Meet the Advisors

Laura Courvoisier

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

Laura graduated from Concordia University Irvine with a B.A. in Christian Education Leadership in 2007. She is a Commissioned Minister of Religion in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as a Director of Christian Education. In 2019, she received her Masters in Organizational Leadership from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine. Her career journey began in faith development with junior high, high school and young adult students that evolved to a holistic approach to student development in higher education. Since 2014, she has worked at Concordia in areas of student leadership, career development and teaching INT 100 (Freshmen Foundations) and INT 105 (Leadership Development). She is passionate about serving and developing students to discover their calling and persist towards graduation.

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Steve Dierker

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Economics, Sports Business and Business Administration
Contact Me: [email protected]

I was born and raised in Orange County 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 year, I went back to school and received my M.A. in School Counseling from Chapman University. For the past 13 years, I have worked mostly with Middle School students in the public school system. I am very excited to be back in Orange County, serving my Lord by helping students navigate their educational journey!

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Brianna Garza-Farin

Position: Academic Advisor & INT 100 Coordinator
Majors: Behavioral Sciences, Computer Science, General Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology
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 her Masters 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 been working in the Academic Advising office for almost 2 years 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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Klarissa Hill

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, English, History & Political Thought, Liberal Arts, Liberal Studies, Secondary Education
Contact Me: [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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Tailor Renz

Position: Academic Advisor
Majors: Art, Graphic Design, Humanities, Healthcare Management, Kinesiology, Music, Theatre
Contact Me: 949-214-3035 | [email protected]

I am a born and raised Southern California gal. I love to hike, travel, read, and drink coffee. My favorite animal is a kitty cat; some may say I am obsessed. I graduated from Vanguard University in 2016 and am currently pursuing my Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership here at Concordia University Irvine. Something that is important to me is community. I believe we were created to cultivate space in our lives to walk closely with others, 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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Samantha Hood

Position: Department Assistant

Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years! Hi friends - my name is Samantha but everyone calls me Sam, Sam Hood, Hood, Sammin, I hear it and respond to it all! I am so thrilled to be working at my alumni college, Concordia Irvine after receiving my Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. The only thing I love more than people is probably cats - but I will make an exception for all you shining stars. Jumping straight into the professional world of higher education right after being a student myself has given me a passion for aiding students who suffer from mental or personality disorders, as well as creating a safe place of inclusion for people of all backgrounds and identities. I so look forward to meeting you all and strengthening our friendship!