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 SJSU 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: When I’m not working, I enjoy learning about other cultures as well as being outdoors and spending time with my daughter and partner. I’m also a huge animal lover and currently have two cats and a rabbit.

Fun Fact: I am a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and believe that traveling and living abroad is a way to really challenge your personal point of view.

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 SJSU!

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 SJSU 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 SJSU, 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 SJSU. I am currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership at SJSU, 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 SJSU. 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 SJSU 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! 

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.

Francesca Teixeira
Supplemental Instruction Program Director
Email: francesca.teixeira@sjsu.edu  

Background: I grew up in Johnstown, PA, but at 18, I packed my bags and moved to California with no clue what I wanted to do, just a dream and a lot of hope. As a first-generation college student my journey wasn’t always straightforward, but I figured it out along the way. I started at community college, then transferred to San Francisco State University, where I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Sexuality Studies. College was a life-changing experience for me, not just academically but personally. The support I got along the way made such a huge impact that I knew I wanted to give back. That’s what led me to pursue a Master’s in Counseling with a focus on College and Career Counseling, at SF State. Living in San Francisco during my 20’s were some of the most defining years of my life where I became the person I am today. At the heart of everything I do is my great-grandmother, Frances, who raised me with unconditional love and always believed that education was my ticket to something bigger. She was right, and every step I take is in honor of her.

Career Interest: Working with students and being in higher education isn’t just a job for me, it’s my heart work. I love being able to pass along my knowledge, experiences, and lessons to the next generation of students, helping them navigate their own journeys. After spending time in academic advising, I was ready for a new challenge, that’s when the opportunity to become the SI Program Director came my way. It felt like the perfect next step. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about guiding students as they work toward their educational, professional, and personal goals. Seeing their growth and success reaffirms that I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.

Hobbies and Interest: I enjoy being a foodie, hiking, visiting the coast, gardening, going to farmers market, WWE/UFC, watching documentaries & YouTube.

Fun Fact: In addition to being a program director, I also work part-time at SF State teaching courses for the minor in Counseling. 

Andrea Smith-Landucci
Administrative Support Coordinator
Email: andrea.smith@sjsu.edu 

Background: I am an alumnus of SJSU and have been on campus as either a student or staff member for over 20 years. After graduating from SJSU, 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.