VSC staff tying yellow ribbons around trees on campus

Meet the Staff

Staff

Hope Medina

Hope Medina, Ph.D.

  • Director, Transfer and Veteran Services
  • Veterans Success Center
Ghenna Mincey

Ghenna Mincey, M.A.

  • Administrative Coordinator
  • Veteran Success Center

Ghenna attended Monterey Peninsula College and transferred to UC Santa Barbara and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. Followed by obtaining a Master of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University. As a former military dependent herself, being able to be a part of assisting others to maximize their college experience is extremely rewarding. Looking forward to providing support and community to all who walk through our doors. 

Smiling professional headshot of woman with hoop earrings and pale blouse, blurred greenery background

Tracy Thomas (She/They)

  • Community Counselor, UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services (position shared with the TRC, VSC, and WRRC)
Office Hours:
To schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with Tracy, please use the scheduling an appointment link above. She is available Monday - Thursday and is accepting appointments starting at 8:00 a.m. with the last offering at 5:30 p.m.

Student Assistants

Bella Benedetto

Bella Benedetto

  • Peer Advisor

Hello everyone! My name is Bella. I’m a second-year Genetics & Genomics major. I am a dependent of my dad, who served in the Navy for just shy of 30 years. I was born in Monterey but don't have a place I'm "from" since I've lived all over the world, my top places are Hawaii and the Netherlands. I enjoy playing volleyball, skiing, traveling, cooking, listening to music, watching movies and shows, doing some crafts, and spending time with friends. I’m excited to meet and support my fellow military-affiliated students here at UCD!

Alexsa G.

Alexsa G.

  • Peer Advisor

Hi, my name is Alexsa! I am a third-year Medical Molecular Microbiology major and also minoring in Theatre. I am a dependent of my dad, who retired from the US Navy as a chief petty officer after 20 years of serving. I am from San Diego and a transfer student. Activities I enjoy are swimming, hiking, and dancing. I am so excited to meet new students and help them succeed academically!

Dustin Mariano

Dustin Mariano

  • Peer Advisor

"Hello! My name is Dustin Mariano! I am a first-year undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Major here at UC Davis. I am a dependent of my father, who is a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer who served twenty years in the United States Air Force. I'm also from the small community of Brentwood, CA, where I enjoyed biking and going on lively adventures with my friends and family all around town. I'm looking forward to meeting all our new affiliates and assisting our members so they may succeed during their time here at UC Davis!"

Andrea R.

Andrea R.

  • Peer Advisor

Hi everyone! My name is Andrea. I’m a fourth-year Philosophy major with pre-law emphasis, as well as a first-generation college student. I currently serve in the Army Reserves and am based in the Central Valley. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, traveling, listening to music, and grabbing coffee. I’m excited to connect with fellow service members and support military-affiliated students here at UC Davis!