About

Our Purpose

Support our students in becoming leaders who aim to create educational equity for the communities they serve

We achieve this through a collaborative approach that incorporates the diverse needs and perspectives of our stakeholders

Our Value

We hold student success as our guiding value

Master's Program Office

Our Office Staff

Our Mission

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.

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.

Jamie Remmers
Director
WPH 304C | (213)-821-3406
remmers@rossier.usc.edu

Hello everyone! My name is Jamie Remmers and I serve as the Director at the Rossier Master’s Program Office. I am originally from Long Island, New York, and in late 2021 moved to Southern California after nine years living in NYC and working at New York University. I earned my BS from Lasell University in Boston where I was a college athlete and played goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team. After a work abroad experience in Australia, I found an interest for cross-cultural education and went on to earn an MA in International Education from NYU. I worked at NYU as an academic advisor for several years, as well as serving in Assistant Director roles supporting both international and graduate student populations. I eventually earned my EdD in Leadership and Innovation from NYU. My dissertation, “Making it Count: An Inclusive Approach to Collecting LGBTQ+ Student Data in Higher Education,” focuses on the opportunity and need for higher education institutions to collect sexual identity data to better serve their LGBTQ+ students.

Being a first-generation and queer student has made me keenly aware of how paramount social identities are in the academic space and therefore I am a strong advocate for creating spaces where students can be their authentic selves. Outside of academics, I am excited to be a new “Californian” and check out all of the National Parks in the state and explore my new home. I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones (but let’s not talk about the last season!), live music, US Women’s Soccer, and all things food. I am proud to be part of this community and encourage you to reach out to me and say hello!

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.

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)

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, LDT, MFT)

WPH 304E | (213)-740-4253

thimbrie@rossier.usc.edu

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).

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.

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.

Our Student Workers

Serena Weil

MPO Student Worker

Undergraduate Senior

Hello everyone! My name is Serena Weil and I'm a student worker at MPO.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in New York City, coming to USC has allowed me to find myself as a fashion designer pursuing my B.A. in Art. When class is not in session, you can find me traveling the world, making music, or going surfing with friends.

Gia Guerra

MPO Student Worker

Undergraduate Senior

Hi everyone! My name is Gia Guerra and I am a student worker for the MPO office. I was raised in Corona, CA and currently live in Orange County.

I am pursuing my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Early Childhood. I am passionate about helping other people and hope to pursue a profession in healthcare. Outside of school, I love to hang out with friends and explore the LA area. I also enjoy a fun day at the beach, going to concerts, and traveling!

Ellie Davidson
MPO Student Worker

Graduate Student

Hey y'all! I am Ellie Davidson and I am the Graduate Student Worker for MPO. I was raised in Washington state, went to undergrad at University of Arizona, and just moved to LA last year.

I am a current student in the PASA program, so this office is near and dear to my heart! I am passionate about helping advise students, and plan to work in college access & residential education in higher education. When I'm not working on homework, I love exploring LA, going to the beach, and just having a night in with my friends!