Meet the Staff

Marcos Baluyut-Hand

Title: Program Services Coordinator - Veterans Resource & Opportunity Center
Responsibilities: Oversee and coordinate the logistics and daily activities, programming, and events at the VROC, support new and incoming students with the application and veteran education benefits processes, and connect student veterans and military-affiliated students with campus and community resources.
Years at CSM: Since 2024
Education: Master of Legal Studies (MLS), Indigenous Peoples Law, University of Oklahoma; Bachelor of Arts (BA), Chicana/o Studies, Minor in Political Science, Loyola Marymount University; Associate of Arts (AA), Social and Behavioral Science, Santa Monica College

Michael Vargas

Title: Lead Veterans Counselor – Veterans Resource and Opportunity Center
Responsibilities: Meet with military-affiliated students (veterans, dependents, and active military) to provide general, career, and transfer counseling; including creating and updating accurate student education plans (SEP).
Years at CSM: Since 2009
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW), San Francisco State University; Bachelor of Arts (BA), Philosophy, Gonzaga University

Daniel Rhyne, LMFT, LPCC

Title: Veterans Personal Counselor
Professional Licenses: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #142611; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #18060
Responsibilities: Provide mental health counseling and support to student veterans, helping them navigate personal, academic, and career challenges. Offer individual and group therapy sessions tailored to the unique experiences of veterans, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Collaborate with campus departments and community organizations to connect veterans with resources that support their well-being and success. Lead veteran-focused workshops and support groups to foster camaraderie, resilience, and personal growth.
Years at CSM: Since 2019
Education: Master of Arts (MA), Counseling: Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling emphasis, Palo Alto University; Bachelor of Science (BS), Psychology and Social Action, Palo Alto University