279-7452
Location: Higley High School, Williams Field High School
Amber started her educational journey at a small community college in Utah and has since earned a BA in Philosophy, a Master's in Management at Arizona State University, and a Doctorate of Education at Pepperdine University. She has worked as an academic advisor at three major universities. Her strong belief in the transformative power of education motivates her to connect with students.
Krysten Marshall
Email: Krysten.Marshall@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-726-4076
Location: Basha High School, Perry High School
Krysten started her education at Chandler-Gilbert Community College before transferring to Arizona State University to earn her bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She is passionate about accessible and inclusive higher education for all who wish to learn. She looks forward to meeting with her students and facilitating their route to success.
Gabriella Mesa
Email: gabriella.mesa@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-732-7358
Location: East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) Main/East Campus
Gabriella is a third-generation Arizona native, born and raised in the East Valley. She attended Chandler-Gilbert Community College for dual enrollment and then Northern Arizona University, where she earned a B.S. in Elementary Education. She taught third and fifth grade in Chandler, fostering a passion for public education as a tool to uplift the community. She believes higher education empowers young adults with flexibility and stability for their future selves and their families and wants to bring college opportunities to all!
Melisa Lopez (Hablo Español)
Email: melisa.lopez@cgc.edu
Phone: 480-726-4086
Location: Campo Verde High School, Desert Ridge High School
Mel Lopez (she/her/ella) is an Oregon native and a proud first-generation Latina with over 15 years of experience in higher education. Mel’s passion for helping students shines through her work in advising and counseling, where she’s dedicated herself to supporting first-generation, low-income, and underserved students. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences and a master’s degree in College Student Services Administration, both from Oregon State University. Mel is committed to helping students discover their passions, guiding them toward success, and cheering them on as they reach their goals and dreams.
For more information about Chandler-Gilbert Community College, contact your High School College Advisor today!