Melissa Ceresa
Veterans Resource Center
Program Specialist & VA School Certifying Official
Email%3A%20melissa.ceresaFREEWEST_VALLEY
Campus Center VRC
Institutional Service
2015 - 2017, President, Classified Senate
2013 - 2017, EOPS/CARE Specialist
2011 - 2015, Vice President, West Valley College Classified Senate
2006 - 2011, Senator, West Valley College Classified Senate
2006 - 2008, Director, West Valley Summer College for Kids
2000 - 2013, Program Specialist, Advanced Transportation Technology & Energy
June 2003 to July 2005, Instructor West Valley Summer College for Kids
Committees
2018 - 2017 College Council, District Council, BRAC, Convocation, DC Fiscal Work Group, and Commencement
2008 - 2014, Professional Development/All College Day Committee
2012 - 2013 Veterans Task Force
2012 - 2013 Advisor, Sustainable Interior Design Club
2011 - 2013 Sustainability Committee
Education Bio
Melissa is currently enrolled in the Higher Education Leadership Masters of Education program at California State University, San Jose. Prior to coming to work at West Valley College, she studied Child Development and completed the IGETC path at Foothill and De Anza Colleges before transferring to the University of California, Santa Cruz. At UC Santa Cruz, Melissa focused on education, public policy, and social justice issues while earning a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies.
Professional Bio
Melissa is the Program Specialist for the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) and VA School Certifying official. She has been instrumental in planning and implementing the design and programming for the VRC with the intention of connecting with and engaging military affiliated students, especially our U.S. Military Veteran students. Melissa strives to create a robust veterans center that serves the needs of students in order to support their academic pursuits and personal success.
Melissa began her career at West Valley College in March of 2000 with the Center for Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy (ATTE). Melissa was responsible for grant implementation, legislative outreach, training development, curriculum modification, and content on the ATTE's iTunesU and social media pages. Melissa worked with the ATTE team to evolve training, community relations and student intern programs. Additionally, she worked to develop and market new training programs, procure funding, and provide enrollment and career guidance to students and job-seekers. Melissa advised the ATTE's K-12 activities and coordinated public education events to advocate training programs for sustainable fuels, energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. Melissa joined the EOPS Department in April 2013 where she oversaw the PAL Academy, student tutors and CARE Program performing outreach to recruit students and provide opportunities for their academic success.