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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Joie Annunziato

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

Hello! My name is Joie (pronounced like “Joey”), and I am so excited to join the Concordia community! I am an alumna of UC Irvine and have my B.A. in Psychology and Social Behavior. I am passionate about helping students achieve their goals and succeed in their higher education journey.
A little about me: I love personality tests and all things psychology (I am an Enneagram Type 1 and Myers--Briggs ESTJ). In my free time, I love going on walks, hammocking, listening to podcasts, and spending time with my family and friends.
What I’d love to know about you: your personality type, favorite coffee shop, favorite show to binge-watch, favorite resource on campus, and how I can better support you!

Deuteronomy 31:8 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

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Tailor Renz

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Music, Healthcare Management, Kinesiology, and Secondary Education (Music & Kinesiology)
Contact Me: 949-214-3035 | [email protected]

I am a born and raised Southern California gal. I love to travel, read, camp, and road trip. I graduated from Vanguard University in 2016 with a B.A. in Psychology and am currently pursuing my Master's in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. My journey to higher education started a few years ago, and I am so grateful to be here. I am passionate about helping students develop in their educational journey and discover who they are created to be. I value cultivating space in our lives for community with one another, following Jesus every step of the way. I am an extrovert at heart and love people. Stop and say hi if you see me around; I would love to know your story!

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Klarissa Hill

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Communication Studies, Sports Business, English, History & Political Thought, Liberal Studies, Liberal Arts, Theatre, and Secondary Education (English, History & Political Thought, Math, Biology, Theatre)
Contact Me: 949-214-3037 | [email protected]

Hello there! Your coffee-loving advisor here to share more about herself. I enjoy exploring new or unique coffee shops, food spots, and hidden oases. I enjoy watching and playing sports. You can find my family and me rooting for the Dodgers and Rams!!! Fun fact: my higher education journey began because of sports. As a former collegiate athlete, I understand how essential your overall mental health and wellbeing are. Prioritizing my mental health and wellbeing led me to work in advising. While playing soccer at Fullerton College, I obtained my Associate's degree in Sociology and transferred to California State University, Fullerton. At CSUF, I received my Bachelor's of Science in Human Services studying mental health. Listening to God's plan for my life, I entered the College Counseling and Student Development program at Azusa Pacific University to pursue a career supporting students in higher education. In the CCSD program, I received my Masters of Science and supported many students along the way.

I look forward to meeting you all and wanted to share some scripture that helped me in my academic journey.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11

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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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