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Meet the Team

Andrea Layne, Ed. D.

 Assistant Dean of Students & Director of Student Life
 alayne@CalLutheran.edu
 805-493-3304

Pronouns: She/Her

Dr. Layne has dedicated more than 20 years to higher education, creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, lead, and thrive. As Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Life, she provides strategic leadership for campus engagement initiatives, including student leadership development, student organizations, campus traditions, and the overall student experience. She is passionate about cultivating a vibrant campus community where students develop a strong sense of belonging, discover their leadership potential, and graduate prepared to make a positive impact in their communities.

Dr. Layne earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in English and a teaching license in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. She later completed a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee before earning a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. Her doctoral research explored strategies for supporting the social engagement and campus experience of college students with autism.

Megan Fischer, Ed. D.

 Director of Retention and Transition Programs
 mpfischer@CalLutheran.edu
 805-493-3871

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers 

Dr. Fischer is dedicated to supporting students as they navigate the transition to college and build the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive. As Director of Retention and Transition Programs at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½, she leads university-wide initiatives focused on student success, including New Student Orientation, the Peer Advisor Program, first-year programming, and collaborative retention strategies that support students from admission through graduation. She is passionate about creating meaningful experiences that foster belonging, well-being, and academic achievement while empowering students to reach their full potential.

Dr. Fischer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, a Master of Arts in Forensic Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute, and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University. In addition to her administrative role, she serves as an adjunct psychology instructor. Her doctoral research explored the lived mental health experiences of Division III female student-athletes, reflecting her commitment to advancing student-centered approaches to higher education.

Yulissa Alvarado

 Assistant Director of Student Life
 yulissaalvarado@CalLutheran.edu
 805-493-3680

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Yulissa is passionate about creating meaningful opportunities for students to connect, grow, and succeed throughout their college experience. Through her work in student affairs, she supports student engagement by advising student organizations, developing leadership opportunities, coordinating campus programs and events, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive campus community. Her professional interests include student advising, leadership development, organization management, event planning, and campus engagement.

Yulissa began her higher education journey at Moorpark College, where she earned an Associate in Arts for Transfer in Sociology and an Associate in Arts in General Studies–Social and Behavioral Sciences. She then earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from California State University Channel Islands and later completed a Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.

Hayley George

 Student Engagement Coordinator: Wellness Resources
 hrgeorge@CalLutheran.edu
 805-493-3570 

Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Hayley is passionate about supporting students' personal growth, well-being, and success throughout their college experience. Her work is grounded in fostering meaningful connections, promoting student wellness, and creating supportive environments where students feel empowered to thrive. Drawing on her experience in mental health, counseling, and student support services, she is committed to helping students navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve their goals.

Hayley began her higher education journey at Moorpark College, where she earned an Associate of Arts in Psychology before transferring to the University of California, Irvine to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior. She later completed a Master of Science in Counseling and earned her Pupil Personnel Services Credential at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½. Prior to joining CLU, she worked at a nonprofit organization supporting youth through mental health and coping skills development, and later served students in a community college counseling department, assisting with academic planning and transfer success.

Jonathan Leon

 Student Engagement Coordinator: Civic Engagement & Inclusion
 jcleon@CalLutheran.edu
 805-493-3277

Pronouns: He/Him/El

Jonathan is committed to fostering inclusive communities where students feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Through his work in the Center for Cultural Engagement and Inclusion, he develops programs and initiatives that promote belonging, civic engagement, leadership development, and meaningful dialogue across differences. His professional interests include supporting first-generation college students, advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and creating opportunities for students to engage in community-centered and justice-oriented learning experiences.

Jonathan earned bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Spanish from California Lutheran University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½.

 

Michael Amo-Mensah

 Student Engagement Coordinator: Student Organizations and Leadership
 mamomensah@callutheran.edu
 805-493-3489

Pronouns: He/Him

Michael is committed to promoting student retention and success through meaningful engagement initiatives that encourage students to take an active role in their college experience. By developing inclusive programs that address the diverse needs of the campus community, he strives to create opportunities that foster belonging, leadership, and personal growth. His work focuses on empowering students to build meaningful connections, navigate challenges, and maximize their collegiate experience.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education (History and Religious Values) and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Cape Coast. He later completed a Master of Science in Higher Education Administration at Florida International University, further strengthening his expertise in student development, leadership, and higher education administration.

Dayanna Rodriguez

 Student Engagement Coordinator: Retention and Transition Programs
 dayanna@callutheran.edu
 805-493-3483

Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

Dayanna brings a student-centered approach to higher education grounded in connection, retention, and community building. Through her experience in dual enrollment, student life, cultural engagement and inclusion, civic engagement and leadership, academic counseling, and transfer center programming, she has guided students throughout their educational journeys to achieve persistence and success.

Dayanna earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge in 2020 and completed a Master of Science in Counseling and College Student Personnel at ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½ in 2024.