Student Affairs Cabinet

Aidan Johnston has been part of the UCSB community as a staff member since August 2021 and was a student before that. He earned his B.A. in Global Studies and Spanish Literature with a minor in LGBTQ Studies from UCSB.

As Assistant Director of the Visitor Center, Aidan loves supporting prospective students as they explore higher education and find their home at UCSB. He is motivated by the opportunity to help students connect with the campus and discover all that UCSB has to offer.

To schedule with Aidan, contact him directly.

Anika Kitson has been part of the UCSB community since 2019, bringing a decade of experience in higher education to her role as Associate Director of the Disabled Students Program. She earned her B.S. in Developmental Psychology and an Ed.M. in Special Education, grounding her work in a deep understanding of student development and accessibility.

Motivated by the belief that every student deserves equal access to education, Anika is passionate about supporting students with disabilities as they navigate their academic journey. She works closely with students to ensure they receive the accommodations and resources they need to thrive while also collaborating with faculty and staff to foster inclusive learning environments.

As a lifelong resident of Santa Barbara, Anika feels deeply connected to the UCSB community and is committed to advocating for systemic change that benefits all students. The most rewarding part of her work is seeing students unlock their potential and achieve their goals with the right support in place.

To schedule with Anika, use her scheduling link.

Briana Miller has been part of the UCSB community since March 2014, currently serving as the Associate Dean of Student Wellbeing. She holds a Master's of Business Administration in Healthcare Management, a Bachelor of Science in Public Health with a focus on Health Promotion, and has received specialized training as a Sexual Assault Crisis Counselor and Domestic Violence Victim Advocate.

Briana Miller is a passionate advocate for equitable access to health and well-being resources, driven by a commitment to fostering inclusive and trauma-informed care for survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence, stalking, and harassment. 

Since joining the Campus Advocacy Resource & Education Department (CARE) at UC Santa Barbara in 2014, Briana has served in various roles, including CARE Advocate, Assistant Director, and Director, providing leadership that supports clients and creates a thriving environment for her teams.

As Associate Dean for Student Wellbeing, Briana oversees departments and initiatives that foster collaboration both on campus and within the Santa Barbara community. Her work ensures that students receive comprehensive support and prevention education that is both innovative and effective. With over 14 years of experience in crisis intervention and public health education, Briana has dedicated her career to addressing the social determinants of health and advocating for survivors in higher education, the criminal justice system, in local nonprofits, and working for statewide coalitions. Briana has engaged in many internal and external leadership opportunities including participation in programs such as Leading from Within - Katherine Harvey Fellowship program, UC Women's Initiative, UC Management Skills Assessment Program, and an Anti-Oppressive Advocacy Certification for Managers and Supervisors.

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To schedule with Emily, ______.

Jane Castillón has been part of the UCSB community since 2006 and currently serves as the Associate Dean for Student Success and the Director of the Disabled Students Program. A proud first-generation college graduate, Jane earned a double major in Psychology and Social Behavior & Spanish from UC Irvine before completing an M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. Prior to joining UCSB, they gained valuable experience working at UCLA and UCI, shaping their commitment to supporting students in higher education.

Jane’s approach to disability services is deeply informed by an intersectional perspective, drawing from her lived experiences with disability, race, ethnicity, class, and gender. Passionate about advocating for underserved student populations, they prioritize evidence-based service models and culturally responsive practices to ensure students receive the support they need to thrive.

Beyond UCSB, Jane has served as the national Chair of the AHEAD Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Disability Knowledge & Practice Community, taught graduate-level counseling psychology courses, and contributed expertise at the UCOP system-wide level. Their work is driven by a dedication to fostering inclusivity, increasing access, and empowering students to succeed both academically and personally.

To schedule with Jane, find a time on their Google calendar.

Leilani Borrego has been a professional staff member at UCSB since 2015, but her journey in Student Affairs began long before that. As a student, she worked at the front desk of the SRB, assisted new Gauchos and their families at Orientation, served as a Bookstore Clerk, and was a Gaucho FY facilitator. While she enjoyed these roles, her introverted nature eventually drew her to behind-the-scenes work, where she could apply her problem-solving and analytical skills.

Now, as the Director of Student Affairs Business and Administration, Leilani leads a team dedicated to supporting departments in financial, personnel, and payroll management. She is driven by the impact of her work, ensuring her team provides meaningful support so departments can focus on their primary mission—supporting students.

Always looking for ways to improve processes, she is actively involved in the Student Affairs Business & Administration Transformation Workgroup and the Student Fees Workgroup. Previously, she contributed to the Student Wage Workgroup and continues to value collaboration with colleagues across campus while contributing in any way she can. 

To schedule with Leilani, find a time on her Google calendar.

Meridith Merchant has been part of the UCSB community since 2013, joining Counseling and Psychological Services in response to student activism as one of two psychologists hired specifically to support Black/African American students. She now serves as the Assistant Director of Mental Health Initiatives, a role she has held since 2019, broadening her advocacy and engagement to a campus-wide level. With a B.A. in Psychology from UCLA and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a Multicultural Community emphasis from the California School of Professional Psychology, Meridith brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her work.

Rooted in her parents’ legacy of activism and change, Meridith is a wisdom keeper who provides mentorship, teaching, research, coaching, and thought leadership for individuals, communities, and organizations. She is privileged to have witnessed, from a young age, people of diverse backgrounds working together in solidarity while maintaining pride in their own heritage and identity—an experience that solidified her belief in the power of collective support and inclusion. She draws on the transformation of her personal reproductive trauma as both inspiration and fuel for her unwavering commitment to equity, as well as for championing intentional and healing-centered engagement for and with all.

Her mission is to ensure that all students feel seen, heard, and valued. In recognition of her extraordinary commitment to students and her efforts to enhance campus life, she has received the Margaret T. Getman Service to Students Award and UCSB’s Professional Women’s Association’s Unsung Heroine Award.

As a member of the Student Affairs cabinet, Meridith aims to support administrators, faculty, students, and staff in developing policies, conducting research, and cultivating spaces where students can thrive—both during their time at UCSB and beyond. Her professional expertise, intuitive nature, and deep attunement to the need for affirming and inclusive environments make her work in Student Affairs both meaningful and fulfilling.

To schedule with Meridith, contact her directly.

Natalie Armistead joined the UCSB community in June 2020 as the Basic Needs Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. She holds an M.A. in Classics, focusing on Archaeology and Art History.

Driven by a strong belief that access to education is a human right, Natalie has spent her career trying to reduce barriers for low-income and underrepresented communities in higher education. In her current role, she oversees several emergency financial resources available to students, including the Financial Crisis Response Team and the Student Medical Emergency Relief Fund.

Natalie is motivated daily by the opportunity to assist students and families in crisis, helping them navigate challenges and find a path to academic success and, ultimately, graduation. She is passionate about supporting students during difficult times and ensuring they have the resources they need to continue their education. Her team works diligently to assist students and families in crisis to find a path to academic success, and ultimately graduation.

To schedule with Natalie, contact her directly.

Quinn Rioz (they/them/elle) joined UCSB in January 2019 and currently serves as the Director of LGBT Resources in the Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity. A proud Chicane, Queer, Trans Nonbinary educator, consultant, and professor, Quinn holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice and an M.A. in Education and is an incoming Ph.D. graduate student in Education at UCSB.

Passionate about advocacy and institutional change, Quinn works alongside students, staff, and faculty to create resources, educational initiatives, and affirming spaces for trans and queer students. Their work is deeply rooted in honoring their ancestors by cultivating spaces where queer and trans people of color can show up holistically. A dedicated Star Wars fan from a galaxy far, far, away—Oxnard, CA—Quinn is committed to empowering students and fostering a more inclusive campus community.

To schedule with Quinn, use their scheduling link.

Rod Tucknott feels honored, proud, and privileged to have been a Gaucho since 1990—first as a student and later as a staff member starting in 2000. After earning his B.A. in Geography in 1998, he spent a couple of years as a raft guide and ski patroller before returning full-time to UCSB to run Adventure Programs in the Department of Recreation. In 2008, he earned a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Antioch University, further deepening his commitment to leadership and student development.

Now, as an Assistant Director for Recreation, Rod works alongside a team of three professional staff and approximately 140 student staff to improve lives through UCSB Adventure Programs. He is passionate about providing students with transformative experiences that build confidence, resilience, and a connection to the outdoors.

In addition to leading Adventure Programs and serving as an Assistant Director for Recreation, Rod plays an active role in campus leadership, serving on the Campus Demonstration Resource Team (DRT), the Campus Regulations Committee, the UCSB Diving Control Board, the UCSB Small Boating Operations Committee, and now the inaugural cohort of the SA Cabinet.

To schedule with Rod, contact him directly.

Sarah Porat has been part of the UCSB community since September 2008, bringing extensive experience in mental health and substance use counseling. She earned a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Education Studies from UCLA and an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. A Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist since 2007, she has dedicated her career to supporting students’ well-being.

As a Behavioral Health Therapist and Associate Director of Clinical Services with UCSB’s Alcohol & Drug Program, Sarah provides empathic, non-judgmental counseling to students as they examine their attitudes and choices regarding alcohol, substance use, and other addictive behaviors. Her previous clinical experience includes working at a therapeutic high school with students whose emotional limitations interfered with daily functioning and at a psychiatric hospital with patients suffering from severe mental illness.

To schedule with Sarah, contact her directly.

Sean Lieberman has been part of the UCSB community since 2001 and currently serves as the Interim Executive Director and Associate Director of Technology & Strategic Communications for Associated Students. His work spans technology, media, design, elections, and much more. He began as a 50% time tech-only employee and has since grown into a team leader who oversees various spaces and equipment across campus.

Over the years, Sean has been an active contributor to the Student Affairs Professional Development Committee and a member of the Connect Advisory Group, which helps shape Google policy on campus. His dedication to civic engagement was recently recognized with a "Lifetime Achievement in Civic Engagement" award from his department.

To schedule with Sean, contact him directly.

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To schedule with Stephen, _______.

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To schedule with Turi, _______.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Vestibulum mattis sollicitudin dignissim. Donec nibh ligula, interdum sit amet eros et, pellentesque interdum tortor. Fusce fermentum non dui tincidunt rhoncus. Integer pellentesque condimentum magna. Suspendisse iaculis, eros ac bibendum pulvinar, lacus arcu elementum sapien, sit amet sollicitudin augue elit sit amet erat. Praesent interdum sodales leo, a pellentesque nisi suscipit a. Phasellus sagittis neque vitae semper efficitur. Proin cursus diam non bibendum accumsan. Praesent sit amet arcu magna. Praesent aliquam dui lectus, quis euismod libero sagittis vitae. Aenean et enim ultricies, fringilla enim sed, accumsan purus. Vestibulum vitae elit ultrices, laoreet dolor vitae, efficitur nibh. Donec sed commodo risus, quis fermentum enim. Praesent cursus magna augue, ut aliquet purus convallis vel.

To schedule with Viviana, _______.