Position Title
Front Desk Staff Advisor
Karen Yanez is an alumna who graduated from UCD June 2019 with a BA in Psychology and minor in Human Development, coming here as a transfer student from the Bay Area. As an undergraduate student, Karen worked with orientation as an Orientation Leader and as an Orientation Student Manager. She also assisted with the research of the MARBLES Study Lab with the UC Davis MIND Institute. Post-graduation from UCD, Karen worked at an EdTech company as an Associate Counselor and Lead Tutor, where she got the opportunity to assist high school students with their college applications. Recently, Karen assisted Orientation staff with the administration and organization of the events for the 10,000 new students that arrived Fall 2021. Karen is currently in an online Master’s program working towards her Master’s in Education in Higher Education. She serves as the front desk staff advisor for HPA and as the Program Manager for the Post-Bac program. She is passionate about helping students reach their goals. Outside of school and work, Karen enjoys being in the outdoors, spending time with her dog, and binge watching reality shows!
What advice do you have for our transfer students?
Take advantage of every opportunity. UC Davis has many opportunities for students to seek help and get involved. As a student, my favorite resources to use were the Transfer and Reentry Center (TRC), retention centers, the Internship and Career center (ICC), and the resource fairs. Make your time at UC Davis worth it!
What about Conference are you excited about the most?
Planning the pre-health conference is a very exciting process. I will be working closely with the workshop planning. I am excited to see all of the workshops in action and see everything come together after 2 years of being virtual!
What other events/programs at HPA are you excited about?
I am excited to connect with admission representatives from health professional schools around the country!
What is your advising philosophy?
I believe in the idea that not every student’s journey is going to look the same. Students come from many different diverse backgrounds and have many different stories that may affect their journey. As an advisor, I like to be aware of this idea. I strive to find ways and resources to support a student’s journey in order for them to be successful.