Meet the Staff
About
Carrie Tate-Meyer
Director
I am Carrie Tate-Meyer, and I am a spouse of an Army Veteran who served over 20+ years. I started my college career at Grossmont Community College in San Diego as a first-generation college student. I earned an Associate Degree in General Education, then moved on to the University of Wyoming to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and pursued a law degree at the University of Wyoming. As a lifelong learner, I have received a master’s in Public Administration and am currently working toward a Leadership Studies Ph.D.
As a military spouse, I spent over 20+ years supporting military families and military
personnel in various capacities within various organizations: the Department of Defense,
Army, Department of Labor, and United Services Organization (USO). I believe in the
military values of Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honesty, Integrity, and
Personal Courage, and I appreciate the sacrifice made in serving our country. I love
serving students, and in particular veteran students. When I am not serving students,
I spend time with my two boys (18 and 13), my spouse of 27 years, and stretch my comfort
zone by learning to ride a motorcycle. I am committed to supporting COD's Veteran
population and helping them achieve their educational and career goals, and I look
forward to serving you all.
ctate-meyer@collegeofthedesert.edu (760) 862-1398
Ariana Gonzalez
Instructional Support Specialist
Mrs. Ariana Gonzalez received her Master’s in Sociology at San Diego State University. Ariana has been championing student-centered initiatives for over a decade; specifically, Mrs. Gonzalez has served first-generation students, students with differing abilities, and Veteran students. Ariana has an unwavering commitment to service, and her goal is to positively impact students and push them to achieve the goals they have laid out for themselves. In her previous roles, Ariana has served as Veteran Student Coordinator, Director of Diversity, Academic Advisor, and Institutional Research Analyst. Mrs. Gonzalez enjoys tending to her farm and garden in her free time.
argonzalez@collegeofthedesert.edu
Mariana Montes
Program Secretary
Hi, My name is Mariana Montes, I am the Trio Veterans Program Secretary. I am really looking forward to helping and offering support to all of the veteran students here at COD.
Before joining the Trio Veterans team, I was a Program Technician for the USDA Farm Service Agency; where I administered various disaster programs that helped farmers in both Riverside and San Diego counties.
When I’m not in the office, I’m usually home with my daughter and significant other or out enjoying a concert, sporting event and/or camping.
Alejandra Quintero
TRiO Veterans Counselor
Hello, my name is Alejandra Quintero, and I grew up and lived the majority of my time in the Coachella Valley. I was born in Sonora, México and migrated with my family to Indio, California at the age of 11. I graduated Indio High School in 2007 and went to pursue a Bachelor's of Art in Spanish at Fresnos State. My passion for mentoring and advocating for underrepresented and undocumented students stems from my own experience of limited mentorship and guidance in navigating higher education. I have experience in program development, student engagement, and advocacy which has led me to work in many different positions in Student Affairs. I personally understands the challenges of balancing family responsibilities, engaging family in higher education, and navigating two-world views. I also obtained my Masters Degree in Counseling and Students Affairs from Fresno State in 2019. I recently relocated to the Coachella Valley to give back to my community and I currently serve as an outlet to higher education for students from the Coachella Valley as an Admissions Counselor at CSUSB Palm Desert Campus. As a first-time generation college student, I know the importance of guidance. I strongly believe that education is the key for self-growth and I know first-hand that advising matters. I am excited to start my journey at College of the Desert and keep helping veteran students with their needs.
