Student Success Team

Dr. Krusemark has more than 20 years of experience in higher education and brings with her a passion and dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion and student success. As the Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Dr. Krusemark oversees Admissions, Student Affairs, Student Success, and Health & Wellness, providing wraparound support to students throughout their time at SFBU. "I look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students to grow the university and enrich the student experience, ensuring that all feel valued and empowered and can make the most of the transformative, 21st-century education SFBU offers."

Peter has worked extensively with multicultural teams to design and facilitate transformative learning and development programs in different languages for college students and working adults in North America and Africa. Peter previously held various teaching and student affairs roles at Trinity College-Hartford, Miami University of Ohio, University of San Diego and International Leadership University in Nairobi. Peter employs appreciative inquiry and design thinking in his work and believes that a good education should not only make people good at what they do, but also at who they are. In addition to being a certified coach, Peter holds a master’s in leadership studies from the International Leadership University-Kenya and a doctorate in leadership studies from the University of San Diego.

Hello, SFBU family. I am very excited to work with such a visionary institution in Fremont! A little about me. I graduated from Chapman University with a master's degree in psychology and am licensed to provide assessment, diagnosis, therapy, and crisis care. My career in mental health has encompassed various roles, including Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT), Clinical Supervisor, Keynote Speaker, Crisis Evaluator, and Director of Behavioral Health, with a primary focus on clinical therapy. Over time, I expanded my expertise into program development to enhance and innovate mental health services. Additionally, I am a POST-certified (Peace Officers Standards of Training) Crisis Intervention Team Trainer (CIT).

My parents emigrated from Chihuahua, MX, in 1947 with a dream, not for themselves, but for their children and their children’s children. As a first-generation college graduate, I deeply understand and believe in the transformative power of education. This belief is not just a principle, but a driving force that is reflected in the accomplishments of my two children. My 31-year-old son is building a career in marketing and linguistics with the Wiyot Tribe in Northern CA, while my 23-year-old daughter is a Fulbright Scholar specializing in biological and sustainable architecture in El Salvador. Their journeys are a testament to the power of education to transform lives.

Throughout my life, I have lived in California, Texas, and, most recently, Florida. Each state has contributed unique experiences to my personal and professional journey, shaping my understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives. Alongside my professional endeavors, I own and operate a business called The Figgy Tree Soap Company. This venture allows me to explore my entrepreneurial spirit and contributes to my work-life balance. I also enjoy the companionship of my Catahoula dog, Fig, which adds joy and balance to my life.

My professional journey is more than a career; it is a deep-rooted commitment to mental health. This commitment is not just a professional obligation, but a deeply personal mission that I carry with me every day. I strive to blend clinical therapy with innovative program development to make a meaningful impact. This impact inspires me, and I hope it can inspire you as well.

As the Senior Director for Outreach and Cohort Student Services at SFBU, I am enthusiastically leading the recruitment for our inaugural "Startup Scholars" program cohort. Having dedicated over twenty years in the K-12 public education sector, my transition to SFBU is marked by a profound sense of privilege in guiding the academic journey of our vibrant community of young adults.

Manuel brings 20 years of Financial Aid Administration at a private non for profit, community, and career college. Originally from Southern California, he has impacted students' lives from various college institutions. He possesses a Masters of Public Administration from the University of San Francisco and a Master of Science from Mount Saint Mary's University. His passion for student success and reducing student loan debt is a personal value. "My biggest compliment is helping students through their educational journey and seeing them cross the stage to receive their degree." He believes that education is an asset and an investment in the future self. Go BayHawks!

Dr. Mariam Ghazvini holds an Ed.D. degree from USC, a Master’s degree in Counseling from Santa Clara University, and a Master’s degree in Education from San Jose State University. She is a Professional Mentor, Coach, and Distinguished Toastmaster. Her favorite areas of research and teaching include Successful Approaches to Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Management Tactics, and Human Resources Management.

With six years of dedicated experience guiding first-time college students, Rebecca embarked on her journey as an Enrollment Counselor at SFBU in September 2023. Born and raised in the culturally rich East Bay Area, she brings a deep understanding of the local community and a passion for empowering students to pursue their academic journeys with confidence. Through personalized guidance and unwavering support, she is committed to helping students navigate the exciting transition into higher education.

David (He/Him/Siya) brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as the new Residential Community Coordinator at San Francisco Bay University. With a Social Work degree from California State University, Sacramento, and a master’s in Higher Education and Student Affairs from the University of San Francisco, David is dedicated to supporting the underrepresented student communities in higher education settings. Since 2014, David has been deeply involved in residential life education, bringing insight from his diverse professional background in higher education. Outside of work, David enjoys the simple pleasures of boba/milk tea, spending time in nature, reading, traveling, and cherishing moments with his dog.

Michael has 32-years experience in Education. He has taught at the Middle School, High School and College level. For nine-and-a-half years, he was the SFBU Lead Faculty for General Education. Michael has been the Chair of the SFBU Faculty Assembly since its inception in 2018. While being a full-time SFBU faculty member, Michael was also the Advisor for five different student clubs. Michael created and facilitated the SFBU Writing Lab. He also co-created and co-facilitated the SFBU Mock Interview Sessions.

In his new role as Student Life Manager, Michael brings a wealth of experience and a relationship with the students that is second-to-none. His favorite thing about SFBU is the students. He loves to serve and mentor the students and make their experience at SFBU the best it could possibly be.

Lesley joined SFBU as the Front Desk Receptionist in June 2024. She is a Dominican University of California graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Lesley has dedicated over ten years in primary and secondary education throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. During this time in the field of education, she provided a holistic and restorative approach to students who required a safe place to foster a supportive environment where they could learn & grow. Before transitioning to higher education, she served first-generation and international low-income students and their families, assisting them with housing, counseling, health, and other essential services. Lesley is confident that she will continue to provide an environment where all students feel welcome and encouraged to pursue their education successfully.