Meet Our Team!
Our Orientation Leaders and Staff are excited to welcome you to Pacific and get to know you! We'd like to share a little about us so you know who to look for if you have any questions.
Professional Staff
Ashton Ricketts, Director (she/her/hers) |
Ashton completed her B.A. in English with a minor in Ethnic Studies and M.A. in Educational Administration and Leadership from University of the Pacific. As a Pacific student, Ashton was an Orientation Leader, Pacific Ambassador, Student Advisor, ASUoP President, and was involved with Black Student Union and the Success-TRiO program. She returned to Pacific in 2016 as Coordinator for this department, then was promoted to Director in 2019. |
Celia Castro, Coordinator (she/her/hers) |
Celia earned her B.A. in English with a minor in Art History from University of the Pacific and her Masters of Arts from University of San Francisco. As a Pacific student, Celia was an Orientation Leader, Pacific Ambassador Tour Guide, worked for the Office of Admissions and the Tutoring Center, was the English Department Student Representative, and was a member of a social sorority. Over the last several years in the art gallery and museum world, and now as a Student Affairs professional, Celia is a forward-thinking Creative with a focus on creating meaningful, educational, and high-quality experiences and programming. She joined the Orientation & Transition Programs team in January 2020, and she is excited to share her passion for Pacific with new students. |
Heather Greenup, Administrative Assistant (she/her/hers) |
Heather graduated from University of the Pacific with her B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Music in December 2019. As a Pacific student, Heather was an Orientation Leader, Pacific Ambassador, served as an undergraduate research assistant, was in a professional fraternity, Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society, Pacific Music Therapy Association, Pacific Christian Fellowship, worked in Athletics, and briefly taught a Tiger X fitness class. She transitioned from student to professional staff in January 2020 and loves that she can continue working in the department that was her favorite part of her college experience. |
Orientation Leaders
Orientation Leaders serve as ambassadors to incoming students and families. During Orientation, the Orientation Leaders assist with course advising and facilitate information sessions relating to academics, campus resources, social environment, and Pacific culture. OLs take pride in being one of the first students that new Tigers get to know upon arriving at Pacific. They can’t wait to meet you and welcome you to your new home away from home!
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Aatikah (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Union City, CA Major: Psychology Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because it was close to my house in distance and they had a pharmacy and physical therapy program. Dream Job: Physical Therapist Advice for New Students: Find balance between education and fun. Manage your time wisely. |
Ahmad (he/him/his) |
Hometown: Sacramento, CA Major: International Business Why I Chose Pacific: I chose pacific because of the community and how welcoming everyone was. The class sizes were a plus to that as well! One Thing On My Bucket List: Seeing the Northern Lights Campus Involvement: I am in a dance team on campus, archery club, Filipino club, and many others. I like involving myself with multiple things on campus! |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Speech-Language Pathology Why I Chose Pacific: The amazing Speech-Language Pathology program offered that was just minutes away from my home! Favorite Book: “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini Campus Involvement: Muslim Student Association (MSA) and National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) |
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Hometown: Castro Valley, CA Major: English Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I wanted to fulfill my purpose of inspiring others and help others to fulfill their goals. Favorite Food Served at Pacific: Chicken Tenders Best Place to Study on Campus: Library or in the Rose Garden in front of Burns Tower. |
Alondra (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Sociology Why I Chose Pacific: Pacific was my first choice school for its small, student-centered environment. Pacific was also closest to home, and it provided the best educational opportunities for me. One Thing On My Bucket List: Travel to Rio de Janeiro one day. Campus Involvement: I am a member of the Community Involvement Program Student Association (CIPSA) |
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Hometown: Galt, CA Major: Speech-Language Pathology Why I Chose Pacific: I choose to attend Pacific because I knew I would get the right education I needed to succeed in my future career. Guilty Pleasure: Music from the 1950s Advice for New Students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there (it gets easier as you go)! |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Biology Why I Chose Pacific: The campus is beautiful, the faculty are extremely supportive, and it is close to home. Favorite Food: Chocolate Chip Cookies Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Developmental Psychology |
Bernice (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Fremont, CA Major: International Business & Finance Why I Chose Pacific: Pacific had an excellent Business school and opportunities to make studying abroad more affordable. Dream Job: Consultant in Wealth Management Favorite class you have taken at Pacific: Marketing Management |
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Hometown: Major: Applied Economics Why I Chose Pacific: |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Media X & Japanese Why I Chose Pacific: The college felt more welcoming than other colleges I visited. Favorite Music Genre: Indie Pop Campus Involvement: Music Industry Club, Art Club, BSS |
Caroline (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Pasadena, CA Major: Media X, Communications Why I Chose Pacific: Great Programs and awesome campus! One Song That Gets Me Pumped Up: “Super Bass “ by Nicki Minaj Campus Involvement: Film Club, Alumni House Discovery Team, Tiger Team |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Biological Sciences Why Did You Choose to Attend Pacific? I wanted to be close to home and I liked the atmosphere. One Song that Gets Me Pumped Up: “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance Best Place to Study on Campus: Intercultural Student Success (ISS) Office or the Pride Center
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Biological Sciences Why I Chose Pacific: It was close to home and offered me the most opportunities. Favorite Cartoon: Kim Possible Campus Involvement: League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) |
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Hometown: Gustine, CA Major: History Why I Chose Pacific: I wanted to stay close to family and I loved the sense of community at Pacific Fun Fact: I am currently training for a marathon Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Social Welfare and the Economy |
Denia (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Southern California Major: Economics Why I Chose Pacific: I like how the class average is small. It makes it easier to get 1 on 1s with your professor. There are also great resources offered throughout the campus like free tutoring. One Thing On My Bucket List: Go skydiving in Dubai Advice for New Students: Do not lose focus of your goals! |
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Hometown: Tracy, CA Major: Music Therapy Why I Chose Pacific: I choose to attend Pacific because of the welcoming atmosphere and positive vibes from the staff, students, and campus in general. Favorite Book: “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger Campus Involvement: Pacific Heavy Metal Ensemble and I’m the cowbell player for Pacific Pep Band |
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Hometown: Redding, CA Major: English and Mathematics Why I Chose Pacific: I choose Pacific because of the sense of community I could already feel building between myself when I interviewed with a leadership organization when I was making my college decision, and Pacific was at the top of my lists of schools to attend! Guilty Pleasure: Sweets (I have the biggest sweet tooth, ever!) Advice for New Students: Explore! The “first-year experience” is meant for you to begin transitioning into an independent individual. Find a friend group who will be there for you throughout your years at Pacific and join anything you are interested in. Don’t forget about your studies, but don’t forget to enjoy the college experience, as well! |
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Hometown: Turlock, CA Major: English Why I Chose Pacific: As soon as I stepped onto campus, I loved the small school feel and the how the campus felt so inviting. I also loved the professors I met while visiting campus and the many opportunities that were open to me. Dream Job: Screenwriter Campus Involvement: Pacific Humanities Scholar and the Honors Program |
Jacob G. (he/him/his) |
Hometown: Major: Communications Why I Chose Pacific:
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Hometown: Madera, CA Major: Diversified Education Why I Chose Pacific: Pacific had a great Education program! Favorite Food at Pacific: Breakfast Burritos Advice for New Students: Get involved on campus. Never give up. You will find your home. Remember to slow down and enjoy it all. |
Jackie (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Education Why I Chose Pacific: It provided many opportunities to connect with the Stockton community. Best place to study on campus: ISS office and Raymond Lodge Campus Involvement: I am a member of HSA, Community Involvement Program Student Association (CIPSA), Advocate for APID community. |
Jay (they/them/theirs) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Psychology Why I Chose Pacific: I chose to attend because Pacific is one of my dream schools. I love their leadership in the community, the Psychology department is excellent, and I could get a top-notch education while staying in my community. Dream Job: College Counselor Best Place to Study on Campus: It is a tie between the Library because there is excellent Wi-Fi and lots of resources at your disposal, and the picnic tables outside of the DeRosa University Center because food is nearby in case you need a snack. |
Jason (he/him/his) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Media X Why I Chose Pacific: UOP was close to home and such a beautiful campus with such a good educational reputation. Favorite Food at Pacific: Thai chicken wraps Campus Involvement: Tiger Rugby, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Interfraternity Council (IFC) |
Joey (he/him/his) |
Hometown: Rocklin, CA Major: Psychology Why I Chose Pacific: I chose to attend Pacific because of the beautiful campus as well as the small class sizes. Favorite Food at Pacific: Breakfast Burritos Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Philosophy of Sport
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Hometown: Elk Grove, CA Major: Computer Engineering Why I Chose Pacific: I really loved the close-knit atmosphere at Pacific. It’s almost like everyone knows each other here, from student-to-student relationships to teacher-to-teacher relationships, and I loved that. I also really loved the Co-Op program offered to Engineering students that enabled us to apply our knowledge at established companies. Favorite Food at Pacific: The tater tots. There’s absolutely nothing like them anywhere else. Once you try them, you’ll become addicted! Best Place to Study on Campus: I find a lot of places great for studying on campus whether that be on Knoles lawn under the shade of a tree, or even in the Library archives if you’re looking to find a completely silent spot to read. |
Kate (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Altadena, CA Major: Exploratory Why I Chose Pacific: When I walked on campus, I felt like I was home. In My Spare Time: I like to read, hangout with friends, and to cook. Favorite class taken at Pacific: Art History and Pacific Seminar |
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Hometown: Osaka, Japan Major: Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences Why I Chose Pacific: I chose to go to Pacific for a few reasons. I wanted to be close to my family. My brother is 9 years older than me and attended UOP for his undergrad. He now lives only 40-minutes away with his beautiful family. Furthermore, I believed Pacific's strong Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences (HESP) department and the impressive student-to-professor ratio was going to benefit my college experience both academically and socially. One Song that Gets Me Pumped Up: “Good Things Fall Apart” by ILLENIUM & Jon Bellion Campus Involvement: I am the President of the Men’s Club Volleyball Team. |
Kyland (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Major: Environmental Studies Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of their unique Environmental Studies Program. The department is small and highly specialized which leads into amazing career opportunities after graduation. In my spare time: I love to hang out with my rugby mates and sorority sisters. Advice for new students: Get Involved! It makes the college experience so much more rewarding and memorable!
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LaNee' (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Diversified Education Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because it was close to home so I can be with my children, I heard the education program was excellent and I want to create a legacy for my children, hoping they will follow in my footsteps and join Pacific. Also, I see creating a legacy at Pacific in my hometown shows I’m not going to forget where I came from and I won’t let my children either. Lastly, Pacific has so many opportunities for students to network and join groups that really play important roles in our community by empowering youth, doing food and clothes drives for the homeless, fundraisers, etc. Favorite Movie: Beauty and the Beast (cartoon version) Campus Involvement: Community Involvement Program, Community Involvement Program Student Association |
Marlu (he/him/his) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Accounting Why I Chose Pacific: I chose to attend Pacific because it was financially the best option for me and I knew I would be entering with a great support system. Best Place to Study on Campus: On the UC lawn Campus Involvement: Community Involvement Program, Delta Sigma Pi Fraternity, Kilusan, and Speech and Debate |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Education Why I Chose Pacific: This was my dream school, Pacific is in my hometown and is small and has an amazing Education program. Fun Fact: I am a first-generation college student. Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Beginning Acting |
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Hometown: Linden, CA Major: Music Education Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because they had an excellent program for my major and it is a beautiful school that I have wanted to go to since I was younger. Dream Job: Music Teacher Favorite Food at Pacific: The sandwiches |
Rachel (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Music Therapy Why I Chose Pacific: Music has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Both of my band directors were Conservatory and Pacific alumni. Because of them I wanted to pursue a career in music. UOP’s Music Therapy professors really inspired me and influenced my decision in choosing Pacific as my new home. Favorite Food at Pacific: Breakfast Burritos Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Punk & Metal and the Meaning of Life |
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Hometown: Winton, CA Major: Music Education Why I Chose Pacific: I chose to attend Pacific because of the incredible Music Education program. I’ve fallen in love with the atmosphere, the faculty, and the small-knit family I have here within the Conservatory of Music. Guilty Pleasure: 90s boy bands Favorite Food at Pacific: Ooohh, PASTA, or the chicken tenders and curly fries served in the Lair. That’s a classic.
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Rhea (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Lebanon Major: Commuications Why I Chose Pacific: I knew Pacific was an ideal match for me once I stepped foot on campus. I chose it because of what it had to offer to students, which includes superb academic courses, valuable advising (personal or professional), and a safe environment. Guilty Pleasure: Chocolate Devotion (brownie, fudge, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate chips) from Cold Stone Campus Involvement: ASuop, Center for Community Involvement, French Club |
Sam P. (he/him/his) |
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA Major: History Why I Chose Pacific: I heard from many people that Pacific had a lively campus with plenty of opportunities for extracurricular activities such as clubs and sports. Favorite Food: Sushi Campus Involvement: Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Rugby Club, PEP (Theatre Club) |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Music Industries Studies Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because it was close to home and it is one of the few schools that offers a major in Music Business. In My Spare Time: I listen to music and attend sport games on campus. Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Brand Marketing |
Sherilyn (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Houston, TX Major: Communications Why I Chose Pacific: Pacific is close to home, and has a beautiful campus. The great financial package and small class sizes excited me. Favorite Music Genre: K-Pop Best Place to Study on Campus: I spend most of my time in the Library or Bechtel International Center. |
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Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan Major: Computer Science Why I Chose Pacific: For the blended program opportunities and the beautiful campus. One Song That Gets Me Pumped Up: “Run The World (Girls)” by Beyoncé Campus Involvement: Alpha Phi sorority, Center for Community Involvement program |
Shirley (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Sacramento, CA Major: Business Accounting Why I Chose Pacific: I came to Pacific for the dual degree accounting program and the smaller class sizes. The faculty and staff members were very welcoming and more than willing to help their students. Favorite candy: Gummy Bears Favorite class you have taken at Pacific: Yoga and Transformation |
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Hometown: Sacramento, CA Major: Political Science Why I Chose Pacific: It was a beautiful campus and pretty close to my home, and for the Legal Scholars program. Dream Job: Criminal Lawyer Advice for New Students: Be sure to try new things. The only bad thing that will happen is that you won’t like it. If you don’t try, you could miss out on great opportunities. |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Biological Sciences Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I knew I wanted to be on a campus that offered small class sizes. I also chose Pacific because I wanted to stay with the city and people that raised me. Favorite Movie: Goodfellas Campus Involvement: Indian Student Association and Photography Club |
Sravya (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Accounting Why I Chose Pacific: I came to UOP for the amazing accelerated programs offered to students. Favorite Food at Pacific: Garlic Fries Advice for New Students: Go to office hours way before a test and get to know your professors. |
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Hometown: Stockton, CA Major: Pre-Pharmacy Why I Chose Pacific: I loved the great resources and advantages UOP provides and especially the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage program offers. Favorite Food at Pacific: Burgers from the DUC Favorite Class Taken at Pacific: Interpersonal Communications |
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Hometown: Madera, CA Major: Mechanical Engineering Why I Chose Pacific: The professors genuinely seem like they want you to succeed and they’re always willing to help. One Thing On My Bucket List: Go snowboarding at night in New Zealand. Advice to New Students: It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do yet, there’s plenty of time to figure it out. |
Xitlali (she/her/hers) |
Hometown: Fresno, CA Major: Political Science Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because of the student to teacher ratio. The small classes were very important to me because it meant that I could connect with faculty and other students. Dream Job: Public Defender Favorite Food Served at Pacific: I love the French toast and tater-tots! |
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Hometown: Elk Grove, CA Major: Media X Why I Chose Pacific: I chose Pacific because I was intrigued by the Media X program and also because of the great resources and opportunities Pacific offered. One Song That Gets Me Pumped Up: “Good As Hell” by Lizzo Campus Involvement: I am the Social Media Chair for the Film Club, an intern at Pacific Tiger Broadcasting, and a member of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) |