CARE is open and offering confidential support for students, faculty, and staff.
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Meet Our Staff
Rosanna Cacace-Zakhir, M.A.
Director
She/Her/Hers
(951) 827-4841, rosanna.cacacezakhir@ucr.edu
Rosanna graduated with her M.A. in English Studies from California State University, Los Angeles. She has a long history working in prevention education. Rosanna spent 9 years as the Senior Community Health Educator for Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV). Since 2009, Rosanna developed a variety of comprehensive sex education programs and founded PPPSGV’s peer advocate program. After departing from Planned Parenthood, Rosanna worked as the Violence Prevention Coordinator for the University of California, Irvine’s Campus Assault Resources and Education Office (CARE) where she implemented violence prevention education for students, faculty and staff and spearheaded a campus wide initiative to engage male-identified youth in violence prevention education. Her dedication and passion for social justice motivates her to provide an all-inclusive and intersectional framework to higher learning.
A Little Bit About Me
- Favorite Hobbies: Cooking and writing
- Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: Book - My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante; TV Show - Grey's Anatomy
- A Unique Accomplishment: Wrote and performed a one woman show
- I Recommend: Seeing a play as often as you can!
Omonike (Nikki) Kotey, M.S.W.
Assistant Director of Advocacy & CARE Advocate
She/Her/Hers
(951) 827-2783, omonike.hutchinson@ucr.edu
Omonike graduated with her Masters in Social Work from California State University of Long Beach and has been working in the social services field for over 10 years. She has served as a community crisis counselor, behavioral interventionist, mentor and community liaison in the greater Los Angeles and Orange County area, she is a certified sexual assault/domestic violence counselor advocate. Additionally, she has provided subject matter expertise on human trafficking for statewide victim advocates training and has served on the Orange County’s Crisis Response Team for incident of mass violence. During her undergraduate studies, Omonike worked at the Cross-Cultural Centers for the University Student Union at California State University of Los Angeles. There she encouraged student learning as well as fostered an inclusive campus environment promoting diversity and cross-cultural awareness. Omonike is looking forward to continuing her passion of advocacy and holistic approaches to healing.
A Little Bit About Me
- Favorite Hobbies: Traveling and camping
- Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: Criminal Minds
- A Unique Accomplishment: 2008 NCAA DII Track & Field National Champion and West Regional Athlete of the Year (Cal State LA)
- I Recommend: Learning how to play an instrument - music is powerful!
Cynthia Martinez
CARE Advocate
She/Her/Hers
(951) 827-6225, cynthia.martinez1@ucr.edu
Cynthia graduated with her Bachelor's in Sociology from California State University, San Bernardino and has over five years of experience working in social services. Cynthia worked a a Residential Case Manager at a domestic violence shelter and at Riverside County District Attorney's Office as a Victim Services Specialist. She has provided direct services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse. In addition to working with survivors, she has also provided services to families' next of kin. She's a certified sexual assault and domestic violence counselor. Cynthia is also certified in Child and Family Advocacy. She's excited to be part of the CARE Team!
A Little Bit About Me
- Favorite Hobbies: Going out for walks, spending time with her family, and snuggling with her dog, Toby.
- Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: Titanic
- A Unique Accomplishment: Currently learning a third language, ASL
- Other languages Spoken: Spanish
- I Recommend: Practicing self-care!
Ashley Baczkowski
CARE Advocate
She/Her/Hers
(951) 827-0874, ashley.baczkowski@ucr.edu
Ashley graduated with a Masters in Women, Violence, and conflict from the University of York. Shortly after graduation she began working as an advocate in a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. Ashley spent 6 years as an advocate for domestic violence survivors and has also managed a crisis hotline, training others in crisis intervention and preparing them to meet survivor needs. She worked at the District Attorney’s Office as a Victim Services Specialist providing services to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and has provided services to families’ next of kin. Ashley has an ongoing passion to work with survivors and create safety and healing in our communities.
A Little Bit About Me
- Favorite Hobbies: I love to read. Movies, tv, hanging out with my cats
- Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: Sleepers
- A Unique Accomplishment: Reading nearly a book every other day for 2 months once
- I Recommend: Giving yourself grace. Healing is not always an easy journey.
Lisa Chu, M.S.
Assistant Director of Prevention
She/Her/Hers
(951) 827-4841, lisa.chu@ucr.edu
Lisa has worked with sexual assault survivors and sexual violence prevention for more than 10 years. After graduating from UC Riverside, Lisa worked at the Orange County Rape Crisis Center as a staff sexual assault counselor for seven years. During this time, she received her Master's in counseling in marriage and family therapy. She currently oversees efforts on the campus to integrate sexual violence and interpersonal violence prevention and education. She also advises the Sexual Assault & Violence Education (SAVE) peer education program, which trains students to educate other students about sexual violence and relationship violence issues and resources.
A Little Bit About Me
- Favorite Hobbies: Baking & cooking, road trips, and historic architecture
- Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: One of my favorite movies is Elf
- A Unique Accomplishment: Recently stood on the Four Corners of four states at the same time: Colorado, Utah, Arizona & New Mexico
- I Recommend: taking a break during the day at the botanic garden on campus for lunch or a picnic
Amanda Luckett, M.S.
Intake & Project Coordinator
She/Her/Hers
(951) 827-6099, amanda.luckett@ucr.edu
Amanda is a proud graduate of Cal State San Bernardino (B.A.) and the University of Tennessee (M.S.). She has worked in higher education for over seven years and has experience with both prevention education and providing direct support to survivors. Amanda worked at the University of San Diego as the Prevention & Education Coordinator and later transitioned to working in Housing and Residential Life at Cal State East Bay. Amanda is excited to return to a CARE office and work to make our space warm and welcoming. She has a passion for supporting folks in the LGBTQ+ community and is grateful to have joined the UCR community.
A Little Bit About Me
- Favorite Hobbies: Sewing, hiking & spending time with her cat, Stella
- Favorite Book, Movie, or TV Show: Harry Potter Series, The Biggest Little Farm, and Scandal
- A Unique Accomplishment: I have a life goal of making it to all the National Parks in the US and have made it to 16 so far.
- I Recommend: creating something with your hands (art, gardening, food, etc.)
CARE Student Assistants
Alize Parada
4th Year, Political Science-Law & Society w/ Minor in Philosophy
Hello everyone! My name is Alizé Parada, and I am a 4th-year Political Science major with a concentration in Law and Society. With a minor in Philosophy. My journey in CARE started during my first year at UCR. Joining the office ignited my passion for supporting victims and survivors as a social advocate. This ultimately inspired me to pursue this field of social advocacy in the court of law as an aspiring attorney. As a Student Staff, my goal is to empower those to speak up against the injustices within our community by creating a consent culture. I am from Long Beach! Outside of CARE, I enjoy going to the beach in my free time. I am a huge sports enthusiast who loves playing and watching sports. I love music and collecting vinyls from the 70’s and 80’s!
Jillia Lacbain
4th Year, Psychology Major
Hi everyone! My name is Jillia Lacbain, and I am a 4th year Psychology major. I became a part of CARE during my 3rd year at UCR, as a SAVE peer/ volunteer. I really wanted to be part of a community that catered towards the well-being of the students on campus, along with sharing information and creating welcoming events. I’m so glad I stumbled across CARE, as it has been an amazing and fulfilling year. This year, I look forward to continuing our work, while hopefully getting to engage with the rest of our community. Aside from CARE, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I’m from the Bay Area, so I don’t get to go home as often, but I make sure to cherish the time when I do get to go back. During my free time, I’ll either be rotting in bed, crocheting, watching shows/ movies, thrifting, buying random trinkets, or going out to eat!
Meg Bancroft
4th Year, Environmental Sciences
Hello everyone! My name is Meg Bancroft (she/her/hers), and I am a 4th year Environmental Sciences major. I became a part of CARE during my 3rd year at UCR as a BSAV peer. I really wanted to get more involved within the Greek community, specifically, by providing those involved with resources on campus that cater to their well-being. Being a BSAV peer afforded me that opportunity, and has allowed me to build strong connections within the community. This year, I am honored to be serving as the BSAV Peer Coordinator for the ‘24-’25 academic year! I’m thrilled to continue working closely with both the CARE office and the Greek community by providing a supportive environment, and a safe space for those to share their ideas. Outside of school, I’m a Riverside local, so I know Riverside like the back of my hand. When I’m not on campus, you can find me outdoors enjoying the beauty of nature. I also love spending time with both my friends and family. If you're lucky you’ll spot me outside of campus somewhere downtown!
Melany Gil
4th Year, Sociology Major w/ Minor in Public Policy
Hello Everyone! My name is Melany Gil (She/Her/Ella), and I am a fourth-year Sociology major with a minor in Public Policy. I first became acquainted with the CARE office during my second year and later joined as a volunteer for the SAVE peer group in my third year. My experiences in the office—both as a peer and volunteer—have been transformative, providing me with valuable education, a supportive environment, and sparked my passion for fostering healing both at UCR and in the broader community.
This year, I am honored to serve as the peer coordinator for the SAVE 2024-25 program as part of the student staff. I am eager to continue supporting survivors, advocating for their needs, and collaborating with my peers to create a safer, more equitable, and inclusive campus environment. Outside my academic ventures, I am a longtime resident of San Bernardino in the Inland Empire. You can often find me enjoying a coffee at a local café, exploring thrift shops, or browsing the trinket section of antique stores. I am passionate about Yelp reviews, powerlifting, my dog, spending quality time with my family and friends, and, of course, napping!
Prabjot Kaur
4th Year, Psychology
Hi everyone! My name is Prabjot Kaur, and I’m a 4th-year psychology major with plans to attend medical school in the future. I first encountered the CARE office during my second year through a CARE Convo. The supportive and welcoming environment made a lasting impression, which inspired me to join the SAVE Peer program in my third year. As a SAVE Peer, I gained a lot of valuable knowledge and had the opportunity to connect with incredible individuals. This year, as part of the CARE student staff, I will be coordinating programs and collaborating with various organizations across campus. Being a part of the CARE office has allowed me to work on causes I truly believe in, and I’m grateful for this experience. Outside of CARE, I’m involved in several other organizations, including Period@UCR, ShadowMD, BPSHI, Mind body@UCR and I also volunteer at a hospital. I’m from LA, and in my free time, I enjoy painting, boxing, traveling, exploring new cafes, spending time with family and friends, and—of course—catching up on sleep and yapping!
