Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS)

Carissa Craig-Huddleston
Director for EOPS, CARE, NextUp, and RISE 
ccraig@losmedanos.edu    

Hi, I’m Carissa Craig-Huddleston, Director of EOPS, CARE, NextUp, and RISE at Los Medanos College. My path to higher education wasn't a traditional one. I didn't have an easy start in life and even dropped out of college twice before finding my way back.

Over 20 years ago, I began my career in higher education as a receptionist at Pima Community College while raising my two daughters. That was when education changed my life. Since then, I'm proud to say I earned an A.A. in Liberal Arts at the age of 40, a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies at 43, and an M.A. in Psychology at 44, with an emphasis in Educational Psychology.

I am passionate about helping students reach their goals because I know what it’s like to juggle school, work, and family. Always remember, it's never too late to start over. Outside of work, I love going out with my husband to try a new restaurant, watching movies, reading, or spending time outdoors. I'm also a proud mom of a blended family that includes two daughters, a daughter-in-law, two stepsons, and two little dogs.  

Andrew Murphy
Program Coordinator for EOPS, BOEP, and RISE
amurphy@losmedanos.edu     

What can I say about myself? Well, Andrew Murphy is the Program Coordinator for EOPS, the Brother of Excellence Program, and RISE. I have been part of the LMC staff for over 14 years. As a former student of Pittsburg High School and Los Medanos College, you can say I took a nontraditional route to higher education. After a hiatus, I returned to college to pursue my degree at Southern New Hampshire University, earning my Bachelor of Arts in Business Management with a focus on Public Administration, as well as my Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

I can say that I really enjoy connecting with everyone, students, staff, and the community alike! I am all about helping others succeed in what they do while sharing a few laughs along the way. When I am not at work, you can catch me having a great time with my wife and daughter, getting in some exercise before the sun comes up, or watching those delightfully bad movies that are perfect for a good laugh! Please feel free to share your recommendations with me.

 

Nicole Gomes
Program Coordinator for NextUp and RISE
ngomes@losmedanos.edu  

Hi! I’m Nicole Gomes, and I’m thrilled to step into the role of NextUp/RISE Coordinator at Los Medanos College. I’ve been part of the Contra Costa Community College District for over 30 years, and throughout that time, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to grow professionally while serving in various areas across the college. I’m deeply committed to supporting special populations, helping students find their voice, build resilience, and thrive throughout their college experience.

Outside of work, I’m happily married and a proud mom to two amazing daughters. I’m a true water lover, whether it’s fishing, surfing, paddleboarding, or swimming, if it involves water, I’m in! A fun fact about me: I adore my puppy, Diesel, and I also raise chickens, yes, they all have names!

Aracely Martinez
Interim Program Coordinator for EOPS and CARE
amartinez@losmedanos.edu    

Hi! I'm Aracely, the Interim Program Coordinator for EOPS & CARE. I've been with the district for a little over 2 years, but even in my short time, I've truly loved being a part of this community. I started my higher education journey in Southern California, where I was born and raised. I earned my Associate's in Psychology from Oxnard College and a Bachelor's in Psychology from CSU Long Beach. I'm also currently working towards my Master's in Counseling and aspire to be a community college counselor.

Throughout my time in college, I discovered a passion for cultivating inclusive and supportive environments for students. As the daughter of immigrants and having navigated college as a first-generation student myself, I know firsthand the challenges of navigating higher education and how important it is to find your community.

When I'm not at work, you can find me at a concert, exploring a new city, or spending time with my puppy Benny. He's a Border Collie-Australian Shepherd, so he keeps me very busy.

Marques McCoy
Program Coordinator for CalWORKs 
mmcoy@losmedanos.edu 

Hello, I am Marques McCoy, the CalWORKs Program Coordinator at Los Medanos College (LMC). As the coordinator for CalWORKs, I play a vital role in supporting students through comprehensive services and resources. Throughout my tenure with the Contra Costa Community College District, I have held various positions within student services, both at Diablo Valley College and LMC, consistently advocating for student success and equity.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in sociology from Arizona State University. In addition to my work with CalWORKs, I am an adjunct professor with the Umoja Scholars Program at LMC. In that role,  I remain committed to empowering students through culturally responsive teaching and mentorship.

Also, I am currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership. I am scheduled to complete my Ed.D. in Fall 2026. My work continues to reflect a deep dedication to educational access, student development, and institutional change.

Elizabeth Costanza
Counselor for EOPS
ecostanza@losmedanos.edu 

Hi! I’m Elizabeth Costanza. I grew up in California’s Central Valley as the daughter of Azorean immigrants. As a child, I had to work on a dairy farm and watch my parents work in the hot sun picking food from the fields to provide for the family. My family faced poverty, homelessness, and other hardships, but enrolling in community college at 17 changed my life.

As a first-generation college student, I was guided by my mentor and counselor, Laura Subia, LMC’s first EOPS Counselor.  I knew when I grew up, I wanted to be like Laura. She inspired me to value education, build a legacy, and follow in her footsteps.

I earned three AA's from Los Medanos College (2004), a BA in Liberal & Civic Studies with a minor in Sociology from Saint Mary’s College (2006), and an MS in Counseling from San Francisco State University (2009). My journey began in ESL classrooms, learning English as a child.

With 20+ years in student services and 17 years as a counselor, I consider my work “heart work.” As a former LMC student, I benefited from EOPS, Financial Aid, Puente, and more experiences that shaped my passion for serving students.

I’ve served as Puente Counselor/Coordinator, EOPS/CARE Counselor, General Counselor, Foster Youth Counselor/Coordinator, and Co-Chair of the Counseling Department at LMC. Returning as an alumnus, I’m honored to give back to the community that supported me.

Outside of Work Life: My children, Julianna (10), Juliet (9) Vinnie (5) take up the majority of my time. We spend lots of time outdoors riding bikes, roller-skating, attending softball, soccer, and flag football games. Of course, my amazing husband, kitties, and pet lizards do a great job keeping these kids entertained.

I look forward to getting to know you in our counseling sessions. Let’s make your educational goals/dreams come true!

Chrissa Basbas
Counselor for EOPS
cbasbas@losmedanos.edu  

Brittney West
Counselor for EOPS and High School Pathways
bwest@losmedanos.edu  

Douglas Phenix
Counselor for NextUp and EOPS 
dphenix@losmedanos.edu 

Hello, I'm Douglas Phenix, the NextUp/EOPS counselor. I am a proud community college success story and a former EOPS student and peer mentor who knows firsthand the life-changing impact of student support programs. After two earlier attempts at college and a three-year break, I found my purpose at Diablo Valley College—where mentors helped me realize my potential. I went on to earn my B.A. in Sociology from Cal State East Bay and a Master’s in Counseling from Saint Mary’s College.

I served as Director of the Career Center at Holy Names University, led career development initiatives, and presented at national conferences. I also worked in workforce development and as an adjunct counselor and instructor at both DVC and Chabot College in EOPS/NextUp/CARE programs. I co-founded Tembo Leaders, a leadership and community space for Black men at DVC, for the last three years.

I am known for my collaborative spirit and student-centered approach. I would describe this work as “heart work” and am deeply committed to equity, growth, and building strong community connections.

Outside of work, I enjoy bowling, axe throwing, working out, pro and college football (Go Birds and Canes!), and spending time with loved ones.

Daniela Guzman
Counselor for EOPS 
dguzman@losmedanos.edu  

Hey, scholars! My name is Daniela Guzman, and I am one of the EOPS counselors. I am a queer Chicana born in the East Bay to Mexican Immigrants, whose roots stem from Michoacan and Zacatecas. After high school, I was unclear about my career and decided to attend Contra Costa College and Diablo Valley College, where I discovered my passion for Psychology. This inspired me to pursue my B.A. in Psychology, and later my Master's in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from San Francisco State University (SFSU).

As a first-generation student, I would often roam through campus, unsure of how to navigate higher education. Because of this experience, I know the importance of having guidance and support. My hopes are to act as that guiding source for those navigating their own academic journeys. My personal and professional goals are fueled by my passion to break generational cycles of trauma, decolonize my lens, and lead with love and empathy to aid those around me. When I’m not counseling, I am traveling and spending time with my loved ones.

Rudolf Rose
Counselor for EOPS, CalWORKs, and CARE
rrose@losmedanos.edu  

Hello all! I’m Rudolf Rose, and my pronouns are he/him/his. My family and I immigrated to the United States from the Philippines when I was 8 years old. Education opened a lot of doors for me and my family, and that is my biggest motivation in helping students. I have dedicated my career to serving underrepresented and underserved communities to advocate for equity and social justice.

My Background

I have had the opportunity to work as a college professional since I graduated with my BA in Communications at the University of California, San Diego in 2005. Even prior to graduating, I knew that I wanted to work with college students as my career because I learned a lot during my time at UCSD. It became pretty apparent to me that you not only learn in the classroom, but you also do a lot of your learning and need to be supported outside of the classroom as well.

After graduating, I started my work in higher education in the Financial Aid Office and EOPS at Diablo Valley College, helping students pursue their college education and providing resources to help them stay. I pursued my Master's Degree in Counseling with an emphasis in College Student Services at St. Mary's College of California while working full-time at DVC. I joined the LMC EOPS and CalWORKs team as a counselor in 2016. It's been a long journey, but I am really happy to be where I am, working with all of you.

Outside of Work

I like to travel the world with my partner to learn about cultures and history, eat good food, and see all the beautiful sites, especially beaches and tropical places. It's my goal to visit all of the US National Parks, and I've already been to all the ones in California, plus a few more out of state, including ones in Hawaii, Arizona, and Utah. I also enjoy pop culture and consuming a lot of it; I blame my Communications degree for this!

I am excited to work with all of you to help you achieve your educational and career goals!