Mexican American Student Services Department

My name is J. Eik Diggs ,M.Ed., Program Specialist in Academic Empowerment and Engagement with Mexican American Student Services.  My job with the department includes setting academic goals with students, mapping student progress toward those goals, and acting as a liaison between students, teachers, and administrators.  I also run a program called Each One Teach One in which high school juniors and seniors of color have the opportunity to try their hands at developing lesson plans and teaching them to local elementary and middle schoolers.  This is my 4th year with the department and I love thinking of creative ways to engage and support students.

My name is Monica Madrid, M.Ed.,  Program Specialist In Academic Empowerment and Engagement with Mexican American Student Services. I help provide support and mentor students by advocating for the implementation of various strategies to assist in academic progress. I help families with information related to the needs of their student(s), to include referrals to both school & community resources. 

My name is Cynthia Cabezola, B.A,  Program Specialist with the Mexican American Student Services. My role with the department includes providing students with social, emotional and behavioral support on an individual or group setting while collaborating with student families and school staff. I also support/provide social & behavior advocacy workshops and advocate for students in discipline hearings/suspensions. I enjoy working with students and providing them with the support to be the best version of themselves.

My name is Jessica Cuen, B.A , Parent outreach &  Empowerment Speciliast at Mexican American Student Services. I recruit for and facilitate the Mexican American Parent Advisory Council to ensure inclusion in the District’s decision-making process.Develop bilingual (Spanish/English) empowerment trainings with the Family Resouce Centers.  I advocate for parent rights to ensure equity . I Co-Callboate with Community and programs Like the Early Academic Outreach at the University of Arizona. . I Support sites in developing and implementing parent outreach to develop equitable access for Mexican/Latino parents district-wide. I began with the Department as in Intern then made my way into mentee and know I have the privilege to be able to be a part of the department. 

My name is Stacy Saathoff, Ph.D, Program Specialist in  Advance Learning Experience and Recruitment with the Mexican American Student Services . I help support Latinx students who are enrolled in the district's Advanced Learning Experiences such as Advanced Placement, Honors, GATE, dual credit, dual language, etc. I meet with students and collaborate with teachers to best support students' learning. I also help to recruit and retain Latinx students in Advanced Learning Experiences in schools across the district. In addition, I am an adjunct instructor with Pima Community College and co-teach MAS 165: Mexican American Culture, Community and Identity in a TUSD high school for students to earn dual credit. I have been in the field of education for over 15 years at various capacities as a tutor, classroom teacher, program coordinator, instructor at the University of Arizona, and currently as a program specialist and adjunct instructor.  

My Name is Erika Nacim, Program Specialist in Culturally Relevant Curriculum in Mexican American Student Services. I ensure the implementation of AVID strategies in Culturally Relevant classrooms. Facilitate Culturally Relevant professional development focused on asset-based instructional strategies in collaboration with Director to increase systemic culturally responsive practices. Organize college mentoring in Mexican American Viewpoint courses and Culturally Relevant Curricula designated classrooms to provide in-class support to develop academic and cultural identity to increase student achievement Facilitate field trips targeted for classes including college tours to provide exposure to multiple opportunities in the community.

My Name is Angelica Munoz, B.A, Community Outreach Program Specialist in Mexican American Student Services. Coordinate district-wide presentations by guest speakers (e.g. César Chávez Month, Mexican American Heritage Month,, UA Honors College, etc.).Maintain & further develop partnerships with community resources and agencies ( AZ César Chávez Holiday Coalition, Amistades, Child & Family Resources, Chicanos Por La Causa) to increase access to educational opportunities.Recruit community leaders to faciliate a student mentoring program Facilitate UA collaboration with the Mexican American Studies Department, the Adalberto & Ana Guerrero Student Center, College of Education, student organizations, and alumni association.