The Advising or College Life Coach Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Saulsbury Campus Center
Virtual Hours are Mon.-Thurs. 8a-7p, Fri. 8a-5p and Sat. 9a-12p.
When emailing OC staff, please do the following so we may better assist you.
- Email from your OC email account (@odessa.edu)
- Include your full first and last name.
- Include your 7-digit student ID number.
- Include detailed class information: semester, prefix, number, and section (17/FA, 1st 8-weeks, ENGL 1301.F01C).
Dropping Or Withdrawing?
Meet your College Life Coaches!
Our Secretary
She is originally from the Rio Grande Valley and moved to Odessa in the summer of
2024. She joined Odessa College in July 2025 and is grateful for the opportunity to
support students as they move toward the next step in their educational journey.
With five years of experience working in front-office school settings, Brenda is committed to ensuring every person she meets feels both seen and heard. She believes that welcoming students through the Advising doors is the perfect place to make a meaningful impact each day.
Outside of work, Brenda enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children
Bachelor's Program
Lead College Life Coach, BAAS, joined the OC Family in February 2023. She received her Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences at Odessa College and went on to get her Master’s in Business Administration. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 15 years and their 3 children. Traveling, shopping and spending time outdoors are some of her favorite things to do. Lisa is passionate about helping students succeed and is looking forward to assisting and guiding them through their college journey!
Phone: 432-335-6461 | Email: laguilar@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Started her higher education at Odessa College and was a transfer student to The University of Texas Permian Basin. She got her Bachelor’s Degree in Children & Family Studies and is currently working on her Master’s Degree in Special Education. She taught Early Education for four years, then worked with a community outreach program at UTPB called the First 5 Program. Throughout her career path, she has grown a passion for encouraging the community on the importance of higher education. In her free time, she likes to watch movies, play Mario Kart with her husband and son, and go out for evening walks.
Phone: 432-335-6657 | Email: iquintela@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
School of Health Sciences
Lead College Life Coach, earned her Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership from Angelo State University.
She holds a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies in Early Childhood Education from
The University of Texas at El Paso and an Associate of Arts in Teaching in Special
Education (4–8 emphasis) from El Paso Community College.
A proud El Paso native (Go Miners! 🤘), Iris has been serving students at Odessa College since March 2021. Her favorite part of working at OC is building meaningful one-on-one connections with students and supporting them as they pursue both their professional and personal goals.
Iris is deeply passionate about student advocacy, shaped by her own college journey. She openly shares that her college experience was not always positive, and those challenges became her purpose. Today, she is committed to ensuring that every student’s experience at Odessa College feels supportive, empowering, and smooth from start to finish.
Phone: 432-335-6846 | Email: icastro@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Education: B.A. in Communication from UT Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: The community! Everyone has a support system here, whether you have been an employee for 10 years or a student for less than 24 hours.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: I love welcoming students into the OC Community, sharing with them all of the resources that we have to offer, and helping them to find their own way!
Advice to Students: Never compare your journey to those around you, you are right where you are meant to be.
Phone: 432-335-6550 | Email: bgardner@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, is originally from Houston, TX, and joined OC in the Summer of 2021. She received
her bachelor’s degree at Texas Tech University in General Studies with an emphasis
in Human Resources Management, Communications Studies, and Psychology. London then
obtained her Master’s degree in Communication Studies at Texas Tech University. Go
Red Raiders! For fun, she loves to explore new coffee shops, go shopping, travel,
and try new foods/restaurants! She is excited to help lead students in being successful
at Odessa College!
Phone: 432-335-6745 | Email: lgordon@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, Joined Odessa College in June of 2025. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business
administration management from WGU, and went on to then earn his Master's in Management
and Leadership from WGU. He is excited to help students in their college journeys
and help them reach their goals and full potential. Robert is excited to be a part
of students' academic careers and encourage them along the way. He wants to instill
his love for higher education with everyone, and help students enjoy every moment
in their academic career. Prior to OC he has gained experience in the banking industry,
and teaching. In his free time he enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and
finding new restaurants to try. Go wranglers!
Phone: 432-335-6829 | Email: rnavarrette@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, Daniela is a native Odessian who currently serves as an academic success coach for
The School of Health & Sciences at Odessa College as of Spring 2026. Daniela is a
graduate of Permian High School and Odessa College where she was an active varsity
athlete of the Lady Panther's soccer team for 4 years. She received her associate's
degree from Odessa College in General Studies where she also completed her CNA certification.
Daniela then went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis
in Exercise Science at Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas where she also was
an active member of the women's soccer team for 2 years. Daniela continued her higher
education, earning her master's degree in Health and Human Performance at Sul Ross
State University. In her spare time, Daniela enjoys spending time with family, participating
in CrossFit at a local gym, volunteering in Junior League of Odessa, volunteering
at her church, and drinking lots of coffee! Daniela is excited to help lead students
through their academic journey and looks forward to celebrating every academic win
with them! Go Wranglers!
Phone: 432-335-6438 | Email: dibarra@odessa.edu | Schedule an Appointment
Education: B.S. in Kinesiology from University of Texas San Antonio
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: My favorite part of OC is how supportive the school is to students and the community. OC offers so many resources to help people achieve success.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to help students navigate college life and help them from start to finish.
Advice to Students: Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Take advantage of the awesome resources you have here at OC.
Phone: 432-335-2513 | Email: framos@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Education: B.S. in Kinesiology from University of Texas Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: OC has always been a welcoming and inviting environment. We are a community whose mission is to offer affordable education and services to ensure student success.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Making a positive impact on a student’s life. I enjoy having the opportunity to provide guidance and support to students as they navigate down their road to toward reaching their academic goals.
Advice to Students: Stay organized and establish short-term and long-term goals. Continue to learn and find ways to improve. There are many services to do just that! Make sure to utilize them!
Phone: 432-335-2512 | Email: zcavazos@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
School of Liberal Arts & Education
Lead College Life Coach, Alyssa is a native Odessan who currently serves as Lead Academic Success Coach for
the School of Liberal Arts & Education at Odessa College. She has worked at OC for
eight years and loves serving the students in the Odessa community. Alyssa is a graduate
of Odessa High School and Odessa College where she was an active member of each cheer
squad. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Odessa College and Bachelor’s Degree
from UT Permian Basin. Alyssa continued her higher education earning her Master’s
Degree in Education from Sul Ross State University. In her spare time, Alyssa enjoys
volunteering for Keep Odessa Beautiful, Special Olympics West Texas, the OC Wrangler
Food Pantry and Wrangler Pantry Garden.
Phone: 432-335-6823 | Email: ahinojos@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, participated in Upward Bound and completed Dual Credit classes through Odessa College
during her high school years at Odessa High School. She started her academic journey
as a first-generation student at Odessa College in 2012 while also working as a student
worker for the Advising or College Life Coach Center. She graduated with her Associate’s
Degree in Criminal Justice in 2014. April then transferred to the University of Texas
Permian Basin, where she graduated with her Bachelor’s in Criminology and a minor
in Sociology. She is currently working on her Master’s in Criminal Justice Administration
through UTPB. She loves to spend her free time with family and friends. She looks
forward to assisting students through their academic journey and celebrating their
educational goals alongside them.
Phone: 432-335-6877 | Email: alinares@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, TX
Favorite Part of Odessa College: I've always loved the atmosphere here at OC. Everyone is open and kind and willing to help you succeed. The campus is full of people who are truly invested in our community and your education.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to meet with students and help guide them on how to thrive in their education and life.
Advice to Students: In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
School of Business & Industry
Lead College Life Coach, began her career at Odessa College in June of 2019. Destiny grew up in Downey, California
and moved to Texas, in 2017, where she attended Odessa College as a student herself.
After earning an associate’s degree in Speech and Rhetorical Studies, she then completed
her bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Psychology at the University
of Texas Permian Basin. Before joining OC, Destiny worked as a behavioral therapist
for children on the autism spectrum, banking, and in the mortgage industry. On her
free time, she enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, traveling and spending time
with her husband and pet family.
Phone: 432-335-6756 | Email: dhohle@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M International University.
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: My favorite part of OC is how welcoming the staff and faculty are here on campus. I love that there are many resources for students to become successful!
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: My favorite aspect would be being able to guide students from entry to completion.
Advice to Students: Take advantage of school resources. Plan and spread out your study time. Form friendships and don’t be afraid to ask questions! Be strong and courageous. Joshua 1:9
Phone: 432-335-2510 | Email: azuniga@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin;
Master of Business Administration from The University of Texas of the Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, TX
Favorite Part of Odessa College: I love how OC supports the students and how welcoming everyone on campus is!
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to make a connection with students and try to relate with them and give sound advice on how to navigate through college.
Advice to Students: Learn from your mistakes and move forward. Set small goals and work towards them in order to achieve your long term goal!
Phone: 432-335-2511 | Email: broberson@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Education: B.S. in Arts & Sciences from the University of Texas Permian Basin
Location: Odessa, Texas
Favorite Part of Odessa College: My favorite part of OC is the vast number of resources students have, ensuring they are successful. Both on campus and in the community. As well as, the positive environment.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being there for students to celebrate their achievements. And being there to lift their spirits when struggles arise.
Advice to Students: Your past does not define your future. You can do anything you set your mind to and never let anyone make you think otherwise!
Phone: (432)335- | Email: jemartinez@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, began his career at Odessa College in 1988, having served the college for the past
33 years in various Student Services areas, including part-time Faculty Adjunct for
the Psychology department. Although native to West Texas, Rodney grew up in Southern
California and Silicon Valley for a good part of his life, eventually moving to Texas
after living in Arizona and New Mexico for several years. Rodney earned his Bachelor
of Business Administration degree at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas,
and his Master of Education degree in Counseling/Psychology. Before moving to Odessa
to work at Odessa College, Rodney worked as a Counselor for the Noah Project in Abilene,
a shelter for battered women and children, the Taylor/Callahan/Coleman County Restitution
Center, and the Texas Workforce Commission. Rodney enjoys spending time with his wife,
a Special Education Teacher at Permian High School, and his twin daughters.
Phone: 432-335-6357 | Email: rhernandez@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, joined the Odessa College team in the Fall of 2022. Cynthia grew up in Hobbs, New
Mexico and moved to Odessa in 2011 to attend UTPB where she obtained her Bachelor’s
in Marketing. She is also now working on her Master's in Digital Marketing at WGU.
Upon completing her Bachelor’s degree, she went on to work for the City of Odessa
and then to do nonprofit work for a local Midland organization. She loves to spend
time with her friends, family and of course her fur-baby, Chloe. She is excited to
be a part of the OC family and to work with students to help them reach their goals!
Phone: 432-335-6704 | Email: cpatterson@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, joined Odessa College in the summer of 2022. She grew up in Odessa and earned her
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook 'Em!).
She later completed her Master of Business Administration and is currently pursuing
her Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation. In addition to her role as an advisor, Meghan
adjuncts business classes. She enjoys shopping, traveling, going to concerts (especially
Taylor Swift’s!), and spending time with her friends and family. Meghan is passionate
about making higher education more accessible and serving others, and she is excited
to support students as they grow and achieve their educational goals.
Phone: 432-335-6409 | Email: maabila@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
College Life Coach, moved to Odessa to attend Odessa College (OC) and pursue an Associate's Degree in
Child Development. While studying, she became a full-time employee at OC’s Children’s
Center and her journey shifted as she sought to help students in a different capacity.
Joanne began assisting students at OC’s Wrangler Express Center, the later moved to
the Financial Aid Department, and is now an College Life Coach in Advising. She earned
a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Leadership and Management-Entrepreneurship
at Odessa College, and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management and
Leadership at WGU. She feels privileged to be part of the OC family and assisting
students achieve their higher education academic goals.
Phone: 432-335-6367 | Email: jvillarreal@odessa.edu | Schedule an Appointment
Athletics Program
Education: Master's Degree in Educational Leadership from University of Texas of the Permian
Basin & Bachelor of General Studies – Education from West Texas A&M University
Location: Odessa, TX
Favorite Part of Odessa College: I love the positivity & culture that surrounds OC. Everyone here is supportive of each other, our students, & the community.
Favorite Aspect of Coaching: Being able to motivate & guide my students through their educational journey as they reach their goals. I love watching the growth & celebrating each achievement as it happens. Their success makes this job so worth it!
Advice to Students: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” - Nelson Mandela
Every day is an opportunity to learn & grow. That is the key to reaching your true potential. Embrace learning as a lifelong journey & see how it empowers you to make a lasting impact on your goals, your life, & the world around you.
Phone: 432-335-6312| Email: burias@odessa.edu | Schedule An Appointment
Other Contacts:
Athletics | Lisa Aguilar | laguilar@odessa.edu | 432-335-6461
BAAS | Lisa Aguilar | laguilar@odessa.edu | 432-335-6461
OCA | Stephanie Galindo | sgalindo@odessa.edu | 432-335-6317
OCTECHS | Linda Granados | lgranados@odessa.edu | 432-335-6755
Mental Health Counselor | cares@odessa.edu |
Office of Special Populations | Angelica Ramos | aramosodessa.edu | 432-335-6697
Veteran Affairs | veterans@odessa.edu | 432-335-6833
General Advising | advising@odessa.edu | 432-335-6433