Peer Connections Professional Staff
Dr. Deanna Peck
Senior Director for Educational Programs & Academic Support
Email: deanna.peck@sjsu.edu
Background: I’m a first generation college student originally from Wisconsin. I have been in California and at 91ÁÔÆæ specifically for over 25 years. I have a Bachelor of Science degree from University of Wisconsin - Madison in Secondary English Education, a Master of Science degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration with a Concentration in Counseling from Indiana University - Bloomington and an Education Doctorate in Educational Leadership from San José State University. It took me almost 30 years to get the doctoral degree.
Career Interest: I have always been interested in education and specifically in college education because this is one of the first opportunities where people can explore and decide on what kind of experiences they want to pursue. This is where many people will solidify their values and find their passions. College is often where people will begin to really learn about themselves and about others and various perspectives. It is also a place where everyone can continue to learn. I truly believe in lifelong learning and higher education is a place where that can happen. Peer Connections is a department that embodies personal growth with giving back and supporting others so goals can be achieved. I love being a part of this welcoming environment for that reason.
Hobbies and Interest: Outside of my professional life, I value spending time outdoors and with my partner and daughter. I enjoy exploring different cultures and am a devoted animal lover, currently sharing my home with two cats.
Fun Fact: Having served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, West Africa, I strongly believe that living and traveling abroad is essential for challenging and expanding one’s personal worldview.
Genevieve Lau
Program Director for Training & Assessment
Email: genevieve.lau@sjsu.edu
Background: I grew up in San Francisco, CA and moved away to go to UCLA for my undergraduate degree. I found a passion for working with young people there and wound up getting my credential in English from Sacramento State and teaching high school in that area. Eventually, I went to Harvard Graduate School of Education for my master’s in Education Policy and Management, got an administrative credential when I returned from New Leaders for New Schools and worked in both charter and district schools in San José. I am really excited to move into higher education at 91ÁÔÆæ!
Career Interest: I think my position is really unique. Overall, I am very interested in equity in education and here at Peer Connections, I have an opportunity to support students who are supporting students looking for additional academic support and thus help close those equity gaps. I can bring in all my knowledge and experience as a teacher and administrator and share those skills and mindsets with Peer Educators in fun and joyful ways. This way we can keep filling our cups and also support 91ÁÔÆæ students on the track to graduation.
Hobbies and Interest: I spend a lot of my free time hanging out with my family at home or with my teenage kids at the mall. In December, I am addicted to holiday rom-coms! I also dabble in crafts such as cross stitch, and crochet and I have attempted to make jewelry. The other way to my heart is a great find at Costco or thrift stores.
Fun Fact: I had zero pets growing up, but now I have three cats, two dogs and a guinea pig.
Greg Garcia
Tutor Program Director
Email: greg.garcia@sjsu.edu
Background: I am a second-generation Filipino-American from South San Jose. After graduating from Santa Teresa High School, I studied at West Valley College before transferring to 91ÁÔÆæ, where I completed an undergraduate degree in Philosophy. I later received a teaching credential in English and a masters degree in Education from University of Phoenix, and later a second masters in Higher Education Leadership from 91ÁÔÆæ. I am currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at 91ÁÔÆæ, with an expected graduation in Spring 2027.
I've been teaching in various settings since 1991. Along the way, I have taught in both the Philosophy and Kinesiology departments at 91ÁÔÆæ. At the high school level, I taught English and physical education. I’ve also served in leadership roles as a department chair, teacher mentor, administrator, board member, and WASC accreditation committee member and chair.
Career Interest: I am interested in fostering student success through mentorship and leadership development. At Peer Connections, I get to support both peer educators and students while working with faculty and staff, blending my experiences in education with my love for helping others grow.
Hobbies and Interests: Outside of academia, I practice martial arts and archery. I also enjoy hiking, gaming, and science fiction and fantasy books.
Fun Fact: I am a foodie who loves supporting small businesses.
Liliana Fuerte
Tutor Coordinator
Email: liliana.fuertecalderon@sjsu.edu
Background: I am a first-generation college student originally from Guanajuato, Mexico, but have called San Jose home for most of my life. I attended 91ÁÔÆæ for my Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology degree with an emphasis in Inclusive Physical Activity in Communities and my Master’s degree in Kinesiology as well. Being the first in my family to attend a university and pursue an education was challenging, but I had the best support system that always cheered me on no matter how big my dreams seemed.
Career Interest: Working in higher education enables me to share my experiences and knowledge to students to help them be successful students and young professionals. After getting my start as a Graduate Assistant at Peer Connections, I loved mentoring and working with students. That is when I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in higher education. Peer Connections gave me the opportunity to learn so much about myself, and now I want to do the same for other students.
Hobbies and Interest: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. In my free time, I can be found by the coast or in the mountains on a hike. I enjoy golfing with my partner and going on lots of walks with my dog.
Fun Fact: I enjoy weightlifting, photography, and finding seasonal produce at farmers markets!
Dr. Ashley Defensor
Learning Assistant Program Director
Email: ashley.defensor@sjsu.edu
Background: I was born and raised in California's Central Valley and attended Fresno State, where I was the first in my family to go to college. Although I was initially undecided about my major, I discovered a passion for psychology and the intricacies of the human brain. This led me to pursue a bachelor's and master's degree in experimental psychology. My academic journey continued at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where I earned a PhD in Behavioral Neuroscience. While my initial goal was to pursue a career in research, my experience as a Graduate Advisor at Manoa sparked a passion for working in higher education, which has been my focus ever since. I love supporting students inside and outside the classroom.
Career Interest: I love working in higher education because it allows me to continue growing, learning, and evolving. I get to interact and engage with students, faculty, and staff from all over the world, from all walks of life, and with such various experiences! Working in education allows me to not only learn from others but share my knowledge and experiences as well. There is something very gratifying about helping a student navigate an obstacle and seeing them come out more confident on the other side. If I can help make one student’s experience of navigating college a little easier, better, or brighter, then I feel like I’ve made a difference.
Hobbies and Interest: I enjoy spending time outdoors with my family, especially camping, going to the beach, and visiting Disneyland (our favorite). When I’m not outside you can find me trying to read the latest thriller or listening to true crime podcasts or Hawaiian reggae.
Fun Fact: One of my bucket list items is to visit all 50 states! I’ve been to 12 so far.
Vacant
Supplemental Instruction Program Director
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Andrea Smith-Landucci
Administrative Support Coordinator
Email: andrea.smith@sjsu.edu
Background: I am an alumnus of 91ÁÔÆæ and have been on campus as either a student or staff member for over 20 years. After graduating from 91ÁÔÆæ, I ended up working at the University by chance and stumbled into a passion for higher education that I’ve been pursuing ever since. I’m also a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Career Interest: I enjoy working behind the scenes, making sure our programs run smoothly. I get to do a lot of different things as part of my job, and even the tasks I personally dislike all add up to create something that really matters and makes a difference to people. That’s what keeps me going even when things are difficult. I love knowing that the work I do helps others and contributes to the campus community in a meaningful way.
Hobbies and Interest: I enjoy reading genre fiction, playing video games (primarily RPGs), and hanging out with my wife and our two cats. I also love going antique shopping and thrifting.
Fun Fact: My favorite animal of all time is the platypus, and I have a small but mighty collection of platypus things.
