Meet the Advisors

Laura Courvoisier

Position: Associate Dean of Student Development
Majors: Undeclared, Theology, and Theological Studies
Contact Me: 949-214-3061 | [email protected] 

I graduated from Concordia University Irvine with a B.A. in Christian Education Leadership in 2007. I am a Commissioned Minister of Religion in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as a Director of Christian Education. In 2019, I received my Master's in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. My career journey began in faith development with junior high, high school, and young adult students, which evolved into a holistic approach to student development in higher education. Since 2014, I have worked at Concordia in student leadership, career development, and teaching INT 100 (Freshmen Foundations) and INT 105 (Leadership Development). I am passionate about serving and developing students to discover their calling and persist toward graduation.

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Brianna Garza-Farin

Position: Assistant Director of Student Success
Majors: Double Majors, Behavioral Science, Psychology, Art, and Graphic Design
Contact Me: 949-214-3060 | [email protected]

Hey Guys! My name is Brianna, but everyone calls me Bri! I am a puzzle-loving Marvel watcher with a knack for charcuterie board-making. I graduated from Concordia University Irvine in 2016 with a B.A. in Psychology. In 2019, I received my Master's in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. This was to help guide me as I worked with student leaders after being one myself since junior high. I worked with first-year students for three years here at Concordia and have worked in the Academic Advising office since 2020 to help undergraduate students navigate their educational journey. I feel blessed to play a part in creating wise, honorable, and cultivated citizens. Please feel free to stop by for help or just to chat!

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Alyssa Cloward

Position: Academic Advisor & Transfer Success Coach
Majors: Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Math
Contact Me: 949-214-3040 | [email protected]

I am so excited to join the Concordia community and serve as your Academic Advisor! I was born and raised in San Diego, California, and I enjoy reading, spending time at the beach, or trying a new coffee shop. I graduated from Vanguard University with a B.A. in Business Administration and a minor in Theology. During my time at Vanguard, I served as a student leader, where I discovered my love for higher education.

I am passionate about supporting students to help them succeed in their educational journey and achieve their goals. One of my favorite things about working in higher education is seeing students discover new passions, gifts, and calling. Please come by if you ever need anything or want to chat or want me to connect you with resources.

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Sarah Hess

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Music, Healthcare Management, Kinesiology, and Secondary Education (Music & Kinesiology), Theatre
Contact Me: 949-214-3037 | [email protected]

I am so excited to be your Academic Advisor! I love to read, go on walks and hikes, do arts and crafts, and spend time with my people. I graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2022 with my B.A. in Political Science, concentrating in American Politics and minoring in Psychology. I’ve been lucky to work with students for several years in all different capacities. I worked in Fraternity and Sorority Life as an Education and Leadership Consultant, and have transitioned to work more closely with academics.

I am passionate about creating a joyful and comfortable education space for students from all backgrounds to grow and thrive! My favorite part about working in higher ed is witnessing students uncover their passions and pursue who they’re called to be. Come by to chat- I’d love to hear your book and podcast recommendations! I can’t wait to meet you!

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Steve Dierker

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Business Administration, Economics
Contact Me: 949-214-3036 | [email protected]

I was born and raised in the city of Orange and graduated from Cal Poly, Pomona, with a B.S. in Business Administration, a major in Marketing, and an emphasis in Professional Selling. Being an outside salesman allowed me time to volunteer at my church in their youth ministry department, and after about 5 years, I enrolled at Concordia University Irvine, and received my certification in the Director of Christian Education program. My call took me to St. John's Lutheran Church in Napa, California, as the Minister to Youth and Children. After 12 years, I returned to school, received my M.A. in School Counseling from Chapman University, and worked in the public school system with K-12 grades. I am very excited to be back in Orange County, serving my Lord by helping students navigate their educational journey!

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Maya Yacoubian

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Communication Studies, English, History and Political Thought, Liberal Arts, Liberal Studies, Secondary Education (Math, English, History, Theatre, Art, Biology, Chemistry), Sports Business
Contact Me: 949-214-3063 | [email protected]

Hi all! My name is Maya and I am excited to be your academic advisor during your time here at Concordia University Irvine. A little bit about me, I was born and raised in Orange County, California and I enjoy spending time at the beach or cooking for friends and family. Any recipe or restaurant recommendations are always appreciated! I attended college at Loyola University Chicago and graduated with a B.S. in Human Services minoring in Psychology and Art History. In college I served as a student leader and continued into higher education because of my undergraduate experience. I am grateful for this opportunity to build relationships and play a small role in helping you discover your gifts, passions, and calling! Please come by if you need some help or just want to talk to someone familiar on campus.

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Academic Advisor

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Communication Studies, English, History & Political Thought, Liberal Arts, Liberal Studies, Secondary Education, Sports Business
Contact Me: