Meet the Staff
Carol Newkirk
Title: Director, Disability Resource CenterEducation: M.S. Rehabilitation/Clinical Counseling, SFSU, Bachelor's Degree, Psychology, Sonoma State University, Learning Disability Certification, CSU, Sacramento
Responsibilities: Oversee the DRC to ensure equal access to education for students who have disabilities and advocate on their behalf.
Years at CSM: Since 2016 (District employee since 2014)
Other Interests: Traveling, exploring new hiking trails, riding my horse (Mack), and spending time with my daughters and grandson.
Hirania Gonzalez
Title: Program Services CoordinatorEducation: B.F.A. Photography, SJSU
Responsibilities: Outreach, coordinate DRC program events, and assist students with our application process.
Years at CSM: Since 2017
Other Interests: Cycling, art, gardening, learning, and spending time with my husband and our two cats.
Joyce Meyer
Title: Learning Disabilities Specialist, Disability Resource CenterEducation: MS in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling, Graduate Certificate in Adult Learning Disabilities
Responsibilities: Learning Disabilities assessment and counseling
Years at CSM: Since 2006
Other Interests: Family, travel, yoga, meditation, Zumba, hiking in nature, time at the ocean
Kevin Sinarle
Title: Counselor, Disability Resource CenterEducation: Bachelor's Degree, Psychology (minor in Business), Fresno State University and a Masters Degree, Counseling w/dual emphasis in Marriage & Family Therapy and Rehabilitation
Responsibilities: I provide counseling services for students with disabilities which focus on disability-related counseling, academic accommodations, and referral to on and off-campus resources. Additionally, I teach a section on College Planning each fall.
Years at CSM: Since 2006
Other Interests: I like to spend time with my family, exploring all the great outdoor activities we have access to in the SF Bay Area.
Zulema Esparza
Title: Counselor, Disability Resource CenterEducation: M.S. Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Specialization with a College Counseling Emphasis, SFSU. B.A. Criminal Justice Studies, SFSU.
Responsibilities: Provide academic, vocational, personal, and disability-related counseling. Collaborate with faculty and staff from other student service programs to better support DRC students.
Years at CSM: Since 2019
Other Interests: I enjoy traveling and exploring new places, hikes with pretty views, and attending country concerts and sporting events with family and friends.
Christopher Weidman
Title: Instructional Assistant II/Alternate Media Specialist
Education: B.S. in Engineering Technology, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
Responsibilities: I support students in the DRC by managing the production of alternate media for print disabilities and assisting with the equipment loan program.
Years at CSM: Since 2022 (District Employee since 2001)
Other Interests: Movies, swimming, gardening, and spending time with my wife, son, and our dog Lego.
Justin Kawakami
Title: Program Services Coordinator
Education: M.A. in Education, Stanford University; B.A. in English with minors in Disability Studies and Education Studies, UCLA
Responsibilities: Outreach, coordinate DRC program events, and assist students with our application process.
Years at CSM: Since 2024
Other Interests: Reading, writing, education, music, and baking.
Other staff not pictured
- Audra Fernandez, Office Assistant II
- Julie Jang, Learning Disabilities Specialist
