Sara is responsible for overseeing matters relating to the Writing Tutor and Writing Associates programs. She has always cared about writing, having kept a journal since second grade and teaching English for many years before studying education and coming back to California and writing tutoring. Her interests include film as literature, creative nonfiction, and crime stories.
About Us
Established in 2001, the Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA) is a university-wide comprehensive learning center serving and employing students from all colleges. The SCAA serves as a one-stop-shop for academic support services on the third floor of the CORE Building. SCAA provides academic skills coaching as well as subject tutoring and writing tutoring for courses across the curriculum. Additionally, the SCAA offers embedded, collaborative support through its Writing Associates (WA), Supplemental Instruction (SI), and Peer Academic Coaching (PAC) programs.
SCAA Mission
The mission of the Student Center for Academic Achievement (SCAA) is to provide ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students with individual and collaborative learning opportunities within an inclusive environment fostering independent growth. The SCAA strives to cultivate adaptability, self-direction, and self-confidence through peer-to-peer support programs. SCAA services help students set achievable goals, develop academic skills, and improve subject comprehension.
SCAA Vision
The SCAA provides all ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students with an inviting and intellectually-stimulating learning environment that fosters curiosity, independence, and critical thinking.
SCAA Values
- Collaboration
- Progress
- Commitment
- Belonging
SCAA Core Functions
- Subject-specific academic support
- Writing skills development
- Foundational academic skills development
- Quality professional development and growth opportunities
- Collaborative cross-campus engagement efforts
Our Impact
The SCAA team is committed to providing impactful academic support services to the ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ community. Please visit the SCAA Impact webpage to learn more about our assessment and evaluation processes and to view our impact reports.SCAA Director
Rachel Brunson (she/her)
Rachel joined the SCAA team in June 2022 with over a decade of experience in learning assistance / academic support services. Rachel completed her Bachelors degree in English from Notre Dame de Namur University, where she also served as a student writing tutor. She went on to graduate from the University of San Francisco (USF) in 2013 with a Master of Arts in Higher Education & Student Affairs. Rachel is currently working towards a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, hiking, and traveling with family and friends.Contact Rachel
SCAA Coordinators
Marissa Damphousse, Peer Academic Coaching Coordinator (she/her)
Marissa has been at CSU East Bay since 2013 after graduating with her Masters in Counseling Psychology. She is passionate about supporting students in their personal and academic growth and loves the mentor relationship of working with student leaders. Marissa is excited to have Peer Academic Coaching join the family of the SCAA and become part of the CORE. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family, watching her one year old discover new things, hiking, cooking, knitting, snuggling her dogs and traveling.
Brandon Everett, Subject Tutoring Coordinator (he/him)
Brandon has been with the SCAA since 2017 and currently oversees the Subject Tutoring program. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing in 2017 and his Master’s degree in English in 2019, both from ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ East Bay. He has over seven years of tutoring experience and fifteen years of administrative experience both in and out of the university system. Brandon is a published author of a novel, two short story collections, and various other publications in literary journals including Livina Press, Thin Veil Press, and DarkWinter Press. His interests include the cinema and film theory, reading all things Stephen King, and of course, writing.
Sara Schupack, Writing Tutor Programs Coordinator (she/her)
Matthew Tener, Supplemental Instruction Coordinator
Matthew joined Cal State East Bay in 2021. As the SI Coordinator,
he endeavors to continuously optimize SCAA and SI operations,
establish cooperative partnerships with faculty members, and
support students through their educational experiences.
He previously managed campuswide academic support services,
CSU GI 2025 /
regional outreach, and (ERWC)
teacher education for Cal Maritime. Likewise, he instructed
university-level writing and coordinated tutoring support
for University of the Pacific.
He earned a bachelor's degree in English from Sacramento State,
a master's degree in Education, Curriculum & Instruction from
University of the Pacific, and a SI Supervisor Certificate from
the .
SCAA Graduate Assistant
Virginia Davis (she/her) - Graduate Coordinator, Subject Tutoring
Virginia joined the SCAA team in the fall of 2022, bringing with her tutoring experience across various courses in Kinesiology and Biology. Currently, she is in pursuit of a Master's degree in Kinesiology at East Bay, a journey that commenced after her successful completion of her Bachelor's degree in the spring of 2023. She harbors dreams of becoming a professor, with a particular interest in specializing within the realms of Biomechanics or Exercise Physiology. When not too busy with academics, she enjoys playing tennis, reading mystery novels, and taking her dogs on walks/adventures.SCAA Lead Employees
Maite Fernández - Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program Lead
Major: Video and Animation
Minor: Marketing
Hometown: Santiago, Dominican Republic
Maite joined the Supplemental Instruction program in the SCAA on Spring of 2023. Starting out as a Kinesiology SI Leader and later transitioning into Philosophy, Maite aims to help students think outside of the box and find methods that allow them to thrive throughout their academic career and beyond. Outside of classes and work, she enjoys art, reading, cooking, and playing sports. She’s always down to help out or chat, so don’t be shy to say hi!
Kathleen Jaime - Peer Academic Coaching Program Lead
Major: Biological Sciences
Hometown: Laguna Niguel, CA
Kathleen is a dedicated student currently pursuing an academic path in Biology and Chemistry, with a particular fascination for forensic and environmental science. Her academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intricate details of life sciences and the analytical techniques used in forensic investigations. Since Fall 2021, Kathleen has been actively involved in the Peer Academic Coaching program, where she has contributed to the academic success of fellow ÂÌñ»»ÆÞ students by offering support and guidance. She has also taken on lead roles within the program supporting other peer academic coaches. This role has not only honed her leadership skills but also reinforced her passion for collaborative learning and academic excellence. Outside of her academic responsibilities, Kathleen enjoys going on long drives, practicing the application and design of gel nail extensions, composing violin music, and exploring new skills.
Angel Lara Jimenez - Peer Academic Coaching Program Lead
Major: Kinesiology
Hometown: Oakland/Hayward, CA
I am a kinesiology major with the intent of one day becoming a personal trainer and a physical therapist. I have been working with PAC since Fall of 2022, and have been enjoying it very much since then. I work in class environments and 1x1 with students as they need it. When I am not working, you can find me at the gym practicing what I learned in class.
Bella Lucas - Supplemental Instruction (SI) Program Lead
Major: History
Hometown: Castro Valley, CA
Bella joined the SCAA staff in Fall 2023. In addition to her receptionist duties, she supports the Phil 100 course through the SI program. She is currently working towards her bachelor's degree in history while also pursuing her single-subject teaching credential. She desires to become a high school history teacher upon completing her master's degree. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her two cats, Crookshanks and Casper.
Rider Schwenk - Writing Tutor Programs Lead
Major: English
Hometown: Placerville, CA
In my free time I read and write in an effort to consistently grow. Over the several years of tutoring, I've learned so much about myself and want to extend this to my fellow students. At the SCAA, everyone should feel welcome, and it's my goal to educate the next generation of students through instilling confidence and instructing with empathy.
Geordan Spaulding - Writing Tutor Programs Lead
Major: Liberal Studies
Hometown: Union City, CA
Hi! ...I'm Geordan (pronounced like Jordan) and I'm a senior. I transferred to East Bay in 2023 after getting my associates degree in Liberal Arts from the College of Western Idaho (where I lived for a couple of years). As a tutor, I really enjoy learning about different subjects through the writing of my students. I enjoy problem solving and leaving students satisfied and confident with their own work. My hope is to meet as many of you reading as possible and to help out with writing to the best of my abilities. Thank you for reading!
