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Iris Ayala-Swindell
Program Manager
In her role, Iris manages programs, collaborations, and initiatives to support the success of our military-connected students.
Iris started supporting the military community while in the military herself. She served 10 years in the U.S. Navy — 4 years on active duty as a Logistics Specialist and 6 years on reserve duty as a Unit Career Counselor, where she managed the Career Development Program. Since 2008, Iris has held multiple advising and teaching roles at the university and community college level, supporting the success of military-connected students.
Outside of work, Iris navigates life with her husband and rediscovers the world through the eyes of her two young sons. She enjoys reading, meditation, connecting with family and friends, and spending time outdoors soaking up the sun.
Military Connection: Veteran, U.S. Navy
Email: iayalaswindell@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 534-5460
Program Specialists
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Diana Slade
Program Specialist
In her role, Diana coordinates the daily operations of the SVRC, supervises our student staff, and assists with events.
Diana served in the U.S. Army from 2010–2013 as an Automated Logistics Specialist. Since 2015, she has supported the military-connected student population through advocacy, mentorship, and advisement.
In her free time, Diana enjoys weight lifting, dancing, taking her dogs to the beach, and spending time with her family and friends.
Military Connection: Veteran, U.S. Army
Email: dslade@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 534-5140
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Maria E. Zuniga-Bel
Program Specialist
In her role, Maria coordinates our signature events, supports in-center programming, and assists with daily operations.
She was born and raised in San Diego, California and graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Human Development and a minor in Education Studies. Maria feels very fortunate and privileged to serve student veterans and the military-connected community.
In her free time, Maria enjoys exercising, taking dance classes, and spending time with friends and family.
Military Connection: Spouse, U.S. Navy
Email: m1zuniga@ucsd.edu
Phone: (858) 246-1671
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Jenn Henline
Project Coordinator
In her role, Jenn coordinates our Peer Navigator Program, co-advises the Student Veterans Organization and supports SVRC projects and events.
Jenn graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Communication before going on to pursue her M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership & Student Affairs at San Diego State University. Being raised in a Marine Corps family, Jenn attributes much of her own success to the opportunities provided to her by her father's service. She is passionate about giving back to the community that raised her and supporting the success of other military-connected students.
In her free time, Jenn enjoys relaxing at the beach, trying out different coffee shops, rollerblading around San Diego's beautiful parks and spending time with her friends and family.Military Connection: Dependent, U.S. Marine Corps
Email: jhenline@ucsd.edu
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Caitlin Lamar
Graduate Assistant
Caitlin LaMar is the 2020 Graduate Assistant for the Student Veterans Resource Center. She is currently a first year MA student through the Post-Secondary Educational Leadership, Specialization in Higher Education, at San Diego State University. In her role she assists the Student Veterans Resource Center in helping serve military-connected students as they make the transition from military life to student life at UCSD.
Caitlin grew up in a military family with her father being a Retired Corpsman in US Navy and her brother being an Officer in the US Marine Corps. She also worked with Active Duty Servicemembers, and their dependents, through National University. She has a passion for working with military personnel, and their dependents, no matter where they are in their educational journey, and plans to bring this passion to the military-affiliated student at UCSD.
Caitlin is a proud theatre nerd and enjoys the art form as much as she can in her free time. She also enjoys spending as much time as she can with her family and friends, especially her Black Labrador, Groot.
Military Connection: Dependent, U.S. Navy
Student Staff
Student veterans and ROTC students can connect with certain student staff members for peer support. Visit our appointments page and choose a meeting with a Peer Navigator.
If you're interested in becoming a part of the SVRC student staff team and are currently using benefits, please email us at svrc@ucsd.edu or stop by the SVRC for an application.
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Angelica Bradley
Peer Navigator
College: Muir
Major: Marine Biology
Military Connection: Air Force
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Bella Cobarruvias
Center Opterations
College: Marshall College
Major: Marine Biology
Military Connection: Navy ROTC
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Alyson Fruchey
Center Opterations
College: Sixth College
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Military Connection: Ally
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Brandon Mariano
Peer Navigator
College: Marshall College
Major: International Relations
Military Connection: Marine Corps
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Kelly Wun
Center Opterations
College: Muir College
Major: International Studies
Military Connection: Dependent, Army
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Zachary Young
Peer Navigator, Lead
College: ERC
Major: Philosophy
Military Connection: Coast Guard
