Meet the SWIFT Team

• Email: lmelena@csusm.edu
• Phone: (760) 750-4275
• Office: UNIV 460

Leo Melena, MA

Senior Director, SWIFT Health Programs

Leo Melena is a higher education leader with more than 20 years of experience advancing student access, persistence, and degree completion at California State University San Marcos. His work has focused on meeting students where they are and building student-centered initiatives that strengthen academic pathways, support first-generation students, and improve student professional preparation for success post-graduation.

As Director of Student Success within the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral, and Social Sciences, Leo designed and managed programs addressing academic recovery, accelerated progress, and institutional coordination across advising, enrollment, and instruction. His work focuses on practical solutions that support student success.

Leo is a first-generation college graduate with immigrant roots. He started his higher education journey at Palomar College before transferring to the University of California San Diego, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He later completed a Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education Leadership at San Diego State University. His lived experience shapes how he leads and how he supports students.

On campus, Leo has held several leadership roles contributing to university-wide equity and student success initiatives. In addition, he has taught first-year seminar, career preparation, and academic recovery courses, grounding his leadership in direct student experience.

Beyond campus, Leo has stayed engaged in community and systemwide leadership roles, including as President of the San Marcos Kiwanis Club and on the CSU-wide Academic Resources Conference board, to name a few.

In recognition of his impact, he was named CSUSM 2023 Employee of the Year.

• Email: kmiwasaka@csusm.edu
• Phone: (760) 750-8606
• Office: UNIV 458

Karin Iwasaka

SWIFT Health Programs Specialist

Karin Iwasaka provides communications and logistical support as the SWIFT Health Programs Specialist. Karin has more than 15 years of experience in career development, workforce development, and program management within the higher education and non-profit sectors.

• Email: snordstrom@csusm.edu
• Phone: (760) 750-4302
• Office: UNIV 462

Susie Nordstrom, MS

Senior Student Services Specialist

Susie holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Cal State San Marcos—one in Psychological Science and another in History with a Single Subject Preparation focus. She later completed a Master of Science in Academic Advising at Kansas State University, a path that eventually brought her back to CSUSM in 2019. Her academic background reflects a steady interest in how people think, learn, and navigate their experiences, which naturally supports her work as an advisor.

Her interest in academic advising comes from enjoying conversations with students and helping them explore the many directions their education can take. She values the process of talking through options, identifying opportunities, and supporting students as they shape a meaningful path forward. 

Susie grew up in Linz, Austria, a city along the Danube River, and many of the lessons from her upbringing continue to guide her. One of the most memorable pieces of advice she received came from her grandmother: “Don’t go to bed angry.” Over time, she has found that this simple idea applies to many areas of life, not just relationships.

Outside of work, Susie enjoys traveling and uses her vacation time to explore new places whenever she can. When a longer trip isn’t possible, she looks for new experiences closer to home, keeping that same sense of curiosity and discovery in her everyday life.

• Email: mmontes@csusm.edu
• Phone: (760) 750-8407
• Office: UNIV 455

Michelle Montes, MA

Recruitment and Engagement Specialist

As a proud CSUSM alum and the Recruitment and Engagement Specialist at CSUSM, Michelle gets to build fun, student-driven programs that make our campus community feel like home. She is all about creating great experiences that help students connect, grow, and succeed during their time at CSUSM. 

Michelle is a first-generation college student and a community college transfer. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Human Development from CSUSM. She later attended Point Loma Nazarene University and completed her Master of Arts in Higher Education. 

Outside of work, her time is happily spent with family and being a soccer parent, never missing a chance to watch her boys play.

• Email: ygranados@csusm.edu
• Phone: (760) 750-8617
• Office: UNIV 315

Yvette Granados

CWC Fieldwork Support Coordinator

Yvette is an administrative professional in higher education and currently serves as the Fieldwork Support Coordinator for the Certified Wellness Coach (CWC) program. She brings extensive experience in executive leadership support and project management, providing a strong foundation in strategic coordination and organizational operations. She now applies this expertise to program coordination within the Human Development Department’s CWC Program, supporting students, faculty, and the program’s overall operational success.

• Email: yvillalobos@csusm.edu
• Phone: (760) 750-8608
• Office: UNIV 464

Yvonne Villalobos

CWC Program Support Coordinator

Yvonne Villalobos Cope is a higher education professional with a decade of experience in academic administration and program coordination at California State University San Marcos. She previously served as College-Wide Administrative Coordinator, providing high-level support to the Dean’s Office while leading major college events, and supporting student success initiatives. Her background also includes experience in financial operations, community services, and student support.

Yvonne holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from California State University San Marcos. She is known for her strong organizational skills, and ability to collaborate effectively across diverse university and community environments.