Sara is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the Writing Tutor and Writing Associates programs. She has always cared about writing, having kept a journal since second grade and teaching English for many years before studying education and coming back to California and writing tutoring. Her interests include film as literature, creative nonfiction, and crime stories.
About Us
Established in 2001, the Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA) is a university-wide comprehensive learning center serving and employing students from all colleges. The SCAA serves as a one-stop-shop for academic support services on the third floor of the CORE Building. SCAA provides academic skills coaching as well as subject tutoring and writing tutoring for courses across the curriculum. Additionally, the SCAA offers embedded, collaborative support through its Writing Associates (WA), Supplemental Instruction (SI), and Peer Academic Coaching (PAC) programs.
SCAA Mission
The mission of the Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA) is to provide CSUEB students with individual and collaborative learning opportunities within an inclusive environment fostering independent growth. The SCAA strives to cultivate adaptability, self-direction, and self-confidence through peer-to-peer support programs. SCAA services help students set achievable goals, develop academic skills, and improve subject comprehension.
SCAA Vision
The SCAA provides all CSUEB students with an inviting and intellectually-stimulating learning environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.
SCAA Values
- Collaboration
- Progress
- Commitment
- Belonging
SCAA Core Functions
- Subject-specific academic support
- Writing skills development
- Foundational academic skills development
- Quality professional development and growth opportunities
- Collaborative cross-campus engagement efforts
Our Impact
The SCAA team is committed to providing impactful academic support services to the CSUEB community. Please visit the SCAA Impact webpage to learn more about our assessment and evaluation processes and to view our impact reports.SCAA Director
Rachel Brunson (she/her)
Rachel joined the SCAA team in June 2022 with over a decade of experience in learning assistance / academic support services. Rachel completed her Bachelors degree in English from Notre Dame de Namur University, where she also served as a student writing tutor. She went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco (USF) in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs. Rachel is currently in the dissertation stage of her doctoral degree in Organization & Leadership. On campus, Rachel is a member of the Library Management Team, the Disability Justice Working Group, the Academic Peer Support Leadership Group, the Orientation Advisory Committee, the Educational Effectiveness Council, and the GI 2025 Student Persistence & Success Committee. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, and watching sports!Contact Rachel
SCAA Coordinators
Brandon Everett, Subject Tutoring Coordinator (he/him)
Brandon has been with the SCAA since 2017 and currently oversees the Subject Tutoring program. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing in 2017 and his Master’s degree in English in 2019, both from ÍÑ¿ã°É East Bay. He has over eight years of tutoring experience and fifteen years of administrative experience both in and out of the university system. Brandon is a published author of a novel, two short story collections, and various other publications in literary journals including Livina Press, Thin Veil Press, and DarkWinter Press. His interests include the cinema and film theory, reading all things Stephen King, and of course, writing.
Bianca Meza, Peer Academic Coaching Coordinator (she/her)
Bianca joined the SCAA team in August 2025 with 10 years of experience working in college access nonprofits, early childhood education, and higher education. Her journey began during her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, where she completed a Bachelor of Arts in Human Development with a focus on early childhood education. She went on to serve as an AmeriCorps College Coach and College Access Coordinator before earning her M.Ed. in Student Development at Seattle University. These experiences shaped her commitment to community, education, and possibility. In her free time, she enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with her dog.
Sara Schupack, Writing Tutor Programs Coordinator (she/her)
Matthew Tener, Coordinator of Strategic Engagement and Academic Support (he/him)
Matthew joined ÍÑ¿ã°É Bay in 2021. As the SI Coordinator,
he endeavors to continuously optimize SCAA and SI operations,
establish cooperative partnerships with faculty members, and
support students through their educational experiences.
He previously managed campuswide academic support services,
CSU GI 2025 /
regional outreach, and (ERWC)
teacher education for Cal Maritime. Likewise, he instructed
university-level writing and coordinated tutoring support
for University of the Pacific.
He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Sacramento State,
a master's degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction from
University of the Pacific, and a SI Supervisor Certificate from
the .
SCAA Lead Employees
Angeles Buenrostro - Peer Academic Coaching Program Lead
Major: Biological Sciences with an interest in Nursing
Hometown:
Physically:Hayward, California
In my heart: Jalisco, Mexico
Shelby Carrancho - Writing Tutor Programs Lead
Major: Strategic Communication with a minor in Business Administration
Hometown: Hayward, CA
Shelby joined the Writing tutor program in Spring 2026. She enjoys helping students feel confident within their writing because she believes it's a valuable skill you can utilize in every aspect of life. Outside of classes and work she enjoys teaching Pilates and hanging out with friends. She has two cats named Sosa and Bogey. Her favorite food is sushi and likes spending time at coffee shops. She is very social and friendly so don’t be scared to say hi!
Maite Fernández - Marketing & Outreach Lead
Major: Video and Animation
Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Maite joined the SCAA in the Spring of 2023 as a Supplemental Instruction Leader for subjects like Kinesiology and Philosophy, later transitioning into a Peer Academic Coach. Maite aims to help students think outside of the box and find methods that allow them to thrive throughout their academic career and beyond. Outside of classes and work, she enjoys art, reading, cooking, and playing games. She’s always down to help out or chat, so don’t be afraid to say hi!Angel Lara Jimenez - Peer Academic Coaching Program Lead
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Oakland, CA
Angel joined the PAC program in Fall of 2022 as a Peer Academic Coach and has been a lead for over a year now. Angel has been helping students in time management, utilizing resources across campus, and preparing for exams. When Angel isn’t helping students, he is helping others reach their fitness goals or playing video games .
Bella Lucas - Marketing & Outreach Lead
Major: History, Social Science Teacher Preparation
Hometown: Castro Valley, CA
Bella joined the SCAA staff in Fall 2023. In addition to her receptionist duties, she has supported PHIL 100 and HIST 111 courses through the SI program. She now works as a writing tutor and WA. She is currently working towards her bachelor's degree in history while also pursuing her single-subject teaching credential. She desires to become a high school history teacher upon completing her master's degree. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her two cats, Crookshanks and Casper.Aanya Malhotra - Subject Tutoring Program Lead
Major: Biological Science
Home: India
Aanya joined the Subject Tutoring program in Spring 2023. She is majoring in Biological Sciences and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She enjoys mentoring and supporting students while also learning from every interaction. Outside of school and work, Aanya loves traveling, trying out new coffee shops, and spending time with friends and family. She believes that even small acts of encouragement can make a big difference in someone’s journey.JP Nettleton - Writing Tutor Programs Lead
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Castro Valley, CA
JP joined the SCAA as a writing tutor in August 2024. Since then, he’s enjoyed building connections with students and coworkers whether through tutoring sessions or while working the front desk. He’s passionate about helping students grow as writers and gain confidence in their work. When he’s not on campus, JP loves getting outdoors, hiking with his dog Bailey, exploring new places, and listening to music.
Elissa Valadez - Peer Academic Coaching Program Lead
Major: Hospitality with a concentration in event planning
Hometown: Ventura County, California
Elissa joined the Peer Academic Coaching program in Fall 2023. She loves working with students to explore different time management strategies and sharing resources with students because she feels the school offers so much so it's important to utilize what's available. Outside of school, she enjoys watching movies, completing puzzles, and baking. Her biggest reminder for any student is to always make sure you are balancing personal interests into your day to day while in school so you don’t burnout!
