Cassie Pitkin

EOP Lead Counselor

cpitkin@calpoly.edu

Hello!  I'm Cassie.  I was born in Port Angeles, WA (go Seahawks!), but mainly grew up in Petaluma, California.  I am a first generation college student as neither of my parents graduated from college. I have two degrees from Cal Poly: my undergraduate degree is in Kinesiology (but now I'm afraid of blood) and my masters degree is in Counseling and Guidance for Higher Education.  When you meet with me, you can expect me to ask a lot of questions to make sure I'm hearing your whole story.  I coach basketball and soccer for Special Olympics and I will never turn down an opportunity to see a good sunset.  I am very proud to work with EOP students every day and I can't wait to meet you!

Lyzette Martin

lmart111@calpoly.edu

Hi! I’m Lyzette. I was born in Los Angeles, CA, but raised in Visalia, CA. I am proud to say I am a first generation college student. I attended College of the Sequoias, a local community college, and transferred to Fresno State where I earned my bachelors in Psychology. I moved to beautiful San Luis Obispo and earned my masters degree at Cal Poly in Counseling and Guidance for Higher Education. I am a HUGE fan of the Dodgers, hiking, and enjoying quality time with friends and family. My goal is to make every student feel welcomed and comfortable enough to ask questions. I am proud to work with such hardworking and motivated students every day and I’m excited to learn more about you!

Nury Baltierrez

nbaltier@calpoly.edu

Hola! I’m Nury. I was born in Michoacán, Coalcomán de Vázquez Palleres, México. My family and I lived in México for the first two years of my life and then we moved to the United States. Navigating higher education as an undocumented first-generation student was challenging, but I connected with individuals who believed in my potential. I graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a bachelor’s in Agriculture Science and master’s in Counseling and Guidance for Higher Education. During my free time, I enjoy being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with my family. My passion is to support students’ personal and professional goals. Sí se puede!

Cynthia Paz

cpaz@calpoly.edu

Hello everyone! My name is Cynthia Paz, I was born and raised in Guadalupe, CA.  I began my higher education at Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria where I received a degree in Liberal Arts.  I then transferred to Cal State Northridge and received a degree in Child & Adolescent Development.  After working with preschool age children I quickly realized I wanted to work with older students.  I attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo where I earned a Master’s of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Counseling and Guidance: Higher Education & Student Affairs. My career goal was to become an Academic Counselor and serve underrepresented students in the Central Coast area. I began my work at Allan Hancock College, working for various departments as an Academic Counselor for over three years. It is one of my greatest accomplishment to be able to work for EOP and this population of students. I love working with students and being part of their educational experience.

When I am not at work I enjoy wine tasting and spending time with my family. I have identical twin boys that are my world. They keep me on my toes and inspire me to be the best person that I can be.

I can’t wait to meet you all!