Meet the CalWORKs Team

Hello, my name is Sara Allen and I have been with the Cuyamaca CalWORKs Program for 18 years, starting as a Student Worker in 2004 and now I am the Program Specialist. I met my husband, Michael Allen, a Financial Aid Advisor, here in 2004 and we married in 2012. In CalWORKs, we strive to help students during their educational journey, whether it is with Student Supplies or printing materials for class. We also have an awesome Work Study Program for eligible students. Stop by and see us in G-300.

My name is Hala Barsom I was born in Iraq. I earned an associate degree in Business of Technology from Cuyamaca College in 2017. I am bilingual in English and Arabic. I work at the CalWORKs office as Interpreter and Office Assistant, I love working with CalWORKs students to help and support them. 

Hi, my name is Carla Edwards and I am very pleased to serve you as a semi-retired CalWORKs counselor. I have over 22 years of experience in several college districts and enjoy working with students of many different cultures, backgrounds and languages. CalWORKs students have a special place in my heart because I know how difficult it can be raising children on a shoestring budget. Having the ambition to pursue a higher education and make a better life for oneself and family is to be commended. Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable! My M.A. is in College Counseling and Student Services from the University of San Diego and my B. A. is in Journalism from San Diego State University. I have a son, a daughter and two grandsons. Hobbies I enjoy include arts and crafts, piano and board games. I look forward to meeting you! 

Welcome students!  Martina Peinado has worked in the CalWORKs Program in different capacities for 25 years.  She is currently a part-time Spanish speaking CalWORKs counselor at Cuyamaca College.  Martina has an Associate’s in Architectural Technology, Bachelor’s in Public Administration, and Master’s in Counseling from San Diego State University.  She is a first-generation transfer student and university graduate and formerly a student who faced socio-economic setbacks throughout her education and young life.  Martina is an advocate for students who want to grow personally and professionally, prepare for the workforce, and transfer to a university.  She looks forward to meeting you. 

My name is Melanie Baeza and I have been a CalWORKs Counselor at Cuyamaca College since 2015. I was raised in the Imperial Valley and have lived in the Central Coast of CA as well as San Diego. My career and educational background have been in academic, university transfer, and career counseling. I was a community college student and transferred to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for Psychology. My Master's degree is from the University of San Diego in Counseling. After 12 years, I am returning to college to complete my Master's in Social Work (MSW). There is never a "perfect" time to pursue your goals!  I am a mother of two children and enjoy spending time with them as well as our two kittens.  

Hello! My name is Fabiola Beck-Threats. I am an immigrant; a first-generation community college student and my native language is Spanish. I have a BS in Human Services and a MA in Education with concentration in College Counseling and Guidance. I have solid experience working in the private sector, specifically in Human Resources, and for the past eight years I have been working in education. I love working with CalWORKs families and help them navigate college. I am married and have 2 children, one girl and one boy. Come see us in the CalWORKs Program, we'll help you travel this journey together!