Counseling
Counseling’s primary goal is to provide academic support services necessary for students to succeed at the College of Alameda. Counselors are an integral part of the education process, recognizing the needs of each student with whom they come into contact. Counselors provide current and valid information, using many resources, so that students are prepared to investigate alternatives, establish priorities, and develop an Educational Plan.
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Hours
In addition to telephone and online appointments, the Counseling Department also offers in-person counseling appointments. To schedule a counseling appointment by phone, please call our CoA Counseling Department (510) 748-5207.
You can also request an appointment by emailing Alisi Ika at aika@peralta.edu.
In your email, please include:
- Your full name
- Peralta Student ID number
- Callback phone number
- Major
- A brief reason for your appointment
For same-day appointment availability and scheduling a counseling appointment by phone, please call our CoA Counseling Department (510) 748-5207.
If you are affiliated with EOPS, CARE, CalWORKs, Next-Up, Salaam, Veterans, Promise, Umoja, C2C, MESA, or another specialized program, please contact that program directly for counseling support.
Programs designed to support the success of students with challenges
Receive academic counseling, certification for services, and more
The College of Alameda Promise Program provides free tuition for a year for eligible first-time students
Student Accessibility Services (SAS) helps meet the unique educational needs of enrolled COA students with documented disabilities.
MESA offers academic support and career exploration to qualifying students who are pursuing degrees in mathematics, engineering, science, and technology
Counseling Staff
| Dr. Shalamon Duke Dean of Special Programs & Grants E: sduke@peralta.edu P: (510) 257-1217 (510) 920-9756 |
Betty Frias, M.S. General Counselor/Professor E: BFrias@peralta.edu P: (510) 920-9210 Bilingual Spanish |
Jamar Mears, M.A. Veteran’s Counselor/Professor E: JMears@peralta.edu P: (510) 920-9315 |
Julie Saechao, M.S. General Counselor/Professor E: JSaechao@peralta.edu P: (510) 629-1310 |
Maha Elaidy, M.S. General Counselor/Professor E: MElaidy@peralta.edu P: (510) 698-2292 |
| Cynthia Lopez, M.A. Dual Enrollment/General Counselor E: CLopez@peralta.edu P: (510) 956-4931 |
Cynthia Haro, M.S. Co-Chair of Counseling Department/College Promise/High School Transition Counselor/Professor E: CHaro@peralta.edu P: (510) 543-2687 Bilingual Spanish |
Vivian Virkilla, M.A. Co-Chair of Counseling Department/Transfer/General Counselor/Professor E: VVirkilla@peralta.edu P: (510) 257-1597 |
Danna Chavez Baquero Transfer/General Counselor E: dannachavez@peralta.edu P: 510-748-2207 |
Hector Corrales General Counselor E: hcorrales@peralta.edu P: 510-748-2207 |