PASSWORDMANAGEMENT
Meet Our Staff and Volunteers
Dr. Rebecca Brooks, Professor, Executive Director
Dr. Rebecca Brooks is a Professor in the School of Education at California State University San Marcos and the Founder and Executive Director of the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. For more than 35 years, Dr. Brooks has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities across recreational, vocational, residential, and educational settings. Prior to joining the ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ faculty, she served as a public school special educator for 16 years, where she championed the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. During that time, she developed peer tutoring programs and designed accessible curriculum to ensure meaningful participation and success for all learners. Dr. Brooks has authored numerous publications on inclusive education, curriculum adaptations, and peer tutoring and is a nationally recognized presenter and consultant on evidence-based inclusive education practices. Her research focuses on access to general education curriculum, accommodations and modifications, the design and implementation of peer support systems, and the development and sustainability of inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Allison Jobin, Associate Professor, Research Director
Dr. Allison Jobin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at California State University San Marcos and investigator at the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC). She is a licensed psychologist and doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst with over 20 years of clinical and research experience in the delivery, supervision, and training of others in evidence-based practices (EBPs). Her expertise are in the treatment and evaluation of autism and the effective delivery of EBPs in community settings. Prior to joining ÌÇÐÄÔ´´, Dr. Jobin spent many years at Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego in clinical and research roles, where she gained practical experience moving evidence-based practices for autism into the community. Her work has focused on naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions, parent-mediated treatments, and the implementation of evidence-based approaches for autism within inclusive early childhood education programs. Among her current research interests are the examination of factors influencing intervention delivery in routine care, strategies to promote high-quality practices, and adaptations to improve fit within varied contexts.
Taylor Griffin, M.A. Education Specialist, Assistant Director
Taylor Griffin serves as Assistant Director of the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive
postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities at California
State University San Marcos (ÌÇÐÄÔ´´). She also serves as a part-time lecturer in the
School of Education, teaching coursework focused on independent living skills. With
nearly five years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities across recreational,
residential, K–12, and higher education settings, Taylor is committed to promoting
inclusion and student success. Prior to joining Aspiring Scholars full-time, she worked
as a middle school Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher. A proud ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ alumna,
Taylor earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Preliminary Multiple Subject
and Education Specialist Credentials, and a Master of Arts in Special Education. Her
master's thesis focused on developing a peer mentor training program for students
with intellectual disabilities in inclusive postsecondary education settings. Since
joining Aspiring Scholars as a graduate assistant in 2023, she has contributed to
curriculum development, peer mentor training, and program growth. Her professional
interests include inclusive postsecondary education, self-advocacy, peer mentoring,
and preparing students with disabilities for success in college, employment, and community
life. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, going to concerts and
traveling to new places.
Lisa Carmosino, Administrative Coordinator
Program Volunteer
Program Volunteer
Lisa Carmosino has been with ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ since 2015, working as an Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Social Work. After earning her degree from Texas State University San Marcos, she began her career as a preschool teacher. However, Lisa’s passion led her to specialize in supporting children and receiving Special Education services in K-12 public schools. Bringing a wealth of administrative expertise to the MSW Program, Lisa aids graduate students in pursuing careers in child welfare, juvenile probation, and Tribal Social Services. Beyond her professional commitments, Lisa is an active disability advocate with a particular interest in enhancing web accessibility to ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.
Kimberley Lebahn, ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Kimberley Lebahn is pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies Elementary Education. She aspires to become an elementary school teacher. She has been attending college since Fall 2021. Kimberley has prior experience working with children at a daycare, preschool, and infant center, as well as with students in the YMCA after-school program. She believes her role as a student assistant with the Aspiring Scholars program has been invaluable in preparing her to support students with disabilities in the classroom. In her free time, Kimberley enjoys painting when the inspiration strikes. She also likes going to the gym, listening to music, and baking.
Jolie Ochoa, ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Jolie Ochoa is currently pursuing a degree in Psychological Sciences at ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ having
transferred after beginning her studies at Chico State University in Fall 2022. She
aspires to work as a marriage and family therapist. Jolie served as a peer mentor
for the Aspiring Sholars Program in Spring 2025 and has prior experience working with
children while babysitting for family and friends, which has strengthened her ability
to connect with and support others. In her free time, she enjoys reading books, walking
her dogs in the park with her family, and staying active.
Kaitlyn Cisneros, ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Kaitlyn Cisneros is currently pursuing a degree in Speech-Language Pathology and has
been attending college since Fall 2022. She aspires to become a school-based Speech-Language
Pathologist, ideally in elementary schools. Kaitlyn enjoyed serving as a peer mentor
for the Aspiring Scholars Program in Spring 2025 and believes her experience as a
mentor to individuals with disabilities improved her communication and time-management
skills while strengthening her ability to create more inclusive opportunities for
everyone. In her free time, she enjoys thrifting, going to the beach with friends,
and working out. She also likes watching and playing different sports, such as baseball
and volleyball, and loves listening to music and traveling.
Erica Hanks, ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Erica Hanks has attended ÌÇÐÄÔ´´ since Fall 2022 and is currently pursuing a degree
in Child and Adolescent Development. She plans to continue her education after graduating
in Spring 2026, with interests in social work or clinical psychology. Erica has experience working with children as an Applied Behavior Analysis
(ABA) therapist and as a babysitter for children of all ages. She served as a peer
mentor in Spring 2025 and found the experience very fulfilling; she is excited to
continue supporting the program's mission. In her free time, she enjoys going to the
beach, exercising, spending time with friends, reading, and thrift shopping.
Jordan Corder, B.A.
Social Media Volunteer
Jordan Corder graduated from Gonzaga University in 2021 with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in promotions. He aspires to become a director of communications for a university. His professional experience includes working as a copyeditor for the Upper Deck Company, where he wrote trading cards for the NHL and Marvel, and most recently as a communications manager for Beacons North County, a nonprofit supporting adults with special needs. Jordan is passionate about helping others and believes in the power of community support. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and sports, working out, and writing.