Canada College Counseling

Welcome to Cañada College, my name is Byron Ramey and I’ve been with the San Mateo Community College District representing our dynamic counseling team for nearly a decade. Following completion of my Master’s Degree from SJSU in Educational Counseling, I started with Cañada College as a general counselor providing academic, career and personal counseling. In addition, I specialize in working with athletes and military veterans. I am blessed to be working in the CA community college system and look forward to working with new students.

On my free time I enjoy outdoor activities, including; skiing, surfing and camping.

My name is Cindy Mata. I am a part-time counselor at Cañada College. I’ve worked in general counseling, EOPS, and I’ve taught career courses. I started my educational career at community college where I earned an Associate’s degree, I went on to get a Bachelor’s degree in both Psychology and Sociology, and ultimately, I received a Master’s degree in Counseling with concentrations in College, Career, and Marriage, Child and Family Counseling from San Francisco State University.

I was the first college graduate in my family. I truly believe in the power of education. I especially love community college; it’s a transformative place where one can change his/her life. Come on in and let’s talk about how college can enhance your life. Let me help you reach your academic goals!

Hello – my name is Gloria Darafshi and I am a part-time Counselor at the college. I have worked at Cañada for over 10 years and have experience working in General Counseling, EOPS, Instruction, and Transfer. I also teach CRER 137 Life and Career Planning. My educational degree is a Master’s in Social Work (MSW). Prior to working in education, I worked for the County of San Mateo Human Services Dept., for the City of Cambridge, Massachusetts as a Grant Manager, and in my home state of Connecticut for a private, non-profit that served recovering alcoholics and ex-offenders. I love the diversity of students at Cañada College and helping students to achieve their educational goals!

My name is Karen Olesen and I am a partner, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt, great-aunt, friend here in California and in Denmark; My hobbies, include watching and sometimes participating in all sports, watching and reading documentaries and biographies, traveling (Europe, Honduras, Peru, Russia, Mexico, Costa Rica, Columbia, Aruba), keeping close to family and friends; I enjoy the comradery with our counseling team and especially appreciate the opportunity to provide support to our students as a Academic & Career Counselor. B.S. Criminology/Corrections, Fresno State University, M.S. Counseling Education, San Francisco State University.