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  • Orientation Team gathered together smiling.
  • Orientation Coordinators of 2023
Incoming Undergraduates & Families
Meet the Orientation Team

» Meet the Orientation Team

Our Orientation staff and Orientation Coordinators (current students) will help welcome you to Chapman and connect you to the campus and its resources.

You can contact any team member with a specific question for them and their role. For general Orientation questions, please contact orientation@chapman.edu.

Orientation Staff

photo of Jamie Gutierrez

Jamie Gutierrez

Associate Director, Residence Life and First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6961
I was born and raised in Lomita, CA. I began my undergraduate studies at Chapman in the fall of 2008. As a first-generation college student, my transition to Chapman was not easy. I think back on my experience and I credit the work done by Student Affairs professionals that allowed me to develop holistically. I was fortunate as an undergraduate to serve as an Orientation Leader and Orientation Coordinator. I graduated in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Educational Studies and in 2015 with a Master of Arts in Leadership Development. Prior to serving as the Associate Director of Residence Life and First Year Experience, I supported the Office of Orientation and First Year Programs as the Graduate Assistant, Program Coordinator, and Assistant Director. I love Chapman University and I can't wait to share that with incoming students!
photo of Breil Bonaguro

Breil Bonaguro

Program Coordinator, First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
(714) 997-6512
I was born and raised in Fallbrook, CA and started my undergraduate studies at Chapman University in 2017 as a first generation college student. I graduated in 2021 with Bachelor's of Arts in both Political Science and Peace Studies and in 2022 with my Master's in Leadership Development. During my time in undergrad I realized the importance of supporting students through their transition into college. Throughout my involvements around campus and more specifically with the Orientation Team I found my passion for empowering students to learn and grow throughout their time in college. My responsibilities include the implementation of Family and Student Orientation and First Year Programs, supervising student staff, and aiding students in their transition into the Chapman community. During my free time, I loves spending time with my family and friends, taking my dog on walks, reading, and exploring.
photo of Katlyn Barbaccia

Katlyn Barbaccia

Graduate Assistant, First Year Experience
Davis Community Center
I currently serve as the Graduate Assistant for First Year Experience. As the Orientation GA, my responsibilities include assisting with the implementation of various early transition and first-year programs, collaborating with departments to ensure the success of Orientation, and mentoring the Orientation Coordinators. I received two Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies from Chapman University and am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Leadership Development from Chapman as well. I was highly involved within the Chapman community, serving as an active member of Kappa Alpha Theta, an Office Assistant for RLFYE, and an Orientation Leader/Coordinator throughout the duration of my undergraduate college experience. In my free time, I enjoy getting food with friends, visiting home (San Jose, CA), listening to music and podcasts, and taking care of my houseplants.

Orientation Coordinators

photo of Alyssa Angeles

Alyssa Angeles

Orientation Coordinator for Transfers and Families
Hello! My name is Alyssa Angeles, and I am the Orientation Coordinator for Transfer Students and Families. I transferred to Chapman in the Spring of 2023 and I am currently a junior studying Business Administration with a minor in Dance. I was raised in Chino Hills, California but I have been loving my time here in Orange so much! I was a transfer Orientation Leader last fall, and it was a very fruitful experience being able to connect with fellow transfer students and is one of my favorite involvements here at Chapman. In addition to the Orientation Team, I am a member of the on-campus dance clubs called Floor13 and Chapman Dance Alliance, which are two organizations that allow me to express my creative background. I am thrilled to be an Orientation Coordinator for this year, I am very passionate about bringing in my own transfer experience into the program and have so many ideas!
photo of Camille DeWilde

Camille DeWilde

Orientation Coordinator for Operations
Hi all! My name is Camille DeWilde and I am the Orientation Coordinator for Operations this upcoming year! I am an incoming Junior majoring in Communication Studies, with minors in Piano and the University Honors Program. I am so excited to share Chapman and the many wonderful things it has to offer with the incoming students this August! On campus, I am involved in the Professional Co-ed Pre-Law Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Pi, where I serve as Secretary, and in the sorority Delta Delta Delta, where I am the Director of Academic Excellence. I am, additionally, a member of the School of Communication Student Advisory Board, the Admissions Volunteer Team, Mortar Board Honors Society, Chapman Radio and Camp Kesem! I also have a job at the Ticketing Services Office, where I am a Student Ticketing Lead. Through my time at Chapman, I have made so many wonderful memories, challenged myself, built positive relationships, and grown in ways I never thought possible. I can’t wait to watch all the incoming students find their place and thrive at Chapman, just like I have! Paws up, Panthers and I’ll see you this fall!
photo of Kaia Goddard

Kaia Goddard

Orientation Coordinator for Marketing
I'm from a small town outside of Vancouver, Canada, and I am a BFA Dance Major. During my time at Chapman, I've been involved in several organizations on campus, including Office of Admission International Student Office Assistant & Tour Guide, Chapman Panhellenic Council Vice President of Scholarship and Standards, Gamma Phi Beta Risk Management Chairwomen, COPA Student Leadership Advisory Council member, Chapman Dance Film Club Co-Social Media and Outreach Coordinator, and a member of Chapman Dance Alliance. Last year I got to participate in orientation as an Orientation Leader and had a life-changing experience, I am so excited to be back as a member of the orientation team again this year! Some of the responsibilities I have include managing the Orientation Marketing Campaign, designing all of the orientation gear for the orientation leaders, new students, and families, managing the orientation blog, and help to organize orientation training! I hope all students leave orientation feeling welcomed as a member of the Chapman community, and ready to start this amazing chapter of their life. Get ready for one of the best weeks ever. See you at Orientation!
photo of Nina Lopez Riley

Nina Lopez Riley

Orientation Coordinator for Special Events
Hi everyone! My name is Nina Lopez Riley, and I am the Orientation Coordinator for Special Events for Chapman’s Fall 2024 Orientation! I am a Junior Screenwriting Major, and I have a minor in Integrated Educational Studies. Chapman has opened me up to so many opportunities in filmmaking and beyond. I’ve had the chance to work on countless student and independent film sets, giving me the confidence I need to join the film industry. There are also so many ways to get involved at Chapman. I’m on the executive board of Primetime TV club where we write tv shows and teach all parts of production. Outside of the film world, I’ve also worked at Chapman every year here. I’ve worked at the office of University Advancement and am currently working as an OC and as a College 101 Mentor! I have made so many incredible connections at Dodge, through clubs, and at work, that have become lifelong friends and have built my professional network. I have been an Orientation Leader for two years, and it has always been my favorite way to get involved. I love meeting the incoming class and helping them through their transition to Chapman. Making everyone feel like Chapman can become their home is super important to me! As the Orientation Coordinator for Special Events, I oversee so many fun O-Week events like Chapman After Dark, Commuter Programming, We Are Chapman, Fall Kick-Off and more! I’m so excited to see you all there!!!
photo of Valerie Mendez

Valerie Mendez

Orientation Coordinator for Event Logistics
Hi everyone! My name is Valerie Mendez, and I am this year’s Orientation Coordinator for Event Logistics! I am from Anaheim, CA and being a commuter has been such a rewarding part of my experience here at Chapman, and hopefully will also be for incoming commuter students! I am a Junior Sociology major with minors in Dance, Creative and Cultural Industries, and the Honors Program. I am involved in clubs on campus such as Camp Kesem, Pre-Law Society, and Chapman Dance Alliance. On my free time, I love going on car rides around SoCal and binge watching all my favorite movies! Chapman is such an amazing place to foster so many of your ambitions and create meaningful connections along the way. Being an Orientation Leader after my freshman year was a great experience, and I am so eager to welcome you as new students to the Chapman family as an Orientation Coordinator this time around. See you this fall! :)

Orientation questions?

Email: orientation@chapman.edu 

Phone: (714) 516-4600