Meet our team
Hello from the Dashew Center team! We are here to support you in your Bruin journey.
Our office is composed by three visa units (J-1,F-1 and E-B), one Administrative unit, and a Programming unit.
Administrative
Sam Nahidi
Director
Caroline Thrailkill
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
cthrailkill@saonet.ucla.edu
Peter Yoon
SEVIS Administrator
Programming
For all Programming email inquiries: intlprograms@saonet.ucla.edu
Jenna Bustamante
Assistant Director of Programs
Rose Merida
Programs Coordinator
Elizabeth Vargas
Programs Coordinator
F-1 Student Visa Unit
For all F-1 Student Visa Services, please email inquiries: dcissf1unit@saonet.ucla.edu
Tina Nguyen
Associate Director, Student Visa Services
Clinton Gilliland
International Student Counselor
Eric Schafer
International Student Counselor
Kabee Vue
International Student Counselor
Lori J. Sanchez
International Student Counselor
Sachi Tan
International Student Counselor
Sophia Cui
International Student Counselor
Warren Fahmy
International Student Counselor
Young Choe
International Student Counselor
J-1 Student & Scholar Unit
For all Exchange Visitor (J-1 Visa) email inquiries: dcissj1unit@saonet.ucla.edu
Tony Coelho
Associate Director, Exchange Visitor Programs
Helen Martinez
Exchange Visitor (J-1) Counselor
Shane Levites
Exchange Visitor (J-1) Counselor
Jimfong Chu
Exchange Visitor (J-1) Advisor
Employment-Based Visa Unit
Sylvia Ottemoeller
Assistant Director, Employment Based Visa Services
sottemoe@saonet.ucla.edu
Niño Abueg
Employment-Based Visa Advisor
nabueg@saonet.ucla.edu
Gege Zhang
Employment-Based Visa Advisor
Case Management Services
Hillary Thomas
CRTeam@ucla.edu
