Administrative Staff

Larry Walker

Association Dean, Student Services

I have grown both personally and professionally in TRIO. Coming from a limited income, first-generation college family background, my early educationally experiences mirrors that of the students I have come to serve throughout my professional career. I am inspired by the perseverance and internal fortitude our TRIO students possess as well as the genuine commitment the TRIO staff have in serving such students. I close by borrowing one of my favorite lines, “Keep your eyes on the prize.”

Janine Wilson

Coordinator/Counselor

My name is Janine Wilson and it has been my pleasure to work as the year round contact person for MPC’s Math Science Upward Bound Program. I am in my third year with MSUB. Along with planning and organizing the summer program, I track our alumni through college and report student progress to the Federal Government. In addition to working for TRiO, I am a CalWORKs counselor intern at the college and I volunteer as a sexual assault counselor for the MRCC. I am committed to helping students achieve their personal, educational and professional goals.

I was born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, PA and have made Monterey my home for the past 3 years. I began my educational career at Delaware County Community College (AA in Liberal Arts) and continued on to West Chester University of Pennsylvania, earning a BA in English Literature. I am currently working on my MS in Educational Counseling and PPS Credential through the University of La Verne.

When I have spare time, I love to spend it with my husband and visit with family and friends. My hobbies include yoga, pilates, photography, music and enjoying the beauty of the Monterey Peninsula. Once I have completed school, I plan to read lots of books, play the guitar, paint and travel.

Residential Coordinator

My name is Caroline Hornbake. This is my fourth year with MSUB. I am currently the Residential Coordinator for MSUB 2010. I worked as a Residential Assistant in 2007 and 2008, and started as the Residential Coordinator in 2009.

I was born and raised in Easton, Pennsylvania, and am currently living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (That's right. I fly from PA every summer just for the program!). I graduated from Penn State in Women's Studies and Philosophy in 2007. I worked for a year as a Wraparound Coordinator in Easton, PA before returning to get a Master of Education in Secondary School Counseling. I completed my graduate degree in May 2010.

I am very excited to be back for another year, building another MSUB summer that is unforgettable for a great group of students!

Residential Staff

Carlos Diaz

Residential Assistant.

Carlos Diaz is one of three children. He was born and raised in Watsonville. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 2000. Then in 2002 went on and obtained an AAS Degree in Business Administration from Heald College in Salinas. Carlos worked in Banking for three years where he enjoyed interacting and helping people. Later decided he wanted to travel, and joined the U.S. Coast Guard, where he worked as a mechanic on Coast Guard cutters and small boats. Carlos was stationed in Virginia and New Jersey. After active duty in the Coast Guard, Carlos decided to remain a reserve. Now, Carlos is a junior attending California State University Northridge where his working on obtaining his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. His career goal is to become an educational counselor.

Kasie Pletcher

Residential Assistant

My name is Kasie Pletcher and I’m currently a Resident Assistant (RA) as well as the lead in Personal Development. This is my second year with the MSUB program and I am very excited to be in California for the summer. I am from Rockwood, Pennsylvania where I grew up and went to high school. I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania where I received my BA in Sociology, then continued my career as a student at The Pennsylvania State University where I received my M.Ed in Counseling Education. After working at MSUB this summer I am off to Alaska to work as a school counselor for Lake and Peninsula school district. I love being outdoors, learning, meeting new people, and I have a strong passion for working with adolescents and helping them achieve their goals. I feel blessed to be a part of the MSUB program and I look forward to meeting the students!

Carlos Reyes

Residential Assistant.

I have lived in California my whole life, most of it Monterey County. I love the ocean. So much so that I majored in Aquatic Biology in college and volunteer at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I enjoy playing vidoegames, reading comic books, cooking and baking. I look forward to helping usher new students into science.

Tri Ben Nguyen

Residential Assistant

WHAT IT DO. ITS YA BOY BEN. Tri Benjamin Duc Nguyen to be exact. I was born in Monterey, California and raised in the cities of Marina and Seaside. This is my first year with the Math Science Upward Bound and I am very excited. In addition to working with TRiO. I have been apart of and worked with Classic Upward Bound for nine years now. I was in Upward Bound Monterey Peninsula College back when I attended Seaside High School. When I am not doing MSUB or UB. I attend the University of California, Davis aka UC Davis aka cow town. I am going into my 5th year of college majoring in Exercise Biology and Psychology. After Graduation :) my plans are to apply for physical therapy school and or Teach for America program. In the end, my goal is to become a teacher and work with underrepresented youth to have the tools and skills to become success in high school, college, and beyond. In my spare time, I like to do community service, work out, play sports such as football, basketball, swimming, study, read, watch movies, listen to music, learning to play the uke. I also love to eat. My favorite food is buffet. I am not picky at all. I will eat anything and everything. I love learning and believe that everyone should have the chance to go to college and experience "the experience". My goals for MSUB are to meet everyone and have a relationship were we can build a foundation to succeed in our futures. I hope to meet everyone and become a close tight-knit family. Please get to know me. Through me, I hope that you learn and live. I hope that all of you will find confidence in yourselves to succeed in any positive endeavor.

Diana Valle

Residential Assistant.

My name is Diana Valle and this is my second year as a Residential Assistant. I am currently a student at UCSC with a major in Language Studies with an emphasis in French and I also have a minor in Latin American Latino Studies. I have been blessed with working for this wonderful TRIO program for the past four years. I love working with students and showing them my passion for education. I want students the know that everything in this world is possible when you set your mind to it, with hard work, perseverance and dedication.

"Some succeed because they are destined to; most succeed because they are determined to" 'Anatole France