Supports all students at any in-person, campus-based, location as well as our ASU Online students around the globe. We have team members available, in-person, at the four metropolitan campuses, Downtown Phoenix, Tempe, Polytechnic, and West Valley. Students can also find in-person support at the California Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Notify Student Advocacy and Assistance of students in need of supportive resources by completing the Student Care Form.
Associate Dean of Students
Education: M.Ed. Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University 2007
Biography: Shari Gustafson serves as the Associate Dean of Students on the Tempe campus. In her role, she provides oversight to the Office of Student Advocacy and Assistance and Religious/Spiritual Life at the University, which includes serving as liaison to the Council of Religious Advisors. She began her tenure at ASU in 2008 serving in various leadership positions. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, her focus centers on connecting students to their passions, while supporting their academic success and addressing their wellbeing through empathetic and trauma informed practices.
Director
Education: Ed.D. Educational Leadership, Northern Arizona University; M.Ed. Higher and Postsecondary Education, Arizona State University; B.A. Family Science and Human Development, Montclair State University
Biography: Dr. Joseph Scarpa began his career in higher education in 2015. Since joining Arizona State University in 2019, he has served in a variety of student-centered roles, including recruitment and outreach, academic advising, and most recently within the Office of the Dean of Students. Throughout his career, Joseph’s passion has remained rooted in the success and well-being of the students he serves. In his current role, he provides strategic leadership for student advocacy initiatives designed to help students foster resilience, persistence, and progress toward graduation.
Assistant Director
Education: MSW, Florida State University
Biography: Sharon has spent her twenty plus year social work career working in state, tribal, and local community agencies that promote the safety and welfare of underserved and vulnerable populations. In her current role as Assistant Director in Student Advocacy and Assistance, Sharon serves as a support resource for students experiencing personal crises and difficult situations that can affect both academic and success. For fun, Sharon dabbles in the martial arts, with a second-degree black belt in Shaolin Kenpo. Sharon is proud mom to three accomplished children: daughter is an ASU alum, son is a current ASU student, and her youngest is an incoming ASU student.
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Education: B.S. in Psychology, B.S in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
Biography: Grace is an Arizona native and a proud Arizona State University alumni. She began her professional career working with the Arizona Department of Child Safety, where she developed a deep commitment to supporting vulnerable children and families. Grace has a strong foundation in public service and a passion for making a positive impact.
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Education: MSW (Organizational Leadership and Policy Practice), University of Denver; B.A. Political Science, Women's and Gender Studies (minor), Northern Arizona University
Biography: Hannah began working at ASU in 2023 as an academic advisor for first-year students. She previously worked in Colorado where she provided trauma-informed advocacy for students who survived forms of interpersonal violence. Drawing from her background in social work, Hannah is passionate about promoting the holistic well-being of students to best support them in achieving their personal and academic goals.
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
License: Licensed Professional Counselor
Education: M.Ed. Counseling; B.S. Psychology, English (minor), Northern Arizona University
Biography: Prior to coming to ASU, I worked for many years in various psychiatric facilities in the Phoenix area, working with adults and adolescents on a variety of behavioral health issues. During that time, I was Director of a Partial Hospitalization Program; I also worked in Crisis Intake, Case Management, and on a 24-hour Crisis Line. Since beginning my tenure at ASU in 2004, I have worked in ASU Counseling, Student Rights & Responsibilities, and in Student Advocacy & Assistance. ASU students come from all backgrounds and life experiences, and I find great satisfaction in encouraging students to take advantage of all that ASU has to offer.
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Education: PhD in Transborder Studies
Biography: Laura Dicochea grew up in the US-Mexico borderlands, navigating two countries, two languages, and two educational systems. As part of the Office of the Dean of Students in Student Advocacy, Laura draws on her research and student service experience to connect students from diverse backgrounds with key resources for academic achievement, professional development, and well-being. Her leadership ensures that students from all backgrounds are not only welcomed into higher education but also empowered to thrive within it.
Program Coordinator Sr
Education: M.Ed. Elementary Education, Arizona State University; B.A. in Accounting and Marketing, University of Houston.
Biography: Lynn F. Mackey serves as a Program Coordinator Senior at Arizona State University, supporting student advocacy, community partnerships, and special college initiatives. Since joining ASU in 2021, she has worked to connect students and families with resources and opportunities that support academic success and personal growth. A third-generation educator, Lynn brings over ten years of classroom teaching experience to her role. Her work centers on building meaningful relationships, strengthening students’ sense of belonging, and developing partnerships that expand access to higher education and beyond.
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Education: M.Ed. in Human Relations Counseling, Northern Arizona State University; B.S. in Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
Biography: Prior to joining the Student Advocacy and Assistance team at ASU, Michelle worked at the Yavapai Superior Court and has an extensive professional work history working with youth and families. She has a sincere passion in helping others navigate through difficult times in their lives and providing assistance and support. She is an ASU alumni and truly feels honored to be a staff member at ASU and be involved in assisting ASU students that are seeking guidance in resolving personal challenges and concerns.
Specialist Senior
Education: M.A. English, Arizona State University; B.A. English, Philosophy (Minor), Chinese (Minor), Northern Arizona University
Biography: Sam discovered her passion for supporting students while serving as a College Access Advisor with AmeriCorps and later as a Program Manager with the college-access nonprofit College Bound AZ. These experiences deepened her commitment to expanding college access and providing empathetic, student-centered services. She went on to work at Mesa Community College for three years as a Senior Student Services Specialist in Admissions and Records. Sam is currently pursuing her M.A. in English through ASU Online. In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, and exploring new foods with her family.
Advocacy Coordinator Senior
Education: B.A. in Spanish, Arizona State University
Biography: Shannon has more than two decades of experience in case management, crisis response, and advocacy. A proud ASU alumna, she has built a career supporting individuals and families navigating complex personal and systemic challenges, with a strong focus on trauma-informed care, resource coordination, and individualized support planning. She is passionate about supporting students through difficult moments and helping them stay connected to their educational goals.
