Meet our Staff

Education:
Loyola Marymount University, BA in English and Spanish
San Francisco State University, MA in English (Creative Writing and Education)

My name is Genesis Montalvo (they/them), and I am a tenured faculty member here at Pasadena City College (PCC). Since starting at PCC, I have been one of the faculty members in the Writing Success Center (WSC) where I lead workshops, train tutors, and organize programming for the WSC. I also teach English 1A, poetry, and creative writing.

I’m a proud first-generation college student born to immigrant parents from Mexico who grew up in the North OC–think Disneyland area, not Laguna Beach. As the eldest of three and only femme child, I grew up being a translator, role model, and overall over-achiever. My over-achieving tendencies–taking several AP classes in high school while balancing participating in extracurriculars and being a team captain for my cross country team–led me to enroll at my dream school, Loyola Marymount University where I obtained my BA in English and Spanish, and further developed my leadership skills. In fact, I always attribute my career readiness to my campus involvement at LMU. After graduating, I immediately started working on my Master’s in Creative Writing (with an emphasis in poetry) at San Francisco State University. While I love SF, I did not love the fog, and had to move back to sunny SoCal right after graduating. A former doctoral school dropout, I have recently started a doctorate at Loyola Marymount University. I say this with pride since I believe that leaving a program, no matter the reason–financial, wrong fit, wrong timing, life–takes courage and is sometimes the best decision we can make for ourselves.

To keep the calm during the storms, I enjoy running, hot yoga, writing poetry (keep an eye out for a published manuscript soon), and watching anime!

PUENTE Counselor Ms. Rosas motivated me to not only give back to my community, but to the PUENTE Project. I cannot believe it has been 20 years since I participated in PUENTE DE PCC. PUENTE saved my life! It gave me the tools to succeed beyond PCC. It inspired me to make a difference in my community and seek a profession in Counseling. I am thrilled that I have had the privilege to serve as the Puente Counselor/Coordinator for the last four years and make a positive impact in the lives of my students. PUENTE is not a job; it is my life, energy, and what has made me the person I am today. I am also grateful for my PUENTE Mentor. Ms. Kathleen Rodarte always went out of her way to help me with my college applications by providing fee waivers for the applications, drove me to the post office to mail my college apps, and always without hesitation provided me the tools/resources I needed to succeed. Gracias and Rest in Paradise Kathleen Rodarte. Once a Puentista, Always A Puentista!!!

Never forget or be ashamed of where you come from. Your lived experiences are the ventajas/assets, which will carry you to success. Remember to bring along your familia and comunidad in your educational journey. Once successful, go back to your comunidad and give back. The way we change our society is by uplifting others and providing them the resources they need to better themselves. Always utilize your resources and NEVER, EVER be ashamed to ask for help from your PUENTE FAMILIA! SI SE PUENTE!!!

Hello Students, Faculty, Staff, and Community Members,

My name is Olinda Cazares, and I am honored to serve as the Professional Expert for the Puente Project. In addition to this role, I am also a dedicated high school counselor, passionate about supporting students in every step of their academic and personal growth.

Educational Background:

• Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies
  California State University, Fullerton
• Master of Science in School Counseling
  Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential in School Counseling
  California State University, Long Beach

I look forward to continuing to support and empower our students, both through the Puente Project and in my role as a counselor.

I’ve been a school counselor for over twenty years, and I continue to put my best foot forward in supporting students on their journey. My favorite part of this work is watching students grow into themselves—seeing them succeed, feel supported, and find balance. Whether it’s through casual conversations, watching them shine in extracurriculars, mapping out their four-year plans, or guiding them toward their post-high school goals, I’m grateful to be a part of each student’s path. Every connection and every step forward matters deeply to me.

I come from a family of seven, raised by immigrant parents from Guayaquil, Ecuador. I grew up immersed in Ecuadorian culture and speaking Spanish—something I still do fluently today. Spanish music is a staple in my life, and I enjoy cooking traditional dishes like homemade empanadas de viento, along with specialties from Ecuadorian, Mexican, Asian, and Italian cuisines.

Outside of work, you’ll often find me at a Fit Body Boot Camp class, hiking, or spending time with my family. These moments bring me peace and re-energize me. I also share my home with three beloved pets: Marty, my dog of almost five years, and our two cats, Tuna and Xochitl.

Hi, my name is Ashley (she/her) and I’m currently majoring in English and planning to transfer after this year. In my free time, I love visiting new coffee shops, shopping, weightlifting, and doing my makeup and nails. Over the years, my writing has significantly improved, and will continue to do so as I discover many more aspects of writing through college. I enjoy seeing others find peace and healing through their writing. I look forward to working with you all!

I am Jell, I am an English and Cinema History tutor for the Writing Support Center, PASS, and Puente. I love to write in my free time and read. I am a film major and I absolutely love movies. I am also literate and can write in Aurebesh (Star Wars writing). I have 4 cats and a dog. I love horror, occult, and gothy stuff. Favorite animals are bats. Collects cool t-shirts. Speaks some German. Ask me anything about Star Wars and Marvel.

Hello! My name is Jerry Torres and I am the Puente Project Student Worker. I plan on transferring to a University of California campus where I will be majoring in Environmental Engineering. I want to practice and advocate for incorporating sustainability, pollution control, and managing overall environmental impact in today’s society. I have 4 turtles and one kitty cat, Smokey. I love watching anime, ask me about Madoka Magica, Cardcaptor Sakura, or Sailor Moon…I promise not to yap too much!