About Us

Dr. Shannon Findlay, Lead Career Counselor

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

email: strefts@vcccd.edu

phone: 1-805-678-5248

Shannon Findlay grew up in Ventura County and started her educational journey with Ventura County Community College District.

She transferred to CSU Channel Islands, where she earned a B.A. in Sociology and a B.A. in Political Science. After visiting a Career Counselor at CSUCI, Shannon determined her passion in education and to helping others along their personal and career discovery journey. She earned her M.S. in Counseling & Guidance and her Ed.D in Higher Education Leadership from Cal Lutheran University.

Shannon began working as a Career Counselor at Oxnard College in 2015, and became the Career Center Coordinator in 2018. Her purpose and passion is helping students discover who they are and how to achieve their personal, academic, and career goals.

Enrique Ramirez Jr., Career Counselor

(pronouns: he/him/his)

email: eramirez1@vcccd.edu

phone: 1-805-678-5562

As a Career Counselor, Enrique Ramirez Jr. is passionate about helping students make meaningful and intentional career decisions that are representative of their identities and lived experiences.

Breaking barriers and navigating unfamiliar spaces are experiences Enrique will forever cherish as a first-generation college student. He grew up in an inner city neighborhood of East Los Angeles, known as Boyle Heights. His community, though poverty-stricken, was built on the foundation of Chicano grassroots activism. This propelled the desire to elevate the mind to break free from the physical conditions of poverty. His educational attainment served as a beacon of hope for what can be achieved through the transformative power of higher education. Though challenging, Enrique understood that each step in his journey was a defining moment to the opportunities his past generations fought for. Opportunities that in turn made way for new doors to open. He hopes that students take a moment to acknowledge their great achievements in the present, and the barriers they continue to break day by day.

Enrique obtained both his B.A. in Psychology & Chicano/a/x Studies and M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis in College Counseling and Student Services at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

Deirdre Donahoe, Career Counselor

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

email: ddonahoe@vcccd.edu

phone: 1-805-678-5192

Deirdre Donahoe has lived in Ventura County for most of her life. Her academic journey began at Moorpark College before transferring to CSUCI, where she earned a BA in Sociology.

She later pursued a master's degree in Counseling at California Lutheran University and expanded her studies with Spanish language and Latin American studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico following graduate school.

With over a decade of experience in higher education, her passion for working with college students first blossomed during her time in Korea, where she taught various subjects in English at Konkuk University. Since then, she has contributed to several community colleges across the region, assuming diverse roles with a particular emphasis on career education and personal growth.

Outside of work, she finds joy in slow nature walks, lounging with animal friends, and spending time with loved ones. Deirdre looks forward to meeting you and helping you uncover and pursue your educational and career goals.

Raul Gomez Gutierrez, Career Counselor

(pronouns: He/Him/His/El)

email: rgomez@vcccd.edu

phone: 1-805-678-5900

Raul Gomez Gutierrez is a first generation, non-traditional, transfer, low-income, and undocumented student who grew up in the Coachella Valley. Raul comes from an immigrant family and knows the sacrifice his family made in order to give him a better opportunity in this country. 

As a Career Counselor at the Career Center, he is passionate about supporting students' career development. He supports students in exploring career options and strives to create a welcoming space for students to share their stories. He is dedicated to assisting students in making intentional and meaningful educational and career choices that reflect their identities and life experiences.

Raul holds a Bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Chicano/a Studies and Education from UCLA. He has also obtained his Masters in Educational Counseling from USC. Raul is stoked to be part of the Career Center and hopes to contribute to the team and keep supporting the students in any way possible.

Evelyne Oros, Placement Project Specialist

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

email: evelyn_oros1@vcccd.edu

phone: 1-805-678-5561
 

Evelyne Oros is the Placement Project Specialist at the OC Career Center. Born in Michoacan, Mexico, Evelyne immigrated to the U.S. at an early age and has lived in Oxnard most of her life. Being a first-generation college student, she understands the importance of education and having a meaningful career. She is passionate about empowering students on their career journey.

In her role, Evelyne plays a crucial part in connecting students with employers, facilitating job placements, and securing internships for hands-on experience. She actively assists students in becoming job-ready, ensuring they are prepared to take advantage of opportunities when they arise.

Ariane Perez, Office Assistant

(pronouns: she/her/hers)

email: aperez@vcccd.edu

phone: 1-805-678-5303

Ariane Perez grew up in Oxnard and has always considered Ventura County as her home. She graduated from Oxnard High School and earned a B.A. in Anthropology from UC Santa Barbara.

She has over 15 years of administrative support experience, with prior employment for KPMG International and UCSB Davidson Library as a Librarian Assistant III Supervisor. She has customer service experience in retail and restaurant staff positions, and strongly believes in the importance of delivering professional level customer service. She values the importance of education and is passionate about helping others to succeed in their pursuits.

Ariane has been in the role of the Office Assistant since August 2017, and in a permanent capacity since July 2019.
She maintains the office operations,  supports the Career team, assists with technology troubleshooting, and manages social media marketing & websites.