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About
Our Purpose
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Support our students in becoming leaders who aim to create educational equity for the communities they serve
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We achieve this through a collaborative approach that incorporates the diverse needs and perspectives of our stakeholders
Our Value
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We hold student success as our guiding value
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Master's Program Office
Our Office Staff
Shafiqa Ahmadi
Faculty Chair
WPH 304D | (213)-821-2259
sahmadi@usc.edu
Shafiqa Ahmadi is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education and the Co-Director for the Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice. She is an expert on diversity and legal protection of underrepresented students, including female Muslims, bias and hate crimes, and sexual assault survivors. Prior to joining the Rossier faculty, she taught at the Gould School of Law and was a Visiting Researcher at the Center for Urban Education, at Rossier. She has also served as a Research Associate at the Research Institute at Rossier where she assisted with grant proposals and worked on a grant awarded by the Department of Education (DOE) designed to prevent and reduce on-campus sexual assault. Most recently she worked for the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, where she investigated alleged violations of civil rights and discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and access to state and state funded services.
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Ahmadi received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law, at Bloomington, Indiana. She graduated with Dean’s Honors. While in law school and graduate school she focused on Employment Law, Corporate International Law, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Islamic law (Shari ‘a). She is fluent in five languages. She is a native speaker of Persian (Dari & Farsi) and her second language is English. She also speaks Hindi and Urdu.
She has presented extensively and conducted research on diversity and the legal protection of underrepresented students.
Ashley Grant
Student Services Manager
WPH 304C | (213)-740-3465 AshleyGr@rossier.usc.edu
Hello! My name is Ashley Grant and I serve as Program Manager at the USC Rossier School of Education. I have six years of experience in academic advising and program operations at the University of Southern California, where I have led student success initiatives, partnered with faculty on curriculum and enrollment planning, and supported large, complex academic programs. Prior to joining Rossier, I served on the undergrad side of things at USC Dornsife, overseeing advising operations for hundreds of undergraduate students annually and contributing to staff training, program development, and data-informed retention strategies.
As a USC alumna myself (dual Bachelors in Human Biology and in Film), I am passionate about advancing student-centered programming and building collaborative partnerships that support academic excellence. I am committed to fostering efficient, inclusive, and well-coordinated program operations that enhance the student and faculty experience.
Outside of work, I enjoy getting outdoors with my German Shepherd at the beach and on hikes. I also enjoy traveling and have been to 14 countries and 24 states!
Hi all! I am Meredith Benton, Assistant Director of the Master’s Program Office. I am a CA native (minus some time in GA and MA) and have been in Long Beach for most of my life. I have a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Los Angeles and a Master’s in Teaching from Alliant International University. After teaching for a few years, I moved on to higher education where I was in an advising role at Alliant and USC for a combined 10 years before taking the Assistant Director position in July 2022.
In my spare time, I love watching hockey (Go Kings Go!), trying out new recipes, and listening to Harry Styles (I’m obsessed!). I truly enjoy working with students and getting to know them, so please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by and say hello!
Meredith Benton
Assistant Director
WPH 304B | (213)-740-5436
bentonme@rossier.usc.edu
Danelle Go
Academic and Career Specialist (PASA and EC)
WPH 304F | (213)-821-3343
dcgo@rossier.usc.edu
Hello y'all! My name is Danelle Go (she/her/hers) and I am the Academic & Career Specialist on the MPO team, specifically advising the Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) and Educational Counseling (EC) Masters programs. I am a proud PASA alum myself (Fight on!) and so grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting and serving the Rossier community that I care so deeply about.
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I am a proud daughter of Filipino-Chinese immigrants, a first-gen student and professional, and was born and raised in the Bay Area! For undergrad, I went to UC Santa Cruz (go Banana Slugs!) and studied Psychology with a minor in Education. My journey to working within higher education has been a roller coaster but has always been centered in holistically supporting, empowering, and uplifting my students. Outside of higher ed, I've worked in K-12, Special Education, community-based non-profits, and within behavioral therapy. I am a matcha and boba connoisseur, a major foodie (will travel just for food), a cat mama of 2, a hiking/nature lover, and an aspiring podcaster and DJ. Catch me at your local farmers or flea markets every weekend or walking down every single aisle at Trader Joe's, Hmart, or Target as a way to destress on the weekdays.
When building connections with others, I truly value authenticity, honesty, empathy, compassion, equity, advocacy, and cultural humility. I always have an open door and love narrative sharing so please always free to stop by and let's chat! Always remember that you belong here, and you matter.
Victoria Nielsen
Student Services Advisor
(School Counselling, LDAI)
WPH 304F | (213)-821-3402
nielsenv@rossier.usc.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Victoria Nielsen (she/her(s)/ella). Born and raised in Ventura County, I've had the opportunity to experience life in various locations, including the Bay Area and Chicago. After graduating high school, I attended California Lutheran University as a first-generation scholar, earning a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Before venturing into higher education, I worked in the Social Work field as a supervisor in a group home for children with behavioral and mental health challenges.
In 2014, I decided to forge a new path and moved back to Ventura County from Chicago. I started my journey in Student Affairs at Ventura County Community College District, from a student to a classified staff member. Working in higher education had proven to be the perfect fit for me, seamlessly blending my passion for social work, commitment to social justice, and dedication to helping those in need. And so, I returned to school and earned a Master's in Counseling and College Student Personnel, at California Lutheran University.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in spending quality time with my partner and my cat.
Robin Thimbriel
Student Services Advisor
(EMP, MFT)
WPH 304E | (213)-740-4253
Hello Trojan Fam! My name is Robin Thimbriel (she/her/hers) I support a diverse portfolio of programs comprised of Enrollment Management and Policy (EMP), Learning Design and Technology (LDT), and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
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Leveraging my experience as a first-gen/transfer student has shaped how I navigate my role as a Student Affairs practitioner. One of my goals is to become a support system and generate sustainable environments for all of our Trojans to thrive. To have the opportunity to work in higher education is a privilege; I plan to be mindful of my holistic consumption, work environment, and the communities that I serve.
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I am a proud first-gen Belizean American who was raised in South Central Los Angeles, a UC Davis Aggie (bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science with a minor in African American Studies), and a Loyola Marymount University Lion (Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration). In the rare moments I am not working, you can find me plotting my adventure to try a new food spot around town (always open to recommendations!). I enjoy spending time with my familia, friends, and pups. Beyond rooting for our Trojans, I am also a Laker, Dodger, and Rams fan! Fight On!
I look forward to hearing all of your personal stories and how I can support you throughout your programs.
Monica Lopez
Program Specialist and Advisor
(MSAL)
WPH 304E | (213)740-2293
Hi Everyone! My name is Monica and I am the Program Specialist for the Master’s Program Office at USC Rossier. I was born and raised in Southern California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Corporate Finance from Cal State Fullerton.
As a first-generation college graduate, I understand firsthand how intimidating higher education can feel. This experience drives my passion for supporting students throughout their academic journey. I am proud to be part of the USC Rossier community and I’m dedicated to facilitating a smooth, supportive experience for all our students. I am always happy to answer questions, and provide assistance in any way I can.
Outside of work, I am a proud working mom with two beautiful girls. In my (rare!) free time, I enjoy watching romantic comedies or rewatching episodes of Friends and Grey’s Anatomy. I am deeply family-oriented and love discovering new outings and creating special memories with my loved ones.
Our Student Workers
Chloriza Avila
MPO Student Worker
Graduate Student
I am a proud Filipina-American, born in Stockton, CA, and come from a lineage of farmers and educators who instilled in me the values of community care and resilience. In 2020, I completed my undergraduate education at UC Davis with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and double minors in Education and Ethnic Studies. Afterward, I moved to the South Bay Area, where I provided holistic support to first-generation college students in overcoming barriers to completing higher education.
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My identity and journey throughout childhood ignited my aspirations to become a culturally competent and trauma-informed therapist. In the future, I hope to gain experience in community-based mental health, providing holistic and accessible mental health services to marginalized youth and families. I strive to meet every client where they are and to empower them to draw upon the strengths that have always been within them.
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When I'm not therapizing, you can find me dancing at a live music event, setting up a picnic at an outdoor movie screening, or adding to my list of Yelp reviews (that have yet to be posted—oops). Hope to meet you soon!
Stephanie Park
MPO Student Worker
Undergraduate Junior
Hello everyone! My name is Stephanie and I'm a student worker at MPO.
I'm currently pursing my BFA in Design with a minor in User Experience at the USC Roski School of Art and Design. I hope to dive deeper into branding and brand identity, but besides that I love exploring new places and recipes!
Alice Tsioutsioulikli
MPO Student Worker
Undergraduate Junior
Hey everyone! My name is Alice and I'm a student worker for MPO. I was raised in the Bay Area in CA and am currently living in LA.
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With a focus on graphic design and illustration, I am pursuing my BFA in Design at the USC Roski School of Art and Design with a minor in Design in Digital Experience at the Iovine and Young Academy. If I'm not busy creating, I'm probably out doing something athletic: track, muay thai, volleyball, and more!
