Meet the Puente Project Team

Counselors/Professors

Jose Calderon
Email: jcalderon@laspositascollege.edu

Catherine Alfaro
Email: calfarogomez@laspositascollege.edu 

Math Professors

Ashley McHale
Email: amchale@laspositascollege.edu 

Alain Olavarrieta
Email: aolavarrieta@laspositascollege.edu 

English Professors

Michelle Gonzales 
Email: mgonzales@laspositascollege.edu 

Karin Spirn
Email: kspirn@laspositascollege.edu 

Student Assistants

Scott Gerardo

My name is Scott Gerardo and I’m currently majoring in business administration with the aim to pursue a concentration in accounting once I transfer. I am a Puente student from the 2024-2025 cohort and had such an amazing experience, I wanted to be a part of the program and help the team out in creating that experience for new students! On campus, I’m also the President of the Las Positas College Archery Club and an Academic Tutor in the Tutorial Center. I’m excited to have accepted an offer to join Ernst & Young in their San Francisco office as an audit intern for Summer 2027! In my free time, I watch soccer, play Fornite, and drive.

Viri Diana Gonzalez

My name is Viri Diana Gonzalez, and I am majoring in Biology: Allied Health for Nursing. My best friend is Scott Gerardo. I am exploring what field of nursing I want to specialize in, but I am interested in midwifery. I am passionate about healthcare and hope to give back to my community. I am a Puente student from the 2024-2025 cohort, a member of the Puente Club board, serving as the vice president and student assistant for the Puente program. I am also volunteer for HOPE. Outside of school, I enjoy going on hikes around the Bay Area, taking long walks, exploring with my friends, and spending time with my family.