myCSUSM
Meet Our Staff and Volunteers
Dr. Rebecca Brooks, Professor, Executive Director & Founder
Dr. Rebecca Brooks is a Professor in the School of Education at California State University San Marcos and the Founder and Executive Director of the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities. For more than 35 years, Dr. Brooks has dedicated her career to supporting individuals with disabilities across recreational, vocational, residential, and educational settings. Prior to joining the CSUSM faculty, she served as a public school special educator for 16 years, where she championed the inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classrooms. During that time, she developed peer tutoring programs and designed accessible curriculum to ensure meaningful participation and success for all learners. Dr. Brooks has authored numerous publications on inclusive education, curriculum adaptations, and peer tutoring and is a nationally recognized presenter and consultant on evidence-based inclusive education practices. Her research focuses on access to general education curriculum, accommodations and modifications, the design and implementation of peer support systems, and the development and sustainability of inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with intellectual disabilities.
Dr. Allison Jobin, Associate Professor, Research Director
Dr. Allison Jobin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at California State University San Marcos and investigator at the Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC). She is a licensed psychologist and doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst with over 20 years of clinical and research experience in the delivery, supervision, and training of others in evidence-based practices (EBPs). Her expertise are in the treatment and evaluation of autism and the effective delivery of EBPs in community settings. Prior to joining CSUSM, Dr. Jobin spent many years at Rady Children’s Hospital and UC San Diego in clinical and research roles, where she gained practical experience moving evidence-based practices for autism into the community. Her work has focused on naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions, parent-mediated treatments, and the implementation of evidence-based approaches for autism within inclusive early childhood education programs. Among her current research interests are the examination of factors influencing intervention delivery in routine care, strategies to promote high-quality practices, and adaptations to improve fit within varied contexts.
Taylor Griffin, M.A. Education Specialist, Assistant Director
Taylor Griffin serves as Assistant Director of the Aspiring Scholars Program, an inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual disabilities at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). She also serves as a part-time lecturer in the School of Education, teaching coursework focused on independent living skills. With nearly five years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities across recreational, residential, K–12, and higher education settings, Taylor is committed to promoting inclusion and student success. Prior to joining Aspiring Scholars full-time, she worked as a middle school Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher. A proud CSUSM alumna, Taylor earned her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, Preliminary Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credentials, and a Master of Arts in Special Education. Her master's thesis focused on developing a peer mentor training program for students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive postsecondary education settings. Since joining Aspiring Scholars as a graduate assistant in 2023, she has contributed to curriculum development, peer mentor training, and program growth. Her professional interests include inclusive postsecondary education, self-advocacy, peer mentoring, and preparing students with disabilities for success in college, employment, and community life. In her free time she enjoys reading, watching movies, going to concerts and traveling to new places.
Sophia Romero, Student Support Coordinator
Sophia Romero is a CSUSM alumna who recently earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She served as a Peer Mentor with the Aspiring Scholars Program from Spring 2025 through Spring 2026, where she supported students and contributed to the program’s inclusive campus community. Sophia is an Ecuadorian-American Pisces who enjoys arts and crafts in her free time as a way to recharge and express her creativity. She is passionate about fostering a safe, responsible, and understanding community and is excited to continue supporting the growth and success of the Aspiring Scholars Program.
Kimberley Lebahn, CSUSM Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Kimberley Lebahn is pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies Elementary Education. She aspires to become an elementary school teacher. She has been attending college since Fall 2021. Kimberley has prior experience working with children at a daycare, preschool, and infant center, as well as with students in the YMCA after-school program. She believes her role as a student assistant with the Aspiring Scholars program has been invaluable in preparing her to support students with disabilities in the classroom. In her free time, Kimberley enjoys painting when the inspiration strikes. She also likes going to the gym, listening to music, and baking.
Jonathan Merrill, CSUSM Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Jonathan is a Psychology student in his second semester at CSUSM after transferring from Palomar College. He has spent most of his life in California and enjoys traveling to Colorado during semester breaks to visit his partner. Outside of academics, Jonathan enjoys birdwatching and photography, reading (primarily nonfiction), gaming, watching television, gardening, and listening to music and video essays. His academic interests include pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Psychological Sciences, with the goal of continuing his education in the future by applying to the Master of Social Work program at CSUSM.
Nayeli Jimenez, CSUSM Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Nayeli Jimenez is currently pursuing a degree in Psychological Science with a minor
in Indian American Studies at CSUSM. Nayeli served as a peer mentor in Spring 2025
where she decided to continue her journey with Aspiring Scholars. Now back as a Student
Assistant, she is very excited to start the new year!
Madaline Faley, CSUSM Undergraduate
Student Assistant
Madaline Faley has been attending CSUSM since 2022 and is currently pursuing her degree
in speech-language pathology. She has volunteered as a peer mentor in the Aspiring
Scholars Program since spring of 2025. She plans to pursue her master's degree in
speech-language pathology once she completes her bachelor's degree. In her free time,
Madaline enjoys playing videogames, listening to music, crafting, and roller-skating.
Lisa Carmosino, Administrative Coordinator
Program Volunteer
Program Volunteer
Lisa Carmosino has been with CSUSM since 2015, working as an Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Social Work. After earning her degree from Texas State University San Marcos, she began her career as a preschool teacher. However, Lisa’s passion led her to specialize in supporting children and receiving Special Education services in K-12 public schools. Bringing a wealth of administrative expertise to the MSW Program, Lisa aids graduate students in pursuing careers in child welfare, juvenile probation, and Tribal Social Services. Beyond her professional commitments, Lisa is an active disability advocate with a particular interest in enhancing web accessibility to ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.
Jordan Corder, B.A.
Social Media Volunteer
Jordan Corder graduated from Gonzaga University in 2021 with a degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in promotions. He aspires to become a director of communications for a university. His professional experience includes working as a copyeditor for the Upper Deck Company, where he wrote trading cards for the NHL and Marvel, and most recently as a communications manager for Beacons North County, a nonprofit supporting adults with special needs. Jordan is passionate about helping others and believes in the power of community support. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and sports, working out, and writing.